1. Group of people sit in a circle with hands raised in the air.

    Mood Lifters: Think of it like ‘Weight Watchers’ for mental health

    This proven and peer-led mental wellness program, created by a U-M scientist (and WW success story), seeks to help people who shun or can’t afford traditional therapy. Like the popular weight-loss program, it’s community-based, inexpensive, and — best of all — scaling up.

  2. Musician plays harp in a hospital room while patient in mask with IVs listens.

    How bedside musicians helped one family cope with tragedy

    The Gifts of Art Bedside Music and Art Program at Michigan Medicine is staffed by musicians specially trained in providing acoustic music for patients at the bedside. Artists will go “where patients, families, and staff members need us,” says coordinator Sam Vandiver.

  3. DNA sequence on purplish blue background with pinkish purple highlights.

    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.

  4. Brain cells communicate. Extreme closeup.

    Researchers flash forward with psychedelics at M-PsyC

    U-M medical researchers are probing the healing power of 1960s-era hallucinogenic drugs to develop revolutionary treatments for chronic pain, depression, anxiety, psychiatric disorders, and other medical conditions.

  5. Black notebook with gold type reading Medicaid

    As Medicaid continues post-pandemic ‘unwinding,’ U-M report cites benefits of expansion

    At a pivotal time for Medicaid health coverage for Americans with low incomes, a report on the impacts of Michigan’s Medicaid expansion shows very positive effects, as well as opportunities for continued improvements.

  6. Lone figure stands in a dark tunnel with white light at the end.

    Evidence of conscious-like activity in the dying brain

    Reports of near-death experiences — with tales of white light, visits from departed loved ones, hearing voices —capture our imagination and are deeply engrained in our cultural landscape. Now a new study reveals intriguing brain wave patterns in comatose patients.

  7. Jordan Weston, who suffers from ALS, wears a breathing tube and looks at two computer screens running a music production program.

    Making music with only his eyes

    ALS can’t keep Jordan Weston from his lifelong passion for producing music. Through a sensor bar on his tablet, the tobii dynavox I-16 tracks Weston’s eye movements, allowing him to control the music software and build out his songs.

  8. Jarrett Irons, wearing Michigan gear, holds a football. Image credit: Jeremy Marble

    Brain health, concussions and sports: Is there a long-term connection?

    The Michigan Alumni Brain Health Study will compare cognitive, mood, sleep, pain, and functional outcomes to examine whether sport participation and concussions are associated with later-life brain health in former U-M athletes and nonathletes.

  9. nurse makes heart with hands

    The value is inestimable

    President Ono reflects on the dark days of the pandemic and celebrates the inestimable value of Michigan Medicine.

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