Researchers found that individuals with two copies of the met form of the COMT gene had a more pronounced response to pain, while those with two copies of the val form reported less pain and fewer negative emotions. The study used PET brain imaging and controlled jaw pain to investigate the role of genetic variation in pain tolerance.
A study published in the American Association for the Advancement of Science suggests that estrogen levels influence women's ability to suppress pain. The researchers used PET scans to examine the brain's response to pain in individuals with different gender, hormone, and genetic profiles.
The study found significant differences between Mexican Americans and non-Hispanic whites in conditions increasing stroke risk, such as diabetes and blood-thinning drug use. Understanding these differences can help tailor stroke-prevention campaigns to the Hispanic community, increasing their effectiveness.
A new study provides validated guidelines for emergency physicians to care for chest-pain patients using cocaine, improving treatment outcomes and reducing complications. The protocol divides patients into high-risk and low-risk categories, allowing doctors to determine which patients can be safely discharged home.
A study found that many doctors' offices struggled to consistently obtain enough Prevnar vaccine, with over half reporting they had run out completely in the past year. The nation's 'patchwork' system of vaccination, driven by varying state practices and private insurance, contributed to these inconsistencies.
A new study reveals that sentinel lymph node mapping can be safely performed on patients with melanoma in the delicate head and neck area, allowing for early detection of cancer spread. The technique has been shown to accurately stage patients and identify those who need further treatment, potentially improving survival rates.
A recent study published by Michigan Medicine found that 15% of pregnant women consume alcohol, with most having less than one drink per week. However, a subgroup at high risk is identified, emphasizing the need for healthcare providers to assess and counsel drinking behavior during prenatal visits.
Research reveals cocaine causes harm to brain cells that trigger feelings of pleasure, potentially explaining addiction and depression. The study found significant lower levels of dopamine neurons in cocaine users compared to non-users.
Researchers inserted a firefly gene into mice with cancer, allowing them to detect cell death in real-time. The technology uses luciferase to emit light only when cells start dying, enabling rapid testing of new drugs for cancer and other diseases.
Dr. Ferrara's ongoing laboratory research aims to develop improved therapeutic strategies for prevention and treatment of acute graft-versus-host disease, a common complication of bone marrow transplants used to treat leukemia and other cancers.
Scientists discovered that a protein called ATR protects fragile sites from breaking during DNA replication, controlling genome stability. Fragile site breaks are common in tumor cells and near genes associated with tumors, suggesting defects in the ATR pathway may contribute to cancer progression.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that internet filters can effectively distinguish between health information and pornography when set at moderate levels. However, highly restrictive settings may block a significant portion of essential health sites, while still providing excellent porn ...
A new study reveals that nearly three-quarters of spinal cord injury patients want to exercise but only half actually do. The study also found that only 47% had been encouraged to exercise by their physicians, with 'lack of motivation' being a major barrier. Researchers aim to address these barriers through education and support programs.
A six-year study of 100 heart failure patients who received the HeartMate device at Michigan Medicine found excellent one-year survival rates and improved hospital stays. Eighty-two percent of patients were able to go home, and problems with the device have decreased as doctors gain experience.
A recent study has provided the first direct evidence that transplanted muscle cells can form muscle fibers and blood vessels in damaged hearts. Satellite cells from patients' thigh muscles were injected into their heart tissue, surviving and differentiating into mature muscle fibers without triggering an immune reaction.
Researchers have developed a new diagnostic tool using PET scans to detect Alzheimer's disease more accurately. By analyzing brain activity, the scans can identify changes that occur before patients themselves may recognize problems.
A brain study reveals that people with lower back pain experience severe pain even from a gentle finger squeeze, while fibromyalgia patients feel the same level of pain. The study uses fMRI to measure brain activity and finds enhanced response to pain in some areas and diminished response in others.
A study found that exercise and cognitive behavioral therapy improved fatigue, distress, mental health, and physical function in Gulf War veterans. Physical function improved more in those who received CBT, while mental health issues showed significant gains with exercise or both.
Women's stroke symptoms differ from men's, often non-traditional and less specific. The study found that women were more likely to report non-traditional symptoms like pain and changes in consciousness.
Researchers have discovered a novel compound that kills bad immune cells while leaving healthy ones intact, offering hope for safer and more effective treatments for lupus. The compound, Bz-423, targets a protein in immune cells' mitochondria, showing promise in treating autoimmune diseases and potentially some types of cancer.
Researchers found that EZH2 expression was significantly higher in metastatic prostate cancer tissue compared to localized prostate cancer. A future test for high levels of EZH2 protein could serve as a red flag for physicians to identify men with the most aggressive form of the disease.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that patients taking losartan had a significantly lower combined rate of cardiovascular death, stroke, and heart attack compared to those taking atenolol. The results showed a 40% reduction in stroke risk and a lower overall mortality rate.
A genetic mutation common among Ashkenazi Jews can double the risk of colorectal cancer. Researchers discovered this relationship through an international study analyzing DNA from nearly 3,100 individuals.
Researchers discovered tetrathiomolybdate (TM) inhibits tumor angiogenesis by reducing copper levels and blocking NFkB signaling pathway. TM suppressed tumor growth in mice with aggressive breast cancer, prevented blood vessel formation, and induced disease-free survival.
Researchers have made significant strides in artificial liver technology, with 20 patients using the albumin dialysis approach in a phase I trial. The system has shown promise in reducing blood toxins and reversing coma and shock, offering hope to those waiting for liver transplants.
Researchers have identified a new human hearing loss gene, TMIE, in deaf mice, which may lead to the development of a screening test and therapy for families affected by inherited hearing loss. The discovery brings scientists closer to understanding the intricate choreography of genes and proteins involved in human hearing development.
The Center for Molecular Imaging will combine cutting-edge imaging technologies with new knowledge about genes and proteins to develop ways of seeing cancer as it begins, grows, and is killed. The laboratory discoveries made by its scientists could accelerate everything from diagnosis to the development of future medications.
Researchers have discovered stem cells in the adult peripheral nervous system, which can persist into adulthood and give rise to thousands of neurons, glial cells, and smooth muscle cells. This finding has significant implications for understanding the development and repair of the peripheral nervous system.
Researchers have discovered that LINE-1 elements, which make up 17% of human DNA, can cause broad-spectrum mutations by deleting genetic material. In cultured human cancer cells, these elements can delete large segments of DNA, including regions as big as the BRCA1 gene.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine have discovered a new predictive marker, HIP1, associated with an increased risk of developing prostate and colon cancer. HIP1 levels were found to rise significantly in tumor cells, making it a potential target for therapy.
Researchers have discovered a gene associated with both macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa, two eye diseases affecting different segments of vision. The RPGR gene is linked to early-onset macular degeneration primarily affecting males.
A genetic mutation in the NOG gene causes autosomal dominant stapes ankylosis, a rare hearing loss syndrome with similar symptoms to otosclerosis. The syndrome is characterized by skeletal abnormalities and may require different treatment options.
The U-M Depression Center will expand outreach activities, automate treatment reporting, and coordinate care through trained specialists to improve depression treatment. The gift also enables the development of strategies for improving treatment adherence, a key factor in successful treatment outcomes.
Researchers will use tiny devices called nanosensors that can detect early signs of radiation-induced cell damage. The sensors, which pass easily through blood membranes, aim to avoid problems with current implantable sensors and eliminate blood sampling.
A team of researchers has established the first-ever gene profile of the aging human retina, revealing expression changes in genes involved in stress response and energy metabolism. The study's findings may help scientists understand how age predisposes individuals to age-related diseases such as AMD.
The U-M artificial lung has improved blood flow and reduced risk of clotting, showing encouraging results in sheep tests. The device could potentially bridge lung disease patients to transplant, reducing the average wait time from two years.
A study by researchers at Michigan Medicine found that nearly 38% of top-ranked US hospitals have fast-food franchises on their premises. The authors express concern that this serves a contradictory message to health promotion and may contribute to rising obesity rates in the US.
A new brain-scan study confirms fibromyalgia patients do experience severe pain, with measurable pain signals in their brains. The study uses fMRI scans to identify areas of the brain most active during pain, providing a road map for future research on the disease.
Researchers at U-M have discovered that inflammatory cytokines are the primary cause of graft-versus-host disease, which can be prevented by neutralizing these proteins. The study's findings offer new hope for patients undergoing bone marrow transplants, with human clinical trials currently underway.
A study by Michigan Medicine researchers found that 11% of doctors are willing to misrepresent patient information to obtain HMO approval for surgery or additional procedures. The 'hassle factor' plays a significant role in this behavior, with more physicians willing to deceive if the appeal process is longer or more burdensome.
A study by Michigan Medicine found that ER doctors can safely give stroke clot-busters, but patients need to reach the ER quickly. The study showed a complication rate similar to dedicated stroke teams, with 7% serious bleeding complications.
Scientists discovered that some human LINE-1 elements, known as junk DNA, can jump into chromosomes with broken strands and repair the damage. This finding raises questions about the potential benefits of these ancient genetic elements to human cells.
Researchers found that while Medicaid kids use the ER for non-urgent care more frequently than expected, a shift to managed care has actually reduced these instances. The studies also revealed that nearly half of parents' decisions to visit the ER were logical, based on their child's condition and available resources.
Historical evidence suggests that smallpox vaccination poses significant risks to certain populations, including children under one year old and those with compromised immune systems. Researchers estimate that 25% of the US population would need to be excluded from a vaccination campaign due to high-risk factors.
Researchers found that immunizing 50-75% of Americans aged 1-30 could save hundreds of lives compared to ring vaccination alone. The study suggests mass vaccination campaigns targeting young people may be cost-effective in preventing deaths from a potential smallpox attack.
A large randomized controlled study of e-mail communication between physicians and patients found that messages from patients were appropriate and needed by doctors. Patients sent an average of 49 messages per 100 scheduled visits, but the sharp increase didn't lead to a corresponding drop in calls or no-shows.
A study by Michigan Medicine researchers found that Katie Couric's 2000 colonoscopy on-air campaign significantly increased colon cancer screenings, with a 19% rise and sustained increases for 40 weeks. The 'Couric Effect' suggests celebrity influence can drive public behavior change.
A test to detect the RhoC protein has shown promising early results, detecting invasive cancers with high specificity and identifying tiny tumors that have already metastasized. The study aims to identify early-stage cancer that could be vulnerable to aggressive treatment, potentially leading to improved patient outcomes.
Scientists at Michigan Medicine have discovered that leptin is linked to blood clot formation, particularly in obese individuals. Knowing how to block this interaction could help prevent heart attacks and strokes.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have identified a gene, AMACR, which triggers production of a specific enzyme involved in fat metabolism. The protein is detected in over 95% of localized prostate cancer cells and shows high sensitivity and selectivity ratings for diagnostic purposes.