CARY L. STOWE, M.D.

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This study focused on using wearable sensors to understand daily activities and fall risks in patients with movement disorders like Parkinson's disease. The researchers created an algorithm that accurately identified specific risky activities (like getting up or turning) with over 95% accuracy, and it showed a 69% correlation with actual fall occurrences, compared to only 30% with standard clinical tests. This is important because it can lead to better monitoring and prevention of falls in vulnerable patients, helping them stay safer at home. Who this helps: Patients with movement disorders and their caregivers.

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This study looked at how the brain deals with harmful substances after a concussion. It found that the brain's waste-clearing system, which works best during sleep, often doesn't function properly after a concussion, leading to toxic buildup and ongoing symptoms. Optimizing sleep and using therapies aligned with the body's natural rhythms is essential for effective treatment right after a concussion injury. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from concussions.

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Researchers explored a modified version of a fluorescent protein called E2 crimson to improve imaging techniques in living tissues. They created a nonfluorescent version that produced a photoacoustic (PA) signal about three times stronger than the original fluorescent protein, making it effective for imaging in mice. This discovery means that specific proteins can now be used for better visibility in tumor imaging, which could lead to improved methods for tracking cancer progression. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and researchers working to diagnose and monitor cancer in patients.

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Researchers studied a unique type of tree fern found in Whirinaki, New Zealand, which is a hybrid of two other fern species, Dicksonia fibrosa and Dicksonia lanata subsp. lanata. They discovered that this hybrid has characteristics of both parent species and produces malformed spores, indicating it is indeed a hybrid formed multiple times. This finding is important because it adds to our understanding of fern evolution and shows how species can mix to create new varieties. Who this helps: This helps botanists and conservationists working to understand and preserve fern biodiversity.

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This study looked at a new way to deliver genes into cells using special carriers called lipopolyplexes, which combine DNA with lipids and peptides. The researchers tested two methods of attaching targeting peptides to these carriers to see which worked better in getting the DNA into a type of breast cancer cell. They found that both methods were effective, but the way the targeting peptide was structured made a big difference in success rates, meaning that optimizing these designs could improve treatment for specific diseases. Who this helps: This benefits patients with cancers or other diseases that require targeted gene therapies.

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The ENRGISE Pilot Study looked at ways to lower levels of a substance called interleukin-6 (IL-6), which is linked to inflammation and can affect how well older adults move. Researchers tested two treatments—losartan (a blood pressure medication) and omega-3 fish oil—on 300 seniors aged 70 and over. They found that these treatments could potentially be effective in reducing IL-6 levels, which is important because lower inflammation could lead to better mobility and faster walking speeds in this age group. Who this helps: This helps older adults facing mobility challenges.

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This study looked at the presence of two common drugs—diphenhydramine (an anti-histamine) and diazepam (an anti-anxiety medication)—in fish fillets sold in grocery stores. The researchers found these drugs in varying amounts, with diphenhydramine levels between 0.61 and 6.21 ng/g and diazepam levels from 1.99 to 16.57 ng/g across fourteen different fish species. This is important because it shows that these pharmaceuticals are entering the food supply, which could have implications for consumer health and safety. Who this helps: This research benefits consumers concerned about the safety of their food.

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This study looked at how mutations in a gene called DNMT3A affect outcomes in younger adults with a type of blood cancer called acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Out of 914 patients studied, 30% had DNMT3A mutations, which were linked to a higher chance of relapse (35% more likely) and worse overall survival (37% higher risk of death) compared to those without the mutations. This research is important because it helps identify patients who might have a worse prognosis based on their genetic mutations, guiding treatment decisions. Who this helps: This helps doctors and younger patients with acute myeloid leukemia by providing better insights into their prognosis.

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This study focused on creating a new method for quickly identifying useful proteins by screening large libraries of them using a special sorting system. The researchers found that their system could sort and deposit many bacterial colonies densely onto plates, allowing them to analyze the proteins efficiently—processing plates in under a minute. This is important because it speeds up the discovery of proteins with unique properties, making research more effective. Who this helps: This helps scientists and researchers working on developing new proteins for various applications.

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This study looked at why some low-income, rural residents in Eastern North Carolina don’t get screened for colorectal cancer, which is a major health issue. The researchers talked to 45 people and found that big obstacles included the high costs, fear of the screening process, and worries about being a burden to family. On the other hand, having a doctor recommend screening and support from loved ones encouraged people to get screened. Who this helps: This helps patients who are at risk for colorectal cancer by making screening more accessible and acceptable.

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This study looked at how aware African American women with early-onset breast cancer are about the effects of cancer treatment on their ability to have children. Among the 48 women surveyed, 45.8% knew that treatment could affect their fertility, and 56.3% had talked to their doctors about it. The findings highlight a gap in communication and awareness, especially for younger women and those without children, which could significantly impact their quality of life after treatment. Who this helps: This benefits African American women facing breast cancer and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how effective phone-based genetic counseling is for African American women under 50 who were diagnosed with early-onset breast cancer. The researchers found that out of 37 women, there was a significant improvement in knowledge about hereditary breast and ovarian cancer after they received counseling, with a p-value of less than 0.0001 indicating strong results. This research is important because it shows that counseling, especially when paired with culturally relevant materials, can greatly increase understanding of genetic risks among this group of women. Who this helps: This benefits African American women with breast cancer and the healthcare providers supporting them.

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This study looked at how infants process a common medication called dextromethorphan in their first year of life. Researchers found that by just two weeks old, infants began breaking down the drug effectively, particularly influenced by their genetics. However, another process of breaking down the drug developed much more slowly over the first year. Understanding these differences is important for ensuring safe and effective medication for infants. Who this helps: This helps infants and their healthcare providers ensure safer medication use.

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This study looked at how effective and cost-efficient the PAPNET technology is for reviewing cervical cancer screening tests (Papanicolaou smears) that were initially negative. Out of 1,200 samples that were rechecked, PAPNET found that 8 had a potentially concerning result that was missed the first time, leading to a small false-negative rate of 0.7%. However, using PAPNET is much more expensive ($102,600 for all negative tests) and takes longer (13.9 days) compared to manual reviews ($11,977 and 3.9 days), suggesting that in some cases, it may not provide enough benefit to justify the cost. Who this helps: Patients undergoing cervical cancer screenings.