Patricia DeLacey

Contributing writer for Health Lab.

Patsy Delancy
person with pink shirt blue background pregnant
Health Lab
Transgender people show similar pregnancy outcomes to cisgender people
A Michigan Medicine-led study found that transgender individuals show similar rates of severe parental morbidity and preterm birth and lower rates of cesarean delivery when compared to cisgender people.
maps purple and blue
Health Lab
Real-time opioid overdose data improves safety response from community
To improve coordinated community response to opioid overdoses, University of Michigan researchers are placing near-real time data in the hands of public health and safety officers. The Michigan System for Opioid Overdose Surveillance, was created in 2016 in response to the opioid crisis through a partnership between the University of Michigan Injury Prevention Center and the Michigan High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas.
older adults playing cards at table
Health Lab
8 ways older adults can reduce loneliness and social isolation
Two Michigan Medicine doctors share 8 ways older adults can combat loneliness and social isolation.
white bowls with allergens in each one
Health Lab
Measuring skin water loss predicts anaphylaxis during food allergy tests
Measuring skin water loss during food allergy tests may help predict anaphylaxis and keep patients safe. The method aims to detect the life threatening reaction before epinephrine injections are necessary
grey needle into cell blue
Health Lab
Mouse model of gender-affirming testosterone treatment and fertility finds decrease in egg yield but not quality
The current IVF recommendation is for transgender patients to stop taking gender-affirming hormones before the procedure, which can be costly and life changing. Now, a team of researchers are diving in further to investigate what the best recommendations should be based on more evidence.
cells in green and purple and black background under microscope
Health Lab
Tiny model organs detect liver toxicity of new drugs
A University of Michigan-led study provided evidence of the efficacy of a new drug-induced liver injury screening platform using human liver organoids, or tiny 3D models of organs developed from patients’ stem cells that grow in petri dishes.
SOS in the brain red words and blue drawing of a side face and brown background
Health Lab
What school staff should know about seizure first aid
When it comes to seizure first aid for students with epilepsy, it's essential for school staff to be prepared. Learn the signs of a seizure and what actions you can take to provide immediate assistance.
woman sitting and using cell pill crib teddy bear blue pink
Health Lab
A pill to treat postpartum depression? It’s here
The fast-acting postpartum pill offers more convenience than the postpartum depression infusion treatment, brexanolone (branded Zulresso), which has been available since 2019, but cost concerns remain. As with all mental health medications, zuranolone should be paired with psychosocial treatment to treat all factors contributing to the disease.
cells colorful
Health Lab
Improvements in human genome databases offer a promising future for cancer research
A gene sequencing method called ribosome profiling has expanded our understanding of the human genome by identifying previously unknown protein coding regions. Also known as Ribo-seq, this method allows researchers to get a high-resolution snapshot of protein production in cells.
woman outside by water and woman with care team infusion
Health Lab
Immunotherapy saves woman with stage 4 colon cancer
A Michigan Medicine expert describes immunotherapy as “the future of cancer treatment” for those who qualify.
infusion
Health Lab
10 tips for cancer patients heading into their first infusion treatment
Cancer survivors who received treatment at the University of Michigan Health Rogel Cancer Center and infusion nurses demystify the experience by providing 10 helpful things to know ahead of time.
kids in classroom playing
Health Lab
Sensitive parenting and preschool attendance may promote academic resilience in late preterm infants
Michigan Medicine research tracks academic trajectories of late preterm infants from infancy to kindergarten and identifies developmental risks and how to best promote resilience
bacteria teal purple
Health Lab
How bacteria surf cargo through the cell
The University of Michigan researchers found some bacteria ship cellular cargo by “surfing” along proteins called ParA/MinD ATPases
keyboard stethoscope
Health Lab
Remote learning during pandemic aids medical students with disabilities
Medical students who reported a disability to their school increased by more than 25% during the COVID-19 pandemic, a study shows.
 boy throwing baseball
Health Lab
Throw a fast ball without throwing out your arm
Michigan Medicine experts explain common throwing sport injuries as well as how to best treat them.