1 in 7 colorectal cancer patients diagnosed before recommended screening age
Nearly 15 percent of patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer were younger than 50, the age at which screening recommendations begin.
Undergrads: Want to explore medical science at U-M this summer? Apply now for Medical School programs
Forget snow and ice – it’s time to think summer at the University of Michigan Medical School for college students interested in medical science careers.
Childhood trauma associated with worse impulse control in adulthood, U-M study finds
The scars of childhood abuse and neglect affect adults’ brains for decades to come – including their ability to process and act on information both quickly and accurately, new research suggests.
Largest-ever study of cornea condition reveals hidden risk factors, U-M team reports
A new study reveals previously unknown risk factors associated with an eye condition that causes serious progressive nearsightedness at a relatively young age. The findings, made through the largest-ever clinical study of the condition called keratoconus, could help more people receive newer treatments that can slow the problem and protect their vision.
Music to thaw the ice: U-M Life Sciences Orchestra plays free concert on Jan. 24
Winter in Ann Arbor pales in comparison with the cold, snowy darkness of Finland or Norway at this time of year. But the University of Michigan Life Sciences will try to melt some of the Nordic frost on Sunday, Jan. 24 with a concert featuring two Scandinavian composers.
Xistential crisis: U-M genetics discovery shows there’s more to the story in silencing X chromosomes
early every girl and woman on Earth carries two X chromosomes in nearly every one of her cells – but one of them does (mostly) nothing. That’s because it’s been silenced, keeping most of its DNA locked up and unread like a book in a cage. Scientists thought they had figured out how cells do this, but a new piece of U-M research shows the answer isn’t quite that clear.
Low-income communities more likely to face childhood obesity
Although obesity rates were higher among African-American and Hispanic kids, the relationship disappeared when factoring in family income. Fewer resources like places to exercise and access to full service grocery stores appear to have a greater impact on the nation’s childhood obesity rate than race.
Fast & sharp: Medicaid expansion gives hospitals immediate relief from uninsured care, study finds
Just six months after opening up health insurance to more low-income people, states saw a huge drop in the amount of care their hospitals provided to uninsured patients, and a rise in care for people with coverage, a new study finds.
Study: Positive results for new oral drug for pulmonary hypertension
Study leads to oral drug for pulmonary hypertension and easier treatment for patients.
Less financial burden for cancer patients with paid sick leave, study finds
Researchers found that only 55 percent of colorectal cancer patients who were employed at the time of diagnosis retained their jobs after treatment. Patients who had paid sick leave were nearly twice as likely to retain their jobs as those without paid sick leave.
New genetic clues found for major cause of blindness in the elderly
An international team of scientists, that includes researchers from the University of Michigan, has identified 16 new genetic variations for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Their findings nearly double the number of regions, or loci, associated with the disease.
Researchers take first step in precision medicine for penile cancer
Researchers have identified potential genetic alterations in penile cancer that could pave the way for targeted treatments.
One in four new doctors may be depressed - and their patients may suffer because of it
More than one in four doctors in the early stages of their careers has signs of depression, a comprehensive new study finds. And the grueling years of training for a medical career may deserve some of the blame.
Less than half of U.S. hospitals require flu shots for staff, study suggests -- despite risk to patients
Within weeks, flu will start spreading. Multiple national recommendations urge all healthcare workers to get the influenza vaccination, to reduce the chances they will pass the virus on to their patients. But a new study finds that more than half of hospitals still don’t require this.
Researchers use ovarian follicles to preserve fertility
Researchers at the University of Michigan have identified a potential new approach to fertility preservation for young cancer patients that addresses concerns about beginning cancer treatment immediately and the possibility of reintroducing cancer cells during the fertility preservation process.
Why should you buy a tag from a U-M medical student this week? Here are 11 great reasons
This Thursday through Saturday, nearly 200 U-M Medical School students will hit the streets of Ann Arbor, and the halls of the U-M Health System’s hospitals and clinics, to collect money for a great cause.
Genetic mutations differ within a single tumor, study finds
When researchers looked at different areas within an individual rectal cancer sample, they found cases in which each area contained different genetic mutations. The findings could have significant implications for treatment recommendations.
Study offers insights to how ovarian cancer grows – and potential to stop it
Can any cancer cell form another tumor, or is it only select cancer stem cells that give rise to new cancer cells? The answer, a new study finds, is both.
Can a website keep suicidal thoughts away? Study in stressed young doctors suggests so
If you think your life is stressful, try being a new doctor. Their first year especially is a time of stress, sleeplessness and self-doubt – and four times the usual rate of suicidal thoughts. But a new study shows that a free web-based tool to support their mental health may cut that rate in half.
U-M plans new, 320,000-square-foot health center in Brighton
The University of Michigan Health System plans to build a new 320,000-square-foot health center to provide expanded primary and specialty care in the Brighton area.
Grabbing a parasite by the tail: U-M team solves "jumping gene" mystery
Deep within your DNA, a tiny parasite lurks, waiting to pounce from its perch and land in the middle of an unsuspecting healthy gene. If it succeeds, it can make you sick. Like a jungle cat, this parasite sports a long tail. But until now no one has ever figured out what role that tail plays in this dangerous jumping.
Startup with U-M Medical School technology goes public
ura Oncology Inc., a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company that develops therapies for cancer patients, is now trading on the NASDAQ after an initial public offering. The technology behind the company comes from researchers at the University of Michigan Medical School, and others.
First, do no harm: Hospital patients given anti-heartburn drugs have higher risk of dying, study finds
Right now, in any American hospital, about half of the patients have a prescription for an acid-reducing drug to reduce heartburn or prevent bleeding in their stomach and gut. But that well-intentioned drug may actually boost their risk of dying during their hospital stay, a new study finds – by opening them up to infections that pose more risk than bleeding would.
Bang for the buck in stroke prevention: U-M study compares new & old drugs
When it comes to preventing stroke, millions of Americans with irregular heartbeats face a choice: Take one of the powerful but pricey new pills they see advertised on TV, or a much cheaper 60-year-old drug that can be a hassle to take, and doesn’t prevent stroke as well. It doesn’t seem like much of a contest -- until you do the math.
Why don’t more uninsured people seek health coverage? U-M study suggests knowledge gap
A new study by U-M medical students who run a free clinic for uninsured patients looks at the reasons why so many are still without health insurance, despite the Affordable Care Act.
Cancer cells hijack glucose, alter immune cells
When cancer cells compete with immune cells for glucose, the cancer wins. As a result, the immune T cells are not healthy and don’t have the weapons to kill the cancer.
Are hospitals telling patients about charity care options? New study finds room for improvement
f you don’t have health insurance, or your insurance coverage still leaves you with big bills, hospitals are supposed to let you know if you qualify for free or reduced-price care, and to charge you fairly even if you don’t, if they want to keep their tax-free nonprofit status. But a new study finds many nonprofit hospitals have room to improve.
New finding offers clues for blocking cancer gene
A new study suggests a potential new way to block one of the most common cancer-causing genes, without causing severe side effects.
Research explains limits of cancer immunotherapy drugs
A new study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center reveals molecular changes within a tumor that are preventing immunotherapy drugs from killing off the cancer. It explains why not all patients respond to immunotherapy treatments.
Too much, too late: Doctors should cut back on some medications in seniors, two studies suggest
Anyone who takes medicine to get their blood sugar or blood pressure down – or both – knows their doctor prescribed it to help them. But what if stopping, or at least cutting back on, such drugs could help even more? Two new studies explore how often doctors use this option.