Boredom, relaxation and experimentation are among top reasons teens vape

ANN ARBOR—Nicotine vapes are sometimes marketed as aids for cigarette smoking cessation. However, teens do not typically turn to electronic nicotine vapes to curb smoking habits, according to University of Michigan research.  The study, “Reasons for Vaping Among U.S. Adolescents,” published in Pediatrics (online Nov. 12), examined data from in-school surveys of U.S. students in… Continue reading Boredom, relaxation and experimentation are among top reasons teens vape

U-M consumer sentiment surveys remain robust measurement of economic behavior

After transition from phone to web-only methods, surveys stay true to trends ANN ARBOR—Following a four-month transition from phone-based methods, the University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers has entered its third month of exclusively using web interviews as of October. With these advancements in information-gathering methodology, the survey remains robust, trustworthy and dedicated to amplifying… Continue reading U-M consumer sentiment surveys remain robust measurement of economic behavior

Echoes of youth: High school binge drinking predicts midlife alcohol use, women most affected

ANN ARBOR—The high school party days never really ended for a surprising number of middle-aged adults.  A University of Michigan study reveals that adults aged 35 to 60 are drinking at unprecedented rates, with a striking link between high school binge drinking and risky midlife alcohol consumption.  Women, in particular, seem to be experiencing a pronounced surge… Continue reading Echoes of youth: High school binge drinking predicts midlife alcohol use, women most affected

Parenting affects kids’ brains differently at different ages 

ANN ARBOR—Early exposure to harsh parenting during preschool years can have widespread effects on the organization of the entire brain’s communication. Later exposures affect specific brain areas.  A new University of Michigan study published in JAMA Pediatrics highlighted how harsh and warm parenting during early, middle and late childhood impacted brain development during adolescence and… Continue reading Parenting affects kids’ brains differently at different ages 

Consumer sentiment rises as labor market perceptions improve

ANN ARBOR—Consumer sentiment lifted for the third consecutive month, inching up to its highest reading since April 2024, according to the University of Michigan’s Survey of Consumers. Sentiment is now more than 40% above the June 2022 trough.  This month’s increase was primarily due to modest improvements in buying conditions for durables, in part due… Continue reading Consumer sentiment rises as labor market perceptions improve

Vision loss now recognized as modifiable risk factor for dementia

Contact: Jon Meerdink ([email protected]) ANN ARBOR — An influential medical research report now recognizes vision impairment as a modifiable risk factor for dementia, a significant development in the ongoing work of both vision health and cognitive health professionals. The 2024 Lancet Commission report included vision impairment among its modifiable life course risk factors for dementia,… Continue reading Vision loss now recognized as modifiable risk factor for dementia

Four from U-M elected to National Academy of Medicine

11/10/11 Environmental portraits of the Peripheral Neuropathy group at BSRB.

ANN ARBOR—Four University of Michigan faculty have been elected to the National Academy of Medicine, one of the highest honors in medical research. Kenneth Langa, Erica Marsh, Santa Ono and Marc Zimmerman are among 100 newly elected health and medical scientists recognized for their outstanding professional achievement and commitment to service. The four researchers were… Continue reading Four from U-M elected to National Academy of Medicine

Double duty: Multiplex helpers are key to older adults’ health and happiness

ANN ARBOR—Having a multiplex helper is essential for enhancing the well-being of older adults. Recent findings show that 76% of older adults with at least one confidant and one caregiver have at least one multiplex helper—a person filling both roles—which has the potential to improve their overall health and happiness. Married or partnered seniors more… Continue reading Double duty: Multiplex helpers are key to older adults’ health and happiness

Consumers’ support for trade and immigration declines, small change on higher taxes for wealthy

ANN ARBOR—American consumers view the economic impact of both trade and immigration more critically now than in 2020, according to the University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers. The share of consumers voicing support for increased trade fell from 68% in 2020 to 54% in 2024. Unlike four years ago, when a majority of consumers across… Continue reading Consumers’ support for trade and immigration declines, small change on higher taxes for wealthy

Sustainability Survey launches on October 7

The University of Michigan will launch its latest Sustainability Cultural Indicators Program (SCIP) surveys on October 7. These surveys aim to assess sustainability knowledge, behaviors, and attitudes among students, faculty, and staff. Managed by the Institute for Social Research and the Graham Sustainability Institute, SCIP has provided valuable insights for campus operations since its inception… Continue reading Sustainability Survey launches on October 7