Recently in Medical School Category

We're talking cats here.

People love their pets. Some people love their pets to an almost excessive amount. But when you consider the fact that owning a pet can add years to your life, a cat can quickly seem like a smart investment.

According to a study that followed more than 4,000 cat owners, led by executive director of the Minnesota Stroke Institute at the University of Minnesota, Adnan Qureshi, M.D., the presence of cats results in a significantly lower risk of death by heart attack or stroke.

Cat owners "appeared to have a lower rate of dying from heart attacks" over 10 years of follow-up compared to feline-free folk, Qureshi said in an interview with U.S. News.

The 30 percent reduction in heart attack risk "was a little bit surprising," he added. "We certainly expected an effect, because we thought that there was a biologically plausible mechanism at work. But the magnitude of the effect was hard to predict."

This may not come as a surprise to cat owners who have experienced the unconditional love a feline companion can offer, but, cats, by nature, can alleviate stress and anxiety, which has the potential to reduce the risk of heart attack.

Although this type of companionship can potentially help you live longer, it does have a serious risk of cute overload.

(Photo credit: Pieter Lanser/WikiMedia)

On 6/28/2012, the United States Supreme Court issued their decision on the Affordable Care Act.

Here is a synopsis of how the Supreme Court ruled:

1. The entire ACA was upheld.
2. The Individual Mandate was ruled Constitutional, but individuals who refuse to comply would pay a tax.
3. The Medicaid provision (expansion) was limited but not invalidated.
4. Because the whole ACA was deemed constitutional, the provision requiring insurers to cover young adults until they are 26 survives as well.

Throughout the days and weeks that follow, University of Minnesota health policy experts will discuss the ruling and its impact with regional media.

To catch up on all the latest regional media coverage featuring the University of Minnesota health policy experts you trust visit our Storify page.

From pink polka-dotted outfits and tutus to wear home from the hospital to toy cars and tool sets for birthday presents, it's no secret that little boys and girls are quickly encouraged to play specific gender roles. But in a world increasingly focused on gender equality, some are saying it's time to focus also on gender neutrality.

Activists in Sweden, one of the most gender equal nations in the world, are now promoting a gender-neutral pronoun: hen. The idea initially surfaced years ago as a way to avoid space-consuming he/she writing. But now, some argue the concept could be key to encouraging a society where everyone is free to choose their own self, especially small children.

But Walter Bockting, Ph.D., a professor in the University of Minnesota's Program in Human Sexuality, isn't sure the effort is necessary in terms of child development.

"Gender generally develops in very predictable ways," Bockting said, "and for the small percentage of people who don't identify with the traditional gender categories of boy or girl, man or woman, these types of accommodations can be beneficial. But whether that identity applies is hard to determine until much closer to adolescence."

Instead of discouraging gender-oriented play, Bockting suggests parents and caregivers provide a variety of options and activities to toddlers and young children. This allows parents to focus time and energy encouraging interests of the child while remaining open and supportive, whatever those interests may be.

"As long as the interests of the child are first at hand, it's best to just let the child play and grow," said Bockting. "Given space, time and an open environment, children will discover their own interests and identity."

Photo by Horia Varlan, used via Creative Commons License, flikr.com.

A new study published this month in the journal Appetite shows that parents who eat more family meals with their kids eat more fruits and veggies.

To learn more about the results, we talked with Jerica Berge, Ph.D., a University of Minnesota Medical School assistant professor in the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health. Berge is the lead author of the latest study, which is part of the larger, ongoing study Project EAT study examining the eating patterns of middle and high school students enrolled in Minneapolis and St. Paul school districts.

Here's what Berge had to say:

Q: Why research how family meals affect mom and dad?
Berge: We knew that adolescents and children who have regular family meals are less likely to be overweight and obese. They eat more healthfully overall in terms of consuming more fruits and vegetables, consuming less sugar-sweetened beverages, and being less likely to engage in extreme weight control behaviors that often lead to eating disorders. So, we wanted to know if the same was true for parents.

Q: What did your research find?
Berge: More frequent family meals are associated with a higher fruit and vegetable intake for moms and dads. When eating more meals together with family, dads also ate less fast food, while moms participated in less unhealthy dieting and binge eating.

Q: How many more fruits and vegetables were parents eating?
Berge: Overall, moms and dads went from eating 2-3 servings of fruits and vegetables per day to eating 4+ servings per day. In families that ate zero meals together as compared to families that ate meals together 5+ times per week, moms specifically went from 3 to 4+ servings of fruits and vegetables. Dads went from 2 ½ servings to 4. That's a total of 1-2 more servings each day for mom or dad!

Q: So, now I know eating with my family means I'll likely eat more fruits and veggies. What now?
Berge: The take home message is that family meals may benefit everyone in the family. Less fast food for dads, less unhealthy eating for moms and more fruits and vegetables for everyone means better health all around. Don't just plan family meals to help the kids; do it for the whole family, including yourself.

(Photo courtesy of Stefano Chiarelli via creative commons license.)

Early morning meetings sometimes mean a doughnut from the coffee cart as you start up the computer, just as a late night out usually translates into a quick stop at the sub shop or pizza parlor. Turns out, these not-so-great food choices are a pretty universal response to lack of sleep.

New research out of New York City's St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital Center shows a link between a lack of sleep and craving unhealthy foods like sugars, fats and high-carb options.

Doctors surveyed 16 healthy young adults and found brain regions associated with reward and motivation were highly activated when participants hadn't slept well.

Michael Howell, M.D., a sleep medicine physician and associate professor in the University of Minnesota's Medical School, isn't surprised by the results.

"In all spheres of our lives, judgment is impaired when sleep-deprived," says Howell. "Without enough sleep, you're less able to avoid temptation."

There are a lot of other ways a lack of quality sleep can impact our waistlines, according to Howell.

Earlier this week, ABC's Robin Roberts announced she is battling myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a disease of the blood and bone marrow. In patients with MDS, the bone marrow keeps trying to make more blood cells to make up for a deficit, but many of these cells die before they make it into the blood stream. The condition is often treated with chemotherapy and bone marrow transplants.

MDS can be a scary condition for patients. More than 10,000 patients are diagnosed with the condition each year and 30 percent of those cases progress into acute leukemia. The condition can occur seemingly at random with few known causes.

For reasons still unknown, Minnesota owns the country's highest incidence rate of MDS. As a result, both the University of Minnesota and the Mayo Clinic have made MDS research a priority, which spells good news for MDS patients across the country.

Together, the two institutions are taking the lead on the development of new tools to both diagnose and treat the condition.

Recently, U of M and Mayo researchers were awarded $1.35 million by the Minnesota Partnership to combat the disease. That grant comes on the heels of a five-year, $2.5 million grant awarded last year to U of M epidemiologist Julie Ross, Ph.D., and pediatric hematologist-oncologist Erica Warlick, M.D., to conduct the nation's first large scale epidemiologic study of MDS.

"There aren't many studies where we look at newly-diagnosed patients and follow them over time, so we've never truly investigated why people get MDS," said Ross. "Therefore we can't definitively say which patients will see their disease progress into leukemia. We want to take the speculation and shift it into fact, giving patients a better chance against the disease."

KSTP recently caught up with Warlick to learn more about MDS. You can watch that video here. For more on University of Minnesota research into MDS, visit cancer.umn.edu.

(Photo of crystal meth, courtesy Radspunk via creative commons license.)

A naked man, apparently high on drugs, was killed this week in Miami while attacking another man on the street. Police believe the suspect, Rudy Eugene, 31, had been high on "bath salts," a synthetic drug similar to LSD. When confronted by officers, Eugene growled at their intrusion and seemed to be unaffected by the shots fired into his body until officers were able to kill him.

Psychosis induced by drugs, particularly chemical-based drugs, is a common response to overdosing. Emergency room physicians and psychiatric care centers handle psychotic episodes on a regular basis.

"There are a number of drugs, illicit or prescription, which can lead to a psychotic episode," says S. Charles Schulz, M.D., professor and head of the University of Minnesota's Department of Psychiatry. Drugs most commonly associated with it are LSD, methamphetamine and Adderall.

While the attack in Miami is not a common expression of these induced psychotic episodes, there are a variety of symptoms that can indicate psychosis. Paranoia, frenzy and other erratic behavior can all indicate a person is heading toward significant psychosis.

So what's happening inside the body? According to Schulz, it depends on the drug ingested by the patient. Amphetamine-based drugs, like meth, stimulate the dopamine receptors in the brain, which increases paranoia and takes away the capacity for self-control. These patients can usually be treated with anti-psychotic medication. LSD, however, stimulates the serotonin in the brain, and results in patients generally needing a calm and safe place to come down from the high.

Physicians are pushing to understand the "ramping up" phase of a psychotic episode. In theory, catching someone during this building time could help stop a patient from hurting himself or others.

The University of Minnesota is focused on caring for people experiencing a psychotic episode. Check out their website to learn more about the First Episode Psychosis Program, a program dedicated to comprehensive assessment and treatment of psychotic illness.

It's difficult to treat a disease caused by something you don't know is there.

That's why Marna Ericson, Ph.D. in the Department of Dermatology and Center for Drug Design at the University of Minnesota's Medical School and Paulo Velho, M.D., Ph.D., a researcher from the University of Campinas (UNICAMP) in Campinas, Brazil are combining experience and expertise internationally to learn more about the hard-to-detect bacteria Bartonella.

Ericson and Velho are part of a joint U.S.-Brazil March government initiative encouraging science and technology collaboration between the U.S. and Brazil.

Not only did the pair recently participate in a round table discussion at the U.S. Department of State on recruiting, retaining and advancing women in science, but they also just received a three-year grant to study Bartonella from Brazilian government program Science Without Borders, alongside U of M Department of Medicine Professor Kalpna Gupta and two UNICAMP researchers.

"Bartonella may be causing sickness and we don't know it, because there's no good way to test for it," said Ericson. "Even the best state-of-the-art tests are inadequate."

Bartonella lives inside red blood cells and is responsible for cat scratch disease; an infection transmitted by--you guessed it--cats (although ticks, flies, fleas and other blood-transmitters can carry it, too). This stealthy bacterium is also responsible for an unknown number of other health problems including skin lesions, liver infections and brain dysfunction.

International collaboration between Brazil and U of M researchers is vital to successful research on Bartonella. Velho's yearlong appointment at the U allows both U of M researchers and Velho to share their unique experiences and research with the bacteria originally discovered in South America.

"We are a good example of collaborative work," Velho said, adding that Ericson and himself are hoping to make it easier for others to participate in a university exchange like their own.

If Ericson and Velho succeed in developing a better way to detect Bartonella, their international collaboration will result in cost savings stemming from improper disease diagnoses and will set the scene for developing treatments that have the potential to improve lives and help cure Bartonella-related disease.

(Photo credit: Tissue staining of Bartonella in skin by Marna Ericson.)

Dr. Bernadette Gillick was recently awarded a variety of grants to fund her upcoming study on the use of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Pediatric Hemiparesis, a form of non-invasive brain stimulation for children that can help combat damage to the brain's nerve endings caused by stroke.

Dr. Gillick joined the UMN faculty as a tenure-track assistant professor in October 2011. The New Faculty MMF Grant, CTSI Pre-K Grant and CTSI BDAC award recipient has spent the past three years working to improve current rehabilitation techniques.

"Our future studies will incorporate rehabilitation therapy techniques with the use of non-invasive brain stimulation," explains Gillick. "The overarching goal is to improve hand function for children who have hemiparesis, or weakness on one side of their body."

The new form of rehabilitation that Dr. Gillick will explore is an example of research at the University of Minnesota's Medical facilities.

University of Minnesota Medical School Professor of Pediatrics Dana Johnson, M.D., Ph.D., has been recognized by the Joint Council on International Children's Services for his advocacy and pioneering efforts to help establish adoption medicine as a field of practice. He received the lifetime achievement award in New York City on April 12, 2012.

"In 1985 we adopted a little boy from India and, while becoming acquainted with the process, realized that not very much was known about the medical status of adoptees," Johnson said.

Twenty-seven years later Johnson is still working to help learn more about the situations and environments that lead to medical problems in internationally adopted children. This work, done in the hope of ensuring better health for adoptees, is known as adoption medicine.

Johnson has changed the lives of thousands of orphans worldwide. He co-founded the University's International Adoption Clinic and has co-authored papers on the effects of ongoing institutional care as compared to family care.

While U.S. orphanages largely disappeared in the 1970s, Johnson says that the vast majority of children adopted internationally come from institutional settings such as orphanages. As children are more likely to suffer from social, nutritional and medical deprivation in institutions than they are under parental care, international adoptees are more likely to experience development and growth delays, vision and hearing problems, and emotional and behavioral troubles. Exposure to infectious diseases such as hepatitis, syphilis, HIV and tuberculosis can also pose problems.

Thanks in large part to Johnson's pioneering efforts, adoption medicine has become an established area of specialization within pediatrics. Today it is common practice for U.S. adoptive parents to consult with an adoption medicine specialist before and after their child's adoption.

Johnson said the most rewarding part of his work in adoption medicine is "seeing children who have clearly started out life with strikes against them going to parents that have enormous potential to provide the best possible outcome. The joy comes from meeting with children with great needs and seeing them enter families who are willing to do so much."

Find a video from one of the adoptees Johnson helped here.

You may not know it, but you may be one of every three Americans who will sleepwalk during their life.

University of Minnesota Medical School Professor of Neurology Mark Mahowald, M.D. and fellow researchers from across the nation found that 29% of adults will sleepwalk during their lifetime and 3 to 4% of us--or 8.4 million Americans--have sleepwalked in the past year. Mahowald and his colleagues' findings were published this week in the journal Neurology.

"It was formerly thought that sleepwalking was seen commonly in children but not in adults," says Mahowald. In reality however, sleepwalking is "very, very prevalent".

Sleepwalking's prevalence among the general population is much higher than many medical professionals and members of the community think.

Because parts of the brain can be awake while other parts are still asleep, the brain is capable of carrying out complicated behaviors (such as sleepwalking) while the conscious mind is still asleep.

While Mahowald and colleagues' study found that Americans already suffering from sleep disorders such as sleep apnea or insomnia, those taking sleeping pills and those suffering from depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) were more likely to sleepwalk than other groups, Mahowald emphasizes that anyone can sleepwalk.

"Initially, it was thought that it was related to psychiatric and psychological problems," he says. "People don't want to bring it up because they are afraid they will be told it's psychiatric. But, clearly, it's not related to psychiatric problems."

Technology has provided a host of ways to get information into the hands of an end user. Specifically, cell phones have opened up new doors for passing along information via text message or specialized alerts.

Now, U of M researchers from the School of Social Work, Masonic Cancer Center and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health will receive $675,000 over three years from the Susan G. Komen Foundation to develop new ways to use cell phones to promote breast cancer screening to Korean women.

Hee Yun Lee, Ph.D., assistant professor in the School of Social Work and Masonic Cancer Center, will lead the project and Doug Yee, M.D., director of the Masonic Cancer Center, and Rahel Ghebre, M.D., assistant professor in both the Masonic Cancer Center and the Medical School's Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health will act as co-investigators.

Congratulations to the researchers and we'll keep readers updated on the project as it moves forward.

If you've ever watched an Academic Health Center video on our website or YouTube channel, you know that our multimedia producer Jack McTigue has a knack for boiling down complex science into videos that are easy to understand.

For example, he once used a cartoon character named "Sal" to describe how one U of M researcher is using salmonella to fight cancer cells. He's also used animation to help the "domino donation" transplant process come to life.

We thought it would be fun to pull back the curtain a bit and show how Jack gets his creative process started.

In the end, Jack needs to ensure he understands the science tackled by our researchers. That way, he can illustrate their work to the public in a way that they'll understand.

This is the whiteboard outside Jack's office as he started brainstorming ideas that would result in this, his latest video.

Patient-centered radiology is more than possible. Anil Chauhan, Medical School, explains that in order for it to happen radiologists must broaden their focus and consider patients, politics and more.

Read on Health Imaging

Researchers from the University of Minnesota's Lillehei Heart Institute have effectively treated muscular dystrophy in mice using human stem cells. Rita Perlingeiro, Medical School and Lillehei Heart Institute, discusses the many aspects of her research.

Read on Phys.org

U of M researchers have effectively treated muscular dystrophy in mice using human stem cells. Rita Perlingeiro, Medical School, and John Wagner, Medical School, Stem Cell Institute, Masonic Cancer Center and University of Minnesota Physicians, talk about what this means for future treatment in humans.

Listen on WCCO

Read on FOX 9

The U of M and Fairview plan on building a $1 million outpatient clinic. Peter Bitterman, Medical School, Masonic Cancer Center and University of Minnesota Physicians, and Russell Luepker, School of Public Health and Masonic Cancer Center, discuss details of the new clinic.

Read on Pioneer Press

Women who got seed radiation as part of their breast cancer treatment were more likely to have an infection or breast pain. Todd Tuttle, Medical School, Masonic Cancer Center and University of Minnesota Physicians, discusses the advantages of Brachytherapy.

Read on FOX News

The genomics revolution, has given researchers an array of tools to extract information from once-living tissue. Edward Kaplan, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, talks about the information that could be found in hospitals, research institutes, museums and private labs.

Read on The Record

Gov. Mark Dayton vetoed a bill that would have allowed the sale of larger fireworks in Minnesota. Matthew Putnam, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, talks about many reasons why people get injured when using fireworks.

Read on Twin Cities Daily Planet

The area ticks call home is expanding, the risk of getting Lyme disease isn't limited to those who live up north. Ulrike Munderloh, Medical School, discusses how tick bites work and how they can infect you with a variety of diseases.

Watch on FOX 9

Heart disease is the number one killer of men and women in the United States, and more than 1,100 people die from it each day. Bob Wilson, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, talks about a new device that quickly detects heart blockages.

Watch on WCCO

New research from the U of M has shown that antidepressants can be used to help treat hot flashes. Kristin Ensrud, Medical School, explains that the medication can also be effective in reducing insomnia symptoms and improving sleep quality.

Watch on WCCO

On his weekly segment Jon Hallberg, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, talks about the huge variations in prices for treatment at U.S. hospitals.

Listen on MPR

A new U of M online workshop looks to help ag producers and their families cope better with stress. Katherine Slama, Medical School, explains that agricultural work and rural living can be very stressful for everyone and that the 11 new workshops can help everyone deal with the stress.

Read on Minnesota Farm Guide

A lack of support following traumatic life events such as relationship problems, the loss of a loved one, abuse and sexual assault can trigger eating disorders. Jerica Berge, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, discusses the findings of her study.

Read on US News & World Report

An early intervention program aims to help patients understand and live with mental illness after their first episode. Michael O'Sullivan and Rabindra Tambyraja, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, talk about the different aspects of the preventative program.

Read on MN Daily

In May, 219 students will graduate from the University of Minnesota Medical School. Medical residencies will allow these students to continue their training but unfortunately, a limited number of residency slots in Minnesota means more than half of our graduating students will land outside our state's borders.

Statistics show that once we lose these students, it's difficult to bring them back.

Worse, the cost to hospitals forced to recruit providers from out of state is twice what it costs to train them in-state.

So why can't we simply add more residency slots? There are a few reasons but one of the primary reasons is funding.

In 2011, the Minnesota State Legislature severely reduced funding that supports graduate medical education. The funding, known as Medical Education and Research Costs (MERC), was slashed from $63 million to $31 million.

Last week, Minnesota Public Radio's Elizabeth Dunbar put the spotlight on the challenges associated with cutting medical education funding. Read the story and listen to the feature here.

A recent and rare transplant chain provided new kidneys for three new patients. Ty Dunn, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, explains that the chain folds in on itself and you have three pairs and everybody donates and everybody gets a transplant.

Watch on KARE 11 and KSTP

Since December the Medical School's Program in Health Disparities Research has been working with community health programs and barbershops to participate in the Clipper Clinic. The clinic offers free preventive health services -- and a free haircut -- to anyone who walks in.

Read on Star Tribune

It's a good question, and one that puzzled many health experts for decades.

But starting in the mid 1980's, a doctor named Dr. Bruce Beutler helped increase modern medicine's understanding of how our body's sense and respond to infection. In doing so, he helped shift the treatment approach for inflammatory conditions impacting millions of patients worldwide.

Beutler discovered an important family of receptors that allow mammals to sense infections when they occur, triggering a powerful inflammatory response. For this work he received the 2011 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Subsequently, his research led to new treatments that have dramatically improved modern medicine's approach to rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, psoriasis and other inflammatory conditions.

On Friday, April 20, 2012, Beutler will speak at the 50th Annual J.S. and H.R. Blumethal Memorial Lecture in the Mayo Auditorium, located at 420 Delaware Street Southeast. The event, which is sponsored by the University of Minnesota Medical School's Center for Immunology, is free and open to the public.

About Dr. Bruce Beutler

Beutler is currently a Regental Professor and Director of the Center for Genetics of Host Defense at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. He has authored or co-authored more than 300 papers, which have been cited more than 46,000 times.

For nearly a century, the third year of medical school has been a pivotal point in training. Medical schools at the University of Minnesota, Columbia University, the University of California, San Francisco, and Harvard are strengthening their innovative programs to help third year students.

Read on New York Times

On his weekly segment Jon Hallberg, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, talks about the mysterious world of migraines and why women are more than three-times more likely to suffer from migraines than men.

Listen on MPR

The U of M has launched a BioClock Baby Plan fertility assessment to help women find out if there will be any health complications when they do get pregnant. Gail Kelly, Medical School, talks about what the test looks at and what results people can expect.

Watch on KSTP

For the past five years Jonathan Slack, Medical School and Stem Cell Institute, has influenced the education and research opportunities at the University. At the end of this calendar he will be stepping down as the director as the Stem Cell Institute.

Read on MN Daily

Minnesota dialysis centers as a group ranked seventh best in the country in 2010. Thomas Nevins, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, talks about why Minnesota has a low average mortality rate for patients with kidney disease.

Read on Pioneer Press and St. Cloud Times

aIt's spring allergy season, and we're hearing more and more sneezing everywhere. Holly Boyer, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, discusses many reasons why sneezes feel good on WCCO's Good Question segment.

Watch on WCCO

The genomics revolution, has given researchers an array of tools to extract information from once-living tissue. Edward Kaplan, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, talks about the information that could be found in hospitals­­, research institutes, museums and private labs.

Read on Washington Post

Medical School officials and clinic administrators throughout Minnesota say it will be difficult to retain young doctors without continued government support. Aaron Friedman, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, discusses many reasons why state funding would keep doctors in Minnesota.

Listen on MPR

Read on St. Cloud Times and Albert Lea Tribune

Traditional headache specialists have started recommending alternative therapies for migraine sufferers. Frederick Taylor, Medical School, explains that Butterbur, another anti-inflammatory herb, has been studied for preventing migraine attacks.

Read on FOX News

U.S. regulators are taking steps to check the spread of antibiotic-resistant infections from animals to humans. James Johnson, Medical School, talks about the new, proactive FDA guidenlines that have been put in place.

Read on Voice of America

On his weekly segment Jon Hallberg, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, discusses the changes to the Medical College Admission Test that prospective students are required to take.

Listen on MPR

In March, Alvin Carter became the first patient in Minnesota to receive a portable artificial heart that won't keep him tethered to a hospital. Peter Eckman, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, talks about who will receive artificial hearts in the future.

Read on Star Tribune and Pioneer Press

According to the Boston Globe, scientists at Massachusetts General Hospital and the Boston University School of Medicine may have cleared a major hurdle in the fight against cystic fibrosis: coaxing stem cells into different types of lung tissue.

The results of both teams were published in the latest edition of Cell Stem Cell.

The new developments arrive on the heels of approval for Kalydeco, a drug that targets the underlying cause of cystic fibrosis.

The University of Minnesota's Cystic Fibrosis Center is directly involved in trials for Kalydeco. While the drug is currently approved for patients over age six, the U of M is helping determine if more people could also be helped by this new treatment.

In addition, U of M researchers are currently conducting cystic fibrosis and lung disease research in both infants and children to help identify the disease at the earliest ages possible.

This research - alongside breakthroughs such as those out of Boston - may help prevent or ease the progression of the disease in the future.

A recent study implies that overweight women have great odds of having children with autism and children with developmental delays. Michael Georgieff, Medical School and University of Minnesota, discusses how this research relates to his research on fetal brains.

Read on Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

A study shows that Americans who receive a kidney from someone who is not a relative fall under certain demographics. Arthur Matas, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, discusses possible explanations to the research findings.

Read on Reuters

Area doctors work to bridge cultural suspicion of medical care, particularly life-saving transplants. Mohamed Hassan, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, discusses works to bridge a gap between Minnesota's East African community and the medical community.

Read on Star Tribune

The University of Minnesota Physicians' Reproductive Medicine Center is heading a service that analyzes a woman's fertility. Theodore Nagel, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, explains that the goal of the assessments is to increase women's education and awareness of their reproductive chances at an older age.

Watch on UM News and KARE 11

Read on MN Daily

British researchers say that antibiotics may be safe and effective alternative to treating appendicitis. Anupam Kharbanda, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, talks about he is concerned about only treating appendicitis with solely antibiotics.

Read on NPR and KUNC

On his weekly segment Jon Hallberg, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, talks about correlations between obesity and cancer, as well as a connection between depression and sleep disorders.

Listen on MPR

It is a phenomenon that doctors don't fully understand: More girls beginning puberty at a younger age. Bradley Miller, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, discusses some of the potential reasons why girls are maturing earlier.

Watch on WCCO

A new study shows that tumors found by mammograms would not have caused any problems during a woman's lifetime, but treated anyway. Douglas Yee, Medical School, Masonic Cancer Center and University of Minnesota Physicians, explains that deciding which tumors are dangerous and those that are not life-threatening is impossible.

Watch on FOX 9

There is now a way for women to check their biological clock. Theodore Nagel, Medical School and University of Minnesota, discusses who is a great fit for the biological clock test and some reasons why women are choosing to take the test.

Watch on KARE 11

Researchers in Norway recently published new research demonstrating that women today undergo unneeded treatment as a result of additional mammograms and an increase in cancer diagnoses.

The new study estimates 15 to 25 percent of breast cancers found by mammograms wouldn't cause problems during a woman's lifetime, but the tumors were treated anyway.

But do the numbers tell the whole story? University of Minnesota Physician Doug Yee, M.D., director of the University of Minnesota's Masonic Cancer Center isn't so sure. In an interview with Fox 9, Yee said studies like this shouldn't be cause to abandon mammography.

"The bottom line is that mammograms were useful for most women who received the test," he said, "and it was very clear that they had fewer breast cancer deaths because women were participating in mammogram screening programs."

Watch the entire Fox 9 story.

To help foster the next generation of global health scientists, Fogarty International Center and its partners at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) are building a network of U.S. academic institutions to provide early-career physicians, veterinarians, dentists and scientists with a significant mentored research experience in a developing country.

To support the effort, the NIH will award $20.3 million over the next five years. The money will send 400 early-career health scientists on nearly year-long research fellowships in 27 low- and middle-income countries. The Fogarty Global Health Program for Fellows and Scholars will provide five consortia of academic institutions with about $4 million each, to support the training activities of a total of 20 partner institutions.

The University of Minnesota Medical School's Division of Global Pediatrics was one of one of only two universities in the Midwest to receive a Fogarty award. The award builds on the University's strong global health research programs in Uganda and Kenya.

"This award will allow the University of Minnesota to foster the next generation of global health researchers and confirms the U of M's role as a leader in global health research and education," said Dr. Chandy John, U of M's principal investigator on the award and Director of the Division of Global Pediatrics.

Learn more about the Medical School's Division of Global Pediatrics.

After entering remission for leukemia, a Brooklyn Park girl is hoping her bone marrow transplant will help. Troy Lund, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, explains that donor bone marrow cells can help recreate the immune system, which occurs several days after chemotherapy.

Read on 12 News

University of Minnesota researchers have recently published updates to two distinct efforts aimed at combatting Parkinson's disease (PD) by tackling the basic science behind the disease.

The end goal of the two studies is to advance understanding of the mechanism's behind the condition's neurodegeneration in hopes of developing a drug that will provide effective therapy for PD patients, treating the underlying causes of the disease and other related disorders.

Parkinson's disease is a disease of the central nervous system, and 60,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with the condition each year. The most obvious symptom of the disease is uncontrolled body movements when resting. Once the disease progresses further a patient can experience changes in their mood, dementia, problems with their senses and sleep difficulties.

Read more about these two distinct studies.

Georgia is looking to become the latest state to approve a law that would ban abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Steven Calvin, Medical School, discusses the possibility of a fetus experiencing pain.

Read on Life News

A young boy from Rockford is doing well after undergoing a kidney transplant. Srinath Chinnakotla, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, talks about how the surgery at Amplatz Children's Hospital went.

Watch on KARE 11

On his weekly segment Jon Hallberg, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, discusses the new medical developments for this upcoming baseball season.

Listen on MPR

Patients from racial and ethnic minorities are half as likely to receive recommended excision of melanoma in situ than white patients. Maria Hordinsky, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, explains that the ethnic disparity findings "completely shocking."

Read on Medscape

University of Minnesota Medical School researchers are attempting to slow the onset of Parkinson's disease and understand more about how it affects people. They hope to develop a drug that will treat the underlying causes of the disease.

Read on KSTP

While we know that post-traumatic stress disorder impacts its victims, we're just starting to understand its effects on the brain. Apostolos Georgopoulos, Medical School, discusses the effects of PSTD and some of the findings researchers at the U of M have discovered.

Read on MPR

It turns out that 70 million Americans are having trouble getting a good night's sleep. Mark Mahowald, Medical School, discusses the effects of sleep deprivation on people's daily performance at work, behind the wheel or in the classroom.

Read on ABC News

Former vice president Richard Cheney is doing very well after his recent heart transplant. Ranjit John, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, talks about how advances in ventricular-assist devices helped Cheney stay alive while he waited for the transplant.

Read on Washington Post

Two new studies published this week say taking aspirin daily can significantly reduce the risk of cancer and prevent tumors from spreading. Barbara Bowers, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, talks about the findings of her research.

Watch on FOX 9

Jason Russell, the creater of the viral video Kony 2012, was diagnosed with brief reactive psychosis. Charles Schulz, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, explains that brief reactive psychosis may go away quickly but seeking treatment is the best course.

Read on International Business Times

Television saw the comedy in drunkenness long before it saw the tragedy. Ken Winters, Medical School, discusses some of the reasons why the United States' television no longer finds in funny to be considered an alcoholic.

Read on The Atlantic

"Match day" comes at the end of a weeklong process in which students are either placed or not placed into their residencies. Of the 219 fourth-year medical students in the University of Minnesota's Medical School, 213 were matched to a residency program.

Read on MN Daily

Michael Lee, Medical School, had a pair of research papers published. The papers address two problems faced by patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and the findings may have therapeutic implications for this diseases and others related to the same area of the brain.

Read on Alzheimer's Research News

University of Minnesota officials presented a plan to finance the long-discussed Ambulatory Care Center without the state's help. Bobbi Daniels, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, discusses the importance of the new facility.

Read on MN Daily

A quarter of the doctors practicing in America were trained overseas, many from countries with acute health-worker crises. Ajay Rawal, Medical School, explains his experience of going to school in India and coming to practice medicine in the United States.

Listen on MPR

A recent study suggests a cancer diagnosis coupled with clinical trial participation can have psychological effects on patients. William Robiner, Medical School, Masonic Cancer Center and University of Minnesota Physicians, discusses how the stress alleviates as the trial progresses.

Read on EmpowHER

New research supports the belief that the power of exercise can complement traditional interventions for depression and anxiety. William Roberts, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, discusses how exercise is underutilized in medicine for all kinds of prevention.

Read on Seattle Times

Minnesota medical professionals and health advocates are becoming more concerned about a growing number of people who are not getting vaccinated. Kristin Nichol, Medical School, talks about how tens of thousands of people are dying from vaccine-preventable diseases.

Read on Hopkins Patch

A recent study shows stress is affecting our health even more drastically than once imagined. Apostolos Georgopoulos, Medical School, explains that we now know that the brain is constantly changing in size and that a smaller brain may not actually be a bad thing.

Listen on MPR

In their fight to cure diabetes, Mayo Clinic and University of Minnesota researchers are creating a tiny, innovative sensing system as part of an artificial pancreas.

Read on Post Bulletin

A Stillwater High School senior has had the desire to provide medicine to the less fortunate. Kalpna Gupta, Medical School and Masonic Cancer Center, discusses how she worked very hard in his lab and presented research at the American Society of Hematology conference.

Read on Pioneer Press

At the U of M's Mini Medical School, roughly 200 people listen to professors speak about research or clinical applications being conducted. Steve Jepsen, Academic Health Center, explains that classes bring an engaged group of people to campus who would not usually take medical school classes.

Read on MPR

Amplatz Children's Hosptial will be conducting the first ever cord blood transplant soon. John Wagner, Medical School, Masonic Cancer Center, Stem Cell Institute and University of Minnesota Physicians, explains the transfer could cure the patients leukemia.

Watch on WCCO

The Medical School's Stroke Research Center conducted a 10-year study that found the calming presence of cats in our lives can reduce the risk of having a heart attack by 40 percent.

Read on Star Tribune, The Gazette, Miami Herald, Examiner and Petside

The National Institutes of Health, more than half of adults ages 60 and over have trouble sleeping. William Roberts, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, explains he has seen exercise help a large number of my older patients who've had sleep issues.

Read on New York Times

On his weekly segment Jon Hallberg, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, discusses the medical roots of the Iditarod, an annual sled dog race in Alaska.

Listen on MPR

Making cancer immunotherapy more effective, researchers report they have succeeded in halting the progress of aggressive melanoma in its tracks. Jeff Miller, Medical School and Masonic Cancer Center, discusses the importance of cell-based therapy.

Read on LA Times and Boston Herald

Memory "killer" T cells are specialized cells that develop in response to specific infections and launch an attack if the specific pathogen returns. Kris Hogquist, Medical School and Masonic Cancer Center, discusses viruses that trigger the activation of memory T cells.

Read on News Medical

Researchers at the U of M and Mayo Clinic have received a $1.35 million grant to study a form of blood cancer. Julie Ross, Medical School and Masonic Cancer Center, explains that there isn't much known about myelodysplastic syndrome, other than it can lead to leukemia.

Read on MPR

Jakub Tolar, Medical School, Masonic Cancer Center, Stem Cell Institute and University of Minnesota Physicians, explains that the U of M has the only program in the world that's using bone marrow and cord blood stem cells to treat EB, a terrible skin disease.

Read on 16 WNDU

Drug trial outsourcing to foreign countries is rapidly becoming an attractive alternative for pharmaceutical companies. Carl Elliott, Medical School and Center for Bioethics, talks about how the danger is that we have no idea what's going on in these clinical trials.

Read on MSNBC and Catholic Online

John Ohlfest, Medical School, Masonic Cancer Center, Stem Cell Institute and University of Minnesota Physicians, and Chris Moertel, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, discuss an upcoming neuro-oncology symposium and current research here at the U of M.

Watch on KARE 11

A new study found people who took prescription strength sleep aids were nearly four times more likely to die earlier, or get cancer. Michael Howell, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, explains that the study will reinforce that these meds need to be prescribed with caution.

Watch on KARE 11 and 11 Alive

On his weekly segment Jon Hallberg, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, discusses a new study, which confirms that standard tests like colonoscopies and removal of precancerous polyps can be effective in reducing colon cancer deaths.

Listen on MPR

The Association of American Medical Colleges approved changes last week to the Medical College Admittance Test. Kathleen Watson, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, discusses the reasons why the changes to the test needed to be made.

Read on MN Daily

Scheduling sex is something some couples do and others refuse to do. Eli Coleman, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, talks about how scheduling and prioritizing sex can revitalize a romance once the initial excitement has worn off.

Read on UK Daily Mail

The Minnesota Cystic Fibrosis Center was one of the clinics to test Kalydeco, which could help treat certain types of the disease. Jordan Dunitz, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, discusses how important the drug is and the effectiveness of it.

Read on MN Daily

After more than a decade of delayed plans, the University of Minnesota is still committed to building a new Ambulatory Care Clinic. The U of M Medical School, the University of Minnesota Physicians and Fairview will partner to help fund a new site.

Read on MN Daily

Researchers are looking into the use of stem cells to help damaged hearts repair themselves. Doris Taylor, Medical School and Stem Cell Institute, has been able to grow a rat heart that beats as if it were in the animal's live body but it is not strong enough to replace one.

Read on Oman Tribune

Can staring at a digital screen all day damage your eyesight? Joseph Terry, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, explains that screens aren't a problem but when we stare at them we don't blink as frequently, causing our eyes to dry out more.

Watch on WCCO

A first-of-its-kind study is underway to test the impact of stem cells on restoring the heart's muscle function. Ganesh Raveendran, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, explains that the trial is designed for heart failure patients with no option for treatment.

Watch on KARE 11

A U of M clinical trial is underway, researching ways to slow/stop the onset of Type-1 Diabetes. Antoinette Moran, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, talks about how a team of researchers will be searching for more participants at the JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes.

Watch on FOX 9

A major study shows that colon screening can cut death rate from colorectal cancer by 53 percent. David Rothenberger, Medical School, Masonic Cancer Center and University of Minnesota Physicians, explains that this changes how doctors look at earlier research.

Read on Star Tribune, New York Times, TIME, Huffington Post, Washington Post and Boston Globe

Student volunteers from the School of Public Health, Medical School, School of Nursing and College of Pharmacy use an inter-professional approach, combining their skills, to find the best care for patients at a free, student-run clinic in the Phillips Neighborhood of Minneapolis.

Read on Twin Cities Daily Planet

On his weekly segment Jon Hallberg, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, discusses a new study that a common antibiotic is no more effective in treating sinus infections than placebos.

Listen on MPR

A first of its kind study aims to answer the questions what makes us age and how aging affects the brain. Apostolos Georgopoulos, Medical School, talks about studying healthy brains with a MEG, which takes an undistorted, highly detailed image of brain activity.

Listen on MPR

Countless children are habitual nail-biters, hair-twisters, thumb-suckers or nose-pickers. Andy Barnes, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, talks about reasons children pick these habits up and different techniques to help put an end to them.

Listen on Mom Enough

A jury found a 36-year-old Plankinton man guilty on eight counts of child sex abuse. Rich Kaplan, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, testified in the case and explains that physical evidence doesn't prove one way or another.

Read on The Daily Republic

Researcher from the U of M and Mayo Clinic are running a clinical trial to see if the measles virus can fight cancer. Robert Kratzke, Medical School, Masonic Cancer Center and University of Minnesota Physicians, discusses how measles have been used to fight other cancers.

Read on Mesothelioma Help

Between 4 and 5 million women in the US have peripheral artery disease but few are diagnosed and fewer receive adequate treatment. Alan Hirsch, Medical School, School of Public Health and University of Minnesota Physicians, discusses raising awareness about the disease.

Read on Web MD, MSN, Forbes, US News & World Report and MedPage Today

On his weekly segment Jon Hallberg, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, talks about how the vital organ works and whether there's any truth to the idea that a person can die of a broken heart.

Listen on MPR

Strokes are normally a condition associated with the elderly, but they can happen to in children - even the unborn. Andy Grande, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, discusses research that could potentially help babies that suffered an in-utero stroke.

Watch on FOX 9

Routine screening at primary care clinics led large increases in diagnoses of brain-function impairments such as dementia in older veterans. J. Riley McCarten, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, discusses the results of his study.

Read on US News and World Report, Star Tribune, Doctors Lounge, Third Age and Sarasota Herald-Tribune

For 20 years, Karen Ashe, Medical School, has been quietly unraveling the mysteries of Alzheimer's from her lab at the University of Minnesota. At 57, she's won almost every major award in her field short of the Nobel Prize.

Read on Star Tribune

States with more comprehensive sex education programs had lower teen birth rates - but the effect seemed to be due more to political, religious and social differences. Marla Eisenberg, Medical School, discusses other influences on adolescent sexual behavior.

Read on Reuters, Chicago Tribune and FOX News

Doctors are seeing a surprising increase in the number of patients talking about texting while asleep. Michael Howell, Medical School, talks about the causes of sleep texting and the age group he sees it in most often.

Watch on KARE 11

Birth control plays a central role in keeping women healthy. Carrie Ann Terrell, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, talks about prescribing birth control for many conditions other than contraception.

Read on MinnPost

A Minnesota mother is pushing all parents to vaccinate their kids after a case of whooping cough put her baby in intensive care. Mark Schleiss, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, talks about how vaccine refusal has led to a lot of severe illnesses in children.

Watch on WCCO

People enrolled in early stage trials for possible cancer treatments may underestimate the risks involved and overestimate the potential benefits. Mary Faith Marshall, Medical School and Center for Bioethics, discusses ways to improve the informed consent process.

Read on Reuters, Chicago Tribune and FOX News

A new survey shows one in ten doctors say in the last year they'd told a patient something that wasn't true. Steven Miles, Center for Bioethics, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, explains that doctors have a duty to disclose the truth to patients.

Watch on FOX 9

The U of M Medical School decided to combine four clusters within the finance department in an effort to cut costs. Mark Paller, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, talks about how the school constantly looks for ways to increase efficiency.

Read on MN Daily

Susan G. Komen Foundation has recently decided not to support embryonic stem cell research. Dan Kaufman, Medical School, Masonic Cancer Center, Stem Cell Institute and University of Minnesota Physicians, discusses how his research with these cells have killed cancerous tumors in rats.

Read on Huffington Post

Three days of cefpodoxime failed to measure up to 3 days of ciprofloxacin in the treatment of women with acute uncomplicated cystitis, a bladder infection. James Johnson, Medical School, discusses how useful the results of the study will be in the future.

Read on Medscape Today

Doris Taylor, Medical School and Stem Cell Institute, a prominent researcher at the University of Minnesota will be leaving to start a new chapter of research at the Texas Heart Institute.

Read on Star Tribune, Cardiovascular Business and MN Daily

Psychiatrists say seasonal affective disorder affects thousands of people each winter. Charles Schulz, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, explains the different aspects of the disorder.

Watch on KSTP

A recent court ruling states that there must get consent to store blood samples from newborn screening could hinder biomedical research. Mark Schleiss, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, uses many of these blood samples to test for newborn infections.

Read on Nature

About 5 percent of Americans suffer from compulsive shopping. Jon Grant, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, explains the addiction is not about the acquisition of the item itself, it's about the experience of acquiring it.

Read on Chicago Tribune

The sex life of older adults is getting new attention in the face of some staggering statistics. Eli Coleman, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, explains that longer lives and more divorces may be leading older people to have more sex partners than in the past.

Read on ABC News

A baby was born with nothing covering his heart or his abdominal organs. James St. Louis, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, explains that these are extremely rare conditions but the baby is getting healthier and growing normally.

Watch on KARE 11

On his weekly segment Jon Hallberg, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, talks about how Americans use of the Internet for medical issues is changing.

Listen on MPR

Discontinuation of steroid use after a kidney transplant can help prevent serious side effects and does not jeopardize the survival of the transplant. Arthur Matas, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, explains that long-term steroid use may not be necessary anymore.

Read on Medical Xpress and MedPage Today

A recent study shows that gaining or losing a chromosome, a condition known as aneuploidy, is often caused by stress. Judith Berman, Medical School and Masonic Cancer Center, discusses aneuploidy's underappreciated role in generating genetic diversity.

Read on The Scientist

A University of Texas researcher has mutant worms that may help find better drugs for Parkinson's disease. Karen Mesce, Medical School, discusses how works with medicinal leeches to figure out more about how different dopamine levels change the fluidity of motion in animals.

Read on University of Texas News

The U of M's Visible Heart lab is the only place in the world where researchers can study beating hearts outside the body. Paul Iaizzo, Medical School, discusses how working in the lab sometimes feels like a television show.

Listen on MPR

The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) will on Friday decide if it will proceed with its hearing about the conduct of Dr Wouter Basson. Steven Miles, Center for Bioethics, Medical School and University Physicians, has been a key expert in the trial.

Read on Mail & Guardian

On his weekly segment Jon Hallberg, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, discusses how the brain ages and the links between healthy living and memory retention.

Listen on MPR

The U of M Medical Center, Fairview, announced Wednesday a recently completed chain of kidney transplants. Ty Dunn, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, explains kidney chains involving Fairview have resulted in 18 people receiving transplants.

Read on Pioneer Press

Watch on KSTP and KARE 11

Minnesota researchers set up special work stations at a Minneapolis business to assess the health benefits of standing rather than sitting at a desk. Steven Stovitz, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, discusses the things researchers are testing for.

Read on MPR

Fueled by $500,000 a year from the fund, U brain researchers are hoping to turn nano ideas into mega results. David Redish, Kenneth Baker, Marilyn Carroll, Gulin Oz, Medical School, and Yasushi Nakagawa, Medical School and Stem Cell Institute, talk about their projects.

Read on Star Tribune

One-third of all adults in the state either have diabetes or are pre-diabetic. Elizabeth Seaquist, Medical School, Schulze Diabetes Institute and University of Minnesota Physicians, discusses the scope of the disease, it's impact, and the most promising research.

Listen on MPR

The cure for diabetes could come from cells from pigs being raised in germ-free pens. Bernhard Hering, Medical School, Schulze Diabetes Institute and University of Minnesota Physicians, talks about how pig cells have worked by reversing diabetes in other animals.

Read on National Hog Farmer

A new program at the U of M may be able to help by providing resources to parents on how to counsel your kids and keep them out of rehab. Ken Winters, Medical School, explains the use of 'motivational interviewing' and how many kids don't get the help they need.

Watch on FOX 9

In a live discussion with MPR's Lorna Benson, Lisa Chow, Medical School and University of Minnesota, talks about obesity and other factors that are related to type 2 diabetes.

Read on MPR

On his weekly segment Jon Hallberg, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, discusses the toll diabetes is taking on the people in Minnesota.

Listen on MPR

Miles Belgrade, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, discusses how the Fairview Pain Management Center (FPMC) works closely with patients in order to fully understand what they are experiencing and how to provide the best treatment possible.

Read on Pain Medicine News

The worldwide diabetes epidemic is taking a huge toll in Minnesota. Elizabeth Seaquist, Medical School, Schulze Diabetes Institute and University of Minnesota Physicians, discusses how diabetes can be devastating throughout a patient's life.

Listen on MPR

Watch on KARE 11

Read on Winona Daily News and Grand Forks Herald

A recent study explains feeding antibiotics to feeding animals increases drug resistance in the bacteria living in those animals. Jim Johnson, Medical School, talks about the concerning effects of resistant bacteria in antibiotic-fed farm animals.

Read on Lincoln Tribune

The cure for diabetes could come from cells from pigs. Meri Firpo and Bernhard Hering, Medical School, Schulze Diabetes Institute and University of Minnesota Physicians, discuss the possibility of pancreatic islet cells from pigs being used to produce insulin in humans.

Read on MPR

Hundreds of doctors and nurses haven't been able to treat anyone in Minnesota where barriers to foreign-trained medical workers are formidable. Will Nicholson, Medical School, discusses how they are the kind of people who have strong connections to underserved communities.

Read on MinnPost

Difficult gymnastic routines require strong and experienced spotters, and fewer males are available to protect the gymnasts. Suzanne Hecht, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, explains why men tend to make better spotters.

Read on Star Tribune

A family in the U.K. has a baby boy who could save the life of his older brother should he have a leukemia relapse. Susan Wolf, Medical School and Center for Bioethics, is mentioned in regards to whether children should be protected from having to donate their stem cells.

Read on The Blaze

Pick eating can often cause problems in a family. Jerica Berge, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, discusses how the picky-eater problem is so common that it's not unusual for families to fix a main meal and for at least one child to eat something different.

Read on Cleveland Plain Dealer

Recent hockey injuries have prompted coaches, parents and players to re-examine the sport's safety. William Roberts, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, discusses different ways serious hockey injuries occur.

Liston on MPR

Everyone experiences stress, but a new report suggesting American stress levels are lower than they were in 2007 has many feeling skeptical. Charles Schulz, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, talks about the results of the report.

Watch on FOX 9

Cardiac arrests in marathon and half-marathon runners have become more common during the past decade. William Roberts, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, talks about how people need to pay attention to how they are feeling while exercising.

Read on Pioneer Press

On his weekly segment Jon Hallberg, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, discusses the recent attention paid over the past decade to reducing medical errors in the outpatient procedures, in hopes to reduce deaths, infections and injuries.

Listen on MPR

About 5 percent of Americans suffer from compulsive shopping. Jon Grant, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, discusses ways to help someone you know break his or her shopping addiction.

Read on U.S. News and World Report

Sleep disorder experts are seeing a small but growing number of teens sending text messages on their cellphones while still asleep. Conrad Iber, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, explains how these messages can cause problems later for the teens.

Read on MLive

Exercise may be the single most effective thing you can do to stay healthy, but many people never hear their doctors mention it. Steven Stovitz, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, explains how pedometers and other strategies can help people stay active.

Read on Star Tribune

Every year 300 Minnesotans on average suffer spinal cord injuries. Ann Parr, Medical School, Stem Cell Institute and University of Minnesota Physicians, discusses how the Stem Cell Institute's research could lead to normally functioning spinal chords, even after an injury.

Watch on KARE 11

The FDA will prohibit certain antibiotics in specific food animals in an attempt to preserve the antibiotics' effectiveness for treating human infections. James Johnson, Medical School, talks about the importance of the FDA's decision.

Read on Family Practice News

Jon Hallberg, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, joins MPR's Midday segment to answer questions about the latest health and medicine stories in the news.

Listen on MPR

Timothy Wilt, Medical School, and Timothy Church, School of Public Health and Masonic Cancer Center, discuss that annual screening for prostate cancer with the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test doesn't reduce men's risk of dying from the disease.

Read on MinnPost

The New Year is full of hope, endless possibilities, and inspires us to set health-conscious resolutions with good intentions. Shalamar Sibley, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, discusses how vitamin D will lead to better weight loss.

Read on CMV Live

Over the years, there have been several complaints from researchers that their work was being distorted by religious-right groups. Greg Remafedi, Medical School, talks about his experience with disruptions during his research.

Read on Huffington Post

A group of transgender men and women want New York City to make it easier to change the "M" or "F" on their birth certificates. Walter Bockting, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, discusses how making a permanent gender change is difficult for many.

Read on BBC News

Hurler syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects how chains of sugar molecules are broken down in the body. Paul Orchard, Medical School and University of Minnesota, talks about how the build up of sugar molecules in the body can cause serious damage to the patient.

Read on The Chronicle-Telegram

Starting last year, thousands of the replacement hips have been recalled. Edward Cheng, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, explains the recall is related to the wear of the device causing some kind of reaction within the environment of the hip joint.

Watch on KARE 11

Many U.S. fertility clinics don't tell egg donors that embryos made from their eggs may end up being used in stem cell research. Steven Miles, Center for Bioethics, Medical School and University Physicians, discusses the idea of disclosing the use of the donated eggs.

Read on FOX News, Reuters and The Atlantic

Sleep-texting is the latest twist on sleepwalking or talking in one's sleep. Conrad Iber, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, explains it concerns doctors for two reasons. It's yet another way that technology is disrupting needed sleep and it's more public than sleep talking or walking.

Read on Star Tribune

Steven Miles, Center for Bioethics, Medical School and University Physicians, and Michael Osterholm, School of Public Health, discuss the most significant events ("good" or "bad") in their field of expertise in 2011.

Read on MinnPost

A growing number of medical schools are turning to longitudinal integrated clerkships to promote patient-centered care. Kathleen Brooks, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, talks about the U of M's Rural Physician Associate Program.

Read on American Medical News

Researchers have mapped out how the HIV virus hijacks components of the human cells it infects. Reuben Harris, Medical School and Masonic Cancer Center, is part of the collaborative effort to find new drug and treatment therapies for the HIV virus.

Read on Leader Post

On his weekly segment Jon Hallberg, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, talks about the shortage of prescription drugs, the challenge to the effectiveness of the flu vaccine and other big medical stories of 2011.

Listen on MPR

A judge ruled that offering financial incentives to encourage people to donate bone marrow cells is legal. John Wagner, Medical School, Masonic Cancer Center and University of Minnesota Physicians, explains this is unlikely to create a "marketplace" like for bone marrow.

Read on American Medical Association News

Research from Dorothy Hatsukami, Medical School and Masonic Cancer Center, was presented in discussing recent studies that focus on smoking cessation.

Read on Benzinga, Small Cap Network and Proactive Investors

Everything from the type of vehicle you choose to special features can help make driving with arthritis joint pain easier. Erica Stern, Medical School, talks about why people with osteoarthritis need to do their research before buying a car.

Read on Everyday Health

Young men's sexual thoughts are nearly equaled by their food drives, according to a new study. Eli Coleman, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, explains that these three thoughts are fundamental drives toward sustaining life and basic appetitive drives.

Read on Star Tribune, Vancouver Sun and Sacramento Bee

Using non-invasive electronic stimulation, coupled with occupational therapy, researchers are hoping kids can increase hand function after a stroke. Bernadette Gillick, Medical School, discusses the significant gains researchers have made using this therapy.

Read on Star Tribune

On his weekly segment Jon Hallberg, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, discusses the drug thalidomide, which was given to pregnant woman for morning sickness but caused babies to be born with deformed and shortened limbs.

Listen on MPR

The objective was just to screen the Israeli teens for vision and hearing problems, but the mission expanded. Hilary Stecklein and Jerry Kobrin, Medical School, explain that the trip provided the opportunity to observe what works well in the villages while also providing medical support.

Read on White Bear Lake Press Publications

Jonathan D'Cunha and Naomi Fujioka, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, and Joel McCauley, Medical School, discuss how lung cancer in people who have never smoked has a higher death rate than several other types of cancer.

Read on MN Daily

Scheduling sex is something some couples do and others refuse to do. Eli Coleman, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, talks about how scheduling and prioritizing sex can revitalize a romance once the initial excitement has worn off.

Read on Huffington Post and Yahoo!

Trichotillomania is the hair-pulling disorder, but few people have actually heard of the disorder. Jon Grant, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, explains that it never seems life-threatening to people, but the people who suffer from it, their quality of life is impaired.

Read on Star Tribune

One of the first patients to receive a kidney transplant as a child has come back to thank the doctor who saved his life 33 years ago. John Najarian, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, talks about his experiences seeing old patients.

Watch on FOX 9

Touching on history, uses and ethics, class on stem cells is offered for the first time this spring. Jeffrey Simon, Masonic Cancer Center, and Dan Kaufman, Medical School, Stem Cell Institute and University of Minnesota Physicians, talk about why this class is important to teach.

Read on MN Daily and National Right to Life

A government-sponsored expert panel says most cases of early prostate cancer shouldn't be called cancer at all. Timothy Wilt, Medical School, discusses a study he lead, which demonstrated a very low risk of dying from prostate cancer over 15 years.

Read on NPR

Moms eat more and get less exercise than women without children. Jerica Berge, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, talks about the feeling of not being able to pay attention to your health because of parenting demands.

Read on TIME

Researchers in Switzerland have not only established the first causal link between cocaine-induced changes to brain cells and altered physical behavior, they have also reversed these changes. Mark Thomas, Medical School, talks about the potential impact of these findings.

Read on The Scientist

Ruth Lindquist, School of Nursing, John Finnegan, School of Public Health, and Peter Bitterman, Medical School, Masonic Cancer Center and University of Minnesota Physicians, discuss the pros and cons of having a Medical School dean and an AHC vice president.

Read on MN Daily

On his weekly segment Jon Hallberg, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, discusses a study concluding that eating baked fish can reduce the risk of Alzheimer's and the new generic form of Lipitor, used to lower high cholesterol.

Listen on MPR

Chocolate milk may be the athlete performance aid of choice. Lisa Ferguson-Stegall, Medical School, talks about how specific kinds of proteins in chocolate milk may also have some performance-boosting benefits.

Read on Scienceline

The Wallin family has created the Discovery Fund and four U of M neuroscience researchers Kenneth Baker, Gulin Oz, David Reish, Medical School, and Yasushi Nakagawa, Medical School and Stem Cell Institute, have been awarded the round of awards.

Read on Star Tribune

Liz Pluhar, College of Veterinary Science, John Ohlfest, Medical School, Masonic Cancer Center and Stem Cell Institute, and Chris Moertel, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, talk about testing vaccine for a deadly form of brain cancer on dogs.

Watch on CBS News

Many parents struggle to sort through varied and often contradictory bits of potty-training advice they receive. Andy Barnes, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, helps cut through the confusion of potty training with both concrete tips and wise advice.

Listen on Mom Enough

Until recently, children's temper tantrums had not been considered a legitimate subject for science. Michael Potegal, Medical School and University of Minnesota, explains that his recent study is the most quantitative theory of tantrums that has ever been developed.

Listen on NPR and KOSU Radio

Read on ABC News and TIME

A U of M research team has successfully reversed diabetes by transplanting pig islet cells into diabetic monkeys. Bernhard Hering, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, explains this is not a cure but has potential for becoming a vital treatment option.

Read on Duluth News Tribune

There is a new DNA test for pregnant women that can detect Down syndrome as early as 10 weeks into the pregnancy with astounding accuracy. Tracy Prosen, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, talks about how this test can help families prepare for the future.

Watch on KARE 11

Ayotte amendment on secret torture overshadows abuse problems with "Army Field Manual." Steven Miles, Center for Bioethics, Medical School and University Physicians, talks about the implications of the Ayotte amendment.

Read on Truth-Out

President Eric Kaler re-established the Preparation for Residency Program, which retrains immigrant physicians partly to fill the shortage of primary care doctors. Will Nicholson, Medical School, discusses how these physicians bring different perspectives to Minnesota medicine.

Read on Star Tribune

Global influenza vaccination levels remain low and the rate of growth is slowing, despite the increasing provision of vaccine supplies. Kristin Nicol, Medical School, discusses the importance of routine flu vaccination of healthcare professionals.

Read on Pharma Times

Updated tenure standards in the Medical School have been pending approval for nearly a year and half. James Carey, Medical School, and Aaron Friedman, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, discuss the process for tenure approval.

Read on MN Daily

Michael Jackson's personal doctor received the maximum punishment in the pop singer's death. Steven Miles, Center for Bioethics, Medical School and University Physicians, talks about how it's dangerous when a doctor enters into an exclusive relationship with a patient.

Read on Washington Post, CBS News, BioEdge and Bloomberg Businessweek

An alarming number of Minnesotans are opting-out of vaccinating their kids before sending them to school. Nancy Waller, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, explains the reasons why people choose to vaccinate their children or not.

Watch on WCCO

When you go to your doctor's office you'll usually get weighed in and you might even have a conversation about weight loss. Jon Hallberg, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, discusses how effective physicians are at controlling obesity.

Listen on MPR

Better, prolonged therapy for smokers helps them kick the habit, even smokers who have no desire to quit. Anne Joseph, Medical School, Masonic Cancer Center and University of Minnesota Physicians, explains the findings of this new approach that helps smokers quit.

Read on USA Today, US News & World Report, Star Tribune and Pioneer Press

Sites with objective information comparing quality and cost at physician practices are elusive. Brian Sick, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, explains the difference between what people typically find in searches and the information patients actually need.

Read on American Medical News

On his weekly segment Jon Hallberg, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, discusses the Food and Drug Administration's decision to revoke its recommendation of a prominent cancer drug for use against breast cancer.

Listen on MPR

Seasonal Affective Disorder can affect up to 10 percent of people in our part of the world. Scott Crow, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, discusses the symptoms and some of the remedies.

Listen on WCCO Radio

Electro-magnetic charges from anti-theft gates that people walk through at stores have the potential to send pacemakers off course. David Benditt, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, discusses how to avoid problems with store's security systems.

Watch on KSTP and KAAL TV

Salmonella hospitalizes 20,000 and kills almost 400 people every year. Ed Greeno, Medical School, Masonic Cancer Center and University of Minnesota Physicians, explains how he is attempting to use salmonella to fight cancer.

Read on WNDU

Mark Paller, Medical School's Duluth campus and University of Minnesota Physicians, Arlen Severson, Janet Fitzakerley and Alan Johns, Medical School' Duluth campus, talk about the pros and cons to making faculty's lecture slides available on the internet.

Read on MN Daily and MPR

Jakub Tolar, Medical School, Masonic Cancer Center, Stem Cell Institute and University of Minnesota Physicians, explains a recent study is the first to show conclusively that fetal cells assist in cardiac tissue repair.

Read on New Scientist and Zee News

It's important to make sure people understand both sides of animal research. Dick Bianco, Medical School, explains why he invites high school students to his lab for field trips to "counteract" PETA's message that using animals for research is wrong.

Read on MN Daily, Desert News and In Forum

Active adults who sustain sports injuries have grown more savvy about seeking care for injuries and rehabilitation to get back on their feet. William Roberts, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, talks about the relationship between exercise and medicine.

Read on Sacramento Bee

Health care professionals in Montana received $692,983 in payments and perks from drug companies between 2009 and early 2011. Carl Elliott, Medical School and Center for Bioethics, talks about how these payments impact the research conducted.

Read on Billings Gazette

There's a genetic factor, present in male mammals, that is vital to making sure those mammals develop male sex characteristics. David Zarkower, Medical School and Masonic Cancer Center, discusses his research and the findings.

Read on Boing Boing

In 2010, Morris Beck was diagnosed with left-side heart failure, limiting his physical activity and threatening his life. Peter Eckman, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, talks about LVAD technology and how it can help many dealing with heart problems.

Read on The Daily Republic

Patients with clogged leg arteries are better off exercising than having a doctor place a stent in their legs to improve blood flow. Alan Hirsch, Medical School, School of Public Health and University of Minnesota Physicians, explains how many fitness programs are covered by insurance.

Read on Bloomberg Businessweek, MedPage Today, Internal Medicine News and Med India

Overweight children are the most common victims of teasing at school, a new Yale study finds. Marla Eisenberg, Medical School, discusses how school faculty should take weight-related harassment as seriously as other forms of peer victimization.

Read on Yale Daily News

Bumblebees and many other insects often consume different bacteria in order to protect themselves from other infections. Alexander Khoruts, Medical School and University of Minnesota, explains how humans use medical procedures to get the same results against infections.

Read in Discover Magazine

The neti pot, an age-old method of fighting colds, allergies and sinus infections, returns to favor. George Goding, Medical School and University of Minnesota, explains how to use a neti pot to help with colds and sinus infections.

Read on Star Tribune

Researchers investigating the effects of electronic health records on healthcare outcomes. Donald Connelly, Medical School, Masonic Cancer Center and University of Minnesota Physicians, talks about the findings of his research on electronic health records.

Read in CMIO Magazine

Children usually model the habits that they learn from their parents. Julia Steinberger, Medical School, Masonic Cancer Center and University of Minnesota Physicians, explains that the family has to be on board and be supportive of eating healthy or nothing will happen.

Read on Calorie Lab

A new honors designation is giving first- and second-year Medical School students a new incentive to work hard. Kathleen Watson, Medical School, discusses how these honors can effect the stress levels of students and the options available to help cope with that stress.

Read on MN Daily

In a new study, infants who had high levels of hemoglobin proteins in their blood ended up with lower scores on tests. Michael Georgieff, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, gives other explanations for high hemoglobin levels and explains the next step for the research.

Read on Reuters, Yahoo! and International News Network

People with high blood pressure have more trouble than others in picking up emotional cues, a new study finds. Mustafa al'Absi, Medical School's Duluth campus and Masonic Cancer Center, talks about how high blood pressure can affect other signals from the brain as well.

Read on FOX News and My Health News Daily

It can be one of the biggest issues in a marriage: how much sex is enough to keep everyone happy? Eli Coleman, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, discusses this question on WCCO's Good Question.

Watch on WCCO

On his weekly segment Jon Hallberg, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, discusses recent studies that show flu shots aren't as effective as we used to think and neither is the PSA screening for prostate cancer.

Listen on MPR

Indoor trampoline parks are staking a claim in the Twin Cities by catering to everyone. Stella Evans, Medical School, talks about how these trampoline parks carry a high potential for children to be injured.

Read on Star Tribune

Kathleen Watson and David Satin, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, discuss the changes the University has made, in recent years, to the admissions process and curriculum to make sure students learn people skills as well as technical aptitude.

Read on MN Daily

The search for a cure, or even a less-complicated treatment, is still on a long road to its goal. Meri Firpo, Medical School, Stem Cell Institute, Schulze Diabetes Institute and University of Minnesota Physicians, explains why stem cell therapies are perfect for diabetes research.

Read on LA Times and The Republic

Doug Yee, Medical School, Masonic Cancer Center and University of Minnesota Physicians, was mentioned in an editorial discussing the continuing need for cancer research funding and the potential global impact this research could have.

Read on Star Tribune

Nelson Rhodus, School of Dentistry, and Bevan Yueh, Medical School and Masonic Cancer Center, discuss the increase in the amount of diagnoses of HPV-associated oral cancer.

Read on Minnesota Medicine

The U of M will be bringing together brain researchers for the "Brain Science: The Next Frontier" conference, in an effort to move their field forward. Aviva Abosch, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, discusses her current brain research.

Read on MPR

College students who have served in the U.S. conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan are more likely to use tobacco, drink in excess and engage in other behaviors that endanger their health and safety. Rachel Widome, Medical School, explains more findings from their study.

Read on Health Behavior News Service

A team of academics published the results of a study comparing the health of parents of young children to non-parents. Jerica Berge, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, explains the findings of her study.

Read on ABC News

More than 30 cancer clinical trials have either been put on hold or face potential delays as a result of a shortage of cancer drugs. Levi Downs, Medical School, Masonic Cancer Center and University of Minnesota Physicians, talks about the drug shortage problem.

Read on Wall Street Journal (subscription needed) and Fierce Biotech

Minnesota cancer doctors say they're pleased that President Obama has taken steps to address acute drug shortages. Ed Greeno, Medical School, Masonic Cancer Center and University of Minnesota Physicians, discusses the benefits and challenges of Obama's actions.

Read on MPR

In order to retake control of breast cancer, many women are choosing to get preventive mastectomies. Elizabeth Habermann, Medical School, talks about how the number of women choosing this surgery has increased over the years.

Read on Detroit Free Press and Wausau Daily Herald

A new type of cigarette, which is altered tobacco to lower the nicotine content, is being tested to find ways to regulate the addictiveness of cigarettes. Dorothy Hatsukami, Medical School and Masonic Cancer Center, discusses her study with the new cigarettes.

Read on New York Times, American Council on Science and Health and Taiwan News

A Brooklyn man has pleaded guilty to brokering the sale of black-market organs. Arthur Matas, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, discusses options that would decrease trafficking of organs.

Read on Brooklyn Eagle

Paul Iaizzo, Medical School, explains that the U of M's Visual Heart Lab is the only lab in the world that routinely animates hearts, both human and animal, without blood so that students and researchers can see everything working inside a heart.

Watch on KARE 11 and WFMY

Macaran Baird, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, strongly supports collaboration between mental health and medical care. He has worked tirelessly during his career trying to merge the two separate entities.

Read on The Daily Orange

The link between itch and pain has been teased apart for the first time - a development that could lead to powerful anaesthetics without any of that intolerable itching. Glenn Geisler, Medical School, discusses what this mean for the future of anaesthetics.

Read on New Scientist

Most screen-detected breast cancer survivors have been either overdiagnosed or diagnosed early without effect on mortality risk. Timothy Wilt and Melissa Partin, Medical School, talk about how talking with a physician provides a patient with reliable information.

Read on MedPage Today, New York Times and LA Times

Some of the synthetic marijuana products sold contain a chemical that may be illegal to sell and possess. Kendall Wallace, Medical School's Duluth campus, talks about the substance that makes the synthetic drug illegal.

Read on Fargo Inforum

Bill Gleason, Medical School, and Carl Elliott, Medical School and Center for Bioethics, discuss whether or not people have an obligation to participate in medical research.

Read on BioEdge

Hospital programs to lessen the overuse of antibiotics are helping to reduce antibiotic resistance and costs. Susan Kline, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, discusses the benefits of hospitals using these programs.

Read on US News & World Report

A new study by Alan Hirsch, Medical School, School of Public Health, Lillehei Heart Institute and University of Minnesota Physicians, shows that Minnesota had more than 4,300 amputations caused by leg artery blockages from 2005 to 2008, resulting in $88 million in hospital costs.

Read on MPR

A recent study showing an uptick in death, heart attack and hospitalization for patients undergoing dialysis after a two-day gap in treatment. Robert Foley, Medical School, discusses his research and findings from the study.

Read on Chicago Tribune

Gregory Beilman, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, and Les Drewes, Medical School's Duluth campus, discuss a new technology that may help prolong the lives of victims suffering from massive blood loss or trauma.

Read on News-Medical

Michael Reiff, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, contributed to an article about new guidelines urging parents and doctors to be on the lookout for signs of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children as young as 4.

Read on Huffington Post

During his weekly segment Jon Hallberg, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, answers questions about cancer screenings, the causes of infectious and chronic diseases, immunizations and more.

Listen on MPR

Updated guidelines for the diagnosis and management of patients with peripheral artery disease have recently been released. Alan Hirsch, Medical School, School of Public Health, Lillehei Heart Institute and University of Minnesota Physicians, talks about the impact of the new guidelines.

Read on Cardiology Today

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force issued its new draft recommendation regarding the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. Timothy Wilt, Medical School, explains the new recommendations.

Read on MinnPost

A researcher is changing genes in pigs so they grow up with diabetes or heart disease. Scott Fahrenkrug, Medical School and Stem Cell Institute, discusses how these pigs could help find cures for these diseases.

Read on Star Tribune

Pre-eclampsia, pregnancy induced hypertension, affects three per cent of all women worldwide. Jeffrey Gilbert, Medical School, talks about how exercising during pregnancy could help to reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia.

Read on Public Service UK

Kola Okuyemi, Medical School, Masonic Cancer Center and University of Minnesota Physicians, administered free, no-strings-attached checkups on blood pressure and cholesterol at Wilson's Image Barbers on West Broadway in North Minneapolis.

Read on Twin Cities Daily Planet

Steven Miles, Center for Bioethics, Medical School and University Physicians, discusses his testimony in the case of Dr. Wouter Basson, a South African physician known as "Dr. Death," and the ethics of physicians during wartime.

Read on Star Tribune

Deaths of runners during marathons are rare, but they do happen. William Roberts, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, explains the survival chance of a person who has a heart attack while running in a marathon.

Read on Greensboro News-Record

Fitness classes that incorporate the baby and carriage are getting the attention of new moms across the Twin Cities. Jerica Berge, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, explains how parents can find time during their busy schedules to work out.

Read on Star Tribune

Selective thoracic fusion for adolescent scoliosis patients yields long-term stable spinal balance and lumbar curve correction. A. Noelle Larson, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, discusses the research and what her team found during the study.

Read on Doctor's Lounge

The debate over using embryonic stem cells for research continues. Jonathan Slack, Medical School and Stem Cell Institute talks about serving on a panel which discussed embryonic stem cell research in Minnesota.

Read on North County Times

Fecal transplants, have been performed most often and produced the most promising results in patients with "C. diff." Alexander Khoruts, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, discusses his group of doctors publishing guidelines for the procedure.

Read on Washington Post

Andrew Oxenham, Medical School, explains psychoacoustics, which establishes the difference between a sound that is made and what actually gets past our ears.

Read on Guardian UK

Edward Greeno, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, discusses the upcoming Mini Medical School. Mini Med is a semi-annual program that brings in people from the community and teaches them the latest and greatest U of M medical research.

Watch on KARE 11

Epilepsy has been in the news lately as a result of University of Minnesota football coach Jerry Kill. James White, Medical School, explains his hopes that Kill's high public profile will hopefully lead to more information and education about epilepsy and its treatment.

Read on Hudson Star Observer

A clinical trial is identifying the unique fingerprint of breast cancer tumors, in the hopes of creating faster, more effective treatments. Doug Yee, Medical School, Masonic Cancer Center and University of Minnesota Physicians, explains more about the cancer research.

Read on KARE 11

A new recommendation from the U.S. Preventative Task Force says not to use a blood test to routinely screen healthy men for prostate cancer. Badrinath Konety, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, talks about physicians reactions to the new recommendation.

Read on MPR

Jon Hallberg, Medical School and University of Minnesota Physicians, discusses how not seeing drug representatives has helped him to focus more on the practice evidence-based prescribing of medication.

Read on Minnesota Medicine