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University of Michigan


High nursing school debt, proposed education loan caps threaten US health care access

A new study from the University of Michigan reveals that nearly a third of registered nurses and advanced practice nurses in Michigan carry substantial student loans, influencing their decision to leave the profession. The proposed education loan caps threaten US healthcare access by limiting the pathway for advanced clinicians and nur...

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalHealth Affairs Scholar·DateJan 26, 2026

Vulnerable populations shoulder larger number, higher intensity of environmental burdens

New research shows that vulnerable populations in the US are exposed to a larger number and higher intensity of environmental burdens. The study found strong relationships between concentrated environmental burdens and vulnerable communities, with communities of color and those with limited English fluency facing the greatest risks.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJan 13, 2026

This genetic trick gives woodrats an evolutionary advantage against rattlesnake venom

Researchers at the University of Michigan have discovered that woodrats' duplicate SERPINA3 genes give them a potent immunity against rattlesnake venom. The study found that the different proteins encoded by these genes can block toxic components in snake venom, allowing woodrats to survive bites that would be deadly for humans.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateDec 17, 2025

AI supports home-based balance training

A new machine learning model developed at the University of Michigan uses data from wearable sensors to predict how physical therapists would assess balance training performance. The model was trained with sensor data combined with analysis from physical therapists and predicted patients' balance ratings with nearly 90% accuracy.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation·DateDec 8, 2025

A new theory of molecular evolution

A University of Michigan study flips the Neutral Theory of Molecular Evolution on its head, finding that good mutations occur at a higher rate than previously thought. The researchers suggest that beneficial mutations may become harmful in new environments, leading to inconsistent adaptation rates across populations.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateNov 14, 2025

Hurricane outages: Analysis details the where, and who, of increased future power cuts

A new analysis from the University of Michigan predicts that hurricane-induced power outages will increase along the Atlantic coast, particularly in northern Florida and southern Atlantic states. The study finds that Hispanic, non-white, low-income, and elderly populations will be disproportionately affected by these outages.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 17, 2025

Sleep trap: Many young adults use cannabis to fall asleep

A new study found that 22% of young adults aged 19-30 use cannabis or alcohol to initiate sleep. Cannabis was more common than alcohol for this purpose, with 41% of past-year users using it specifically to sleep. The study highlights the risks of long-term substance use for sleep problems and increasing risk of substance use disorder.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateOct 15, 2025

New research could help boost drug efficacy by getting dosing in rhythm with circadian clocks

A new study reveals how circadian rhythms impact medicine interactions, suggesting that taking certain drugs at the right time can prolong their effects and improve treatment outcomes. The model also explores interactions between modafinil and an ultradian rhythm affecting dopamine levels, offering insights into fundamental biology.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateOct 15, 2025