UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN

Many parents worry their kids aren’t popular or making the right friends; 1 in 5 parents say their 6-12-year-old has no or not enough friends. Parents often prefer their child’s friends come from similar families, which can limit broader social skills. Most parents believe their child wants new friends and take steps to help, but some face barriers like shyness or medical conditions. Parents should balance guidance with allowing independence in social situations.

Natureferm, owned by Waukon natives Jim and Jody Zahn, opened an R&D center at 17 1st Street NW in May, focusing on developing a life-saving drug for Wilson disease in partnership with Iowa State University, the University of Michigan, and a German Research Institute. The company provides biotechnology R&D services, aiming to improve existing products or make them more affordable.

Kevin Ward, a University of Michigan professor, established the Max Harry Weil Institute for Critical Care Research and Innovation, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation in critical care. Ward's contributions have led to numerous FDA-approved medical products and startups, earning him the Distinguished University Innovator of the Year Award.

Apple's latest AirPods feature built-in hearing aids for mild to moderate hearing loss, with personalized adjustments via iOS 18 hearing tests. Additionally, new Apple Watch features detect sleep apnea, pending FDA approval.

Cereno Scientific announced an article by BioStock featuring an interview with CEO Sten R. Sörensen on the Orphan Medicinal Product Designation for CS1 in PAH. The article is available [here](https://news.cision.com/cereno-scientific/r/biostock-has-published-an-article-on-the-approved-ompd-for-cs1-in-the-eu-including-an-interview-of-c,c4034854).

A study finds gun deaths among children and teens rose in 90% of U.S. states from 2018-2022, with firearms overtaking motor vehicle deaths as the leading cause. Boys were almost twice as likely to die as girls, especially from gun-related deaths. Only six states saw a decline in child deaths, with Rhode Island showing the most significant drop.

The U-M Concussion Center seeks a Clinical Research Coordinator to support research activities, reporting to the Managing Director. Responsibilities include coordinating projects, regulatory tasks, data management, and clinical trial support. Required qualifications include 2+ years of research coordination experience, a relevant bachelor's degree, and proficiency in research software. Desired qualifications include concussion content knowledge. This full-time, term-limited position offers a salary range of $55-65K and potential for renewal.

Ketamine is effective for depression but poses risks to fetuses; only 20% of clinics require pregnancy tests, and 26% discuss contraception. Researchers urge standardization in reproductive counseling and contraception recommendations during ketamine treatment.