http://www.med.umich.edu/podcast MiResearch podcast by the University of Michigan Health System en-us © 2008, The University of Michigan University of Michigan Health System News and updates from experts on basic science and research conducted at the U-M Health System. UMHS, University of Michigan, MiResearch, research news, health, basic science Jessica Soulliere jesssoul@umich.edu http://www.med.umich.edu/podcast/images/300_MiResearch.jpg http://www.med.umich.edu/podcast 144 144 no Andi McDonnell Hospital mortality rates following in-patient surgery vary widely across the country. Previously, researchers attributed this to differing post-surgical complication rates at the highest mortality hospitals versus the lowest. A new national study at the University of Michigan, published in the current issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, demonstrates that this is not the case. http://www.med.umich.edu/podcast/MiResearch/2009/surgicalcomplications.mp3 Wed, 30 Sep 2009 09:45:00 EST 00:02:21 mortality, complications, surgery Andi McDonnell One in three Americans suffer from hypertension, a significant health problem that can lead to cardiovascular disease, heart failure, stroke, diabetes and other life-threatening problems. Researchers at the University of Michigan Health System have determined that the very air we breathe can be an invisible catalyst to cardiovascular disease. http://www.med.umich.edu/podcast/MiResearch/2009/airpollution.mp3 Tue, 08 Sep 2009 09:45:00 EST 00:02:54 cardiovascular, hypertension, air pollution, heart Andi McDonnell Childbirth may be the most natural thing in the world, but that certainly doesn’t mean it’s easy! Over half of women suffer from postpartum ailments. Many of these women suffer in silence, embarrassed to talk with their doctor or even their friends about these difficulties. The University of Michigan is offering a unique program to assist these new moms. http://www.med.umich.edu/podcast/MiResearch/2009/healthyhealing.mp3 Mon, 31 Aug 2009 09:45:00 EST 00:02:45 childbirth, postpartum, mother, healing Andi McDonnell By the year 2050, about 30 million Americans are expected to suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. Experts in the field are trying to determine if sophisticated imaging equipment can help predict the development of the disease. http://www.med.umich.edu/podcast/MiResearch/2009/alzheimers.mp3 Mon, 18 May 2009 09:45:00 EST 00:03:10 dementia, alzheimers, memory Andi McDonnell Interactions between prescription medications and over-the-counter medications are somewhat common. A University of Michigan pharmacist discusses what can be done to avoid unwanted side effects. http://www.med.umich.edu/podcast/MiResearch/2009/druginteraction.mp3 Mon, 04 May 2009 09:45:00 EST 00:03:03 medication, seniors, drugs, interactions, prescription Andi McDonnell Pancreatic cancer is the 11th most common cause of cancer in the United States, but it is the 4th leading cause of cancer death. Each year, about 40-thousand Americans are diagnosed with the disease; within 5 years, almost all will die from it. University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center researchers have uncovered an important piece of the puzzle. http://www.med.umich.edu/podcast/MiResearch/2009/pancancergene.mp3 Wed, 11 Mar 2009 09:45:00 EST 00:02:23 pancreatic, cancer, gene, genetics Andi McDonnell Each year, about 200-thousand men are diagnosed with prostate cancer. Currently, it is very difficult to know when prostate cancer will require aggressive treatment to prevent it from spreading or when a wait-and-see approach is advisable for the patient. http://www.med.umich.edu/podcast/MiResearch/2009/prostatebiomarker.mp3 Fri, 27 Feb 2009 09:45:00 EST 00:02:54 prostate, cancer, biomarker, metabolite Andi McDonnell Although irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most common disease diagnosed by gastroenterologists, it’s also one of the most misunderstood. That’s why updated guidelines addressing the management of the condition are being released by the American College of Gastroenterology. Here is Andi McDonnell with more. http://www.med.umich.edu/podcast/MiResearch/2008/ibsguidelines.mp3 Tue, 13 Jan 2009 09:45:00 EST 00:02:54 ibs, irritable bowel syndrome, gastroenterology Andi McDonnell Spinal scoliosis is a fairly common condition among both children and adults. For a small group, the condition can progress to create severe pain and balance issues which require surgery. That is why surgeons at the University of Michigan are experimenting with a new minimal access spinal surgery that may revolutionize this surgical repair. http://www.med.umich.edu/podcast/MiResearch/2008/scoliosis.mp3 Tue, 06 Jan 2009 09:45:00 EST 00:02:19 scoliosis, spinal, surgery Andi McDonnell About one in every 100 people each year will experience a serious bloodstream infection, and often times, antibiotics aren’t enough. So to combat these rampant infections, University of Michigan researchers are working to find ways to better diagnose and treat them. http://www.med.umich.edu/podcast/MiResearch/2008/sepsis.mp3 Mon, 01 Dec 2008 09:45:00 EST 00:03:28 sepsis, blood, infection, cardiovascular Andi McDonnell University of Michigan researchers have discovered that a particular cocktail of vitamins – when missed with magnesium – can actually prevent noise-induced hearing damage. http://www.med.umich.edu/podcast/MiResearch/2008/hearingloss.mp3 Tue, 18 Nov 2008 09:45:00 EST 00:04:16 vitamins, minerals, hearing, ear Andi McDonnell Eating grapes may be the key to helping fight high blood pressure related to a salty diet, according to new research from the University of Michigan Health System. http://www.med.umich.edu/podcast/MiResearch/2008/grapes.mp3 Tue, 04 Nov 2008 09:45:00 EST 00:02:30 grapes, salt, nutrition, blood pressure, heart, cardiovascular Jamie Maurer U-M doctors Sean Morrison and David Gordon address facts and fictions related to stem cell research and regulations. http://www.med.umich.edu/podcast/MiResearch/2008/stemcells102.mp3 Mon, 27 Oct 2008 09:45:00 EST 00:03:30 stem cells, research Andi McDonnell Michigan voters soon will decide whether to change a Michigan law that currently restricts research using embryonic stem cells. And U-M scientists want to make sure voters are well-informed on this issue before heading to the polls in November. http://www.med.umich.edu/podcast/MiResearch/2008/stemcells101.mp3 Mon, 13 Oct 2008 09:45:00 EST 00:06:04 stem cells, research Kara Gavin A new study led by a University of Michigan emergency physician may help ambulance crews nationwide figure out the best way to handle one of the most common and deadly heart-related emergencies: cardiac arrest. http://www.med.umich.edu/podcast/MiResearch/2008/cardiacarrest.mp3 Wed, 24 Sep 2008 09:45:00 EST 00:03:17 cardiac arrest, cardiovascular, ems, emergency room, research Kara Gavin What’s the connection between a new mother’s mood and the way her new baby sleeps? University of Michigan researchers who study sleep and depression are trying to find out. http://www.med.umich.edu/podcast/MiResearch/2008/depressedbabies.mp3 Tue, 02 Sep 2008 09:45:00 EST 00:03:40 sleep, depression, mother, baby, sleeping, mood Andi McDonnell University of Michigan researchers say students with food allergies all-too-often engage in risky behavior related to their allergies, including failing to avoid potentially dangerous food and informing others about their food allergies. http://www.med.umich.edu/podcast/MiResearch/2008/foodallergies.mp3 Mon, 18 Aug 2008 09:45:00 EST 00:03:14 allergies, students, food Jamie Maurer A new University of Michigan study hints that people who have both alcohol problems and sleep problems – which often occur together -- might be helped by an epilepsy drug. The study, which is small but was placebo-controlled, opens the door for further research on how to help alcohol-dependent people escape the Catch-22 of insomnia and drinking that often stands in the way of their recovery. http://www.med.umich.edu/podcast/MiResearch/2008/alco_insomnia.mp3 Wed, 6 Aug 2008 09:45:00 EST 00:03:48 alcoholism, insomnia, epilepsy, alcohol Andi McDonnell A new study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center reveals that minority women with breast cancer are often making treatment decisions without knowing some very important information -- including their survival odds. http://www.med.umich.edu/podcast/MiResearch/2008/breastcancertreatment.mp3 Wed, 30 Jul 2008 09:45:00 EST 00:03:25 breast cancer, minorities, race, treatment Andi McDonnell Researchers at the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center have released a study that examines a new diagnostic tool that may help diagnose diabetes-related eye problems long before symptoms begin. http://www.med.umich.edu/podcast/MiResearch/2008/diabeteseyes.mp3 Wed, 16 Jul 2008 09:45:00 EST 00:02:26 diabetes, FA imaging, Favoprotein Fluorescence Imaging, Elner M.A Hyatt A new study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center reveals that women who experience breast asymmetry following breast conserving surgery were more likely to experience poor quality of life and fear of cancer recurrence. http://www.med.umich.edu/podcast/MiResearch/2008/breast_asym.mp3 Wed, 09 Jul 2008 09:45:00 EST 00:02:26 Breast Cancer, Comprehensive Cancer Center, asymmetry, treatment Kara Gavin Research in mice shows why tPA carries risks as well as benefits, and suggests that Gleevec or other drugs could prevent problems. http://www.med.umich.edu/podcast/MiResearch/2008/strokestudy_bettertreat.mp3 Mon, 23 Jun 2008 11:45:00 EST 00:04:01 tPA, Gleevec, Stroke, sweedish Andi McDonnell Strong bones, a healthy immune system, protection against some types of cancer: Recent studies suggest there’s yet another item for the expanding list of vitamin D benefits. Vitamin D, also know as “the sunshine vitamin,” keeps the heart fit for life’s demands. http://www.med.umich.edu/podcast/MiResearch/2008/vitamind.mp3 Wed, 11 Jun 2008 11:45:00 EST 00:03:07 vitamin D, Milk, Bones, vitamin, heart, skin, cancer, immune system Andi McDonnell Black patients and white patients are seeing rectal cancer specialists at similar rates, but blacks are still less likely to receive chemotherapy or radiation therapy, according to a new study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center. http://www.med.umich.edu/podcast/MiResearch/2008/racerectalcancer.mp3 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 11:45:00 EST 00:02:15 race, rectal, cancer, chemotherapy, radiation Kara Gavin Like horses running down a race track, two different artery-opening treatments appear to be running neck-and-neck when it comes to preventing stroke among people with clogged neck arteries and other health problems. After three years, patients who had a minimally-invasive procedure were just as likely to suffer a stroke or heart attack, or to die, as those who had open surgery. http://www.med.umich.edu/podcast/MiResearch/2008/arteries.mp3 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 10:45:00 EST 00:02:17 arteries, stroke, artery, heart attack, heart, surgery Andi McDonnell A new study led by researchers at the University of Michigan found that about 200 fetuses each year would not be lost if pregnant women properly buckled their seatbelts every time they were in an automobile. The research debunks a long-standing myth that wearing a seatbelt is not safe for pregnant women. http://www.med.umich.edu/podcast/MiResearch/2008/seatbelts.mp3 Tue, 04 Mar 2008 10:45:00 EST 00:02:17 seatbelts, pregnancy, safety, fetus health Andi McDonnell A new nationally representative study led by the University of Michigan shows a downward trend in the rate of “cognitive impairment” – the umbrella term for everything from significant memory loss to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease – among people aged 70 and older. While the reasons for this decline aren’t yet fully known, the authors say it may be linked to the fact that today’s seniors are more likely to have had more formal education, better economic status, and better care for risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking that can jeopardize their brains. http://www.med.umich.edu/podcast/MiResearch/2008/cognitive.mp3 Tue, 04 Mar 2008 10:45:00 EST 00:03:00 memory loss, cognitive impairment, mental health Andi McDonnell Acupuncture and similar methods to calm nerves in head and neck could relieve tinnitus, animal study suggests. http://www.med.umich.edu/podcast/MiResearch/2008/tinnitus.mp3 Tue, 05 Feb 2008 10:45:00 EST 00:02:22 acupunture, tinnitus, ears, hearing, nerves Michael Hyatt A new study from U-M C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital finds that using risk factors – including a woman’s sexual history - to target specific populations for HPV vaccination is not effective, and would exclude as many as 80 percent of women who could benefit the most from the vaccine. http://www.med.umich.edu/podcast/MiResearch/2008/hpvvac.mp3 Tue, 08 Jan 2008 10:45:00 EST 00:03:25 HPV, human, papilloma, virus, warts Andi McDonnell Lowering drug co-pays for chronic disease patients increases use of important preventive medicines, rigorous study shows. http://www.med.umich.edu/podcast/MiResearch/2008/copay.mp3 Tue, 08 Jan 2008 10:45:00 EST 00:03:25 co-pays, insurance, medication Andi McDonnell New study from the University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center demonstrates that where these infants undergo surgery can have a significant impact on their outcome. http://www.med.umich.edu/podcast/MiResearch/congenheart.mp3 Wed, 12 Dec 2007 10:45:00 EST 00:02:27 hospitals, infants, surgery Andi McDonnell As cancer care begins to address the emotional needs of patients, a new study from researchers at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center shows that it’s important to address the caregiver’s emotional needs as well. http://www.med.umich.edu/podcast/MiResearch/cancerdistress.mp3 Mon, 10 Dec 2007 10:45:00 EST 00:03:24 cancer, caregivers Andi McDonnell Researchers have found they can potentially target chemotherapy for breast cancer to only those women most likely to benefit, sparing the majority of patients from unnecessary side effects. http://www.med.umich.edu/podcast/MiResearch/breastcancer.mp3 Mon, 01 Oct 2007 10:45:00 EST 00:02:40 chemotherapy, breast cancer Andi McDonnell Despite decades of advances in diabetes care, African Americans and Latinos are still far less likely than whites to have their blood sugar under control, even with the help of medications, a new U-M and VA study finds. That puts them at a much higher risk of long-term diabetes complications. http://www.med.umich.edu/podcast/MiResearch/disparities.mp3 Mon, 17 Sep 2007 10:45:00 EST 00:02:32 diabetes, racial disparity, blood sugar Charlie Turner Researchers at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center have identified a new imaging technique that can measure the effectiveness of treatment for prostate cancer that has spread to the bones. The technique involves measuring diffusion of water within tumors. http://www.med.umich.edu/podcast/MiResearch/imaging.mp3 Mon, 13 Aug 2007 12:45:00 EST 00:02:07 cancer, prostate, tumor Jessica Soulliere Dr. Matthew Davis discusses the implications of results for the recent C.S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Children's Health. http://www.med.umich.edu/podcast/MiResearch/Poll_3.mp3 Fri, 18 May 2007 12:45:00 EST 00:16:39 hpv, vaccine, school, children Jessica Soulliere Dr. Matthew Davis discusses results of the second U-M C.S Mott Children's Hospital Children's Health Poll that showed the top 10 health concerns for kids. http://www.med.umich.edu/podcast/MiResearch/Poll_2.mp3 Tue, 01 May 2007 17:00:00 EST 00:17:55 smoking, obesity, drug abuse Jessica Soulliere Dr. Matthew Davis discusses results of the recently released U-M C.S Mott Children's Hospital Children's Health Poll and what parents need to know about using retails clinics for their children's heatlh care. http://www.med.umich.edu/podcast/MiResearch/ChildPollFinal.mp3 Wed, 18 Apr 2007 08:20:00 EST 00:06:16 retail clinics, convenience care Andi McDonnell University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center researchers have discovered the small number of cells in pancreatic cancer that are capable of fueling the tumors growth. The finding is the first identification of cancer stem cells in pancreatic tumors. http://www.med.umich.edu/podcast/MiResearch/panresearch.mp3 Mon, 05 Mar 2007 13:01:00 EST 00:04:16 pancreas, stem cells, tumors Jessica Soulliere Researchers know there is no scientific evidence for genetic differences between racial groups when it comes to athletic ability, but apparently some of the American public isn't getting the message. http://www.med.umich.edu/podcast/MiResearch/geneticprejudice.mp3 Mon, 08 Jan 2007 13:01:00 EST 00:02:19 genetics, prejudice, sports Rossitza Iordanova If two nearby pre-cancerous cells work together, they have a better chance of surviving and becoming cancer, according to a new University of Michigan theory. http://www.med.umich.edu/podcast/MiResearch/pienta.mp3 Tue, 07 Nov 2006 13:01:00 EST 00:02:28 Cancer, cell, cells Rossitza Iordanova Women diagnosed with breast cancer who carry a certain genetic mutation can have breast-sparing surgery but should consider hormonal treatments to reduce their risk of cancer returning. http://www.med.umich.edu/podcast/MiResearch/BRCA_gene.mp3 Mon, 30 Oct 2006 13:01:00 EST 00:02:16 breast cancer, surgery, genes Rossitza Iordanova No matter how hard we try, we all make mistakes that arent just annoying, but potentially costly. Now, a team of U-M researchers has looked inside the human brain and captured the instant when someone makes such a mistake. http://www.med.umich.edu/podcast/MiResearch/Oops!.mp3 Mon, 23 Oct 2006 13:01:00 EST 00:02:23 errors, brain, mistakes Rossitza Iordanova U-M scientists find new genes linked to rheumatoid arthritis that are expressed differently in genetically identical twins Researchers have discovered three genes that are over-expressed in rheumatoid arthritis that were not known to be associated with the disease before. They also found that non-genetic factors influenced the expression of these genes. http://www.med.umich.edu/podcast/MiResearch/Holoshitzresearch.mp3 Mon, 16 Oct 2006 15:00:00 EST 00:02:04 Rheumatoid arthritis, genetics, identical twins Rossitza Iordanova The process of blocking blood flow to a tumor using gas bubbles is a new technique in embolotherapy. Bubbles: You've bathed in them, popped them, endured bad song lyrics about them. Now, U-M researchers hope to add a more sophisticated application to the list — gas bubbles used like corks to block oxygen flow to tumors, or to deliver drugs. http://www.med.umich.edu/podcast/MiResearch/High_tech_bubbles.mp3 Mon, 9 Oct 2006 11:00:00 EST 00:02:09 tumors, embolization, gas bubbles Rossitza Iordanova Studies of DNA from OCD patients and their relatives lead U-M, Chicago and Toronto teams to find consistent genetic association Obsessive-compulsive disorder tends to run in families. Now, U-M research is shedding new light on one of the genetic factors that may contribute to that pattern. And while no one gene causes OCD, the research is helping scientists confirm the importance of a particular gene that has been suspected to play a major role in OCD's development. http://www.med.umich.edu/podcast/MiResearch/Newgenetics.mp3 Mon, 2 Oct 2006 11:00:00 EST 00:02:27 OCD, obsessive-compulsive disorder, genetic Rossitza Iordanova Cilia, hair-like structures on cells, could be the common link to a wide range of congenital diseases Friedhelm Hildebrandt, M.D. and U-M Medical School colleagues study genes that, when mutated, produce a lethal kidney disease called nephronophthisis in infants and children. Hildebrandt's research has identified an intriguing connection between all these congenital diseases and tiny hair-like projections on cells, which scientists call cilia. http://www.med.umich.edu/podcast/MiResearch/Multiple_defects.mp3 Mon, 25 Sep 2006 10:30:00 EST 00:02:08 birth-defects, kidney, congenital defects, eyes Rossitza Iordanova "Proof of principle" trial shows promise, but it's too early to recommend drug treatment for all with pre-hypertension, U-M expert and study leader says A new, U-M doctor-lead study offers intriguing insight into the possibility of postponing hypertension among the 59 million Americans whose blood pressure is slightly high. http://www.med.umich.edu/podcast/MiResearch/Early_treatment.mp3 Mon, 18 Sep 2006 08:00:00 EST 00:02:10 blood pressure, hypertension, pre-hypertension Rossitza Iordanova Discovery could lead to safer and more effective psoriasis treatments University of Michigan scientists have found a common genetic variation in an immune system gene that makes people much more likely to develop psoriasis - a disfiguring inflammatory skin disease. http://www.med.umich.edu/podcast/MiResearch/Psoriasis_gene.mp3 Mon, 11 Sep 2006 14:46:00 EST 00:02:22 psoriasis, skin disease, inflammation Rossitza Iordanova Binge behavior/addiction linked to stress, tripling desire for sugar Stressed individuals might be particularly prone to binge eating or drug addiction because of high levels of a hormone mechanism in their brain, according to new University of Michigan and Georgetown University research. http://www.med.umich.edu/podcast/MiResearch/Binge_behavior.mp3 Tue, 5 Sep 2006 12:00:00 EST 00:02:04 eating disorder, binge, addiction