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.
A study in Detroit is testing whether extra pharmacist attention can keep patients with hypertension on track. Pharmacists are checking blood pressure, watching for side effects, and suggesting medication changes to doctors.
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.
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.
A new University of Michigan study reveals that areas with high income inequality and low average incomes have significantly higher mortality rates, comparable to the combined loss of life from various diseases. The findings highlight the importance of considering equitable income distribution in public health assessments.
A study found that modafinil significantly improved the quality of life for patients with narcolepsy, reducing daytime sleepiness and increasing productivity. The medication provided sustained benefits over an extended period without debilitating side effects.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have identified a protein that causes progressive retinal degeneration and functional blindness in children with Usher syndrome. Understanding the function of this protein may lead to new treatments for people with Usher syndrome and other types of retinal degeneration.
Recent fluctuations in teen marijuana use are driven by changes in student attitudes about the drug. The new analysis found that teen disapproval of marijuana and perceptions of its hazards have mirrored usage patterns, indicating a shift in young people's concerns about risk.
Scientists successfully used gene therapy to correct deafness in shaker-2 mice by identifying a recessive mutated gene responsible for the condition. The study's findings also revealed that the mutation affects a myosin enzyme involved in inner ear development, which is crucial for hearing.
University of Michigan scientists measure how matter changes under extreme pressure using a high-resolution femtosecond laser. The experiment confirms earlier predictions about atom behavior in super-dense environments, providing insight into phase transitions and electron conductivity.
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.
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.
Researchers identify genetic factors contributing to smoking propensity, suggesting a cluster of characteristics linked to biological sensitivity. The study refutes parental wisdom that getting sick after sneaking a cigarette deters future smoking.
Human growth hormone increases bone size in mice but compromises bone quality, leading to increased brittleness and fracture risk with age. This study highlights the need for caution when prescribing human growth hormone, especially in individuals without specific medical needs.
University of Michigan researchers have created the smallest biosensors ever developed, which can detect subtle changes in living cells' biochemistry. These probes, called PEBBLEs, contain dye that glows when exposed to specific ions or molecules, allowing real-time monitoring of cell processes.
Engineers create instrument to monitor sputtering deposition in real-time, enabling scientists to optimize material properties. The technique allows for precision and quality control in coating processes.
Gordon Kane highlights the importance of models in physics, citing Aristotle's flawed theory as an example. He emphasizes that scientists test multiple models against reality to determine which one is correct. The Standard Model of particle physics is a prime example, developed after decades of research and testing.
Anthropologists Milford Wolpoff and Rachel Caspari propose a multi-regional theory of human evolution, suggesting that populations evolved concurrently in various regions over two million years. This perspective has significant social and political implications, as it challenges the concept of a single common ancestor.
University of Michigan Professor Nicholas Steneck warns that research misconduct is a persistent problem. He suggests several solutions to address the issue, including random audits, exit interviews, and nationwide calls for creative solutions.
Peripheral neuropathy affects sensation, causing instability and increased fall risk; preventive steps like support, education, regular eye exams, right shoes, exercise, and practice balancing on one foot can help prevent falls.
A study found that breast cancer survivors who exercised regularly experienced significant reductions in depression and anxiety, with improved mental health outcomes. The sooner they started exercising after surgery, the greater impact on their mental well-being.
Astronomers produce high-resolution images of Jupiter's auroras, revealing details about the planet's atmosphere and its moons. The new images, made possible by improved instruments on the Hubble Space Telescope, show comet-shaped swaths of light and a faint electromagnetic footprint from Ganymede.
A study conducted at the University of Michigan Health System found that administering amiodarone prior to elective heart surgery reduced atrial fibrillation by approximately 50%. Patients who received amiodarone experienced less discomfort, shorter hospital stays, and lower hospital costs compared to those who received a placebo.
A University of Michigan model reveals that carbon and sulfur emissions can cool the planet by up to -4.4 Wm-2, potentially offsetting human-caused warming. However, the models' uncertainty due to poorly known estimates for natural aerosol sources may limit the findings.
University of Michigan researchers use ultra-high speed custom software to simulate coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and their effects on the Earth's magnetosphere. The simulations, run on a supercomputer, can predict solar wind events up to 17 times faster than real time.
A new study has confirmed that the Earth's surface temperature has increased by about 1 degree C over the last five centuries, with the majority of this warming happening in the last 100 years. The study used data from 300 underground boreholes across four continents to find a global average temperature increase since 1900.
A study of 103 women in Michigan and North Carolina found that 27% missed two or more consecutive pills, leading to a higher risk of pregnancy. Women who had unprotected sex during the initial cycle or with frequent intercourse were also at increased risk.
Researchers at the University of Michigan found that dedicated PET scanners are significantly more accurate than dual-head coincidence cameras in detecting cancer. They also showed that PET can diagnose infections in just an hour or less, compared to days with conventional tests.
A new study conducted at the University of Michigan found that 95% of pregnant women surveyed thought an ultrasound was important for their normal, healthy pregnancies. The survey also revealed that women would pay out of pocket for a routine ultrasound exam and felt it was very important to see their baby.
A new study found that insulin therapy is largely ineffective in achieving tight blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that most patients need more aggressive treatment to reach near-normal blood sugar levels and highlights the need for a revised standard of care.
IntraLase Corporation will develop ultrafast ophthalmic lasers for refractive and other surgical procedures, enhancing eye care with precise technology. The company combines U-M intellectual property with Escalon Medical's patents to bring innovative laser solutions to the medical field.
Researchers isolated two substances in grapefruit, furanocoumarins, that increase drug absorption by inhibiting an enzyme called CYP3A4. This discovery could lead to improved oral medications and increased reliability of drugs.
University of Michigan scientists estimate moon age between 4.52 billion to 4.50 billion years ago through tungsten isotope analysis. The data supports the hypothesis that the moon was formed from a large object colliding with Earth.
Researchers develop dendrimer supermolecules that funnel light energy through a tree-like structure, directing it to a central point. The nanostar molecule can convert ultraviolet light into visible light with up to 99% efficiency, making it suitable for various applications such as solar energy harvesting and optical sensors.
A new mathematical model proposes the sun's magnetic field resembles a wild cyclone rather than a tidy lawn sprinkler. The model suggests that the magnetic field lines pass through different latitudes, providing a route for low-energy particles to travel from the equator to the poles.
University of Michigan scientists used insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) to stimulate growth of new myelin membranes around neurons in a culture dish. The results showed that IGF-I promotes myelination by triggering biochemical changes that help Schwann cells attach to nerve fibers.
Electromyography has proven more reliable than high-tech diagnostic tools in pinpointing some back disorders, according to a researcher at the University of Michigan Medical Center. A new technique called mini-paraspinal mapping can accurately diagnose many back problems while reducing EMG needle insertions from 45 to 12.
Researchers found that tightly controlling blood sugar levels can significantly decrease the lifetime risk of diabetes-related blindness for people with early-onset type 2 diabetes. For those who develop the disease at an age of 50-55 or earlier, maintaining a near-normal blood-sugar level can prevent vision and kidney problems.
University of Michigan scientists develop viral vector delivering dystrophin gene to adult mice with muscular dystrophy, inducing high levels of normal dystrophin protein for several months. The breakthrough could pave the way for effective gene therapy treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Doctors face an ethical dilemma when patients request controversial screening tests without adequate scientific evidence. The medical community is divided on the routine use of mammograms in women under 50 and prostate specific antigen tests in men, highlighting the need for informed patient decision-making.
Researchers have discovered that common antibiotics like streptomycin can cause hearing loss and kidney damage in some individuals. Using iron chelators to prevent the formation of toxic molecules could provide a safe and inexpensive solution.
A study of Martian meteorites suggests that Mars formed quickly and became geologically quiet, with little plate tectonics. This process allowed the planet's internal structure to remain relatively unchanged since its earliest history.
Researchers found calcite grains in mid-continent areas showed deformation patterns consistent with shearing stress, contradicting the idea that these regions are 'quiet and tectonically dead'. The study provides new insights into tectonic processes and offers critical input for computer modeling of plate dynamics.
Patients with a history of depression often deny or attribute early warning signs, such as fatigue and stress, to external factors. Early intervention is crucial to prevent or minimize relapse, and recognizing these signs can provide control over emerging depressions.
Recent experiments on Alaska's North Slope show that the arctic tundra is now releasing more carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere than it absorbs. This could exacerbate global warming due to the release of stored carbon from thawing permafrost.
Researchers from the University of Michigan have found that healthy and active older men are faster to stop when confronted with an obstacle while walking compared to older women. The study, conducted on a group of 40 adults aged 20-72, revealed that older females need more time to stop than older males or young adults.
A cost-effectiveness analysis suggests that over-the-counter antibiotic treatment for urinary tract infections (UTI) would not be cost-effective in the long run. The study found that the benefits of reduced symptom days would be offset by an increase in treatment costs and potentially lead to increased antibiotic resistance.
A University of Michigan study analyzes data from various studies to show that whole-body metabolic rate changes over the course of the menstrual cycle, becoming about 7 percent lower after menstruation. This metabolic cycling saves an amount of energy equivalent to six days' worth of food over four menstrual cycles.
Researchers found biogenic methane deposits in Michigan's Antrim Shale, which can be economically viable and environmentally friendly. The shallow reservoirs are easy to access and produce methane more cleanly than coal or oil.