LYNDA D. ROMAN, M.D.

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This study looked at the eating habits of 361 children and teenagers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) aged 2 to 19. Researchers found that their meals often included traditional Brazilian foods like rice and beans, as well as a lot of ultra-processed items such as chips and sweets. Notably, fruits were missing from their diets, and their afternoon snacks made up the largest portion of their daily energy intake at about 30%. These results are important because they highlight the need for better nutrition support for children with ASD to improve their health. Who this helps: This helps children with autism spectrum disorder and their caregivers.

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This study looked at how seabirds around the world are affected by harmful chemicals called PFAS, which come from various human activities and can build up in the environment. Researchers found that seabirds living near urban areas had higher levels of these chemicals, with perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) being the most common type found in their blood and eggs. This matters because it highlights the ongoing pollution problem and its impact on wildlife, which could also affect human health through the food chain. Who this helps: This research helps conservationists, environmental policymakers, and wildlife biologists.

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This study looked at how well food companies are adding plant-based proteins to breads and pastas to help people get enough protein in their diets. Researchers examined 240 products from 29 countries and found that while adding protein can improve health benefits, many products rely too much on gluten, which doesn’t provide all the necessary nutrients. This matters because better nutrition can lead to healthier eating habits, especially for those who avoid traditional protein sources like beans or tofu. Who this helps: This helps patients looking for healthier food options, particularly those with dietary restrictions.

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This study looked at how a specific surgery called posterior vomerine ostectomy with premaxillary setback (PVPS) affects facial growth in children with a condition called bilateral cleft lip and palate. Researchers found that while most facial growth measurements didn't change significantly after the surgery, some specific aspects did show small differences. This matters because the surgery helps maintain facial growth during key developmental years and can improve the children's appearance and social integration, especially in settings where resources are limited. Who this helps: This helps children with bilateral cleft lip and palate and their families.

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This study focused on understanding the genetic differences within tumors of late-stage ovarian cancer patients. Researchers found that all five tumor samples showed significant genetic variations, which may lead to treatment failures and disease recurrence. For instance, they discovered ongoing changes in tumor cells that could affect how the cancer behaves, including one case with a mutation that reversed itself, altering the tumor’s growth patterns. Who this helps: This research benefits cancer patients and their doctors by highlighting the complexities of tumor genetics that can impact treatment.

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Researchers developed a new model of human intestinal organoids that includes functional immune cells called macrophages. They grew these organoids from stem cells and found that the macrophages remained active for at least 12 weeks, behaving like those found in a healthy human intestine. This advancement allows for better understanding of diseases like inflammatory bowel disease, which can help improve treatments. Who this helps: Patients with gastrointestinal diseases and the doctors treating them.

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Researchers studied the effects of plastic ingestion on the growth and health of young shearwaters, a type of seabird, by analyzing over 400 samples collected from various locations. They found that fledgling yula shearwaters that washed up on beaches were smaller than those in other groups, but there was no clear link between the amount of plastic ingested and their health measurements. This matters because it suggests that, for most fledgling seabirds, plastic consumption is not high enough to cause serious health problems, but more research is needed to understand the risks. Who this helps: This helps wildlife conservationists and researchers studying seabird health.

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This study looked at ways to improve maternal health care in 12 counties in Michigan, specifically aiming to reduce health issues and deaths related to pregnancy, especially among Black and Hispanic mothers. Researchers will implement and test new safety guidelines in community care settings, using data from around 151,920 births to measure their effectiveness. This is important because many pregnancy-related deaths happen outside of hospitals, and addressing these disparities can lead to better health outcomes for mothers. Who this helps: This helps pregnant individuals, especially those in underserved communities.

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This study examined how the processing of both animal and plant-based proteins affects their structure, nutritional value, and how they function in food. The research found that different processing methods, like cooking or fermenting, can significantly enhance protein quality; for example, some techniques improved protein digestibility by as much as 50%. Understanding these changes is important because it helps improve the nutritional content and quality of food, which can lead to better health outcomes for consumers. Who this helps: This helps patients and consumers looking for nutritious food options.

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This study looked at the health of seabirds that washed up on beaches in Brazil over a four-year period. Researchers examined 654 seabirds and found that more than half of them were affected by human activities, including commercial fishing, pollution, and plastic ingestion. Specifically, 5% of these birds had blockages in their stomachs from plastic, which may have contributed to their deaths due to starvation. Who this helps: This information benefits conservationists and policymakers working to protect seabird populations.

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This study looked at how different amounts of salt (sodium chloride) affect the extraction process and quality of pea protein. It found that using 0.4 M salt led to the highest amount of extractable protein (78%) and improved the heat stability of these proteins. These results are important because they can help improve the extraction methods for pea protein, making it more useful for food products. Who this helps: This helps food manufacturers and those involved in plant-based protein production.

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This study looked at the severe injuries to the windpipe (trachea) that can happen in serious accidents, like motorcycle crashes, which often lead to death. The researchers detailed a successful surgery on a 26-year-old man who completely cut his trachea in an accident, highlighting the importance of quick diagnosis and a specific surgical technique used to save his life. This is significant because it shows that with immediate care and the right methods, survivors of these critical injuries can be treated successfully. Who this helps: This helps patients who suffer from severe throat injuries as a result of traumatic accidents.

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This study looked at how different doses of the medication cabergoline affect patients with large pituitary tumors known as giant prolactinomas. It found that using a higher dose of cabergoline (3.5 mg weekly) led to quicker normal levels of prolactin hormone, but did not make tumors shrink faster compared to lower doses (1-2.5 mg weekly). Out of 33 patients, 27 needed surgery for complications, and only 4 could stop treatment after many years. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and patients treating giant prolactinomas.

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Researchers studied the impact of eating plastic on seabirds, marine mammals, and sea turtles. They found that 35% of seabirds, 12% of marine mammals, and 47% of sea turtles have ingested plastic, and the death rates due to this ingestion were 1.6% for seabirds, 0.7% for marine mammals, and 4.4% for sea turtles. This research helps us understand the risks of plastic in the ocean and can guide efforts to protect these marine animals from harm. Who this helps: This benefits animals at risk from plastic pollution and the conservationists working to protect them.

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This study examined tumor samples from five patients with ovarian cancer to understand how different cancer cells within the same tumor can vary. Researchers found significant differences, such as specific genetic changes and patterns of cell growth, indicating that some cancer cells can continue to thrive even when the main type of cancer cells are treated. This variability makes it harder to effectively treat patients and increases the risk of the cancer coming back. Who this helps: This information helps doctors better understand ovarian cancer and potentially improve treatment strategies for patients.

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This study examined protein extracts from 22 types of blue lupin to see how much protein they contained and how those proteins behaved. The researchers found that at least 53% of the protein came from a specific type called α-conglutin, and that the overall protein content was high while harmful substances were kept low, with only 200 mg/kg of alkaloids. These findings suggest that lupin protein isolates could be a nutritious and safe ingredient for use in food products. Who this helps: This benefits food manufacturers and consumers looking for alternative protein sources.

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This study looked at the eating habits and blood fat levels of children and teens with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Out of 233 participants, nearly 49% had high triglyceride levels, indicating potential health risks. The researchers identified four distinct dietary patterns but found no clear link between these patterns and blood fat levels, showing that diet alone may not fully explain the variations in lipid profiles in this group. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with autism and their families, as well as healthcare professionals who support them.

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This study focused on a new method called "Cornetto" to improve the way scientists assemble complete genomes from DNA. The researchers found that Cornetto can create high-quality human genome assemblies from just saliva samples, achieving better results at a much lower cost than previous methods. This is important because it allows for accurate genetic analysis that can aid in diagnosing conditions like muscular dystrophy and kidney disease. Who this helps: This helps patients who may be facing genetic disorders and doctors involved in diagnosing these conditions.

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This study looked at the issue of plastic pollution in six major cities in Australia, focusing on how waste moves from land to the ocean. Researchers examined nearly 1,900 areas and found an average of 0.15 pieces of debris per square meter, highlighting that urban and agricultural areas had more trash. Notably, there was a 39% decrease in plastic waste along coastlines compared to a decade ago, showing that past efforts to address pollution are making a difference. Who this helps: This helps communities and environmental groups working to reduce plastic waste.

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This study looked at the health effects of plastic ingestion in young seabirds, specifically examining their muscles, liver, kidneys, and digestive tracts. Researchers compared birds exposed to plastic with those not exposed and found signs of disease and other health issues but did not find clear evidence that plastic itself caused long-term damage. One bird had a physical injury from a sharp piece of plastic, but overall, the study emphasizes the need to understand how plastic pollution interacts with other health stressors in seabirds. Who this helps: This research benefits wildlife conservationists and environmentalists focused on the health of seabird populations.

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This study looked at seabirds in Brazil to see how often they come into contact with plastic pollution over six years. Researchers found that 37 different species of seabirds had ingested plastic, with a notable increase in interactions among tube-nosed seabirds over time. This research is important because it helps create better methods for monitoring plastic pollution in oceans, which can lead to improved environmental policies. Who this helps: This benefits environmental scientists, policymakers, and wildlife conservationists.

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This study looked at how saliva's enzyme, α-amylase, helps break down starch during digestion when mixed with proteins. The researchers found that when starch was heated beforehand, adding α-amylase led to a much greater breakdown of starch—showing that heat makes starch easier to digest. This matters because understanding how different food structures affect nutrient breakdown can help in creating healthier food options. Who this helps: This helps food scientists and nutritionists in developing better foods for consumers.

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This study looked at how different screw speeds and temperatures during a cooking process called extrusion affect the texture and nutrition of soy-based meat alternatives. Researchers found that using a combination of soy protein isolate and concentrate at a specific ratio and temperature created softer, darker products while significantly reducing potentially harmful compounds. This is important because it helps create better-textured and more nutritious plant-based meats that could appeal to a wider range of consumers. Who this helps: This helps patients looking for healthy plant-based protein options and manufacturers of meat alternatives.

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This study focused on developing a new method to estimate the age of long-lived seabirds, specifically Gould's petrels. Researchers used DNA from blood samples of 121 petrels, successfully determining their ages with an average error of just over 2 years, from fledglings to adults up to 30 years old. This approach allows scientists to gather important demographic data more efficiently, helping to track and protect vulnerable seabird populations. Who this helps: This method benefits conservationists and wildlife managers working to protect endangered seabird species.

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This study looked at the problem of plastic pollution in Cambodia by examining 243 sites along its coast, rivers, and inland areas. Researchers found nearly 47,000 pieces of plastic, with an alarming average of 70 plastic items for every meter of coastline—making it one of the worst areas for plastic pollution globally. The most common items were single-use plastic bottles, particularly drinking water bottles, and polystyrene foam was the most frequently found broken plastic. Who this helps: This information benefits environmental organizations and policymakers working to reduce plastic waste.

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This study focused on developing a new, eco-friendly method to measure harmful forms of aluminum in natural waters. Researchers created a technique that can detect very low levels, finding that it can measure aluminum concentrations as low as 0.015 micrograms per liter, with a strong accuracy of 97.1-103.4% in real water samples. This is important because toxic aluminum can negatively impact plants, animals, and human health. Who this helps: This helps environmental scientists and policymakers who monitor water quality and protect ecosystems.

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This study looked at plastic pollution in various areas around Davao City, Philippines, finding a total of 13,970 pieces of debris across different sites like rivers and coastlines. The researchers found that riverbanks had the highest concentration of plastic, averaging 3.6 items per meter, with food wrappers and labels being the most common types of debris. This is important because it highlights the urgent need to address plastic waste management, especially in rivers, to reduce pollution in oceans. Who this helps: This helps local communities, environmental groups, and policymakers focused on reducing plastic pollution.

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Researchers studied three commercial pea protein products to see how their processing affected how well they broke down during digestion. They found that a less refined pea protein concentrate was better at dissolving and released more of a key amino acid called methionine compared to two more processed isolates. This is important because understanding these differences can help food manufacturers create better plant-based protein options that are more nutritious for consumers. Who this helps: This helps food manufacturers and consumers seeking healthier plant-based protein sources.

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This study looked at the deaths and serious heart-related issues in patients who had a silent heart injury after non-cardiac surgery, and who were treated with aspirin and statins. Out of 747 patients, 166 had this heart injury, and those with silent injuries had a one-year death rate of 22.5%, compared to just 7.8% in those without it. This matters because it highlights that even with treatment, patients with silent heart injuries have significantly higher risks of dying and experiencing heart problems, indicating a need for better follow-up care after surgery. Who this helps: Patients recovering from non-cardiac surgery and their doctors.

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This study looked at how different types of pectin combine with starch to create strong, self-supporting films. Researchers found that when they used citrus pectins with lower levels of methyl esterification, the films became two to three times stronger, reaching a tensile strength of up to 52.2 MPa. The findings are important because they can lead to the development of better materials for food packaging or medical applications that are both strong and flexible. Who this helps: Patients and manufacturers looking for strong yet biodegradable packaging options.

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This study focused on developing a new test called OvaPrint to help assess the risk of high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC), which is a very deadly form of ovarian cancer. The researchers found that OvaPrint could effectively distinguish HGSOC from benign ovarian issues with a 95% accuracy for positive results and an 88% accuracy for negative results based on a sample of 372 cases. This matters because it offers a potential new way to identify women at high risk for HGSOC earlier, which can lead to better treatment outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients at risk for ovarian cancer and their doctors in making more informed decisions.

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This study examined 22 types of blue lupin seeds to identify those with high protein levels and low harmful compounds. The research found that some lupin varieties had protein concentrations that were notably high, with very low levels of alkaloids (under 200 parts per million) and a lower presence of phytic acid when compared to other legumes. This is important because breeding these high-protein, low-toxin varieties can lead to better food sources rich in essential nutrients. Who this helps: This benefits patients, especially those seeking high-protein plant-based diets.

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This study looked at how a special recovery program called the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) helped women after minimally invasive gynecologic surgeries. Researchers found that patients who followed the ERAS protocol used much less pain relief medicine—7.5 mg compared to 14.3 mg on the first day after surgery—and stayed in the hospital for a shorter time. This is important because it shows that the ERAS protocol can lead to quicker recoveries and less reliance on opioids, which is beneficial for patient health and safety. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing gynecologic surgery.

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This study looked at what happened to 24 patients with opioid-use disorder who were switched from the brand-name medication Suboxone to generic versions made by Sandoz or Alvogen. Of these patients, 9 (37.5%) experienced withdrawal symptoms, cravings, or had positive drug tests after the switch, and all preferred the brand name over the generics. Some patients improved when their dosage was increased by 2 mg, suggesting that small adjustments might help them stick with treatment during such transitions. Who this helps: This benefits patients with opioid-use disorder who are prescribed medication to manage their condition.

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This study looked at how mealworm larvae break down expanded polystyrene (a type of plastic) when they eat different diets. The researchers found that when mealworms consumed polystyrene, their protein levels dropped and their waste contained fewer nutrients, indicating the worms were under stress. Specifically, the mealworms showed less nitrogen and certain minerals in their waste while also increasing markers of cell death. Who this helps: This research benefits environmental scientists and waste management professionals looking for ways to reduce plastic waste.

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This study examined how plastic waste affects wildlife in the polluted Mekong and Ganges River Basins. Researchers found that the risk of animals getting tangled in plastic is higher than the risk of them swallowing it. Specifically, the Ganges River dolphin, Gharial, Mekong giant catfish, and Irrawaddy dolphin are at high risk of entanglement, while the Ganges River dolphin and Irrawaddy dolphin have a moderate risk of ingestion. Who this helps: This study helps conservationists and wildlife managers protect at-risk aquatic species.

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This study examined how different types of pregelatinized drum-dried wheat starch can be used to replace oil in low-fat mayonnaise-like sauces. Researchers found that using these starches allowed for up to 60% oil replacement while improving the texture and stability of the product. Specifically, the starch with a higher ability to swell led to smaller droplets and better stability, especially during freezing and thawing. Who this helps: This benefits food manufacturers and consumers looking for healthier low-fat options without sacrificing texture or quality.

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The Maternal Health MIRACLE Project studied how a combination of enhanced prenatal care, anti-racism training for healthcare providers, and community safety programs can improve the health outcomes of African American women during pregnancy and after childbirth. The research, which looks at data from around 540,000 Medicaid-insured deliveries in Michigan, aims to tackle significant health disparities that lead to severe complications and mortality in this group. This is important because African American women in the U.S. experience much higher risks related to pregnancy compared to other groups, and addressing these issues could help save lives and improve overall maternal health. Who this helps: This helps African American mothers and their families.

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This study looked at maize phytoglycogen nanoparticles to understand how their structure and properties change during a processing method called high-shear extrusion. The researchers found that the nanoparticles became smaller—by about 36% in size—and denser after the process, with the stiffness (measured by Young's modulus) increasing by 20% under specific conditions. These findings are important because they help improve the design of nanoparticles for various applications, potentially making them more effective in products like drug delivery systems. Who this helps: This helps patients needing enhanced drug delivery systems and healthcare providers looking for better treatment options.

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This study looked at "ghost nets"—abandoned fishing gear that poses a threat to marine life—in the Gulf of Carpentaria, which makes up 10% of Australia's coastline. Over 15 years, researchers found that the number of these ghost nets has increased, despite efforts to clean them up and reduce illegal fishing. This is important because it indicates that the amount of lost and discarded fishing gear is more than what cleanup efforts can handle, impacting marine habitats and species. Who this helps: This benefits marine conservationists and policymakers aiming to protect ocean ecosystems.

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This study looked at the amount and types of human-made trash, like plastics and fishing gear, on different types of beaches in Queensland, Australia. Researchers found that uninhabited islands had different levels and types of trash compared to inhabited islands and mainland beaches, with factors like wind and ocean currents influencing where the trash ended up. It matters because understanding how and where trash collects helps in managing pollution and protecting coastal environments. Who this helps: This benefits coastal communities, environmental advocates, and policy makers focused on reducing ocean pollution.

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This study examined a patient in Puerto Rico who switched from a brand-name medication for opioid use disorder (Suboxone) to two different generic versions. After the switch, the patient experienced withdrawal symptoms and required an increase in medication dosage to stabilize her condition. Blood tests indicated that the generic versions reached peak levels in the body faster and exposed the patient to higher amounts of medication compared to the brand-name version. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing treatment for opioid use disorder, as well as doctors managing their care.