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University of Michigan


Saving lives could start at shift change: A simple way to improve hospital handoff conversations

A study led by the University of Michigan found that doctors tend to spend excessive time on early cases and rush at the end of the list, leading to miscommunication and preventable medical errors. Researchers suggest prioritizing handoff conversations for the sickest patients first to improve patient care and reduce errors.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateNov 12, 2012

Divorce costs thousands of women health insurance coverage

A University of Michigan study found that 115,000 women lose their private health insurance every year after divorce, leading to depression for more than two years. Women in moderate-income families face the greatest loss of insurance coverage, while full-time work and education can serve as buffers against losing health insurance.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateNov 12, 2012

Target for obesity drugs comes into focus

Scientists at the University of Michigan have made a groundbreaking discovery in understanding how the hormone leptin regulates metabolism and body weight. By visualizing the interaction between leptin and its receptor, researchers may develop new drugs to overcome leptin resistance, a key factor in obesity.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalMolecular Cell·DateOct 11, 2012

Popular antidepressant might prevent heart failure

Researchers at the University of Michigan discovered that paroxetine inhibits GRK2, a protein kinase involved in heart failure, improving myocardial contractility without affecting heart rate. The team hopes to optimize and develop these compounds into therapeutic leads for heart failure treatment.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalACS Chemical Biology·DateOct 1, 2012

Why retire later?

A University of Michigan study proposes eliminating social security payroll taxes starting at age 55 to encourage workers to stay on the job. This would result in a 10.6% increase in take-home pay and a 1.5-year extension of working life.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Public Economics·DateAug 28, 2012

Chain of violence

A new study by the University of Michigan found that children exposed to ethnic and political violence in the Middle East exhibit increased aggression, with younger children most affected. Exposure to conflict and violence is linked to aggressive behavior among children, particularly in families, schools, and neighborhoods.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalChild Development·DateAug 21, 2012

Global science

The new book concludes that American science is in good health, with traditional values helping the nation maintain its strength. While there are areas of concern, such as declining scientists' earnings and a decline in academic positions, the authors argue that globalization promotes efficiency through knowledge sharing.

20 years after Rio Earth Summit

Ecologists call for urgent action to preserve planet's remaining biodiversity, essential for natural ecosystem services like food and wood production. The 17 prominent ecologists' consensus statement highlights the critical role of biodiversity in maintaining ecosystem functions and human health.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature·DateJun 6, 2012

Retirement plans after the Great Recession

A U-Mich study tracks changes in retirement plans after the Great Recession, finding that people who postponed retirement also expected to leave less for their heirs. Most respondents planned to work an additional 1-3 years due to financial losses, but few aimed to recoup their entire economic loss

Smart gas sensors for better chemical detection

Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a new smart gas sensor that can detect airborne chemicals with higher sensitivity and consume less power. The sensor uses a novel approach to separate chemicals in the gas mixture, allowing for more accurate identification and analysis.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateMay 1, 2012

The Generation X report

A new report from the University of Michigan reveals that GenX adults prepare an average of 10 meals a week and eat out or buy fast food three times a week. Men are surprisingly involved in cooking and grocery shopping, with men cooking an average of 8 meals per week. The study also highlights the importance of families gathering toget...