DR. ANNESLEY W. COPELAND, M.D.

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This study explored how stress influences people's choices to drink alcohol instead of non-alcoholic alternatives. Researchers found that stressed individuals were more likely to choose alcohol, especially when they hadn't been drinking beforehand, despite having a preference for non-alcoholic drinks. Specifically, stress increased the likelihood of choosing alcohol by up to 13%. Understanding this behavior is important because it shows how stress can lead people to make unhealthy drinking choices, which can inform prevention and treatment strategies for alcohol misuse. Who this helps: This helps patients dealing with stress and healthcare providers looking to support those at risk of developing alcohol-related issues.

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This study looked at the genetic blueprints of 14 different strains of a helpful fungus that lives in forests and helps trees grow by improving their nutrient absorption. Researchers found that the size and gene content of these genomes varied significantly, with sizes ranging from 42 to 96 million base pairs and the number of genes varying between 16,084 and 26,800. Understanding these differences is important because it reveals how these fungi adapt to different environments, which can help us better manage forest ecosystems. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and environmental conservationists working to understand and protect forest health.

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Researchers studied a rare and aggressive type of appendix cancer called goblet cell adenocarcinoma (GCA) to better understand its treatment using a method called CRS/HIPEC, which combines surgery and heated chemotherapy. Out of 183 patients, 30 had no spread of cancer, while 153 had peritoneal disease; among those with peritoneal disease, nearly 62.7% saw cancer return after treatment, and their five-year survival rate was 29.5%. This research highlights that while CRS/HIPEC can be beneficial for certain GCA patients, especially those without metastasis, more work is needed to help doctors determine which patients will benefit most. Who this helps: This helps patients diagnosed with goblet cell adenocarcinoma of the appendix.

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This research reviewed how health psychology theories are developed through a method called formal dynamical systems modeling. Researchers looked at 29 studies that focused on building these models, finding that most were created by teams in the United States and aimed either to understand health behaviors or to aid in creating effective treatment strategies. The study revealed that only a small number of teams engaged with the community or used transparent research practices, highlighting a need for better collaboration and openness. Who this helps: This benefits health psychologists and researchers working to improve health interventions.

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This study looked at how changing the way alcohol prices are presented affects people's purchasing habits. Researchers found that when alcohol is priced on a proportional basis—meaning the price per liter is the same regardless of the size—people tended to buy smaller products more often. Specifically, proportional pricing led to a 10.82% increase in purchases of smaller items like single cans or bottles, but it didn’t always mean people bought less alcohol overall, especially with certain products. Who this helps: This benefits consumers looking to reduce their alcohol intake and public health initiatives aimed at lowering alcohol consumption.

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Researchers collected and analyzed 45 samples of genetic material from different sizes of microorganisms in two areas of the Chesapeake Bay to understand how these communities change in oxygen-deprived conditions. They investigated how the types of organisms and their genetic abilities shift with changes in environment and size of particles the organisms attach to. This research helps us understand the health of aquatic ecosystems and the impact of environmental changes on microbial communities. Who this helps: This helps environmental scientists and policymakers working to protect water quality.

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This study looked at how easy it is for people in England to reach community pharmacies and how this access has changed from 2014 to 2023. It found that while most people (91.7%) still lived within a 20-minute walk of a pharmacy in 2023, the number of pharmacies available per 10,000 people dropped from 1.60 to 1.51, and poorer areas lost pharmacies at a higher rate. This decline in pharmacy availability is a concern because it means that more people are depending on fewer pharmacies, which could affect their access to medications and health services. Who this helps: This study benefits patients, particularly those living in deprived areas.

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This study looked at how different moods affect daily tobacco smokers' choices about smoking. Researchers found that when smokers were put in a negative mood, they reported feeling less happy and had higher cravings to smoke. However, their decision-making process about smoking and other choices didn't change much, despite these mood shifts. Who this helps: This research helps smokers better understand how their emotions influence cravings and decisions about tobacco use.

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Researchers studied how maternal depression affects the brain development of 5-year-old children, particularly focusing on an area of the brain called the left amygdala. They found that higher levels of maternal depressive symptoms, especially at three months after birth, were linked to a specific brain pattern in the children, known as regional homogeneity, which indicates how well different parts of the amygdala work together; in this case, a stronger connection was observed. This finding is significant because it highlights how maternal mental health after childbirth can impact the child's brain development, emphasizing the need for greater attention to postnatal depression's effects. Who this helps: This helps parents, caregivers, and healthcare professionals working with new mothers and children.

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This study examined how exposure to certain chemicals known as PFAS (found in many everyday products) during pregnancy affects brain development in children by age 5. Researchers found that higher levels of specific PFAS, such as PFNA and linear PFOA, were linked to changes in brain structure and function, notably affecting areas related to communication between brain hemispheres and visual processing. This research is important because it highlights potential risks of PFAS exposure during pregnancy, which is common in the environment. Who this helps: This information helps expectant mothers, healthcare providers, and policymakers aiming to reduce PFAS exposure.

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This study examined how our expectations and understanding of sentences affect how we read and process language. Researchers found that when reading sentences, the brain starts to respond to words that are expected, unexpected but sensible, or completely nonsensical even before we fully look at them. Specifically, they noted changes in brain activity that indicated we recognize and process these words differently based on their context, which helps make reading smoother and more efficient. Who this helps: This helps patients with reading difficulties, language learners, and educators.

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This research studied how different types of fungi in forest soil compete for resources, focusing on their gene activity in areas like boreal, temperate, and Mediterranean forests. The findings showed that saprotrophic fungi, which help break down dead plants, use more genes to degrade plant cell walls compared to other fungi types, while ectomycorrhizal fungi, which live in partnership with plants, more actively absorb nitrogen. These interactions are important because they can influence soil health and carbon storage, which is crucial for combating climate change. Who this helps: This benefits ecologists and conservationists who work to maintain healthy forest ecosystems.

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This study looked at the genetic activity of two types of biological soil crusts in the Mojave Desert when they were watered. Researchers collected and analyzed eight sets of data, revealing how these microorganisms respond and start working again after getting wet. This research is important because understanding these processes can help us learn more about life in extreme environments and how ecosystems recover after drought. Who this helps: This benefits scientists studying desert ecosystems and environmental recovery.

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This research examined the tiny living organisms found in two different types of biological soil crusts in the Mojave Desert. The scientists collected and analyzed genetic information from these organisms, revealing valuable details about their diversity and roles in supporting desert ecosystems. Understanding these microbial communities is important for maintaining healthy desert environments. Who this helps: This benefits environmental scientists and conservationists working to protect desert ecosystems.

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This study looked at how older adults understand speech in noisy environments compared to quiet ones. Researchers found that when trying to listen to sentences in noise, older participants had larger pupil sizes (which indicates effort), but their ability to remember unexpected words got worse. For example, their memory performance declined even though they were exerting effort, showing that listening in noise negatively affects how well they can recall information. Who this helps: This helps older adults who may struggle with hearing in noisy settings.

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This study looked at how changing people's perception of alcohol value affects their drinking choices. Researchers found that when participants viewed videos highlighting the negative aspects of alcohol, they were more likely to choose soft drinks over alcohol, with the rate of choosing soft drinks increasing significantly. Specifically, in the negative alcohol context, they found a higher rate of choosing soft drinks compared to alcohol (about 31% higher confidence in choosing soft drinks). This matters because it shows that altering the perceived value of alcohol can shift decision-making, which could be important for strategies aimed at reducing alcohol consumption. Who this helps: This helps patients trying to cut down on alcohol and healthcare providers supporting them.

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This study looked at how well Australian medical students are being educated about the health needs of LGBTQIA individuals. Out of 913 students from 21 medical schools, 89% agreed that LGBTQIA topics are important to cover, but most reported they received little to no teaching on this subject—only 30% learned about taking sexual histories, and even fewer learned about transgender (16%) and intersex (less than 7%) health. This matters because a lack of education in these areas can lead to poorer health outcomes for LGBTQIA individuals. Who this helps: This helps patients in the LGBTQIA community by promoting better health care from doctors.

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This study looked at a new type of cancer treatment using a patient's own immune cells, called T cells, that were specially trained to fight their unique cancer. Out of seven patients with advanced colorectal cancer who had tried other treatments without success, three showed significant improvement, with reductions in tumors in the liver, lungs, and lymph nodes lasting between 4 to 7 months. These results are important because they suggest that this personalized therapy can not only be safe but also effective in helping patients whose cancer hasn't responded to regular treatments. Who this helps: This benefits patients with advanced metastatic colorectal cancer, particularly those who have exhausted other treatment options.

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This study analyzed samples from Lake Mendota collected over nearly two decades to better understand the lake's microbial life. Researchers assembled and categorized a massive amount of genetic data, identifying nearly 1,900 unique bacterial genomes and over 6,300 viral sequences. This work is important because it establishes a detailed baseline for studying changes in microbial communities due to environmental factors and human activity. Who this helps: This benefits researchers studying freshwater ecosystems and their responses to environmental changes.

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Researchers studied the microbial communities in a coastal area of Washington State by collecting samples every 4 hours for 22 days during a phytoplankton bloom. They analyzed 128 samples to understand which bacteria, archaea, and viruses were present and how nutrient levels changed during the blooming cycle. This research is important because it provides detailed information about how these microorganisms influence the growth and life cycle of phytoplankton, which are crucial for marine ecosystems. Who this helps: This helps scientists and ecologists studying marine life and environmental health.

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This study examined the microscopic life in the water of East Sound, Washington, over a 22-day period. Researchers collected samples every 4 hours to track changes during different phases of phytoplankton blooms, focusing on two types: Rhizosolenia sp. and Chaetoceros socialis. They created a detailed dataset that includes information on bacteria, viruses, and environmental conditions, which can help scientists understand how these ecosystems operate and the impact of blooms on marine life. Who this helps: This research benefits marine biologists and environmental scientists studying ocean health.

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This study looked at the differences between people who drink heavily and those who used to drink heavily but have managed to cut back on their own, without any treatment. It found that people who reduced their drinking had a much lower desire for alcohol and were more likely to choose activities that didn’t involve drinking—showing that they prioritize non-drinking rewards. Specifically, these moderated drinkers showed 36% lower alcohol demand and 75% greater preference for non-alcoholic rewards compared to current heavy drinkers. Who this helps: This helps individuals trying to moderate their drinking and health professionals guiding patients to make healthier choices.

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This study looked at how older adults read sentences when the last word is either expected or unexpected. Researchers found that older adults usually read unexpected words at the same speed as expected words, but on some occasions, they took longer. This matters because it shows that older adults can use prediction in reading, but they don’t always choose to do so, indicating variability in their cognitive strategies. Who this helps: This helps older adults understand their reading abilities and can inform strategies for improving reading comprehension.

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This study looked at whether memantine could help prevent cognitive decline in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Out of 126 patients approached, 56 joined the trial, and 45 took at least one dose of memantine during their treatment. Results showed that 64% of participants had stable or better scores on a cognitive test after treatment, and 66% said their cognitive symptoms were stable or improved, indicating that memantine was well tolerated and might help maintain cognitive function during chemotherapy. Who this helps: This benefits breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

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This study looked at how current smokers and ex-smokers make decisions about tobacco, specifically focusing on how their thought processes differ. Researchers found that ex-smokers were more cautious when making choices related to tobacco, with significantly higher response thresholds (meaning they needed more confidence before making a decision) than current smokers. Understanding these differences is important because it can help develop better treatments for people trying to quit smoking. Who this helps: This helps individuals trying to quit smoking and the healthcare providers supporting them.

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This study looked at how white matter, a part of the brain important for development, changes in infants and 5-year-olds, focusing on differences between boys and girls. The researchers found that by age 5, girls had higher white matter density in key brain areas compared to boys, while no such differences were seen in infants. Understanding these developmental differences is crucial because it can help identify normal brain growth patterns and highlight potential areas for support in childhood learning. Who this helps: This benefits researchers, doctors, and educators working with young children.

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This study looked at how people in rural Alabama, mostly Black residents, start and keep up with lung cancer screenings. Among the 58 participants interviewed, many reported that advice from Community Health Advisors, friends, or their own smoking history encouraged them to get screened. However, while doctors had little influence on starting screening, they played a crucial role in encouraging people to continue once they started, especially when clear information about follow-up scans was provided. Who this helps: This benefits patients, particularly those in rural and Black communities, by improving access to and participation in lung cancer screenings.

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This study looked at how people decide to drink alcohol based on their emotional state, especially after negative feelings. Researchers found that heavy drinkers valued food less and did not show an increased desire for alcohol after feeling bad, while both heavy and light drinkers who craved alcohol more at the start shifted to valuing alcohol higher after a negative mood. This matters because it reveals that heavy drinkers might rely less on alcohol for coping than previously thought, suggesting a more complex relationship between emotions and drinking. Who this helps: This information helps mental health professionals and researchers understand drinking behaviors in heavy drinkers.

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This study looked at how a mother's feelings of depression and anxiety during and after pregnancy affect the brain development of their 5-year-old children, particularly focusing on white matter, which is important for brain communication. It found that higher levels of depression during the second trimester were linked to better brain structure in boys, while higher postpartum depression levels at three months were associated with poorer brain structure in girls. This is important because it highlights that a mother's mental health can have different impacts on her child's brain development based on the child’s sex and the timing of the mother's mental health struggles. Who this helps: This helps mothers, pediatricians, and child development specialists understand the importance of maternal mental health for children's brain development.

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This study looked at how the structure of young children's brains relates to their non-verbal reasoning skills. Researchers found that 5-year-old children with higher non-verbal intelligence scores (measured through specific tasks) had larger brain volumes in certain areas, including the left frontal and right visual regions. These results are important because they help us understand how brain development influences cognitive skills early in life and identify new brain areas that are important for future research on cognitive growth in children. Who this helps: This helps researchers and educators working with young children.

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This study looked at how to improve financial support for cancer patients, focusing on a program called oncology financial advocacy (OFA) that connects patients to financial resources. Researchers conducted nine focus groups with 45 financial advocates and found that OFA is often underused due to challenges like insufficient staffing and a lack of awareness among medical staff about the benefits of financial advocacy. To improve support for patients, more resources, training, and recognition of OFA as an essential service are needed. Who this helps: This helps cancer patients facing financial difficulties.

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This study looked at a new treatment called Closed Incision Negative Pressure Therapy (ciNPT) and compared it to standard dressings for healing surgical cuts in the lower abdomen. The findings indicated that ciNPT significantly reduced the chances of wound opening (by about 43%) and overall complications (by about 66%). This is important because fewer complications mean better recovery for patients who have undergone surgery. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing abdominal surgery.

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This study looked at how walking during chemotherapy affects side effects in women with early breast cancer. Researchers found that women who walked more than 30,000 steps per week experienced less fatigue, anxiety, nausea, and depression, and they had a 36% lower chance of needing reduced chemotherapy doses. This matters because it shows that physical activity can help manage the uncomfortable symptoms that come with cancer treatment, potentially leading to better overall health during therapy. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing chemotherapy for early breast cancer.

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This study looked at whether real-world patient data from US cancer treatment centers could be used to help the UK's health authority, NICE, evaluate new cancer drugs. Researchers found that, out of 60 drug assessments, 59 drugs were available in the US before NICE made its recommendations, with an average of 269 patients receiving each therapy during that time. This is important because it shows that there is significant patient data available that could support more timely and informed decisions about new cancer treatments. Who this helps: Patients and healthcare providers involved in cancer treatment.

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This study looked at how to effectively process brain images of 5-year-old children to ensure accurate results, given that kids often move more than adults during scans. Researchers used a method that involved both automatic and manual adjustments to minimize errors, finding that these changes only slightly affected the measurements of brain thickness—less than 2%. This is important because reliable brain imaging can help researchers better understand children's brain development and identify any issues early on. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and clinicians working with pediatric neuroimaging data.

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This study examined how accurately two automated tools, FSL-FIRST and FreeSurfer, could measure brain structures in 5-year-old children compared to manual measurement. Researchers analyzed the brain images of 80 children and found that both tools tended to overestimate the size of brain structures, especially the amygdala and nucleus accumbens, while FSL-FIRST performed better overall with accuracy scores showing good correlation (above 0.74) for most larger structures. This research is important because it helps improve methods for studying brain development in children, making the process quicker and more efficient. Who this helps: This helps researchers and doctors studying child brain development.

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This study looked at how prenatal and early-life factors, along with family backgrounds, affect the brain structure of 5-year-olds using MRI scans. Researchers found that factors like the child’s sex, the mother’s weight before pregnancy, and whether the mother smoked during pregnancy influenced the brain's surface area. They also discovered that the mother’s age and education levels were related to the brain's volume. Understanding these connections is important because they highlight how various environmental factors can shape brain development in early childhood. Who this helps: This helps parents and healthcare providers understand the importance of prenatal health and lifestyle choices on child development.

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This study looked at how the number of diffusion-encoding directions affects brain imaging results in 5-year-olds. Researchers found that using at least 18 directions led to much more accurate and consistent measurements of brain structure compared to using fewer directions, with reliability scores reaching as high as 0.995 when using 18 directions. This is important because reliable brain imaging in young children can improve understanding of their brain development and potential neurological issues. Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers working with young patients.

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This study looked at how reliable a brain imaging technique called diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is when used on 5-year-old children. Researchers tested measurements related to brain structure in 67 kids, and found that most of these measurements were very consistent between tests, with reliability ratings above 0.75 and variability less than 10%. This is important because it means that results from DTI scans can be trusted for understanding brain development in young children. Who this helps: This helps researchers and doctors studying brain development in young children.

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This study looked at how a mother's sensitivity when caring for her child at 8 months old relates to how the child’s brain functions at 5 years old. Researchers found that higher maternal sensitivity at 8 months was linked to better brain connectivity in a specific area called the medial prefrontal cortex. Understanding this connection is important because it shows that early caregiving may impact a child's emotional and social development later on. Who this helps: This helps parents and caregivers understand the importance of their interaction with infants for future brain development.

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This study looked at the variety of living things in the central Arctic Ocean using a method called multiomics, which helps scientists examine different biological data together. The researchers aim to track changes in biodiversity and find new species and their genes in this region. Understanding these changes is important for conservation efforts and for making responsible use of natural resources in an area that is largely unexplored. Who this helps: This research benefits conservationists and environmental scientists.

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This study focused on creating a new method to analyze the DNA of hard-to-find microorganisms living in the environment, specifically small eukaryotes like certain fungi and algae. Researchers developed a seven-step process for extracting and sequencing the genomes of these microbes, which showed that the quality of the genomes produced is nearly as good as those from well-known reference genomes. This is important because understanding these microorganisms can improve our knowledge of ecosystems and their functions. Who this helps: This benefits researchers studying environmental microbiomes and ecologists working on ecosystem health.

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This study examined problems in research on how people think about and respond to alcohol-related cues. It found that many studies are not using the right control groups, with only 53% using well-matched controls, and many do not clearly explain how they selected and tested their materials. Improving these methods is important because better research can lead to a deeper understanding of how alcohol affects our thinking and behavior. Who this helps: This helps researchers and healthcare professionals working to understand and treat alcohol use issues.

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This study focuses on a data processing workflow developed by the DOE Joint Genome Institute for analyzing metagenomic data, which involves understanding the complex communities of microbes. It has successfully processed over 7,155 metagenomes, allowing researchers to easily analyze microbial composition and function in standardized formats. This is important because it enhances our understanding of microbial diversity and helps in various biological research and applications. Who this helps: This helps researchers, by providing them with powerful tools to analyze and interpret microbial data.

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This study looked at terrestrial cyanobacteria, which are common microorganisms found on land, and compared them to similar types found in water. Researchers built genetic maps for 50 different types of these land-based cyanobacteria to understand how they are related and what genes they have. This information is important because it can help scientists learn more about the roles these organisms play in the environment. Who this helps: This helps researchers and environmental scientists.

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This research paper reviewed how to prepare infants and young children for MRI scans, which are important for checking brain health but can be difficult since children need to remain still. The study looked at 86 research articles and found that younger kids, especially infants, are often scanned while asleep after being fed and wrapped up, while older kids can be awake. The findings highlight a need for clearer reporting on how these scans are done so that procedures can improve, potentially reducing the need for sedation and improving results. Who this helps: This helps doctors and parents of infants and young children undergoing MRI scans.

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This research focused on finding the right amount of margin needed during spinal radiation treatments to ensure that at least 90% of the targeted area (known as the clinical target volume) receives the correct dose of radiation, while also protecting the spinal cord. The study found that a margin of 2.4 mm is effective, achieving this goal for 96% of simulated patients, even when accounting for various errors that can happen during treatment. This is important because it helps ensure patients receive the proper treatment without risking additional harm to nearby healthy tissues. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing spinal stereotactic body radiotherapy by improving treatment accuracy and safety.

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Researchers created a computer program to find and rank potential tumor markers, called neoantigens, that the immune system can recognize. They analyzed data from 185 known neoepitopes in cancer patients and found that including various factors in their analysis improved the accuracy of the predictions. This finding is important because it can help develop targeted cancer therapies that better activate the immune response against tumors. Who this helps: Patients with cancer seeking more effective treatment options.

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This study looked at how a specific surgical procedure called rectus diastasis plication, often done during tummy tucks, affects the strength and function of abdominal muscles. It reviewed data from 497 patients and found that while about two-thirds of studies showed improvements in abdominal strength, all studies reported enhancements in physical function after surgery, with an overall complication rate of 17%. Understanding these effects is important because it can help guide patients and doctors in making informed decisions about surgery for better abdominal strength and physical performance. Who this helps: This helps patients considering a tummy tuck and their doctors in evaluating the potential benefits and risks of the procedure.