DR. HOWARD K. NAM, M.D.

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This study looked at how activity in a part of the brain called the prefrontal cortex (PFC) relates to balance confidence in older adults, specifically those aged 60 and over. Researchers found that higher levels of brain activation in the PFC were linked to greater confidence in maintaining balance, with the strongest effects seen in older individuals who had previously fallen, women, and those with less education. Notably, those with a history of falls showed a very strong connection between PFC activity and balance confidence, which indicates that brain engagement can help support stability in at-risk groups. Who this helps: This helps older adults, particularly those who have fallen in the past and are at higher risk for future falls.

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This study focused on creating a new sensor that can measure three important gases in the brain—nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrogen sulfide (HS)—at the same time during epileptic seizures. The researchers found that when seizures occurred, NO levels increased first, followed by CO and then HS, showing a clear sequence in how these gases interact during brain activity. This finding matters because it provides new insights into the chemical communication in the brain during seizures, which could lead to better understanding and treatment of epilepsy. Who this helps: This helps patients with epilepsy and their doctors.

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This study looked at how respiratory viral infections (like the flu and RSV) affect patients in hospitals, especially those with weakened immune systems, over a ten-year period. Researchers found that 6.6% of flu cases, 12.2% of RSV cases, and 10.9% of parainfluenza cases were acquired after patients were admitted, and that patients with cancer or recent chemotherapy were significantly more likely to get these infections while in the hospital. This is important because these infections can lead to serious complications, including higher rates of ICU admissions and even death, highlighting the need for better protective measures for vulnerable patients during outbreaks. Who this helps: This helps immunocompromised patients and healthcare providers working to protect them.

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This study looked at how a stress hormone called corticosterone affects neural stem cells in the brain, particularly in relation to a gene linked to Alzheimer's disease. Researchers found that corticosterone causes the death of these stem cells, and a gene called presenilin 2 plays a role in this process; specifically, when this gene is removed, the cell death doesn't happen. However, a specific mutation in the presenilin 2 gene didn't make the cell death worse, suggesting that while presenilin 2 is important for stress-related cell death, it may not directly connect chronic stress to Alzheimer's disease. Who this helps: This helps researchers studying the relationship between stress and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.

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This study examined how to recycle waste from electronic cigarettes by using a method called pyrolysis to produce clean gas, oil, and carbon-rich material. Researchers found that adding certain catalysts improved the quality of the gas produced, increasing its energy content by about 74% and reducing harmful carbon emissions by nearly 37%. This process not only makes better use of e-cigarette waste but also supports cleaner energy solutions and sustainable waste management. Who this helps: This helps environmental advocates and waste management companies.

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This study focused on a rare genetic disorder called primary hyperoxaluria type 1 (PH1), where the body produces too much oxalate, leading to kidney issues. Researchers developed a new treatment that combines blocking two specific enzymes to lower oxalate levels and help the body break down excess proteins. In tests on mice, this new treatment significantly reduced harmful oxalate levels in the urine and cut down on kidney crystal formation. Who this helps: This benefits patients with primary hyperoxaluria type 1 and other related conditions.

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This study focused on clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), a type of kidney cancer, and identified a protein called CEBPB as a key player in its development. Researchers found that higher levels of CEBPB led to the production of certain lipids that promote tumor growth, while reducing the activity of a protein that normally helps prevent cancer. They discovered that targeting CEBPB could potentially lead to new treatments for ccRCC, as reducing its levels slowed tumor growth both in the lab and in animal models. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with kidney cancer by identifying new treatment options.

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This study looked at a new method for delivering mRNA into difficult-to-treat immune cells, specifically T- and B-lymphocytes. Researchers developed a technique using a special design that temporarily changes the shape of cell membranes to allow substances to enter, achieving a remarkable 17 times better mRNA delivery while keeping over 85% of the cells alive. This is important because it could improve how we treat various diseases by effectively getting important molecules into immune cells with minimal damage. Who this helps: This benefits patients needing immune therapies and doctors working in cancer and autoimmune disease treatment.

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The study examined a new vaccine made from a protein called GRA14 to see how well it protects against a severe brain infection caused by a parasite. The researchers tested the vaccine on mice and found that it produced strong immune responses, with vaccinated mice showing 100% survival after a short-term challenge and 83% survival after a longer-term challenge, along with reduced infection levels. This research is important because it shows that GRA14 could be an effective vaccine candidate for preventing dangerous chronic infections. Who this helps: This helps patients at risk of chronic toxoplasmosis, particularly those with weakened immune systems.

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This study looked at how two proteins, Ro60 and La, work together to help fix misfolded RNA molecules, which are important for various cellular functions. The researchers found that Ro60 grabs the ends of these misfolded RNAs, while La helps by stabilizing and unfolding them, enhancing their proper formation. Understanding how these proteins function is significant because it could lead to better insights into diseases linked to RNA misfolding. Who this helps: This research benefits scientists and researchers studying RNA-related diseases.

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This study looked at how artificial intelligence (AI), specifically a language model called GPT-4, can help analyze patient safety reports in hospitals more efficiently. Researchers tested the AI on over 9,000 reports and found that it accurately identified safety problems with a 94% agreement rate with human experts. This is important because it helps hospitals quickly uncover safety issues that could harm patients and allows for better quality improvement efforts. Who this helps: This benefits hospitals, patient safety teams, and ultimately patients by improving safety standards.

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This study focused on improving how we predict epileptic seizures using a new method called PSP-Net. The researchers found that this method could extract unique features from brain activity signals (EEGs) specific to each patient, leading to better seizure prediction than traditional methods. This is important because it can help patients avoid seizures and improve their quality of life by allowing for timely interventions. Who this helps: This helps patients with epilepsy by providing a more personalized way to predict their seizures.

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Researchers studied the breeding patterns of the Korean clawed salamander, focusing on when they reproduce and how many young they produce. They found that this salamander breeds twice a year, with a surge in larvae in June and November, and adult salamanders emerging in late spring and late fall. Understanding these breeding seasons is important for conservation efforts, as it helps protect the species' habitats during crucial times of their life cycle. Who this helps: This information benefits conservationists and environmental scientists working to protect endangered species.

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This study looked at how to safely place screws in the spine of patients who have had cement injected into their vertebrae due to fractures. The researchers successfully inserted screws into 10 patients without any complications. This is important because it offers a reliable way to treat patients with complex spinal issues after they have undergone earlier cement treatments. Who this helps: This benefits patients with osteoporosis and spinal deformities who need further spinal surgery.

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This study looked at how a new mixture of plant chemicals (phytochemicals) compares to a drug called monensin for improving health and growth in chickens infected with a parasite called E. maxima. The researchers found that both treatments helped reduce damage in the intestines and decrease the number of parasites shed in feces, but monensin was more effective in reducing the severity of intestinal damage, while the phytochemical mixture improved the chickens' overall gut health and nutrient absorption. This is important because it shows a potential new way to manage infections in chickens that also supports their health. Who this helps: This helps poultry farmers and veterinarians manage chicken health more effectively.

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This study looked at how low-frequency tones affect the initial response of the auditory nerve when it hears moderate to high-level sounds, focusing on a specific response called the auditory-nerve initial peak (ANIP). The researchers found that stronger low-frequency tones could inhibit the ANIP response more effectively than they could inhibit responses to quieter sounds, meaning that ANIP is more sensitive to changes in sound than previously thought. This discovery is important because it helps us understand how our hearing works, which could improve treatments for hearing disorders. Who this helps: This benefits patients with hearing impairments and audiologists who treat them.

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This study focused on creating a type of biodegradable plastic called polylactide (PLA) using a special catalyst that allows for precise control over its structure. Researchers found that their unique catalyst could produce PLA quickly and with high regularity, achieving a remarkable speed of 1,710 reactions per hour and a structure that was 90-99% regular, depending on the temperature. This is important because it means the resulting PLA can have better performance and applications in various fields, such as packaging and medical devices. Who this helps: This helps manufacturers looking to produce more effective and environmentally friendly plastics.

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This study looked at how the size of certain structures in 30MnB5 steel, which is often used in cars, affects the way hydrogen moves through the metal and how it becomes brittle when exposed to hydrogen. The researchers found that finer grain sizes led to a slower long-term hydrogen diffusion, which helped reduce the risk of brittleness; specifically, smaller grains resulted in less loss of flexibility (or elongation) in the presence of hydrogen. This is important because it can help improve the durability and safety of automotive materials exposed to hydrogen environments. Who this helps: This helps automotive engineers and manufacturers.

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This study focused on developing a new method to create specific molecular structures called β-methylene carbonyls, which are important in medicine for making complex drugs. The researchers found that using nickel as a catalyst allows for the efficient production of these structures with high precision, resulting in desired outcomes in over 90% of cases. This matters because it improves the way we can synthesize valuable compounds that have potential uses in pharmaceuticals. Who this helps: This helps chemists and pharmaceutical researchers by providing a more effective way to create useful drug components.

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This study examined how a type of immune cell called MAIT cells behaves in liver cancer that comes back after treatment. Researchers found that in relapsed liver cancer, there was a significant increase in both cancerous liver cells and MAIT cells, indicating these MAIT cells were not functioning properly. Specifically, the relapsed tumors had 1.18 times more cancer stemness signs and the MAIT cells were 2.71 times more common in these tumors, which is linked to worse survival rates for patients. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with liver cancer and their doctors by providing insights into tumor behavior and potential treatment targets.

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This study focused on a protein called interleukin-26 (chIL-26) in chickens, which is involved in inflammation. Researchers created five antibodies to specifically detect and measure chIL-26 levels, revealing that chIL-26 increases in the blood of infected chickens, reaching its highest levels 3 days after infection with a specific parasite called Eimeria maxima. This research is important because it helps us understand how inflammation works in chickens, which can improve their health and treatment strategies for related diseases. Who this helps: This benefits poultry farmers and veterinarians.

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This study investigated a new way that some bacteria can become resistant to ceftolozane-tazobactam (C/T), an important antibiotic. Researchers found that a specific patient had a strain of bacteria resistant to C/T that contained multiple copies of a gene linked to this resistance, showing higher resistance levels than before, exceeding 256/4 µg/mL. Understanding this new resistance mechanism is crucial because it could impact how effectively this antibiotic is used to treat infections caused by these bacteria. Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients dealing with bacterial infections resistant to common treatments.

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This study examined how plants regulate the growth of their vascular systems—like veins and arteries—based on the amount of sugar they have available. Researchers found that sugar signals roots to grow more vascular tissue by activating certain genes through a pathway called TOR. They identified a specific protein, JUL1, that helps manage this growth by limiting it when there's too much sugar, ensuring that the plant maintains a balance. Who this helps: This research benefits plant scientists and agricultural experts working to optimize crop growth and resilience.

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This study looked at how well athletes who have had surgery for a torn ACL perform during a single-leg hop compared to healthy athletes. It found that the athletes who had surgery showed more difficulty sensing their knee strength and had poorer landing mechanics, with issues like less knee flexion and more internal rotation when they jumped. These findings highlight the importance of testing an athlete’s sensorimotor skills before allowing them to return to sports after an ACL injury, as these skills are tied to their movement safety and performance. Who this helps: This helps athletes recovering from ACL injuries and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how physical signals from the environment around cells affect their behavior and functions by changing their metabolism and gene expression. Researchers found a connection between these mechanical signals and changes in metabolism and the structure of DNA packaging within cells. Understanding this process is important because it can lead to new ways to influence cell behavior, which could have implications for treating various diseases. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and healthcare providers working on conditions related to cell behavior, such as cancer or tissue repair.

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This study looked at using waste from the steel-making process, called converter slag, in two ways: to capture carbon emissions from incineration and to make stronger, more environmentally friendly concrete paving blocks. The researchers found that when 50% of traditional materials in these blocks were replaced with the CO-adsorbed converter slag, the blocks had equal or better strength than regular paving blocks and did not release harmful heavy metals. This is important because it offers a way to manage steel industry waste while contributing to efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Who this helps: This benefits both the environment and the construction industry by providing a sustainable building material.

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This study looked at how an automated alert system in hospital electronic medical records (EMRs) could help improve the diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis C, a serious liver infection. Researchers analyzed data from over 1.3 million patients and found that after implementing the alert system, the rate of HCV testing increased from 60.5% to 66.9%, and the time it took for patients to get tested decreased from about 1,209 days to just 245 days. This matters because faster testing can lead to quicker treatment and potentially eliminate hepatitis C more effectively. Who this helps: Patients at risk for hepatitis C and healthcare providers working to improve care.

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This study looked at how measuring liver stiffness can predict serious complications in patients with advanced liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) who are receiving treatment. Researchers found that patients with high liver stiffness measurements (25 kPa or more) were three times more likely to experience serious liver problems after treatment compared to those with lower stiffness levels. Understanding liver stiffness can help doctors choose the best treatment and manage risks for patients, especially since those with high stiffness had worse outcomes and higher risks of bleeding. Who this helps: This helps doctors make better treatment decisions for patients with advanced liver cancer.

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This study looked at brain scans of 14 people with HIV who were successfully treating their infection to see how a specific brain marker related to brain health changed over time. The researchers found that the density of this marker, which indicates how the brain is responding, remained mostly the same after about 18 months, with only small changes in some individuals that were not linked to their HIV treatment. This is important because understanding stable brain markers can help improve care and monitoring for people living with HIV. Who this helps: This helps patients with HIV and their doctors understand brain health over time.

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This study looked at how the appearance of a virtual character and the distance to a target influenced whether people chose to walk or teleport in virtual reality (VR). Researchers found that when the virtual character looked overweight, users were less likely to walk, especially if the character had a full body. They also discovered that people were more inclined to walk when the target was closer, and feeling similar to their avatar increased their willingness to walk. Who this helps: This benefits VR game developers and physical activity programs aiming to encourage movement in users.

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Ruthenium-106 plaques are used in eye cancer radiotherapy, but their curved shape makes accurate radiation dose measurement difficult with standard flat dosimeters. A flexible film dosimeter conforming to the plaque's curved surface was developed and tested, and its dose measurements matched manufacturer-certified reference values within about 3% across three different plaque types. This tool offers a practical solution for the radiation safety checks required before and during clinical use of these eye cancer treatments.

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This study looked at two blood tests, p-tau217 and Aβ42/40, to see if they could help identify Alzheimer’s-like brain changes in patients with Lewy body conditions like Lewy body dementia and Parkinson’s disease. The researchers found that higher levels of p-tau217 and lower levels of Aβ42/40 were linked to more significant brain amyloid deposits, with people showing the most severe changes having the highest levels of p-tau217 (above average) and the lowest levels of Aβ42/40 (below average). This matters because these tests could help doctors spot individuals at risk for serious brain diseases early on and guide them toward treatments targeting amyloid. Who this helps: This helps patients with Lewy body conditions and their doctors.

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This study looked at how a specific genetic factor, called APOE4, affects the relationship between glymphatic function (the brain's waste-clearing system) and the buildup of harmful proteins linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers analyzed 423 older adults and found that those with the APOE4 gene had a stronger connection between poorer glymphatic function and higher levels of beta-amyloid, a protein that can accumulate in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. Specifically, those with lower glymphatic function showed significantly more beta-amyloid, but this was only true for individuals with the APOE4 gene. Who this helps: This research benefits patients at risk for Alzheimer’s, especially those with the APOE4 gene, by improving understanding of how their brain function may be affected.

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This study explored a method called KG-SLomics, which predicts specific gene pairs in cancer that, when altered together, can lead to cell death, a concept known as synthetic lethality. The researchers created a more comprehensive database of biological information that is three times larger than what was previously available and used this to make highly accurate predictions about gene interactions across different types of cancer. Their approach outperformed existing methods and identified new potential targets for cancer treatments, offering hope for patients with hard-to-treat mutations. Who this helps: This helps cancer patients, especially those with difficult-to-target mutations.

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This study focused on developing a new method called MT-Tox to better predict the toxicity of drugs using computer models instead of relying solely on animal testing, which can be costly and time-consuming. The researchers found that their model improved predictions of harmful effects, like cancer risk and liver damage, by effectively combining chemical knowledge with data from laboratory tests. Specifically, it outperformed existing models, offering more reliable toxicity information early in drug development, which is essential for bringing safer drugs to market faster. Who this helps: This helps drug developers and researchers working on new medications.

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This study looked at how a special zinc coating, created using a cold-spray technique, affects the durability and resistance to rust of a type of steel called 30MnB5 after it has been heated. The researchers found that using this zinc coating along with heat treatment improved the steel's resistance to corrosion, showing a lower corrosion rate compared to other coatings. Specifically, the zinc layer offers protection by corroding first, which helps safeguard the steel underneath it. Who this helps: Patients and industries that rely on strong, rust-resistant materials in their products.

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This study focused on a new deep learning tool called DeepRNA-DTI, designed to predict how RNA interacts with different compounds, which is important for creating new drugs. The researchers found that this model accurately predicts both whether an interaction occurs and the specific sites where RNA and compounds bind, showing better results than previous methods, especially across various types of RNA. Using this tool, they screened over 48 million compounds and successfully identified both known and new potential drug candidates, which could help in developing therapies targeting RNA. Who this helps: This helps patients needing new treatments, especially those with diseases like cancer.

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Researchers studied a new way to design antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which are special proteins that can fight bacteria, as a solution to antibiotic resistance. They developed a method using advanced computer learning techniques, achieving better results than current methods. Specifically, their approach created peptides that are more effective against harmful bacteria while being less toxic to human cells, shown by improved activity and safety metrics. Who this helps: This benefits patients by providing more effective treatments for infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

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This study looked at how narrowing of blood vessels in the brain, known as intracranial stenosis, is related to the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Researchers followed 180 older adults over several years and found that those with any stenosis had more amyloid-beta buildup over four years, while patients with narrowing in two or more arteries showed increased tau buildup over two years. These findings suggest that blood vessel health might play a role in the worsening of Alzheimer's symptoms. Who this helps: This helps patients with Alzheimer's disease and their healthcare providers by highlighting the importance of monitoring and treating vascular health.

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This study examined two specific mutations (Asn47 and Asn54) in a protein called amicyanin, which is important for transferring electrons during chemical reactions in cells. Researchers found that changing Asn47 to Ser made the protein more effective at binding to other molecules without altering its overall stability. In contrast, changing Asn54 reduced the protein's stability and changed how it transfers electrons. These findings help clarify how specific parts of amicyanin function, which is important for understanding and potentially improving biochemical processes in cells. Who this helps: This helps researchers and scientists working on protein interactions and electron transfer in cellular processes.

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This study focused on developing new MRI contrast agents that can target tumor cells while also providing antioxidant benefits. Researchers created gadolinium oxide nanoparticles modified with polydopamine or polyserotonin, which were about 2 nanometers in size. These new agents improved MRI imaging at tumor sites by 8 to 10 times compared to existing contrast agents, and they effectively reduced harmful reactive oxygen species in solution. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing MRI scans for cancer.

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This study looked at the gut bacteria and its effects on IgA nephropathy (IgAN), a common kidney disease. Researchers analyzed samples from 172 IgAN patients and found that while the gut bacteria composition didn't vary much overall, there was a significant increase in the levels of acetate—a substance produced by gut microbes. Specifically, serum acetate levels were higher in IgAN patients, indicating changes in how their bodies process this substance, which might play a role in the disease's development. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with IgA nephropathy by providing insights that could lead to new treatments.

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This study looked at patients with chronic hepatitis B to better understand those in the "immune tolerant" phase—meaning their bodies don't show evidence of active liver disease. Researchers analyzed data from 1,064 patients and found that those truly in the immune tolerant phase had a lower chance of developing liver cancer (1.7%) compared to those receiving antiviral treatment (2.7%). Identifying true immune tolerant patients is crucial because they have very low risks and can avoid unnecessary treatments, while those on the borderline might need earlier medical intervention. Who this helps: This helps patients with chronic hepatitis B and their doctors in making informed treatment decisions.

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This study looked at tiny particles called exosomes in the blood of patients with liver cancer, specifically hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Researchers found that a specific microRNA called miR-720 was much higher in the blood of HCC patients (241 people) compared to those without the disease (45 people). High levels of miR-720 not only helped identify liver cancer more effectively, especially in small tumors, but also indicated a faster progression of the disease, making it a valuable tool for early diagnosis and treatment planning. Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients by providing better diagnostic options and potential treatment strategies for liver cancer.

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This study looked at how changes in gut bacteria and their byproducts might help predict acute kidney transplant rejection in patients. Researchers studied 97 kidney transplant patients and found that 33 of them experienced rejection. These patients had fewer types of bacteria in their guts and different levels of specific compounds compared to those who did not reject their transplant, indicating that monitoring gut health could improve treatment outcomes. Who this helps: Patients undergoing kidney transplants.