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University of Michigan


New U-M Analysis Of Brain At Work

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.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScience·DateMar 11, 1999

A Little Volunteering Can Prolong Your Life

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.

Dental Care And Family Income

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.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Public Health Dentistry·DateMar 1, 1999

Growth Factor Contributes To Angiogenesis

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.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateFeb 2, 1999

Diabetes And Periodontal Disease Connection

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.

Improving End-Of-Life Care For Terminally Ill

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.

Cold Dust In Hot Gas Of Ancient Galaxies

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.

Role Of Government Branches In Tobacco War

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.

AIDS Researchers Form "Virtual Center"

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.

Diagnosing Depression In Primary Care

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.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalArchives of Family Medicine·DateOct 6, 1998

Surrogate Mothers Feel Some Degree Of Disappointment

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.

Anti-Microbial Agent Kills Influenza Virus

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.

Blacks' Environmental Concerns Equal/Exceed Whites'

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.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalPublic Opinion Quarterly·DateAug 24, 1998

Remembering Your Medications: Older Are Wiser

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.

University Of Michigan Vaccine Triggers Immune System

Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a vaccine made from dendritic cells that triggers the immune system to attack malignant tumors and prevent new tumor development in mice. The study found significant results, including a 70% kill rate of sarcoma cells within four hours.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 4, 1998

To Retire Well, Invest In Making Friends

A University of Michigan study suggests that post-retirement changes in life satisfaction are common and influenced by the size of a person's social support network. Recently retired individuals with larger networks tend to be more satisfied, while those with smaller networks may experience decreased life satisfaction.

HMOs In California Shine In A New U-M Study

A new University of Michigan study suggests that Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) in California are doing a better job of selecting high-quality hospitals for their patients. In the study, researchers found that HMO enrollees were more likely to receive care from above-average hospitals compared to those with other insurance plans.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalHealth Services Research·DateJul 23, 1998

Fat Is Back, Healthy Diets Need Fat

A new University of Michigan study challenges traditional low-fat diet recommendations, finding that a more diverse and varied diet is associated with better mental health and quality of life. The research suggests that some fat in the diet can be beneficial when balanced with greater dietary diversity.

Mammography Quality Law Has National Implications

A new analysis found that Michigan's strict mammography regulations, enacted in 1989 and 1994, significantly improved the quality of mammograms without limiting access to cancer-screening procedures. The study suggests that federal mammography standards will also have positive results.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateApr 9, 1998