On the Heights: March 2025
Departmental news, research highlights, community achievements, and more to help you stay connected with the Michigan Public Health community.
Research
HIV risk decreases in transgender, nonbinary, and gender diverse individuals receiving gender-affirming hormone therapy, U-M study says
Overall, the study, published in The Lancet HIV journal, found that hormone therapy for patients receiving medical care to align their physical characteristics with their gender identity improved all HIV-related health outcomes for transgender, nonbinary and gender diverse people.
Abnormal menstrual bleeding, a likely culprit in menopausal fatigue, rarely discussed as cause
Q&A with Siobán Harlow
Although midlife women going through menopause often report feeling tired or fatigued, the causes of this fatigue are seldom discussed in the lay or scientific literature. Among other causes, excessive menstrual bleeding may increase the risk of iron deficiency/anemia that contributes to fatigue.
HBCU students show better mental health outcomes despite support gaps, new report finds
The findings reveal a complex picture of student well-being at historically Black colleges and universities
Black students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs) experience better mental health outcomes in several key areas compared to their peers at other institutions, while also facing distinct challenges that require attention, say University of Michigan School of Public Health researchers.
Wildland-urban fires trigger biological changes in firefighters, may explain increased cancer risks
Firefighters who fight fires in wildland urban interface zones, where undeveloped and developed land meet, appear to experience genetic changes that may help explain their elevated risk for certain cancers and other diseases, according to a study led by the University of Michigan.
U-M Precision Health joins with Michigan Genomics Initiative and e-Health & AI to become AI & Digital Health Innovation
The AI and Digital Health Innovation collective combines the focused efforts of two core communities representing the diverse, high-impact areas of digital health research taking place across U-M.