Dr. McMahan studies the safety of drinking water, particularly examining how harmful bacteria can be detected using various testing methods. They have researched specific techniques, like the Compartment Bag Test, which measures bacteria levels in water, providing communities with reliable information on water safety. Additionally, Dr. McMahan is involved in educating radiology residents about the safety of MRI and CT scans, specifically regarding the use of contrast agents, aiming to increase their knowledge and confidence in this key area.
Key findings
In a study of 704 households in Peru, the Compartment Bag Test effectively measured harmful bacteria in drinking water, validating its use as an accurate testing method.
Research in Vietnam showed that households with direct piped water experienced 43% less diarrhea compared to those using other water sources, highlighting the health benefits of piped water supply.
The H2S test for detecting fecal bacteria proved reliable, identifying over 70% of bacteria in positive samples as likely from feces, essential for ensuring safe drinking water.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. McMahan study drinking water safety?
Yes, Dr. McMahan focuses on the safety of drinking water, particularly in low-resource settings, using various testing methods to detect harmful bacteria.
What educational methods has Dr. McMahan researched?
Dr. McMahan has studied the effectiveness of live lectures and online modules in teaching radiology residents about MRI and CT safety, finding significant improvements in their knowledge.
Is Dr. McMahan's work relevant to patients concerned about water quality?
Absolutely, their research directly impacts communities by providing reliable testing methods for drinking water safety, which is crucial for public health.
What treatments has Dr. McMahan worked on?
While Dr. McMahan primarily studies water safety, their earlier research on herpes simplex virus proteins could lead to better antiviral treatments.
How does Dr. McMahan's research help rural communities?
Their studies, such as the one on piped water supply in Vietnam, demonstrate how improved water sources can reduce diarrhea and enhance health outcomes.
Publications in plain English
The compartment bag test (CBT) for enumerating fecal indicator bacteria: Basis for design and interpretation of results.
2017
The Science of the total environment
Gronewold AD, Sobsey MD, McMahan L
Plain English This study focused on the compartment bag test (CBT), which is a method used to measure harmful bacteria in water. Researchers established a clear method for designing the test and interpreting the results, finding statistical ways to report bacteria levels and ensure they meet safety guidelines. This is important because it helps improve water safety and protects public health.
Who this helps: This benefits public health officials and water quality testers.
Household Microbial Water Quality Testing in a Peruvian Demographic and Health Survey: Evaluation of the Compartment Bag Test for.
2017
The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene
Wang A, McMahan L, Rutstein S, Stauber C, Reyes J +1 more
Plain English This study examined the quality of drinking water in households in Peru using a new test called the Compartment Bag Test (CBT). Researchers tested water samples from 704 households and found that the results from the field tests using CBT matched those from laboratory tests, showing that the CBT effectively measures harmful bacteria. This is important because it can help accurately assess the safety of drinking water and ensure people have access to clean water.
Who this helps: This helps patients and communities by providing better information on drinking water safety.
Curricula for Teaching MRI Safety, and MRI and CT Contrast Safety to Residents: How Effective Are Live Lectures and Online Modules?
2015
Journal of the American College of Radiology : JACR
Swensson J, McMahan L, Rase B, Tahir B
Plain English This study looked at how well live lectures and online modules taught radiology residents about MRI and CT safety and the use of contrast agents. After learning, residents improved their knowledge significantly: those who attended lectures upped their scores by about 19.1% on CT contrast and 14.4% on MRI safety, while those who used online modules improved by 13.1% and 12.9% respectively. The results showed that both teaching methods worked well, helping residents feel more confident about these important safety topics.
Who this helps: This helps radiology residents and their training programs.
Relative benefits of on-plot water supply over other 'improved' sources in rural Vietnam.
2013
Tropical medicine & international health : TM & IH
Brown J, Hien VT, McMahan L, Jenkins MW, Thie L +3 more
Plain English This study looked at how a piped water supply program affects drinking water quality and health in rural central Vietnam. Researchers followed 300 households, finding that those with a direct piped connection had better water quality and experienced less diarrhea—specifically, about 43% less diarrhea compared to those without this connection. This matters because it shows that having water piped directly to homes offers more health benefits than relying on other improved water sources.
Who this helps: This helps rural households in Vietnam looking for better drinking water and health outcomes.
Evaluation of a quantitative H2S MPN test for fecal microbes analysis of water using biochemical and molecular identification.
2012
Water research
McMahan L, Grunden AM, Devine AA, Sobsey MD
Plain English This study looked at a test called the H2S test, which checks for fecal bacteria in water. Researchers found that when water tested positive for H2S, over 70% of the bacteria identified included those likely coming from feces, confirming the test's reliability in detecting contamination. This is important because it helps ensure that water supplies are safe for drinking and swimming, protecting public health.
Who this helps: This helps patients and communities relying on clean water sources.
A summary catalogue of microbial drinking water tests for low and medium resource settings.
2012
International journal of environmental research and public health
Bain R, Bartram J, Elliott M, Matthews R, McMahan L +3 more
Plain English This study looked at different tests for checking the safety of drinking water in places with limited resources. The researchers found 44 types of tests that can detect germs from feces in water, with costs ranging from $0.60 to $7.50 each, depending on the test type. This is important because having clear options makes it easier for communities to choose the right test to ensure clean drinking water.
Who this helps: This helps water service providers, health organizations, and communities in low-resource areas.
Validation of the H2S method to detect bacteria of fecal origin by cultured and molecular methods.
2011
Applied microbiology and biotechnology
McMahan L, Devine AA, Grunden AM, Sobsey MD
Plain English This study examined how well the H2S test can detect harmful bacteria from sewage in water. Researchers found that water samples with positive H2S tests consistently contained fecal bacteria and pathogens, confirming the test's reliability. This matters because it offers a low-cost method that could help millions of people detect water quality issues.
Who this helps: This benefits communities relying on safe drinking water, water quality testers, and public health officials.
The B73 maize genome: complexity, diversity, and dynamics.
2009
Science (New York, N.Y.)
Schnable PS, Ware D, Fulton RS, Stein JC, Wei F +152 more
Plain English Researchers worked on mapping the complete genetic material of maize, a crucial crop, and found that this giant genome has over 32,000 genes, with most of it made up of repetitive DNA segments that affect how the plant evolves. They discovered that these segments play significant roles in shaping the genes and chromosomes of maize, which could lead to better agricultural practices and crop improvements. Understanding these genetic details is vital for enhancing maize cultivation and yields.
Who this helps: This benefits farmers, agricultural scientists, and food production efforts.
ModView, visualization of multiple protein sequences and structures.
2003
Bioinformatics (Oxford, England)
Ilyin VA, Pieper U, Stuart AC, Marti-Renom MA, McMahan L +1 more
Plain English This study introduces ModView, an online tool that allows users to visualize and interact with multiple protein sequences and structures. It lets researchers look at hundreds of proteins at once, highlighting important features like active sites and how proteins are related. This is important because it makes it easier for scientists to understand complex protein interactions, which can aid in drug development and disease research.
Who this helps: This helps researchers and scientists studying proteins and diseases.
The repressing and enhancing functions of the herpes simplex virus regulatory protein ICP27 map to C-terminal regions and are required to modulate viral gene expression very early in infection.
1990
Journal of virology
McMahan L, Schaffer PA
Plain English This study examined a protein from the herpes simplex virus called ICP27, focusing on how it affects the virus's ability to regulate its genes during infection. Researchers found that specific parts of this protein are crucial for its functions: two regions help it suppress certain gene expressions, while other areas are needed for the overall boosting of gene activity. Notably, the study showed that without ICP27, the virus struggles to express its genes efficiently early in infection, which is vital for its replication.
Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and researchers working on ways to treat herpes simplex virus infections.
Herpes simplex virus type 1 ICP27 deletion mutants exhibit altered patterns of transcription and are DNA deficient.
1989
Journal of virology
McCarthy AM, McMahan L, Schaffer PA
Plain English This study focused on a specific protein called ICP27 from the herpes simplex virus type 1 and explored how changes to this protein affect the virus's ability to replicate. Researchers created modified versions of the virus that lacked ICP27, and found these mutants produced only 18% of the normal viral DNA and had trouble making certain viral proteins. This is important because it shows that ICP27 is crucial for properly regulating the virus's gene expression during replication, which could lead to better treatments for infections.
Who this helps: This helps patients by potentially leading to new antiviral therapies.