Health Lab Articles

Travar Pettway in MiDEN (Michigan Immersive Digital Experience Nexus)
Health Lab

Travar’s Michigan Answer: Helping shape the future for people with disabilities

In 1995, Travar was struck in the neck by a bullet while driving with his cousin near his home in Detroit. The bullet missed his spine, but the subsequent shockwave caused severe damage.
Covid women missed appointments displaying as purple among the clouds
Health Lab

From birth control to mammograms, many women missed out on preventive care for all of 2020

The pandemic made many women miss cancer screenings, STI screenings and birth control care in early 2020, and many never made up for lost time.
image of drawing of gene in blue ink on lined paper with lab note written on bottom right
Health Lab

Unlocking genetic clues behind aortic aneurysm

New study identifies a role of TCF7L2 in aortic aneurysm.
Health Lab

‘You’re not bulletproof’: 50-year-old COVID survivor urges caution, vaccination after nearly dying from virus

She was healthy and active until COVID-19 put her ‘right on the edge’ of death.
flower petal clock with leaf on washed wood background
Health Lab

“Springing forward” affects early birds less than night owls, study finds

Daylight Saving Time shift that loses an hour of sleep affects people whose genetic profile makes them “night owls” more than it does “early birds”.
finger prick glucose blood glucometer green background two hands holding it and pricking finger
Health Lab

No more finger pricks: a continuous glucose monitor benefits patients with diabetes in more ways than one

For adults with type 2 diabetes, pairing basal insulin with continuous glucose monitoring improved blood sugar and quality of life.
colored pencils coronavirus vaccine vial
Health Lab

10 reasons to put the COVID-19 vaccine on your back-to-school list

Starting the COVID-19 vaccination process in July and August can prepare teens and young adults for a safe school year and protect children who can’t be vaccinated.
yellow background with hand in orange with invisible pills falling out of pill bottle
Health Lab

Antibiotic prescriptions for kids plummet during pandemic

Study finds declines in prescription drugs dispensed to children during COVID-19, including infection-related medicines and some used for chronic diseases.
grey background with proteins and blood circulating in nacy and purple with white scribble in middle
Health Lab

Novel autoantibody adds fuel to COVID-19 “firestorm” of inflammation, blood clots

The finding will likely help physicians develop targeted therapies for future COVID patients.  Pull Quote text (255 max): “Studying these COVID-induced antibodies will also teach us about the mechanisms of autoimmunity in general, espe
Family smiling and hugging one another
Health Lab

For Ann Arbor Pastor Stacey Duke, and many other patients with cancer, the pandemic feels far from over

Duke, who was profiled in March 2020, reflects on navigating life with stage 4 cancer while much of the country is focused on getting ‘back to normal’ 
map of michigan in hot orange and state is in teal with little people figures doing different activities all over
Health Lab

Summer plans ahead? Stay safe with these 5 cool tips

How to make the most of the season, happily and healthily.
young man in red shirt smiling standing in kitchen
Health Lab

ECT: The final (essential) option

Two mothers discuss the benefits and side effects of electroconvulsive treatments received by their sons. 
Stethoscope setting on money
Health Lab

Financial barriers fell for some cancer survivors after Affordable Care Act

Adult patients under 65 were less likely to delay treatment and had less trouble paying for medications or dental care after key features of the landmark health care law were implemented.
Couple sitting together with baby on lap
Health Lab

Transgender couple fulfills dream to become parents

Gender-affirming health care is essential for transgender patients. When Jesse Ballard and Maria Ortiz decided to become parents, Dr. Daphna Stroumsa and their team helped them navigate transmasculine pregnancy and birth.
fireworks over the lake in dark blue night sky and fireworks bright orange
Health Lab

Serious fireworks injuries doubled after Michigan law changed

Firework laws in Michigan changed in 2012 to allow purchase and use of airborne pyrotechnics; traumatic injuries from them doubled.