health lab Articles

human brain with glowing purple blue lights out of brain
Health Lab

Geometry of the brain, dimensions of the mind

Researchers identify new ways to characterize states of consciousness
Three hands with two medical bands having the words penicillin allergy disappearing.
Health Lab

Are you still allergic to penicillin?

A new program is finding many diagnosed in childhood with antibiotic allergies are no longer allergic after retesting
pregnant stomach with yellow dots and blue undertone lab note
Health Lab

Few pregnant people who died of overdose, suicide in Michigan received proper treatment before death

A review of maternal deaths suggests most individuals had documented behavioral health conditions but only one-third received appropriate pharmacologic treatment before death
substance use treatment map usa substance use treatment facilities not providing services in sign language <20.0% 20.0%-29.9% 30.0%-39.9% 40%-49.9%
Health Lab

Mental health, substance abuse treatment facilities don't provide communication access to Deaf, Hard of Hearing patients

These services, researchers found, were largely inaccessible to people who use sign language, discriminating against already ‘severely marginalized’ population in the United States.
collage of photos like kid with bloody nose heart rythm ontop of a body, doctor cartoon helping patient, kid lying down sick and more.
Health Lab

The 10 most popular stories of the year

Here’s what topics resonated with most readers of the Michigan Health blog. Can you guess what they were?
blue cells, gut with sushi, face mask and more in a collage
Health Lab

Michigan Health Lab’s most read articles of 2022

The year provided one fascinating research story after another.
Woman Masked Crowd Blurred City
Health Lab

As viral infections skyrocket, masks are still a tried-and-true way to help keep yourself and others safe

Masks are an easy and low-cost way to reduce the amount of virus entering the air and spreading to others.
friends hugging purple butterflies
Health Lab

Lupus: A frustrating diagnosis journey you don’t need to embark alone

Nicknamed the “invisible disease”, the autoimmune disorder comes with lifestyle changes that can be a challenging adjustment.
Vein-Red-Blood-Cells-Plaque.jpg
Health Lab

Massive international study uncovers genes involved in heart disease

Scientists link dozens of new genome sites to coronary artery disease risk and pioneer a powerful method for illuminating the biological roots of common disease.
Mouse model of human colorectal cancer
Health Lab

High levels of ammonia in colon tumors inhibits T cell growth and response to immunotherapy

In mouse models and serum samples, an FDA-approved drug that lowers ammonia levels made the tumors more sensitive to treatment.
doctor talking to patient in clinic with blue shirt
Health Lab

For antiphospholipid syndrome patients, lab results don’t always paint the full picture

Patients with APS have concerns about their ability to function normally, even when their blood work and clinical visits appear normal.
Graphic of a man and woman dressed in green sitting at a table that has a jar of pickles on it.
Health Lab

Can pickle juice reduce cirrhotic muscle cramping?

Liver experts examine the effects of pickle juice on both muscle cramping and quality of life.
suPAR cells enter the blood vessel wall and accelerate the development of atherosclerosis
Health Lab

New immune target to treat cardiovascular disease discovered

A study led by Michigan Medicine has uncovered that suPAR, a protein, causes atherosclerosis, linking cardiovascular disease and kidney disease. The research shows potential for suPAR to be a treatment target for both conditions.
Food blood vial collage
Health Lab

Blood-based metabolic signature outperforms standard method for predicting diet, disease risk

The study found that machine learning techniques improved diet prediction by 10-20%.
prescription pad
Health Lab

Reducing opioids prescribed after total knee and hip arthroplasty can be beneficial for patients and doctors

Large doses of opioids are commonly prescribed after total knee and hip arthroplasty to avoid call-ins for refills, but smaller doses can be just as effective.