University of Michigan Health System: Basic Science

U-M opens two new research studies for people with emphysema and other COPD

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:30:00 EST

The University of Michigan Health System will try to find out why some smokers develop lung disease and others don'rsquo;t, through a multi-center research study that seeks to improve diagnosis and treatment for millions of people affected by emphysema, chronic bronchitis and other lung diseases. Together, those conditions are known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).'nbsp; A second study will examine the effectiveness of supplemental oxygen therapy for treating patients with emphysemas. Both studies are now accepting new participants.

NIH stimulus awards to U-M Medical School top $47 million

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:45:00 EST

Researchers from the University of Michigan Medical School have received 182 stimulus-package awards totaling nearly $47.5 million from the National Institutes of Health, as of November 1. The grants will enable U-M scientists and physicians to continue or begin projects that explore innovative approaches to important health issues.

U-M Burn Center celebrates 50 years of innovation, dedication and research

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 13:10:00 EST

The U-M Burn Center celebrated its 50th anniversary yesterday at the U-M Towsley Center. Attending were former patients, current and former members of the U-M burn team, fire fighters, volunteers, donors, friends and other guests, who received a review of the past 50 years and a look ahead to the next 50.

Stem cell success points to way to regenerate parathyroid glands

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST

An early laboratory success is taking University of Michigan researchers a step closer to parathyroid gland transplants that could one day prevent a currently untreatable form of bone loss associated with thyroid surgery. The scientists were able to induce embryonic stem cells to differentiate into parathyroid cells that produced a hormone essential to maintaining bone density.

Study looks at using the immune system to reduce prostate cancer risk

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST

Immune therapies have been explored as a way to treat cancer after it develops. But a new study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center suggests that genetic risk of prostate cancer can be reduced by rescuing critical immune system cells.

Vaccine for urinary tract infections shows early promise

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

University of Michigan scientists have moved closer to the first effective vaccine to prevent urinary tract infections, if the robust immunity achieved in mice can be reproduced in humans. Half of all women and 14 percent of men experience urinary tract infections, some repeatedly. The research findings could help reduce health care costs.

U-M researchers discover therapeutic target for pulmonary fibrosis

Sun, 23 Aug 2009 15:00:00 EST

Researchers at the University of Michigan have discovered that targeting of a novel gene utilizing genetic and pharmacologic strategies was successful in treating pulmonary fibrosis in mice and will be developed for future testing in humans.

Finding key to cancer drug Gleevec's limitations

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EST

Researchers have learned why imatinib, marketed as Gleevec, helps patients with chronic myeloid leukemia survive longer, but does not keep the disease from returning if treatment ends. The U-M team is now combining imatinib with other drugs in mouse studies to find ways to sensitize resistant leukemia-initiating cells to imatinib and enhance its power.

Study gives clues to how adrenal cancer forms

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 10:30:00 EST

When telomeres -- the bits of DNA at the end of chromosomes -- become dysfunctional, it can trigger cancer, researchers at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center have found. The study was done in a mouse model that targeted the extremely rare adrenal cancer.

Most common brain cancer may originate in neural stem cells

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 12:00:00 EST

University of Michigan scientists have found that a deficiency in a key tumor suppressor gene in the brain leads to the most common type of adult brain cancer. The study, conducted in mice that mimic human cancer, points the way to more effective future treatments and a way to screen for the disease early.