JEFFREY L. MCGOWEN, M.D.

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Researchers studied how to preserve algae biomass right after harvesting, specifically looking at a type of algae called Tetradesmus obliquus. They found that when they used citric acid during storage, the biomass lost only 1% of its weight after 28 days, compared to a 4% loss in just 4 hours without treatment, and 18% after 4 weeks. This method not only prevents degradation but also encourages the algae to produce a useful chemical called succinic acid, which could be beneficial for making fuels and other chemicals. Who this helps: This helps algae producers and companies looking to use algae for sustainable products.

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This study looked at how reliable ultrasound imaging is for measuring the thickness of the erector spinae and gluteus medius muscles, which are linked to low back pain. Researchers found that the thickness measurements were very reliable, with consistency scores between 0.85 and 0.98, meaning they can trust these ultrasound images to accurately show muscle thickness when resting or contracting. This is important because it can help doctors better assess muscle function in patients with back pain. Who this helps: Patients with low back pain.

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Researchers at a community health clinic in Plano, Texas, focused on improving oral health screenings and dental referrals for adults with diabetes, as these patients often face barriers to dental care. Over six months, they aimed to increase screenings from 0% to 80% and referrals from 0% to 50%. They successfully screened 52% of eligible patients and referred 35.9% to dental services, leading to 17.7% actually receiving care. This work shows that better coordination between medical and dental care can enhance the overall health of people with chronic conditions like diabetes. Who this helps: This helps patients with diabetes who struggle to access dental care.

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This study examined the types of viruses found in outdoor microalgae ponds in Mesa, Arizona, focusing on bacteriophages and megaviruses. Researchers identified specific genetic sequences of these viruses, which are important because they interact with the microalgae that can be used for making biofuels and health products. Understanding these viruses can help improve the efficiency of microalgae farming, which is a crucial step for renewable energy and health industries. Who this helps: This helps farmers, energy companies, and health product manufacturers.

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This study looked at how managing nitrogen levels during algae farming affects the quality and stability of stored algae biomass, specifically a type called Monoraphidium sp. The researchers found that algae grown with added nitrogen broke down more quickly during storage, losing over 20% of its mass, compared to only 8% loss from algae grown without extra nitrogen. Understanding how to manage nitrogen effectively is important because it helps ensure a reliable supply of high-quality algae for further use. Who this helps: This helps algae producers and businesses that rely on algae for various applications.

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This study looked at whether growing different types of algae together (polycultures) could reduce the risk of disease and improve productivity compared to growing one type of algae alone (monocultures) in large outdoor ponds. The researchers found that polycultures did not reduce disease risk and showed similar productivity levels as monocultures during the 43-day experiment. This is important because it suggests that growing algae in groups may not provide the expected benefits in preventing disease outbreaks, which is critical for successful biofuel production. Who this helps: This helps biofuel producers and researchers working on sustainable energy solutions.

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This study focused on a type of algae called Picochlorum celeri, which showed impressive growth in seawater. Researchers found that it could produce an average of about 31 grams of biomass per square meter each day over four months, with some days exceeding 40 grams. This matters because using algae like Picochlorum celeri for biomass production in salty water could offer a sustainable solution for creating biofuels and other materials without relying on freshwater or harmful chemicals. Who this helps: This benefits researchers, biofuel producers, and environmentalists looking for sustainable energy solutions.

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This study focused on finding new types of algae that can grow well outdoors during the winter, especially in salty water. Researchers tested 300 different strains and selected three that showed the best growth. These strains were able to produce between 2.9 to 4.0 grams of biomass per square meter per day, with peak production rates reaching up to 6.5 grams per square meter per day, which is the highest reported for winter-growing algae in similar conditions. This is important because it shows that these algae can be cultivated in winter, potentially helping to produce renewable fuels and chemicals all year round. Who this helps: This benefits renewable energy producers and researchers focused on sustainable fuel sources.

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This study focused on understanding how algae can be effectively grown in open ponds across various environments in the U.S. and Hawaii. Researchers collected detailed seasonal data on algae growth, including factors like climate and harvest results, which can help improve algae farming practices. This information is vital for advancing the use of algae in agriculture, potentially leading to new ways to produce food and biofuels sustainably. Who this helps: This benefits farmers, agricultural researchers, and anyone interested in sustainable food production.

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This study looked at how different types of algae (specifically Scenedesmus sp., Chlorella sp., and Nannochloropsis sp.) and their chemical makeup affect the accuracy of measuring their components, such as fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Researchers tested six different methods to analyze 100 samples and found that some methods could be off by as much as 90% due to chemical issues. The results emphasize the importance of using precise techniques to ensure accurate measurements of algae, which matters because these measurements are crucial for making biofuels economically viable. Who this helps: This helps biofuel manufacturers and researchers who are developing sustainable energy sources.

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This study explored a new method to find compounds that activate a specific receptor in the brain called the dopamine D(4.4) receptor, which is important for drug development. By testing a large library of 260,000 compounds using a unique screening technique, the researchers identified several new compounds that can activate this receptor effectively. This development is significant because it could lead to better treatments for conditions like schizophrenia and other mental health disorders. Who this helps: Patients with mental health disorders and their doctors.

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This study looked at a new method for attaching small pieces of DNA, called oligonucleotides, to a special gel that can help detect specific genetic materials. Researchers found that by using a specific light-activated chemical process, they could effectively bind these DNA pieces to a three-dimensional gel, enhancing their ability to find target DNA sequences. This is important because it could lead to better tools for identifying genetic disorders or infections. Who this helps: Patients needing accurate genetic testing.

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This study examined how effective the antibiotic cefazolin is when used alone and when combined with two substances, clavulanic acid and sulbactam, against a type of bacteria called Bacteroides fragilis. Researchers found that cefazolin was effective at a concentration that can be easily achieved in the body, with half of the bacterial samples showing a minimum effective dose (MIC50) of 32 micrograms/ml. When combined with 0.5 micrograms/ml of clavulanic acid, 90% of the samples (MIC90) responded at just 8 micrograms/ml, indicating that this combination is particularly effective. Who this helps: This helps patients with infections caused by Bacteroides fragilis by providing a clearer treatment option.