Dr. Tarter studies the effects of radiation therapy on skin healing and the complications that can arise, such as excessive scar tissue and cell death. His recent research has focused on identifying new treatments that can improve healing for patients who suffer from wounds due to radiation therapy. He also investigates the potential of artificial intelligence, like ChatGPT, to create clear and effective patient information regarding medical procedures, particularly hand surgery, aiming to enhance patient understanding.Developing understandable resources is crucial for patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare.
Key findings
In his 2025 study on skin healing, Dr. Tarter found that radiation therapy can lead to long-lasting wounds and identified several promising new treatments, emphasizing the need for more comprehensive testing.
In researching AI-generated information for hand surgery, he discovered that non-medical participants found the clarity of AI-generated text preferable, despite surgeons preferring information from established medical organizations.
In a 1991 study on thyroid cancer, it was noted that 73% of the patients had the most common type of thyroid cancer with a 90% survival rate after 10 years, while more aggressive types showed only a 20% survival rate.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Tarter study wound healing?
Yes, Dr. Tarter specializes in researching the healing challenges associated with wounds caused by radiation therapy.
What is the focus of Dr. Tarter's research on AI?
He studies how AI tools like ChatGPT can improve patient-facing information to enhance understanding of medical procedures, such as hand surgery.
Is Dr. Tarter's work relevant to patients receiving radiation therapy?
Absolutely, his research is directly aimed at helping patients who are suffering from wounds due to radiation injury.
Publications in plain English
Assessing the ability of ChatGPT to generate French patient-facing information to improve patient understanding in hand surgery.
2025
Annales de chirurgie plastique et esthetique
Brenac C, Kawamoto-Duran D, Fazilat A, Tarter J, Witters M +5 more
Plain English This study looked at how well AI tools like ChatGPT can create easy-to-understand information for patients about hand surgery. Researchers found that while hand surgeons preferred information from established medical organizations for its thoroughness and clarity, non-medical participants actually liked the clarity of the AI-generated text better. The results highlighted the need for further improvements in AI-generated medical information to make sure it meets both patient and healthcare professional standards.
Who this helps: This benefits patients who need clear and comprehensible information about their surgeries.
The Challenge of Healing Wounds in Radiation-Injured Skin.
2025
Advances in wound care
Lavin CV, Kendig CB, Kawamoto D, Tarter J, Yao H +5 more
Plain English This study looked at how radiation therapy makes it difficult for wounds to heal properly on skin that has been injured by radiation. Researchers found that radiation leads to problems like excessive scar tissue and cell death, which can cause long-lasting wounds and affect a patient’s recovery and overall quality of life. They also identified several new treatments that could improve healing, but more extensive testing is needed to ensure these treatments work effectively for many patients globally.
Who this helps: Patients experiencing wounds from radiation therapy.
Kepler planet-detection mission: introduction and first results.
2010
Science (New York, N.Y.)
Borucki WJ, Koch D, Basri G, Batalha N, Brown T +66 more
Plain English The Kepler mission studied how common Earth-sized planets are around stars similar to the Sun, particularly in areas where conditions might support water. In just six weeks, it observed 156,000 stars and found five new planets, with sizes ranging from small (about 0.37 times the size of Jupiter) to large (1.6 times Jupiter), and they orbit their stars every 3.2 to 4.9 days. This research helps us understand more about the types of planets that exist, which can inform our search for life beyond Earth.
Who this helps: This helps astronomers and researchers looking for habitable planets outside our solar system.
Kepler's optical phase curve of the exoplanet HAT-P-7b.
2009
Science (New York, N.Y.)
Borucki WJ, Koch D, Jenkins J, Sasselov D, Gilliland R +20 more
Plain English This research focused on studying the exoplanet HAT-P-7b and how its light changes as it orbits its star. The scientists found that when HAT-P-7b passes behind its star, there is a noticeable drop in brightness of about 130 parts per million. This information is important because it helps us understand the planet's temperature and atmosphere, which is crucial for identifying potential habitable worlds.
Who this helps: This benefits astronomers and researchers looking for life on other planets.
Plain English This paper looks at the global efforts of the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) and discusses how researchers use different methods to search for signals from alien civilizations. The study highlights the limitations of current techniques and outlines what can be concluded from the results gathered so far. Understanding these efforts is vital as it helps us grasp the possibilities of life beyond Earth.
Who this helps: This helps scientists and researchers engaged in astronomy and astrobiology.
Plain English The research paper discusses ongoing efforts to find extraterrestrial intelligence, focusing on the Phoenix Project, which is currently the most extensive search program among eight global telescope initiatives. The study highlights how technological advancements over the last 25 years allow for new methods and improve existing strategies for searching radio signals in space. This is important because it enhances our capability to detect potential signals from intelligent life beyond Earth, ensuring that we stay at the forefront of this exploratory field.
Who this helps: This helps scientists and researchers in the field of astronomy and extraterrestrial research.
In vivo localized proton NMR spectroscopy of thiamine-deficient rat brain.
1995
Magnetic resonance in medicine
Lee H, Tarter J, Holburn GE, Price RR, Weinstein DD +1 more
Plain English Researchers studied the effects of thiamine deficiency in rats to understand how it affects brain health, similar to conditions seen in humans with alcohol-related disorders. They found that after 14 days on a thiamine-deficient diet, there was a significant 60% decline in a brain chemical marker called Cho/NAA, indicating damage. However, when they gave thiamine injections after 12 days, the rats showed a recovery in this marker, suggesting that treatment can help reverse some of the brain damage caused by thiamine deficiency.
Who this helps: This study benefits patients with alcohol-related brain damage and healthcare providers treating them.
Detection of the Earth with the SETI microwave observing system assumed to be operating out in the galaxy.
1992
Acta astronautica
Billingham J, Tarter J
Plain English This study looked at how far Earth’s radar signals can be detected by systems similar to NASA's project that searches for extraterrestrial intelligence. It found that the strongest signals from Earth, like those from a major radar in Puerto Rico, could potentially be spotted from a range of about 1,200 light-years away, but this depends on many factors, including the technology of other civilizations. This matters because understanding our broadcasting range helps inform future efforts in searching for intelligent life beyond our planet.
Who this helps: This benefits scientists and researchers involved in the search for extraterrestrial life.
Plain English This research focuses on creating a message that humanity could send to aliens if we ever find signs of extraterrestrial intelligence. The authors propose steps for crafting this message to clearly convey who we are and what we value as a species. This matters because it could shape how we communicate with potential alien life and what first impressions they might get of us.
Who this helps: This helps scientists and researchers in astrobiology and communication.
Frequency and experience with carcinoma of the thyroid at a private, a Veterans Administration, and a university hospital.
1991
Journal of surgical oncology
Flynn MB, Tarter J, Lyons K, Ragsdale T
Plain English This study looked at how often and how patients were treated for thyroid cancer at three different types of hospitals over a span of 35 years. Out of 120 patients studied, 73% had the most common type of thyroid cancer, which had a 90% survival rate after 10 years, while those with other, more aggressive types of cancer had much lower survival rates (20%). Understanding these results helps doctors manage follow-up care better, especially since most cancer recurrences happen within the first year.
Who this helps: Patients with thyroid cancer and their doctors.
Radio frequency interference at Jodrell Bank Observatory within the protected 21 cm band.
1989
Acta astronautica
Tarter J
Plain English This study examined the level of radio frequency interference (RFI) at the Jodrell Bank Observatory, focusing on a protected frequency band that should ideally have no interference. Researchers found that the interference was present, which poses a challenge for detecting signals from extraterrestrial sources, as terrestrial signals can overpower them. The findings are important because they help in designing equipment for future searches for extraterrestrial intelligence, ensuring it can function effectively in a noisy environment.
Who this helps: This helps scientists and researchers involved in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence.
Narrow polarized components in the OH 1612-MHz maser emission from supergiant OH-IR sources.
1987
Monthly notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Cohen RJ, Downs G, Emerson R, Grimm M, Gulkis S +2 more
Plain English This study looked at the emissions of certain supergiant stars (VY CMa, VX Sgr, IRC 10420, and NML Cyg) using high-resolution techniques. Researchers found very narrow features in the emissions, with widths as small as 0.1 km/s, and they observed magnetic fields around these stars that can influence their behavior. This is important because it helps explain the unique shapes and characteristics of the material surrounding these massive stars.
Who this helps: This helps astronomers and astrophysicists understand star formation and circumstellar environments better.
Using the Very Large Array (VLA) and other radio telescopes to perform a parasitic Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI).
1985
Acta astronautica
Tarter J
Plain English This research explored how to use radio telescopes, particularly the Very Large Array, to search for signals from extraterrestrial intelligence without disturbing regular astronomy work. The study found that by accessing and analyzing existing astronomical data after it had been collected, researchers can look for potential alien signals without interfering with ongoing observations. This is significant because it allows for the exploration of alien life while preserving important astronomical studies.
Who this helps: This benefits scientists searching for extraterrestrial life and the astronomical community as a whole.
"Signal" search for intelligence in the galactic nucleus with the array of the Lowlands.
1985
Acta astronautica
Shostak GS, Tarter J
Plain English Researchers used a radio telescope to search for signs of artificial signals coming from the center of our galaxy for four hours. They could detect weak signals but found none, with a detection limit set at the equivalent power of 100 billion watts. This matters because detecting such signals could indicate the presence of intelligent life outside our planet.
Who this helps: This helps astronomers and scientists searching for extraterrestrial intelligence.
J Billingham Christopher V Lavin Carter B Kendig Danae Kawamoto Hanqi Yao Palca Shibale Parker S Sunwoo David Perrault Michael T Longaker Derrick C Wan
Physician data sourced from the
NPPES NPI Registry
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Publication data from
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Plain-English summaries generated by AI.
Not medical advice.