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Michigan Medicine - University of Michigan


Lighting up cancer cells with biolasers

Researchers have developed a way to detect circulating tumor cells in the bloodstream using biolasers, which can provide valuable information about the DNA organization inside cancer cells. The technique has been successfully tested on pancreatic and lung cancer patients, showing high accuracy rates of up to 99%.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 2025

TNF inhibitors prevent complications in kids with Crohn's disease, recommended as first-line therapies

Early treatment with TNF inhibitors has been shown to prevent complications in kids with Crohn's disease, reducing the risk of perianal fistulas by 82%. The study found that anti-TNF drugs are specifically effective in preventing these debilitating complications, making them a recommended first-line therapy.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalGut·TypeObservational study·DateDec 23, 2024

Potential culprit identified in lingering Crohn’s disease symptoms

A study by Michigan Medicine researchers suggests that sulfur-producing bacteria may be behind lingering Crohn's disease symptoms, even in the absence of inflammation. The study found that these bacteria can lead to increased visceral hypersensitivity and altered intestinal permeability, contributing to persistent symptoms.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalInflammatory Bowel Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateDec 19, 2024

Study finds tonsil removal not linked to undesirable weight gain, contrary to popular belief

Researchers found no correlation between adenotonsillectomies and undesirable weight gain in children with mild sleep-disordered breathing. The study used data from a clinical trial involving 458 children and showed that adenotonsillectomy improved symptoms, blood pressure, and quality of life but not primary neurodevelopmental outcomes.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 11, 2024

Loneliness and isolation: Back to pre-pandemic levels, but still high, for older adults

A new national study reveals that loneliness and social isolation have returned to pre-pandemic rates for older Americans, affecting 33% of adults aged 50-80. Those with poor physical or mental health face even higher rates, highlighting the need for clinicians to screen patients for these issues and connect them with community resources.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA·TypeSurvey·DateDec 11, 2024

Recycled pacemakers function as well as new devices, international study suggests

A University of Michigan-led study suggests that recycled pacemakers can be used safely and effectively in patients with life-threatening cardiac conditions. The international clinical trial involved nearly 300 people across seven countries and found no significant differences in pacemaker function up to 90 days after the procedure.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 20, 2024

In 10 seconds, an AI model detects cancerous brain tumor often missed during surgery

Researchers developed an AI-powered model called FastGlioma that can detect residual tumor tissue with high accuracy in 10 seconds. The technology outperformed conventional methods, reducing the risk of missed tumors by nearly 75%. This innovation could change the field of neurosurgery and minimize reliance on radiographic imaging.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateNov 13, 2024

Critical steps and more research needed to support physicians’ mental health, experts say

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.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 23, 2024

For multiple sclerosis, medication and cognitive behavioral therapy can reduce fatigue

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.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 16, 2024

Most older adults don’t trust AI-generated health information — but many aren’t sure what to trust

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.

Medicare prior authorization affecting plastic and reconstructive surgery didn’t have hoped-for effect

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...

Research points to potential new treatment for aggressive prostate cancer subtype

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.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2024

Female representation improves in high paying medical specialties

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.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 30, 2024

An ultrasound-activated hydrogel for steady, sustained drug delivery

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.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2024

Histotripsy liver tumor trial successful, early clinical adoption recommended

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.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalRadiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 24, 2024

The heart of the question: Who can get Medicare-covered weight loss medicine?

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.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 23, 2024

Risk of clots, stroke from incorrect blood thinner dosing reduced using online dashboard

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.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeObservational study·DateSep 17, 2024

New law regulating out-of-pocket drug spending saves cancer patients more than $7,000 a year, study finds

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.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 10, 2024

How the brain's inner chamber governs our state of consciousness

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.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 9, 2024

Mental health and chronic diabetes complications strongly linked both ways, study finds

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.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalDiabetes Care·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 22, 2024

As election approaches, national poll shows which health topics concern older adults most

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.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA·TypeSurvey·DateAug 14, 2024