Dr. Shumaker explores various aspects of human health, particularly focusing on how our bodies function and respond to treatments. His research includes studying the different bacteria and fungi found in human milk across various cultures, which could play a significant role in the health of both mothers and infants. He also specializes in using advanced ultrasound technology to measure blood flow in liver tumors, which helps doctors track treatment effectiveness in patients with liver cancer. Furthermore, he investigates how age-related changes in specific brain proteins affect memory, providing insights that could help address memory-related conditions like Alzheimer’s. Lastly, he has developed new methods for studying knee injuries, which could lead to better surgical techniques and treatments.
Key findings
In a study of about 518 women from 16 countries, researchers found significant regional variations in the types of bacteria in human milk, with fungi present in only 7% of samples.
Using a new ultrasound technique on 80 patients, the measurements of blood flow in liver tumors showed less than 21% variability, ensuring reliable tracking of tumor response to treatment.
In examining 31 liver cancer patients, a significant washout effect in tumor blood flow was observed, leading to improved classification of liver tumors.
Older mice exhibited worse memory performance as they aged, linked to increased bonding of the GluN2B receptor with other brain proteins, which could explain memory decline.
Reducing the expression of the GluN1(0XX) receptor subunit in young mice resulted in a 10-19% drop in memory performance during learning tasks.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Shumaker study liver cancer?
Yes, he develops ultrasound techniques to measure tumor blood flow, which helps track treatment effectiveness in liver cancer patients.
What impact does his work have on memory decline?
His research on brain proteins provides insights into age-related memory issues, which could lead to better treatments for Alzheimer's and other memory conditions.
How does his work relate to knee injuries?
Dr. Shumaker has created a new dissection technique for studying the knee, which helps improve treatment options for knee injuries in both athletes and the general population.
Is Dr. Shumaker's research important for mothers and infants?
Yes, his studies on human milk microbiota help understand its variations across cultures, which can influence the health of mothers and their babies.
What specific techniques does Dr. Shumaker use in his research?
He uses advanced imaging methods like contrast-enhanced ultrasound to study blood flow in tumors and innovative dissection techniques to explore knee anatomy.
Publications in plain English
A Comprehensive and Repeatable Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Quantification Approach for Clinical Evaluations of Tumor Blood Flow.
2025
Investigative radiology
Krolak C, Wei A, Shumaker M, Dighe M, Averkiou M
Plain English This study developed a new ultrasound imaging method to measure blood flow in tumors, focusing on liver lesions in 80 patients, half of whom had liver cancer. The results showed that the new technique produced consistent and reliable measurements of blood flow, with variability in measurements below 21% for most parameters, indicating good repeatability. This matters because it provides a standardized way for doctors to monitor how tumors respond to treatment over time.
Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients with liver cancer by providing better tools for tracking treatment effectiveness.
The human milk bacteriome and mycobiome and their inter-kingdom interactions viewed across geography.
2025
Frontiers in nutrition
Sun H, Finlay B, Azad MB, Cuomo CA, Cowen LE +10 more
Plain English This study looked at the types of bacteria and fungi found in human milk from women in 16 different countries, using samples from about 518 women. The researchers found that the bacteria in human milk vary significantly by region, with certain bacteria present in almost all samples, while fungi were found in 7% of the samples. Understanding these variations is important because they might influence the health of mothers and their babies across different cultures and environments.
Who this helps: This helps mothers, infants, and healthcare professionals understand the benefits of milk microbiota.
Quantification of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Vascular Dynamics With Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound for LI-RADS Implementation.
2024
Investigative radiology
Krolak C, Dighe M, Clark A, Shumaker M, Yeung R +3 more
Plain English This study focused on improving the way doctors evaluate liver tumors using a special imaging technique called contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). Researchers examined 31 patients with liver cancer and discovered that their tumors showed quicker blood flow changes compared to surrounding healthy tissue, with a significant washout effect observed over time. This method of analysis provides clear, measurable data, making it easier and more reliable for doctors to classify liver tumors, ultimately aiming to enhance patient care.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with liver cancer and the doctors treating them.
An increase in the association of GluN2B containing NMDA receptors with membrane scaffolding proteins was related to memory declines during aging.
2013
The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience
Zamzow DR, Elias V, Shumaker M, Larson C, Magnusson KR
Plain English This study looked at how certain brain proteins related to memory change as mice get older. Researchers found that older mice (26 months) had worse memory performance compared to younger mice (3 months), and they observed an increase in the bonding of a specific receptor (GluN2B) with other proteins in the brain that may contribute to this memory decline. The findings indicate that as these mice age, changes in the way GluN2B interacts with other proteins might help explain their memory issues, even though the overall number of memory receptors didn't seem to directly affect their performance.
Who this helps: This helps researchers and healthcare professionals understand age-related memory decline in patients.
Reducing expression of GluN1(0XX) subunit splice variants of the NMDA receptor interferes with spatial reference memory.
2012
Behavioural brain research
Das SR, Jensen R, Kelsay R, Shumaker M, Bochart R +3 more
Plain English This study looked at how a specific part of the NMDA receptor, called GluN1(0XX), affects memory in young mice. Researchers found that when they decreased the levels of this receptor subunit, the mice performed worse on memory tests, showing a 10-19% drop in its expression, and poorer performance in learning tasks compared to those that did not receive the treatment. These findings matter because they highlight how important GluN1(0XX) is for memory, which could inform future treatments for memory-related issues.
Who this helps: Patients with memory impairments, including those with conditions like Alzheimer’s.
A novel approach to the dissection of the human knee.
2009
Anatomical sciences education
Clemente FR, Fabrizio PA, Shumaker M
Plain English The research focused on a new way to study the human knee, which is often injured in both athletes and the general population. The authors developed a dissection technique that allows clear visibility of important parts of the knee, like the cruciate ligaments and menisci, without damaging surrounding ligaments. This method preserves the natural layout of the knee structures, which is crucial for improving knee treatments and surgeries.
Who this helps: This benefits doctors and surgeons working on knee injuries and treatments.