A University of Michigan study found that a low sense of belonging is a stronger predictor of major depression than other factors. The research analyzed data from 31 clients with depression and 379 community college students, concluding that feeling connected to others is crucial in overcoming depression.
Researchers identified two genetic elements, AE5' and AE3', that regulate human Factor IX expression, leading to increased coagulation capacity with age. The study provides insight into the molecular basis of age-related changes in blood clotting.
A new study found nearly half of Internet health pages contain unverified information, with 6% containing wrong data. Doctors and patients can benefit from using trustworthy sources, such as government and nonprofit sites, to access accurate health info.
A mathematical model of H.pylori bacteria and their human hosts reveals the key role played by adherent bacteria in colonization, as well as the dynamic relationship between host response and bacterial persistence. The model sheds light on the complex interactions between the bacteria and human immune system.
Researchers observed a substantial reduction in mortality for heart failure patients who received the Aldactone medication regimen, reducing deaths by 30 percent. The study found that aldosterone blockade played an important role in this reduction and opens the door to developing more effective treatment options.
University of Michigan scientists have found that salicylate can prevent deafness in guinea pigs exposed to aminoglycoside antibiotics. The study suggests that moderate doses of aspirin could be effective in preventing hearing loss and damage caused by these antibiotics.
A new study by University of Michigan professor Dr. Arnold S. Monto found that zanamivir, an antiviral drug, is 67% effective in preventing laboratory-confirmed clinical influenza infection. The drug was also shown to be 84% effective in preventing laboratory-confirmed illnesses with fever.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have found that blocking C5a, a protein that normally activates the immune system, provides significant protection against sepsis in animal studies. In sepsis-induced rats, blocking C5a resulted in more than half surviving compared to just 5% in a control group.
A new study published in the American Journal of Medicine finds that managed care insurance systems can standardize care, eliminate unnecessary tests, and minimize antibiotic resistance by implementing a single guideline for treating uncomplicated urinary tract infections. The study, which included over 3,800 women, showed that using a...
A new treatment approach has been developed to restore normal heart rhythms in patients with atrial fibrillation, a condition affecting over 2 million adults. Ibutilide fumarate injection prior to an electrical shock to the heart was successful in converting abnormal rhythms to normal in all study patients.
Scientists at the University of Michigan used spatial illusion to study how the brain processes sound. By analyzing neural activity in cats and humans, researchers found that the auditory systems use similar spectral characteristics to determine sound locations.
A new study found that cardiac surgery patients with serum potassium levels below 3.5 mmol/L are twice as likely to experience arrhythmias and a doubled need for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Investigators recommend screening and replenishing potassium on a case-by-case basis.
Researchers at the University of Michigan discovered that folic acid effectively lowers homocysteine levels in blood plasma, reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The study found that folic acid supplementation can also benefit people with normal MTHFR enzymes by protecting them against heat-induced enzyme inactivation.
Researchers discovered that UV radiation blocks the ability of skin cells to recognize retinoic acid, a nutrient made from vitamin A. This triggers a cascade of biochemical changes, causing a functional vitamin A deficiency in human skin. Pretreating skin with retinoic acid before UV exposure can limit the damage.
Astronomers have detected the brightest optical celestial object ever recorded using a low-cost, automated telescope built from recycled lenses and hardware. The ROTSE-1 telescope captured optical emissions from a gamma ray burst while it was still arriving, providing new insights into the phenomenon.
Researchers have developed a new MRI technology that uses xenon gas to generate high-resolution images of the heart and lungs in living laboratory rats. The system detects signals from polarized xenon molecules, allowing for direct measurement of blood flow through organs.
A new study by Peter D. Jacobson examines the role of nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) in primary care, finding that their scope of practice and autonomy increase with larger managed care populations. While most physicians view NPs and PAs as peers, some express concerns about quality of care and referrals.
Researchers found that verbal storage tasks activate left-hemisphere speech areas, while spatial storage tasks activate specific areas of the right cortex. The study provides strong evidence for a more precise understanding of how various regions of the frontal cortex are involved in specific mental activities.
A University of Michigan cancer vaccine combination with interleukin-2 was found to be effective in mobilizing the immune system to attack and destroy malignant cells. Eighty percent of mice showed complete regression of their tumors after treatment.
A University of Michigan study found that seniors who volunteer for less than an hour a week are more likely to live longer. The study analyzed data from 1,211 older adults and discovered that volunteering is directly associated with increased survival rates, rather than just being a result of better health.
African Americans are less likely to visit the dentist for routine visits due to lack of money and dental insurance. The study found that 13% of African Americans had never visited a dentist, compared to 1% of whites.
Researchers found that one-time H pylori screening could save thousands of lives due to the high mortality rate of gastric cancer. The study suggests that a simple blood test followed by antibiotics can effectively reduce cancer risk at an affordable cost.
A University of Michigan team discovered that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) helps blood vessels survive and proliferate in the face of nutrient depletion. This mechanism is thought to support tumor growth, leading researchers to explore strategies for inhibiting VEGF to starve tumors.
A University of Michigan project enables space weather researchers worldwide to share data, models, and instruments, bridging geographical gaps. Collaborative technology also empowers small universities to access expensive equipment and interact with a broader scientific community.
Researchers suggest a clear connection between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease, with bacteria and toxins traveling through the bloodstream. Periodontal bacteria contain lipopolysaccharides that can cause illness and damage blood vessel linings.
People with diabetes are at increased risk of getting periodontal disease, which can lead to problems with blood sugar control and complications like vision problems and cardiovascular disease. Clinical studies show that people with severe periodontal disease are six times more likely to have poor glycemic control.
Researchers have identified a 150-million-year-old piece of Earth's crust submerged in the mantle beneath Siberia's Lake Baikal. The study provides evidence that subducted slabs eventually sink to the Earth's core, shedding light on the planet's internal dynamics.
The Palliative Care Project challenges the current model of medical care, which forces terminally ill patients to choose between continued medical treatment and hospice care. The new program integrates both services, allowing patients to receive cutting-edge medical therapy while also benefiting from palliative care.
University of Michigan astronomers have detected the cool infrared signature of dust grains and silicates within superheated gas in the center of ancient elliptical galaxies. The discovery could represent the first direct observation of how mass lost by aging stars evolves in a hot, exotic environment.
The research team observed and recorded the relativistic motion of free electrons in electromagnetic fields, which confirms several predictions based on Einstein's theory of relativity. The discovery challenges a fundamental assumption about the Thomson cross section, a physical constant used in physics theories.
The University of Michigan's VORTEX experiment, launched on the Space Shuttle Endeavour, investigates fluid atomization in microgravity. The study aims to answer fundamental questions about the process by which liquids are converted into tiny droplets.
A new University of Michigan study investigates the impact of tobacco litigation on public health policy, concluding that courts are not well-suited for adopting policy changes. The authors argue that building a moral and political case is essential to achieve tobacco control goals through legislative and regulatory processes.
A study by U-M epidemiologists found that Americans living in cities with greater income disparities are more likely to die than those in cities with lower disparities. Researchers also examined the characteristics of individuals using emergency contraceptive pills and proposed a plan to improve home care efficiency.
According to the study, American children now spend less than an hour per week reading and almost no time engaging in unstructured outdoor play. Meanwhile, TV viewing has become a significant part of their daily routine, with nearly a quarter of their free time spent watching television.
University of Michigan scientists have developed a new generation of viral vectors that deliver the dystrophin gene to the muscles of adult mice with muscular dystrophy. The new vectors, called 'gutted' viruses, are stripped of most of their original genes to make room for the large dystrophin gene and reduce immune response.
Researchers investigate e-mail usage between doctors and patients, aiming to improve patient-physician communication and satisfaction. The three-year study will examine the effects on efficiency, phone calls, visits, and overall organization.
Paleomagnetic dating indicates that humans or their ancestors lived in Spain over 780,000 years ago. The technique, pioneered by Josep Pares, measures magnetic minerals in rocks to determine the age of human fossils and tools. This discovery sheds new light on early human evolution in Africa and Asia.
Researchers discovered brief, rapid warming episodes at the end of the last Ice Age that melted glaciers and affected Great Lakes climate. These events may be linked to El Nino Southern Oscillation and Quasi-Biennial Oscillation.
University of Michigan scientists have developed a method to date near-surface fault activity using soft, chalky material called gouge. The research aims to improve earthquake risk assessment and nuclear reactor safety by determining a fault's recent activity and strength.
The University of Michigan team developed a miniature laboratory on a chip that can analyze DNA samples quickly and sensitively. The device is expected to make DNA analysis widely available and has potential applications in medical diagnostics, forensics, and agriculture.
The report shows that the Black middle class has grown and solidified, but significant obstacles to advancement remain. Despite improved health, wealth, and educational status, disparities persist in infant mortality rates, marriage rates, and college attendance.
Researchers from the University of Michigan, Northwestern University, University of Minnesota, and University of Wisconsin have formed a virtual center to facilitate collaboration. This innovation uses collaborative tools and technology to enable researchers to work together as if they were in the same location.
A new study suggests that depression is a fluid disease requiring tracking over time for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Researchers found that physicians more frequently detected depression when they knew their patients well, but struggled to distinguish it from minimal impairment.
A University of Michigan study reveals that surrogate mothers express some degree of disappointment about their roles, with those who have satisfied relationships with adoptive parents experiencing better outcomes. The quality of the relationship post-birth significantly impacts long-term satisfaction and regret among surrogate mothers.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have discovered a new anti-microbial agent called BCTP that effectively kills the influenza A virus in cell cultures and laboratory mice. The study found that BCTP is non-toxic to skin and mucous membranes, making it a promising alternative to traditional vaccines.
Researchers have developed a new anti-microbial agent that can destroy anthrax spores while remaining non-toxic to humans and animals. The material, BCTP, has shown promise as a post-exposure decontamination agent in animal studies.
Researchers investigate whether testifying before the TRC leads to psychological healing, forgiveness, and improvement in distress. The study aims to determine the impact of testifying on anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
A study proposes recycling wastewater for irrigation, developing a water conservation plan, and protecting the Mountain Aquifer's limited fresh water resource. Without cooperative management, both Israelis and Palestinians risk losing access to clean water due to pollution and environmental degradation.
A recent study by the University of Michigan found that Blacks' environmental concerns equal or exceed those of whites, with greater concern about local pollution and poorer environmental quality. The survey of 793 people identified significant differences in environmental attitudes between Black and white neighborhoods.
A University of Michigan study found that busy individuals are more prone to medication errors, whereas older adults tend to exhibit better adherence rates. The researchers developed the 'Busy Life Style Questionnaire' to measure daily chaos and identified being too busy as the primary risk factor for mistakes.