MARY ELLEN BEATTY, MD

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This research focused on developing a machine-learning model called PETIL to predict how well certain immune cells, known as tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), will grow from bladder cancer samples. The model was tested on data from bladder cancer patients at Moffitt Cancer Center and performed well, with scores indicating a strong ability to predict TIL growth—0.740 for one test group and 0.857 for a second group. This is important because it can help doctors identify which patients are more likely to benefit from a specific type of cancer treatment, saving time and money by avoiding unnecessary treatments for those unlikely to respond. Who this helps: This helps patients who are considering adoptive cell therapy for bladder cancer.

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Researchers studied a type of corn affected by a disease called Northern corn leaf blight (NCLB), which can reduce corn yields by up to 50%. They used a technology called CRISPR-Cas9 to edit the corn's genes, successfully inserting two resistance genes that protect against the disease. The new corn plants showed strong resistance without harming their yield, meaning farmers can grow healthier crops more efficiently. Who this helps: This benefits farmers and the agriculture industry by providing crops that are more resistant to disease and can produce higher yields.

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This study looked at a new skin treatment for bladder cancer, called DYV800, that uses sodium bicarbonate to make tumors less acidic. The researchers found that this treatment raised the pH inside the tumors and led to a significant reduction in tumor size, along with stronger immune responses from specific T cells. This is important because it shows a better way to help the immune system fight bladder cancer compared to taking sodium bicarbonate by mouth, which had many side effects. Who this helps: Patients with bladder cancer who need more effective treatment options.

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This study looked at a new approach to treating high-risk patients with advanced melanoma using tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy but with a lower dose of chemotherapy to prepare their immune systems. Out of 17 patients treated, 44% had a positive response to the treatment, showing that it was effective without causing severe side effects like those typically seen with the standard higher doses of chemotherapy. This matters because it offers a safer option for patients who are older or have other health issues, improving access to potentially life-saving treatments. Who this helps: Patients with high-risk metastatic melanoma, especially those with additional health concerns.

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This study looked at almost 763,000 pregnancies in Scotland to create a model predicting which women might need admission to an intensive care unit (ICU) during or after childbirth. The researchers found that out of the women studied, only 1,087 (0.19%) were admitted to an ICU, and while their model could accurately identify those at low risk, it was not effective at identifying those at higher risk (only 9.1% sensitivity). This finding is important because it can help doctors better understand which women may need more careful monitoring during pregnancy, though it may not be reliable for deciding who definitely needs ICU admission beforehand. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers in planning care for pregnant women.

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This study focused on creating and testing online care maps for children with complex medical needs. Researchers worked with caregivers and care team members to design a tool that helps organize and share information about the child's care. They found that 70% of the caregivers registered on the online platform, and most successfully used these care maps to improve communication and coordination, although some caregivers were unsure of their value. Who this helps: This benefits caregivers and medical teams working with children who have complex health issues.

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This study focused on a long-term dataset of lithium-ion batteries that were reused after their original life in electric vehicles. Researchers analyzed how these batteries perform when used for energy storage in different situations, covering a period from 2019 to 2025. They found valuable information on how these batteries degrade over time and their overall health, which is essential for improving the reliability of energy storage systems. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and companies working on energy storage solutions.

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This research paper looks at Dry Eye Disease (DED), which is a condition causing dry, uncomfortable eyes. The study found that specific biomarkers, like MMP-9 and tear osmolarity, can help doctors diagnose the disease more accurately. Improved diagnostic tools exist, but more reliable tests are needed to better manage DED, which can often be mistaken for other eye issues. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from dry eye by leading to more accurate diagnoses and better treatment options.

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This study looked at two separate norovirus outbreaks in Southern California linked to eating raw oysters from different regions in Mexico. Around 400 people reported gastrointestinal illnesses, and 179 of those cases were specifically connected to the outbreaks, with 24 confirmed as norovirus infections. The research highlights the importance of safely handling and cooking oysters to prevent foodborne illnesses. Who this helps: This helps consumers and food safety regulators.

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This study looked at how palliative care training can improve the support given to patients in intensive care units, especially those near the end of their lives. It highlighted that while survival rates have increased, 15% to 20% of patients still die in the hospital, and many can't express their treatment preferences. By combining the approaches of critical care and palliative care, doctors can provide better end-of-life experiences for patients, making the intensive care environment more compassionate. Who this helps: This benefits patients in intensive care and their families.

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This study looked at the effects of women being admitted to intensive care during pregnancy in Scotland from 2005 to 2018. Out of nearly 763,000 deliveries, 1,449 women (0.18%) needed ICU care mainly for bleeding or severe blood pressure issues. Those admitted to ICU had higher risks of being readmitted to the hospital within a year (24.5% vs. 8.9%), increased mortality (about 40 times higher), and increased chances of stillbirth and neonatal care needs. Who this helps: This information helps healthcare providers understand the risks associated with critical care admissions for pregnant women and improve follow-up care for those affected.

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This study looked at a new type of training designed to improve working memory in teenagers with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Researchers tested this training on 62 adolescents and found that those who participated showed significant improvements in tasks related to working memory, with many scoring better and maintaining high motivation throughout the program. This is important because it suggests that this new training method could help adolescents with ADHD enhance their memory skills. Who this helps: This benefits adolescents with ADHD and their caregivers.

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This study looked at how caregivers and healthcare team members feel about using an online tool that allows them to collaboratively create and manage care plans for children with complex medical needs. Over six months, 15 caregivers and 20 healthcare team members shared their experiences, revealing that an online care plan improves communication, enhances caregiver control, and makes health information easier to access. This matters because better collaboration leads to more effective care for vulnerable children and their families. Who this helps: This helps caregivers of children with complex medical needs and their healthcare teams.

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This study looked at how a sugar called L-fucose affects melanoma treatment by boosting the immune response. Researchers found that giving L-fucose to melanoma cells increases a protein that helps the immune system identify and attack tumor cells, leading to more immune cells in the tumor and better responses to immunotherapy. Specifically, they noted that fucosylation in melanoma is linked to higher numbers of immune cells and better patient responses to treatment. Who this helps: This benefits melanoma patients undergoing immunotherapy.

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This study looked at a messaging platform called Connecting2gether (C2) that helps parents of children with complex medical needs communicate with their healthcare teams. Over six months, 36 parents and 66 healthcare providers used C2, sending 1,861 messages, with 85% responded to within 24 hours. The messaging was found to focus more on parent education and personal check-ins rather than just clinical issues, making parents feel more connected to their care team, which is crucial for managing their child's health. Who this helps: This benefits parents and guardians of children with complex medical conditions.

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This study looked at how combining experiments with big data can improve our understanding of ecosystems and help with conservation efforts. The researchers found that using both methods together can provide faster and more reliable solutions to ecological problems, which is crucial as we face increasing human impacts on the environment. This matters because better research can lead to more effective conservation strategies. Who this helps: This benefits ecologists, conservationists, and ultimately the health of ecosystems.

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This study looked at how parents of children with complex medical needs used a digital support platform called Connecting2gether (C2), which includes help from a live coach. Out of 33 participating parents, 85% attended at least one coaching session, and they had a total of 166 feedback sessions, averaging 5 sessions each. Parents found C2 helpful for coordinating care and improving communication, while the live coach played a key role in assisting them with technical issues and making the platform easier to use. Who this helps: This benefits parents and caregivers of children with complex medical conditions.

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This study looked at how long antibodies last after natural infection with the virus that causes COVID-19 and how well these antibodies can neutralize the virus. Researchers found that 83% of people tested had detectable neutralizing antibodies, and older adults (over 65) had higher antibody levels. The findings are important because they help us understand how immune responses develop after infection, which is crucial for future treatments and prevention strategies. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from COVID-19 by providing insights into their immune responses.

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The study looked at a genetic mutation that makes maize and sorghum plants shorter, which is beneficial for their growth. Researchers found a specific allele called br1-Mu in maize that helps regulate plant height through a process that alters gene expression. They also discovered that a similar genetic variant is common in African sorghum plants, indicating that smallholder farmers have been selecting for shorter plants for a long time, even before modern agricultural improvements. Who this helps: This research benefits farmers and agricultural scientists working to improve crop varieties for better yield and stability.

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This study looked at a digital health coaching program designed to help patients prepare for lower limb surgery, particularly when in-person support was not possible due to the pandemic. Out of 189 patients, 57 agreed to join the program, and 40 completed it, showing a significant improvement in their readiness for surgery: their scores measuring how engaged and prepared they felt increased from an average of 58.1 to 67.8. This matters because better-prepared patients can lead to quicker recoveries and shorter hospital stays, as evidenced by the participants spending one less day in the hospital than the typical patient. Who this helps: Patients preparing for elective lower limb surgery.

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Researchers studied a new method called tethered capsule endomicroscopy (TCE) to take detailed images of the esophagus in patients with Barrett's esophagus, a condition that can lead to cancer. In a study involving 147 patients, 79% successfully swallowed the capsule, and 93.7% of those who completed the procedure got high-quality images. The findings are important because TCE is safe, quick, and can be performed by various healthcare providers, making it a promising option for monitoring patients with Barrett's esophagus. Who this helps: This helps patients with Barrett's esophagus and their doctors by providing a new tool for monitoring their condition.

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This study looked at how a specific treatment called post-transplantation cyclophosphamide (PTCy) affects immune cells in children undergoing a type of blood stem cell transplant. The researchers found that children receiving PTCy had quicker recovery of certain immune cells known as myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), which helped reduce the chances of developing serious complications like graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Specifically, only 9.1% of children with PTCy developed acute GVHD compared to 27.3% in those treated with standard care, highlighting the effectiveness of PTCy in protecting against these complications. Who this helps: This benefits pediatric patients undergoing blood stem cell transplants and their doctors.

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In this study, researchers developed a new method to modify soybean plants using a special bacterium called Ochrobactrum haywardense H1. They found that this method is significantly more effective than older techniques, achieving up to 35% successful transformations in elite soybean varieties, and producing high-quality plants without leftover genetic markers. This is important because it allows for the creation of improved soybean plants without impacting their yield. Who this helps: This benefits farmers and agricultural scientists looking to create better soybean crops.

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This study looked at how easily the Alpha variant of the coronavirus spreads within households in San Diego County and Denver during early 2021. Researchers found that nearly 57% of households with a COVID-19 case had someone else get infected, with the transmission rates being similar for both the Alpha variant (61%) and non-Alpha variants (56%). The study highlighted that close physical contact, like hugging or kissing, increases the risk of spread, and it suggests that limiting such contact could help prevent infections in families. Who this helps: This helps patients and their families by emphasizing the importance of reducing close contact to prevent illness.

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This study looked at how COVID-19, especially the Alpha variant, spreads among households with children in California and Colorado from January to April 2021. They found that 58% of households with infected children and 56% of those with infected adults reported secondary infections, indicating that the virus spreads easily among family members. Importantly, the type of virus did not change the transmission risk, suggesting that precautions like masking and vaccination are still important to keep everyone safe. Who this helps: This helps patients, families, and public health officials by highlighting the ongoing need for safety measures against COVID-19.

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This study focused on a new type of medical imaging tool called optical coherence tomography (OCT) that helps visualize tissue in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Researchers found that a small, simple probe could effectively guide medical devices, check physical contact with tissue, and create clear images of organs like the esophagus and stomach. The findings showed that this new method improved the accuracy of measurements by threefold and enhanced image clarity by 10%, potentially making GI procedures safer and more efficient. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing GI examinations and doctors performing these procedures.

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This study looked at serious health issues that women can face during and after pregnancy in Scotland over 14 years, involving nearly 763,000 pregnancies. The researchers found that about 8,000 women experienced severe complications, with the most common issue being puerperal sepsis, which affected almost a third of those cases. The rate of these serious problems doubled from 9 in 1,000 pregnancies in 2012 to 17 in 1,000 in 2018, and older and obese women faced higher risks. Who this helps: This information is important for healthcare providers and expectant mothers, especially those at higher risk.

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Researchers studied samples of the COVID-19 virus collected from November 2021 to February 2022 to see how the Delta and Omicron variants interacted. They found 18 cases of people infected with both Delta and Omicron, and discovered two instances of a new virus formed from parts of both variants, known as a recombinant. This matters because while recombinations can occur, they are rare, and these new variants do not appear to spread more easily than existing Omicron strains. Who this helps: This information benefits public health officials and researchers monitoring COVID-19 variants.

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This study looked at ways to grow specific immune cells, called tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), from soft tissue sarcoma tumors to use in a treatment called adoptive cell transfer (ACT). Researchers successfully developed methods to grow these TILs from all 70 tumor samples they used, with the cells multiplying significantly—by an average of 490 times—from tumor fragments and 403 times from tumor digests. This matters because it shows that TILs from soft tissue sarcomas can be effectively cultivated and are capable of targeting tumors, paving the way for new treatment options for patients with this type of cancer. Who this helps: Patients with metastatic soft tissue sarcoma.

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This study focused on creating and testing a new health score called the "C-Score," which can predict the risk of death from any cause within ten years, using data that can be gathered through a smartphone. The researchers found that as the C-Score increased, the risk of all-cause mortality decreased significantly, showing a 31% reduction in risk for each higher score level. This score is valuable because it simplifies health risk assessment, making it easier for people to understand their health and improve it over time. Who this helps: Patients looking to better understand their health risks.

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This study focused on expanding immune cells called tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) from patients with penile cancer to see if they could help in treatment. Researchers successfully grew TIL from 11 out of 12 patients' tumor samples (91.6%), and these cells showed a strong immune response against the cancer, with 45.4% producing an important signaling molecule (IFN-γ). This is significant because it highlights a new potential treatment option for patients with advanced penile cancer, which currently has limited effective therapies. Who this helps: Patients with advanced penile cancer.

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This study looked at how well tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) can be grown from bladder cancer samples to use in immune therapy. The researchers found that TILs grew successfully from 70% of the patients studied, with 74% of these TILs showing anti-tumor activity. They found that certain tumor types, like mixed urothelial carcinoma, had higher anti-tumor activity, while those previously treated with a type of vaccine therapy had lower reactivity but could still be improved using special growth factors. Who this helps: This research benefits bladder cancer patients looking for new treatment options.

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This study looked at the communication problems faced by parents, healthcare providers, and teachers who care for children with complex medical needs. Researchers interviewed 32 participants and found that they struggle with issues like duplicate health records and poor information sharing, which makes coordinated care difficult. To improve communication, they suggested using shared systems for real-time access to health information and forming stronger partnerships between everyone involved in the child’s care. Who this helps: This helps children with medical complexity and their families by improving teamwork among their caregivers.

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This study looked at how COVID-19 was spreading in the isolation ward of a hospital in Oman, specifically focusing on a group of seven cases that happened between December 4, 2020, and January 5, 2021. Researchers found that the virus likely spread through contact with contaminated surfaces and fecal matter from infected patients, emphasizing that existing infection control practices were not enough to prevent the spread of the virus. Improving hygiene and isolation practices in hospitals is crucial to keep both patients and healthcare workers safe. Who this helps: This helps patients, doctors, and hospital staff by highlighting the need for better infection control measures.

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This study looked at how injecting a solution called PV-10, made from rose bengal, could improve the effectiveness of the standard chemotherapy drug gemcitabine in treating pancreatic cancer. Researchers found that when mice with pancreatic tumors received both PV-10 injections and gemcitabine, there was significant tumor shrinkage, and the growth of other untreated tumors was also delayed. This approach particularly worked well with certain tumors that triggered immune responses, suggesting that combining these treatments could better help patients fight pancreatic cancer. Who this helps: This benefits pancreatic cancer patients looking for more effective treatment options.

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This research looked at how interactive online health programs can help improve health behaviors and outcomes. The study analyzed 67 different research papers and found that interactive programs are generally effective but the impact varies based on the health topic and program design. Specifically, interactivity offered a small but important benefit over non-interactive versions, with effectiveness ratings ranging from -0.32 to 1.74. Who this helps: This helps patients looking for effective online health resources.

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Researchers developed a type of corn called waxy corn using a gene-editing technique called CRISPR-Cas9, which was much faster than traditional methods. In field tests across 25 locations, these CRISPR-edited hybrids produced an average of 5.5 more bushels of corn per acre compared to other corn hybrids. This is important because it can lead to higher crop yields and potentially better food supplies. Who this helps: Farmers and agricultural producers.

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This study looked at how a specific type of chemotherapy, called lymphodepleting chemotherapy, impacts cancer treatment with adoptive T cell therapy (ACT). Researchers found that this chemotherapy led to a surge of certain immune cells, known as myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), in melanoma and lung cancer patients within just a week after treatment, which was linked to faster disease progression and poorer survival rates. Specifically, patients showed a significant increase in these suppressor cells, which made their existing immune response less effective, highlighting the need to address this issue to improve outcomes for patients undergoing ACT. Who this helps: This helps cancer patients undergoing adoptive T cell therapy, especially those with melanoma and lung cancer.

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This study looked at how genetic variations in maize affect its ability to respond to drought. Researchers analyzed gene expressions in 224 different maize varieties under varying water conditions and found over 73,000 genetic variants related to gene expression. They identified 97 specific genes linked to drought tolerance, including one gene that actually reduces drought resistance. Who this helps: This research benefits farmers and plant breeders looking to develop more drought-resistant maize crops.

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This study looked at the experiences of parents who lost children with serious medical issues regarding advance care planning, which involves discussing future medical decisions. Researchers interviewed 13 grieving parents and found that their experiences highlighted important areas of care, including the need to value parents' knowledge about their children, the shock of their child's death, and the numerous losses they faced. These insights are vital for improving how care is provided to children with complex medical needs at the end of life. Who this helps: This helps families dealing with the loss of a child and healthcare providers involved in caring for children with medical complexities.

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This study looked at how T-cells, a type of immune cell, create acidic environments in lymph nodes (key areas for immune responses), which can limit their effectiveness. The researchers found that these acidic areas exist in healthy mice but not in mice lacking T-cells, indicating that T-cells contribute to this acidification. Although the acid does reduce some functions of T-cells, it does not prevent the initial activation of these cells when they encounter pathogens. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and researchers working on improving immune responses in patients with cancer and other diseases.

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This study looked at how two different methods of delivering immune cells (T cells) can reduce bladder tumor growth in mice. Researchers found that giving T cells through the bloodstream after chemotherapy significantly slowed tumor growth and increased long-term protection, while direct delivery of T cells into the bladder also effectively controlled tumor size without needing chemotherapy. These findings are important because they suggest new ways to use the body’s immune system to fight bladder cancer more effectively. Who this helps: This helps bladder cancer patients by offering potentially more effective treatment options.

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This study looked at how well dentists can evaluate the tightness of the space between teeth when fitting crowns using different methods. The researchers found that using shim stock and occlusal articulating film provided much more accurate results compared to the traditional floss and explorer method—both for poorly fitting and well-fitting crowns. This is important because using the most accurate method can help prevent dental issues like gum inflammation and cavities due to poorly fitted crowns. Who this helps: This helps dentists and their patients by ensuring better-fitting crowns and reducing the risk of dental complications.

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This study looked at how the proteins in maize (corn) changed as breeders adapted the plant from tropical to temperate climates over the last century. Researchers found that levels of proteins and the genetic messages (mRNA) that create them do not always match, showing a weak relationship; in fact, changes in protein levels were often not linked to changes in mRNA levels. This is important because it shows that focusing on proteins, rather than just genetic messages, is crucial for understanding how maize has evolved and for making further improvements in its breeding. Who this helps: This helps farmers and plant breeders improve maize crops for better yields and adaptability.

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This study looked at a new technology called tethered capsule endomicroscopy (TCE), which uses light to create detailed images of the digestive system without needing sedation. Researchers developed a device that accurately marks where these images are taken, achieving a pinpoint accuracy of better than 0.5 millimeters. This is important because it helps ensure the images can be matched with tissue samples taken during follow-up procedures, leading to better diagnoses. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing gastrointestinal examinations and their doctors.

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In a study at a hospital in Riyadh, researchers found a significant outbreak of colistin-resistant infections that affected 22 patients, mostly men around 50 years old, with many suffering from hypertension and diabetes. Most patients stayed in the hospital for around 20-40 days, and the majority had respiratory infections from two bacteria, Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The study highlights that over 75% of these infections were also resistant to multiple other antibiotics, which raises serious concerns about infection control and patient safety. Who this helps: Patients in hospitals, especially those with compromised health, benefit from this research as it informs better infection prevention strategies.