A new University of Michigan study analyzed 2022 data from Michigan Medicare participants to assess the impact of virtual care on low-value care. The study found that high-telehealth-use clinics did not see a rise in unnecessary tests and scans, while some saw a faster drop in these procedures.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine found that SLC13A3 transporter impairs tumor immunity by endowing ferroptosis resistance. This discovery suggests a potential target for improving immunotherapy responses in cancer patients.
Researchers developed an algorithm to analyze high-resolution spatial data from Seq-Scope and other technologies, called FICTURE. This enables scientists to see how and where a gene is expressed at microscopic resolution, improving our understanding of gene expression.
A Michigan Medicine study of over 18,500 adults found that obstructive sleep apnea was associated with a higher risk of dementia symptoms or diagnosis at every age level. Women were more likely to be diagnosed with dementia than men, especially as they aged.
Researchers say implementing established strategies is critical to addressing the physician well-being crisis, including reducing workload and facilitating timely mental health treatment. The review also highlights the need for policies supporting diverse perspectives to improve well-being among underrepresented groups.
A new study found that 3% of people with traditional Medicare switch to Medicare Advantage each year, but many switch back after a short period. The researchers discovered that people who switched from MA to traditional Medicare were more likely to choose higher-rated plans or those with broader networks.
A University of Michigan-led study found that treatment with either modafinil or cognitive behavioral therapy alone was associated with significant reductions in fatigue over 12 weeks. A combination of both treatments worked as well as each individual treatment but did not result in better fatigue scores.
Researchers have found that women are more likely to die from postoperative complications after high-risk cardiovascular surgery, with a failure to rescue rate of 10.7% compared to 8.6% for men. The quality of hospital where the procedure was performed did not affect this disparity.
A recent poll found that 74% of people over 50 would not trust health information generated by artificial intelligence. Only 32% of older adults reported it's very easy to find something accurate online. Health systems, academic institutions, and government agencies can use the results to improve health information accessibility.
Researchers analyzed nationally representative data and found a 76% increase in emergency encounters related to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. The condition, which causes serious maternal and neonatal complications, accounts for 6.3% of all pregnancy-related deaths in the US.
A new study by University of Michigan researchers found that the Medicare prior authorization policy aimed at reducing hospital outpatient department based surgical volume had no significant impact. The policy, which requires doctors to get prior authorization from Medicare officials before scheduling certain outpatient procedures, did...
A recent study found that tau protein buildup disrupts the salience network, a crucial communication network in the brain, leading to behavioral changes. The study used advanced medical imaging to analyze the brains of 128 people with early-stage dementia and showed a strong association between tau disruption and behavioral symptoms.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine have discovered a new subtype of aggressive prostate cancer and identified a potential degrader to target it. The study found that a genetic alteration in the CDK12 gene drives cancer development, and a degrader targeting this gene shows promise in destroying cancer cells.
A new study found significant disparities in at-home test use among older adults, with those having a college degree or higher and higher incomes being more likely to use them. However, Black older adults were less likely to use these tests compared to other racial/ethnic groups.
The number of female residents matriculating to high-paying medical specialties has increased over the past 14 years, driven by a notable rise in women entering high-compensation surgical fields. Despite ongoing inequities, the proportion of female matriculants to these specialties has risen from 32.7% in 2008 to 40.8% in 2022.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine develop a composite hydrogel capable of steady, sustained drug release using ultrasound as a trigger. The fibrin hydrogel matrix vaporizes an emulsion upon exposure to ultrasound, releasing the encapsulated drug in a zero-order release process, providing consistent levels over time.
The #HOPE4LIVER trial demonstrated the safety and efficacy of histotripsy as a treatment for primary and metastatic liver tumors, achieving a 95% technical success rate. The procedure's non-invasive nature and ability to spare critical vessels and bile ducts offer promising alternatives to traditional treatments.
Researchers found that liraglutide alters iron metabolism, decreasing liver iron storage and circulation. The study suggests a potential new therapeutic option for patients with hereditary hemochromatosis.
A new poll from Michigan Medicine shows that nearly half of people age 50 and older plan to get the updated COVID-19 vaccine. However, some older adults with high risk of severe illness appear unlikely to seek the vaccine, highlighting the need for increased encouragement from clinicians and other sources.
A new study found that up to 10 million people in the US could qualify for Medicare-covered semaglutide injections, depending on their level of cardiovascular risk. Those with higher risk scores would be eligible for full or partial coverage, potentially expanding access to this life-saving medication.
Researchers developed a multi-variable model called Hear-MHE that analyzes speech patterns to identify symptoms of minimal hepatic encephalopathy. The test shows promise in predicting overt hepatic encephalopathy and could lead to earlier diagnosis and improved treatment.
Researchers found that adopting an electronic patient management system for direct oral anticoagulants reduced off-label dosing by 8%, while also decreasing the rate of blood clots and strokes. The online dashboard, used at over 120 hospitals, highlights treatment optimization and improves patient safety.
A new poll shows that 21% of people aged 50 and older used cannabis in the past year, with 12% using it at least monthly. The study highlights potential risks of cannabis use, including risky driving and addiction, as well as the importance of discussing its use with healthcare providers.
A new study by Michigan Medicine found that the Inflation Reduction Act's limit on Medicare Part D spending leads to significant savings for cancer patients prescribed oral chemotherapy. The average annual cost for these medications decreased from $11,284 in 2023 to $3,927 in 2024, resulting in median cost savings of $7,260.
A new study published in Nature Communications reveals how propofol sedation alters the connections between brain cells in the thalamus and cortex, shedding light on the neural mechanisms underlying consciousness. The researchers found that disruptions to the matrix cells' activity play a crucial role in the transition to unconsciousness.
A new study has identified NSD2 as a fundamental factor in early stages of prostate cancer development, found to alter androgen receptor function leading to rapid cell division and growth. The study may suggest a new way to therapeutically target prostate cancer by targeting the epigenetic component NSD2.
The new guideline updates treatment recommendations for Helicobacter pylori infection, shifting away from proton pump inhibitor-clarithromycin triple therapy. Bismuth quadruple therapy and other alternatives are now recommended for treatment-naïve patients.
A study found that ketamine clinics have inconsistent policies on pregnancy-related safeguards, including inadequate warning systems and contraception prescription. This is concerning given the potential harm of ketamine to developing fetuses.
A study by the Michigan Child Health Equity Collaborative found significant inaccuracies in racial and ethnic designations in children's medical records, ranging from 22% to 59% for race and 5% to 35% for ethnicity. These errors may undermine efforts to identify health inequities and disparities.
Researchers found that people with chronic diabetes complications are up to three times more likely to have a mental health condition, while those with mental health disorders are up to two and a half times more likely to experience sustained diabetes complications. The study highlights the importance of screening for both risk factors.
A new national study reveals significant regional variations in the likelihood of being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia. Despite controlling for demographic and population-level risk factors, the study found that differences in diagnostic intensity persist across regions.
A new study shows that healthcare costs, including medical care, prescription drugs, and long-term care, are among the top health-related concerns of older adults heading into the US election. Financial scams and fraud also made the top six concerns, with significant differences among age, gender, and political ideology.
Researchers found that targeting neutrophils' metabolic process, glycolysis, reduces NET formation and subsequent blood clots in APS patients. The strategy doesn't increase bleeding risks.
A study from Michigan Medicine found that both meditation and stretching can significantly reduce cramp severity and improve quality of life for patients with cirrhosis. The researchers were surprised to find that meditation also had a positive effect on cramp severity, despite not expecting it.
After two major health policy shifts, pregnant and postpartum women with depression and anxiety received slightly more psychotherapy and paid less out-of-pocket costs. Despite the positive trends, only about 10% of women with private insurance received psychotherapy in 2019 to 2020.
A recent study found that cerebral palsy adults have a very high occurrence of pain, with 86.3% experiencing nociceptive pain and 45.8% experiencing nociplastic pain. Accurate identification of pain type and source is critical for proper treatment.
A University of Michigan-led study found that higher levels of metals in blood and urine are associated with a greater risk for ALS and shorter survival. Occupational exposure to metals was also linked to increased metal levels, emphasizing the need for accounting for environmental factors when evaluating overall exposure risk.
A study from Michigan Medicine researchers found that over 15 million adult Americans regularly consume herbal and dietary supplements containing potentially toxic liver ingredients. The largest proportion of users took turmeric or green tea supplements, while others used garcinia cambogia for weight loss.
A new poll finds that over 30% of people in their 50s and early 60s provide care to at least one person with a health issue or disability, while 1 in 10 juggle taking care of three or more people. The majority of caregivers are caring for someone with a physical disability or mobility problem, followed by memory or thinking issues.
Researchers identified key themes in patient interviews, highlighting emotional impact, diagnosis, and treatment as top concerns. Patients experienced frustration and stigma due to symptom dismissal and inadequate diagnosis, emphasizing the need for better tools to measure outcomes that matter to them.
A study by Michigan Medicine found that over- or under-dosing anticoagulants can result in serious health conditions, most often occurring after the initial prescription. The researchers evaluated five years of prescribing data and found that nearly 70% of alerts to off-label dosing occurred during a follow-up visit.
A new study from Michigan Medicine suggests that inhibiting the SWI/SNF epigenetic complex can therapeutically target oncogenic transcription factors. The research, led by Arul Chinnaiyan, builds on previous work to find genetic vulnerabilities in transcription factor-driven cancers.
A new study finds that combining an inhibitor of a metabolic pathway with chemotherapy could improve treatment outcomes in triple negative breast cancer brain metastases. Inhibiting fatty acid synthase, an enzyme critical for cancer cell survival, shows promise in improving chemotherapy efficacy.
Researchers designed a molecule, MTX-531, that impairs signaling drivers of cancer therapy resistance. In mouse models, MTX-531 led to tumor regressions in multiple head and neck cancers, showing a favorable toxicity profile.
A new study suggests that healthcare providers sitting at a patient's eye level can improve trust, satisfaction, and clinical outcomes. By analyzing the results of existing studies, researchers found that patients appreciate clinicians who are not standing over them.
A new University of Michigan study found that over 82% of Americans aged 50-80 take one or more prescription medications, with 80% open to stopping certain drugs. However, researchers stress the importance of personalized guidance for deprescribing older adults, particularly those taking medication for cardiovascular disease or diabetes.
Researchers found that personalized text messages effectively increased physical activity among patients after significant heart events, with Apple Watch users showing a 10% increase in step count. However, the benefits later tapered off as patients became accustomed to the messages.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that years of high systolic blood pressure increase the risk of stroke, with Black and Hispanic patients facing a higher risk. Early diagnosis and controlled high blood pressure are crucial to preventing stroke, especially in these populations.
A new study suggests that even temporary increases in drinking can have lasting effects on bipolar symptoms, but the opposite isn't true. The research found that individuals with bipolar disorder who drink more than typical for them are more likely to experience an increase in depressive and/or manic symptoms over six months.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that mental health apps can significantly reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and suicidality in individuals waiting for their initial psychiatric appointment. The study, which involved over 2,000 patients, showed improvement in all groups, regardless of the app used.