Dr. Fine studies a variety of health-related topics, including how past trauma impacts maternity care for women and the effectiveness of community-based programs for increasing breast cancer screenings among specific populations, like Korean American women. He also investigates the genetic and biological factors involved in diseases such as congenital heart disease and colorectal cancer, developing methods for early detection and understanding disease mechanisms. Additionally, he explores ecological health by researching how corals respond to environmental stressors, which is vital for coral conservation efforts.
Key findings
In a study on breast cancer screening, the 'Faith in Action!' program was tested in 24 churches to see if it could improve screening adherence among Korean American women facing cultural barriers.
Research found that one in four women in the UK experience trauma, underscoring the need for supportive trauma-informed maternity care, which has revealed key approaches to discussions about trauma.
In colorectal cancer detection, a new method using stool samples achieved an accuracy score of 0.86 in distinguishing between cancer patients and healthy individuals, potentially changing diagnosis practices.
Specific mutations in the SMAD5 gene were linked to isolated congenital heart defects in seven individuals across six families, providing insights for better diagnosis and treatment.
A study found that 66% of parents of children with neurodevelopmental disorders reported high work-family conflict, demonstrating an increased need for support compared to 43% of parents without such conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Fine study breast cancer screening?
Yes, he has researched methods to improve breast cancer screening rates, particularly among Korean American women.
What kind of care does Dr. Fine focus on for women who experienced trauma?
He develops trauma-informed maternity care methods to support women during pregnancy who have a history of trauma.
Is Dr. Fine's work relevant to cancer patients?
Absolutely, he has conducted research on colorectal cancer detection methods that could significantly improve early diagnosis.
What are Dr. Fine's findings about fathers with children who have disabilities?
His research highlights that fathers of children with disabilities face significant work-family balance challenges and need better support.
Does Dr. Fine explore issues related to coral and marine ecosystems?
Yes, he conducts research on how corals respond to environmental stresses, which is essential for conservation efforts.
Publications in plain English
Protocol for a cluster randomized trial to evaluate a faith-based breast cancer screening navigation model.
2026
Trials
Gresham G, Kim DH, Sung MJ, Diniz MA, Finster L +6 more
Plain English This study focused on improving breast cancer screening rates among Korean American women, as they have higher instances of advanced-stage breast cancer due to low screening rates. Researchers tested a program called "Faith in Action!" that used church groups and trained members to educate women about breast cancer and help them get screened. In a trial involving 24 churches, the goal was to see if this intervention could increase adherence to breast cancer screening guidelines, with initial findings expected within six months after the program.
Who this helps: This benefits Korean American women who attend church and need support to access breast cancer screenings.
Subcellular mRNA localization patterns across tissues resolved with spatial transcriptomics.
2026
Nature communications
Novoselsky R, Golani O, Barkai T, Kedmi M, Goliand I +4 more
Plain English This study examined how messenger RNA (mRNA) is distributed inside cells in different tissues, using advanced imaging techniques. Researchers found distinct patterns of mRNA location, such as its presence near the top or bottom of cells in the digestive tract and the liver. This discovery is significant because it enhances our understanding of how mRNA behaves in both healthy and diseased tissues, which could lead to better insights into various health conditions.
Who this helps: This benefits researchers and doctors exploring new treatments for diseases.
The lived experience of parents of children with disabilities as service users: A transformative learning theory perspective.
2025
The American journal of orthopsychiatry
Malka M, Fine M
Plain English This study looked at the experiences of 24 parents, mostly of children with autism, who access services for their kids with disabilities. Researchers found that these parents face unique challenges and have valuable insights that should be considered when creating support services. This matters because involving parents more directly can improve the quality of care and support for their children.
Who this helps: Parents of children with disabilities.
A Hospital-Based Intervention to Improve Access to Buprenorphine for Patients with Opioid Use Disorder.
2025
Substance use & addiction journal
Fine M, Hirt Wilner L, Ormiston CK, Wang L, Lee TG +1 more
Plain English This study looked at how to improve access to a medication called buprenorphine for hospitalized patients with opioid use disorder (OUD). Over two years, 178 patients were assessed, and 47 were given buprenorphine while in the hospital. After leaving, 43% of those referred to follow-up care actually attended appointments, with 94% remaining engaged in treatment after one to two years.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with opioid use disorder by increasing their chances of receiving necessary treatment after hospitalization.
Role of Proton Pump Inhibitors in Prevention of Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Patients on Dual Antiplatelet Therapy: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
2025
American journal of therapeutics
Saeed A, Haider M, Yousuf S, Ahmad S, Fine M +8 more
Plain English This study looked at whether adding proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to a combination of two blood-thinning medications—aspirin and P2Y12 inhibitors—could help prevent bleeding in the stomach and upper digestive tract for patients undergoing treatment for heart conditions. The researchers found that patients taking both PPIs and these blood-thinners had a 61% lower risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding compared to those who were not taking PPIs. Additionally, the study showed that these patients had a 54% lower risk of dying from any cause, without increasing the risk of major heart problems.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with heart issues who need blood-thinning therapy.
Work-Family Conflict, Parental Stress, and Work Centrality Among Parents of 0-4-Year-Old Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders.
2025
Journal of autism and developmental disorders
Gadot L, Segev E, Fine M
Plain English This study looked at how the challenges of balancing work and family life affect parents of young children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) compared to other parents. It found that parents of children with NDDs worked less and faced more stress, with 66% reporting high work-family conflict, compared to only 43% of parents without NDDs. This is important because it shows that these parents need more support to manage their responsibilities at work and home.
Who this helps: This research helps parents of children with NDDs by highlighting their specific struggles and the need for additional support.
TRPML2 in distinct states reveals the activation and modulation principles of the TRPML family.
2025
Nature communications
Schmiege P, Jaślan D, Fine M, Sadanandan NP, Hatton A +3 more
Plain English This study focused on a protein called TRPML2, which is important for maintaining cell structure and the release of certain signaling molecules. Researchers discovered that two different isomers of a compound called ML-SI3 can activate TRPML2 in opposite ways, with one isomer modifying its function without altering its structure; specifically, they observed that changing a small part of a related protein (TRPML1) allowed it to respond to TRPML2 activators. Understanding how TRPML channels work can help scientists create specific drugs that target these channels more effectively.
Who this helps: This research benefits patients who may need better treatments for diseases involving cell signaling and lysosomal function.
Between a "ball and chain" and a "half-full glass": Work-family balance experiences of fathers to children with disabilities.
2025
The American journal of orthopsychiatry
Segev E, Gadot L, Fine M
Plain English This study looked at how fathers of children with disabilities manage their work-life balance. The research found that these fathers face significant challenges, such as feeling overwhelmed by caregiving responsibilities, yet they also find joy in their role as dads and use various strategies to cope. The results underline the need for better support systems and policy changes to help these fathers at work.
Who this helps: This helps fathers of children with disabilities and their employers.
Haploinsufficient variants in SMAD5 are associated with isolated congenital heart disease.
2025
HGG advances
Alankarage D, Leshchynska I, Portelli S, Sipka A, Blue GM +20 more
Plain English This study looked at changes in a gene called SMAD5 and how they are linked to congenital heart disease (CHD) in humans. Researchers found that six families with seven individuals had specific mutations in the SMAD5 gene, and these changes were linked to isolated heart defects, with the most common issue being septal defects seen in four individuals. This research helps us understand the genetic causes of congenital heart defects and may lead to better diagnosis and treatment options.
Who this helps: This helps patients with congenital heart disease and their families.
Selective nutrient incorporation may underestimate heterotrophy of a mixotrophic reef-building coral.
2025
Communications biology
Love CR, Stuhr M, Fox MD, Radice VZ, Fine M +2 more
Plain English This study looked at how reef-building corals, specifically Stylophora pistillata, get their food through two main methods: using energy from sunlight and capturing small prey. Researchers found that when these corals feed, they effectively incorporate nitrogen and fatty acids into their tissues, but traditional methods for measuring their feeding habits may miss important details about how they acquire energy. This matters because understanding how corals get their nutrients can help scientists better assess their health and resilience in changing environments.
Who this helps: This helps ecologists and conservationists working to protect coral reefs.
Heat Stress Drives Rapid Viral and Antiviral Innate Immunity Activation in Hexacorallia.
2025
Molecular ecology
Sharoni T, Jaimes-Becerra A, Lewandowska M, Aharoni R, Voolstra CR +2 more
Plain English This study looked at how heat stress affects the immune responses of sea anemones and corals, particularly focusing on how viruses might play a role in this process. Researchers found that when these animals were exposed to heat, their immune-related genes turned on quickly; for instance, some antiviral genes responded within just a few hours, while viral gene expression increased significantly in just 30 minutes. Understanding these interactions is important because it reveals how climate change and viral infections can threaten the health of vital marine life, which affects entire ecosystems.
Who this helps: This helps marine biologists and conservationists working to protect coral reefs and related marine species.
Gulf of Aqaba as a thermal refuge: Insights from four years of intensifying marine heatwaves.
2025
The Science of the total environment
Kochman NR, Fine M
Plain English This study examined how coral species in the Gulf of Aqaba responded to increasingly severe marine heatwaves over four years. Despite facing a record-breaking heatwave in 2024, with sea temperatures reaching 32.6°C—3.4°C higher than usual—two main coral species continued to thrive without bleaching and maintained their energy levels. These findings are important because they show that some corals can survive extreme heat, but the study also warns that this "climate refuge" may soon reach its limits and emphasizes the need for immediate conservation action.
Who this helps: This research benefits coral reef conservationists and marine biologists working to protect vulnerable ecosystems.
Stool shed cell transcriptomics mirrors tumor biology and enables colorectal cancer diagnosis.
2025
Scientific reports
Bahar Halpern K, Kent I, Yakubovsky O, Ben-Moshe S, Barkai T +5 more
Plain English This study focused on finding a less invasive way to detect colorectal cancer (CRC) using stool samples instead of colonoscopies. Researchers analyzed the genetic material from stool samples of 54 CRC patients and 24 healthy individuals, finding that they could accurately distinguish between the two groups with a score of 0.86, meaning their method was very effective. This approach not only helps in early detection but also reveals important information about the cancer's biology, potentially changing how CRC is diagnosed and monitored.
Who this helps: This benefits patients by providing a safer and easier way to detect colorectal cancer.
Transcriptomic profiling of shed cells enables spatial mapping of cellular turnover in human organs.
2025
Molecular systems biology
Barkai T, Yakubovsky O, Korem Kohanim Y, Bahar Halpern K, Shir S +9 more
Plain English This study looked at how quickly cells in human organs are created and die, which can tell us a lot about health and disease. Researchers analyzed genetic information from cells shed into the gastrointestinal tract and found that some cells in the colon die quickly in a pro-inflammatory environment. This method helps us better understand cellular behavior in various organs, which can improve our approach to diseases.
Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and patients by providing deeper insights into the health of organs and potential disease mechanisms.
How should trauma discussions be approached in maternity care? Perspectives from a qualitative study with women, voluntary sector representatives and healthcare providers in the UK.
2025
BMJ open
Cull J, Thomson G, Downe S, Fine M, Topalidou A
Plain English This study explored how to have conversations about past trauma with pregnant women, as many have experienced abuse or violence that affects their health during pregnancy. Researchers interviewed 23 people, including women with trauma histories and healthcare providers, identifying five key areas to focus on: whether to discuss trauma, who should lead the conversation, when to talk about it, how to approach the topic sensitively, and what support staff need. The findings emphasize that while discussing trauma in maternity care is complicated, it is essential for providing better support and creating a safer environment for women.
Who this helps: This helps pregnant women who have experienced trauma and the healthcare providers caring for them.
Extracellular enzymatic activities of octocorals and scleractinian corals under environmental stress.
2025
Scientific reports
Lange K, Blanckaert A, Marcus Do Noscimiento MI, Grover R, Fine M +2 more
Plain English This study looked at how certain enzymes in corals work under stress from heat and light. Researchers found that these enzymes, which help corals absorb nutrients, were more active in hexacorals (like the stony corals) than in octocorals (like soft corals), and heat and light stress caused a significant increase in one type of enzyme involved in phosphorus absorption. This matters because understanding how corals respond to environmental changes can help us protect coral reefs as they face challenges like climate change.
Who this helps: This research benefits coral reef conservation efforts and marine ecologists working to protect coral ecosystems.
Colonial deposits: A transnational dialogue exploring historic and contemporary embodiments of colorism.
2025
The American psychologist
Sissoko GD, Hlokwe J, Segalo P, Fine M
Plain English This research paper examines colorism, which is the preference for lighter skin over darker skin, as a historical and psychological issue affecting Black women in both the United States and South Africa. The study reveals that colorism is not just a personal experience but a colonial legacy linked to racism and has significant economic and social effects. By exploring personal stories and existing research, the authors highlight the need for greater understanding and acknowledgment of colorism's impacts.
Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly Black women who experience colorism, as well as psychologists and social activists working towards equity.
Empowering women through trauma-informed maternity care: the EMPATHY framework.
2025
Frontiers in global women's health
Cull J, Thomson G, Downe S, Topalidou A, Fine M
Plain English This research focused on the EMPATHY framework, a new method for discussing trauma during maternity care to help women who have experienced past traumas like abuse or violence. Findings showed that one in four women in the UK has faced such trauma, highlighting the need for supportive care. The framework emphasizes trust, training, and continuous feedback to enhance the care experience, which could empower women and help prevent further psychological harm during pregnancy and childbirth.
Who this helps: This benefits women who have experienced trauma, especially during pregnancy and childbirth.
Plain English This research paper discusses how the American Public Health Association's Maternal and Child Health Section has worked to make gun violence prevention a priority in public health, especially after the tragic Sandy Hook school shooting. Since 2020, gun-related deaths have become the leading cause of death for children and teens in the U.S., with efforts from a dedicated group of volunteers highlighting the need for action. Their work has included organizing national conferences, creating educational sessions, and building coalitions to promote awareness and strategies to reduce gun violence.
Who this helps: This benefits children, their families, and public health professionals focused on reducing gun-related harm.
Beneficial and detrimental fungi within the culturable mycobiome of the Red Sea coral Stylophora pistilatta.
2025
The ISME journal
Granit L, Levi R, Lifshitz N, Banc-Prandi G, Zelinger E +6 more
Plain English This study looked at the effects of different types of fungi on the health of a common Red Sea coral called Stylophora pistillata, especially under stressful conditions like higher temperatures. Researchers found that a rare fungus, Stachybotrys chlorohalonata, caused significant damage to the coral, resulting in tissue loss in both normal and warmer water. In contrast, a more common fungus, Cladosporium halotolerans, helped protect the coral from damage at higher temperatures, improving coral health by reducing stress and increasing the efficiency of its algal partners by over 25%.
Who this helps: This research benefits coral conservationists and marine biologists working to protect coral reefs.
Acute Liver Injury Caused by Cyclophosphamide in a Patient With Factor VIII Deficiency: A Rare Presentation.
2024
Cureus
Antonios K, Shaheen A, Dutta P, Fine M
Plain English This study looks at a patient with Factor VIII deficiency who experienced acute liver injury after taking cyclophosphamide, a medication often used for cancer treatment. The case highlights that while there have been established links between high doses of cyclophosphamide and liver damage, the effects of lower doses taken orally were not previously well understood. This information is important for doctors as it raises awareness of possible liver injury from cyclophosphamide, even at doses that were thought to be safe.
Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers.
Desert dust improves the photophysiology of heat-stressed corals beyond iron.
2024
Scientific reports
Amorim K, Grover R, Omanović D, Sauzéat L, Do Noscimiento MIM +2 more
Plain English This study looked at how desert dust affects corals under heat stress, focusing on two coral species. Researchers found that when corals were exposed to desert dust, their levels of important metals increased significantly—such as iron (up to three times more) and manganese (up to four times more)—which boosted their ability to photosynthesize, especially when stressed by heat. This is important because it indicates that desert dust may help corals survive rising temperatures and resist bleaching.
Who this helps: This helps coral reefs and the marine ecosystems they support.
A Structural Overview of TRPML1 and the TRPML Family.
2023
Handbook of experimental pharmacology
Fine M, Li X
Plain English This research looks at a specific group of proteins called TRPML channels, focusing on TRPML1, TRPML2, and TRPML3. Recent studies have used advanced imaging techniques to better understand their structures, which are crucial for regulating functions in the body like sensing the environment and maintaining proper cell function. This is important because gaining deeper insights into these channels can help in developing treatments for diseases linked to their dysfunction.
Who this helps: This helps researchers and doctors working on diseases related to cell function and sensory systems.
Prec(ar)ious knowledge and the neoliberal academy: Towards re-imagining epistemic justice and critical psychology.
2023
The British journal of social psychology
Fine M
Plain English This paper looks at the impact of uncertainty and instability in academia, especially on social psychology. It emphasizes the need for a fairer way of understanding knowledge that includes diverse perspectives and aligns with social justice efforts. This is important because it can help create a more supportive environment for marginalized groups in education and research.
Who this helps: This benefits students, educators, and activists working for social change.
Brentuximab-Induced Colitis in a Non-Stem-Cell Transplant Patient.
2023
ACG case reports journal
Ali S, AbdulMujeeb S, Khattab A, Asado N, Fine M
Plain English The study looked at a specific case of an elderly woman with Hodgkin lymphoma who developed colitis (inflammation of the digestive tract) after taking brentuximab, a cancer treatment. Unlike other reported cases, this patient had not undergone stem-cell transplant, making it clear that the medication was the cause of her colitis. This finding is significant because it highlights the potential side effects of brentuximab, emphasizing the need for doctors to be aware of the risk of colitis with this treatment.
Who this helps: Patients receiving brentuximab and their doctors.
Views from women and maternity care professionals on routine discussion of previous trauma in the perinatal period: A qualitative evidence synthesis.
2023
PloS one
Cull J, Thomson G, Downe S, Fine M, Topalidou A
Plain English This study looked at the experiences of pregnant women and maternity care professionals regarding conversations about past trauma, which affects over 250,000 women in the UK each year. Researchers found that while many women and doctors saw value in discussing trauma during pregnancy, many women felt such discussions were surprising and uncomfortable, particularly if they didn't have a trusting relationship with their clinician. It's important for these conversations to happen with enough time and resources to support women properly, and they should occur only when the women are ready to talk about their past.
Who this helps: This benefits pregnant women and maternity care professionals.
Heavy metal cellulitis in a nine-year-old gelding Belgian Warmblood.
2023
Veterinary dermatology
McMahill BG, Alffolter VK, Sykes C, Poppenga R, Fine M +1 more
Plain English This study focused on a nine-year-old Belgian Warmblood horse that developed skin issues due to mercury exposure. Tests showed the horse had a type of skin infection linked to elemental mercury, likely from an unintentional injection. This finding is important because it highlights how accidental exposure to heavy metals can impact animal health.
Who this helps: This information helps veterinarians and horse owners.
Adapting an evidence-based mindfulness-based intervention for sheltered youth experiencing homelessness.
2023
BMC complementary medicine and therapies
Santa Maria D, Cuccaro P, Bender K, Sibinga E, Guerrero N +3 more
Plain English This study focused on improving a mindfulness program, called .b, for young people experiencing homelessness who are staying in emergency shelters. Researchers talked with 56 participants and other experts to identify what changes were needed, such as making the program more trauma-informed and inclusive, which led to modifications that were generally well-received. This matters because by tailoring the mindfulness intervention to the needs of these youths, it can help them manage stress and improve their mental health better.
Who this helps: This helps young people experiencing homelessness and those who support them, like social workers and counselors.
A pilot randomized controlled trial of smartphone-assisted mindfulness-based intervention with contingency management for smokers with mood disorders.
2022
Experimental and clinical psychopharmacology
Minami H, Nahvi S, Arnsten JH, Brinkman HR, Rivera-Mindt M +15 more
Plain English This study looked at how a smartphone program that combines mindfulness exercises with rewards can help smokers who also have mood disorders quit smoking. Participants who used the mindfulness app and received financial incentives to stay smoke-free had much better success rates: 40% remained smoke-free 2 weeks after quitting, compared to only 4.2% in the standard treatment group. This is important because it shows that integrating mindfulness and rewards can significantly help individuals facing extra mental health challenges when trying to quit smoking.
Who this helps: This research benefits smokers with mood disorders, particularly those seeking effective ways to quit.
Instability and Stasis Among the Microbiome of Seagrass Leaves, Roots and Rhizomes, and Nearby Sediments Within a Natural pH Gradient.
2022
Microbial ecology
Banister RB, Schwarz MT, Fine M, Ritchie KB, Muller EM
Plain English This study looked at the bacteria living on seagrass plants and in nearby sediments in Levante Bay, Vulcano Island, Italy. Researchers found that the bacterial communities varied significantly between the roots and sediments, but the leaves of the seagrass maintained a consistent bacterial community even when the acidity of the water changed. This stability suggests that seagrass may be resilient to environmental changes like ocean acidification, which is important for the health of these valuable ecosystems.
Who this helps: This helps coastal ecologists and environmental conservationists working to protect seagrass ecosystems.
Birth Outcomes in Women Who Have Taken Hydroxycholoroquine During Pregnancy: A Prospective Cohort Study.
2022
Arthritis & rheumatology (Hoboken, N.J.)
Chambers CD, Johnson DL, Xu R, Luo Y, Felix R +8 more
Plain English This study looked at the effects of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) on pregnancy outcomes for women who took the medication during pregnancy. Out of 232 women who took HCQ, 8.6% had major birth defects, which is slightly higher compared to 7.4% in women with similar conditions who didn’t take HCQ but lower than 5.4% in healthy women. Overall, the study found no significant increased risks for major birth defects or other pregnancy complications related to HCQ, except that infants' head circumference at birth was smaller in the HCQ group.
Who this helps: This information is useful for pregnant women undergoing treatment with HCQ and their doctors.
Dissident women's letter writing as decolonial plurilogues of relational solidarities for epistemic justice.
2022
American journal of community psychology
Fernández JS, Fine M, Madyaningrum ME, Ciofalo N
Plain English This study looks at how women express their dissent through letters, creating a dialogue that confronts issues like oppression and social injustice. The authors found that by sharing personal stories and experiences, they foster a deeper understanding and connection, emphasizing the importance of relationships and emotional engagement in their writing. This approach matters because it challenges traditional academic norms, promoting a more inclusive and empathetic way to address social and cultural issues.
Who this helps: This helps marginalized communities and activists working toward social change.
Desert dust deposition supplies essential bioelements to Red Sea corals.
2022
Global change biology
Blanckaert ACA, Omanović D, Fine M, Grover R, Ferrier-Pagès C
Plain English This study looked at how dust from nearby deserts affects coral health in the northern Red Sea. Researchers found that dust provides vital nutrients like iron and zinc, which help corals thrive, especially at warmer temperatures. Specifically, corals exposed to dust saw increased photosynthesis and growth due to the enhanced nutrient levels in the water.
Who this helps: This benefits coral ecosystems and the marine life that relies on them.
Elevated temperatures reduce the resilience of the Red Sea branching coral stylophora pistillata to copper pollution.
2022
Aquatic toxicology (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
Banc-Prandi G, Baharier N, Benaltabet T, Torfstein A, Antler G +1 more
Plain English This study looked at how warmer seawater temperatures affect the ability of a common type of coral, Stylophora pistillata, to cope with copper pollution. Researchers found that as temperatures rose 5°C above normal, the corals’ ability to recover from copper exposure was significantly reduced, especially when temperatures were elevated during the recovery period. Specifically, corals only showed successful recovery when kept at normal temperatures, meaning increased heat from climate change could weaken coral reefs by hindering their natural defenses against pollution.
Who this helps: This research benefits coral conservationists and environmental policymakers focused on protecting marine ecosystems.
Assessment of temperature optimum signatures of corals at both latitudinal extremes of the Red Sea.
2022
Conservation physiology
Banc-Prandi G, Evensen NR, Barshis DJ, Perna G, Moussa Omar Y +1 more
Plain English This study looked at how corals from two areas in the Red Sea respond to rising ocean temperatures. Researchers found that while most coral species from both locations performed similarly, corals in the Gulf of Aqaba showed some signs of adapting to cooler waters, which could reduce their ability to handle heat stress. Notably, the maximum temperature in the Gulf of Aqaba was 27.1°C, while it was 30.9°C in the Gulf of Tadjoura, suggesting that the Gulf of Aqaba corals might survive better as temperatures rise.
Who this helps: This research benefits conservationists and environmentalists working to protect coral reefs.
Crous PW, Boers J, Holdom D, Osieck ER, Steinrucken TV +107 more
Plain English This study identifies new species of fungi found in various environments, including soil, plant stems, and even wood from shoreline areas. Researchers documented 53 unique fungal species and provided genetic information to support their findings. Understanding these fungi is important for biodiversity, ecological research, and potential agricultural applications.
Who this helps: This benefits scientists studying ecosystems and agriculture, as well as farmers looking for natural solutions to plant diseases.
Structural basis for gating mechanism of the human sodium-potassium pump.
2022
Nature communications
Nguyen PT, Deisl C, Fine M, Tippetts TS, Uchikawa E +2 more
Plain English This study looked at how the sodium-potassium pump in human cells works to move sodium and potassium ions, which is critical for maintaining the right balance of these ions in our bodies. The researchers used advanced imaging techniques to create detailed pictures of the pump in different states, uncovering how the pump opens and closes to let ions in and out. This information is important because understanding this mechanism can lead to better treatments for conditions related to ion imbalances, such as heart disease.
Who this helps: Patients with heart conditions and disorders related to ion imbalances.
Structure and mechanism of human cystine exporter cystinosin.
2022
Cell
Guo X, Schmiege P, Assafa TE, Wang R, Xu Y +7 more
Plain English This study looked at a protein called cystinosin that helps transport a specific amino acid, cystine, out of cells. The researchers determined the structure of cystinosin in different states, providing important details about how it works and changes shape during the transport process. These insights are crucial because mutations in cystinosin can lead to cystinosis, a serious disease, and understanding its function might help develop new treatments.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with cystinosis and their doctors.
Nasopharyngeal Presentation of a Pharyngeal Cleft Cyst in a Dog.
2022
Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association
Job C, Maitre P, Rivière D, Fine M, Faucher M
Plain English In this study, a 2-year-old male shih tzu with worsening snoring was found to have a fluid-filled cyst in its throat. After the cyst was surgically removed, the dog's snoring completely stopped, and there was no sign of the cyst returning five months later. This finding is important because it shows that pharyngeal cysts can cause breathing problems in dogs, and identifying this issue early can lead to successful treatment.
Who this helps: This benefits pet owners and veterinarians dealing with similar respiratory issues in dogs.
Fast and pervasive transcriptomic resilience and acclimation of extremely heat-tolerant coral holobionts from the northern Red Sea.
2021
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
Savary R, Barshis DJ, Voolstra CR, Cárdenas A, Evensen NR +3 more
Plain English This study looked at how corals in the northern Red Sea respond to heat stress by examining changes in their gene activity when temperatures are increased. Researchers found that these corals can quickly adjust their gene expression in response to temperatures up to 32 °C, with over 94% of coral genes returning to normal after cooling down. However, at 34.5 °C, there was significant gene disruption, high coral death rates, and an increase in harmful bacteria, suggesting a dangerous temperature limit was reached.
Who this helps: This research benefits coral conservationists and marine biologists focused on protecting coral reefs from climate change.
Critical participatory action research: Methods and praxis for intersectional knowledge production.
2021
Journal of counseling psychology
Fine M, Torre ME, Oswald AG, Avory S
Plain English This paper explores a method called Critical Participatory Action Research (CPAR), which involves psychologists working alongside marginalized communities, specifically focusing on LGBTQIA+ youth, to create research that addresses social justice. The study centers on a national survey called "What's Your Issue?" aimed at understanding the needs and experiences of LGBTQIA+ youth, particularly those of color, emphasizing the importance of having these groups involved in the research process. This approach not only ensures that the voices of participants are heard but also leads to more relevant and impactful findings for the community.
Who this helps: This benefits LGBTQIA+ youth and advocates for social justice, ensuring their experiences shape the research that affects them.
Dissolved Nitrogen Acquisition in the Symbioses of Soft and Hard Corals With Symbiodiniaceae: A Key to Understanding Their Different Nutritional Strategies?
2021
Frontiers in microbiology
Pupier CA, Grover R, Fine M, Rottier C, van de Water JAJM +1 more
Plain English This study looked at how soft and hard corals obtain nitrogen from their environment, which is crucial for their growth. Researchers found that hard corals absorbed nitrogen from water up to 10 times more efficiently than soft corals. This difference is important because it affects where each type of coral can thrive, particularly in conditions like murky water with lots of food particles for soft corals.
Who this helps: This benefits coral researchers and conservationists working to protect and restore coral reefs.
Atomic insights into ML-SI3 mediated human TRPML1 inhibition.
2021
Structure (London, England : 1993)
Schmiege P, Fine M, Li X
Plain English This study looked at how a small molecule called ML-SI3 affects a protein in human cells known as TRPML1, which plays a key role in managing calcium levels within lysosomes, the cell's recycling centers. The researchers discovered that ML-SI3 binds to a specific part of TRPML1, blocking its activity while still allowing certain natural processes to continue. This understanding helps clarify the mechanism by which ML-SI3 works, which is important for developing treatments for conditions related to lysosomal function.
Who this helps: This helps researchers and doctors working on therapies for diseases involving lysosomal dysfunction.
Unravelling the Importance of Diazotrophy in Corals - Combined Assessment of Nitrogen Assimilation, Diazotrophic Community and Natural Stable Isotope Signatures.
2021
Frontiers in microbiology
Bednarz VN, van de Water JAJM, Grover R, Maguer JF, Fine M +1 more
Plain English This study looked at how corals in the Northern Red Sea use a specific type of nitrogen from certain microbes called diazotrophs, which can convert nitrogen from the air into a form usable by living organisms. Researchers found that corals primarily absorbed this nitrogen only during winter and more so at greater depths. Interestingly, the presence of these microbes didn't guarantee that the corals were using their nitrogen, suggesting they might be getting it from other sources, such as plankton.
Who this helps: This research benefits scientists studying coral ecosystems and provides insights that can help in coral conservation efforts.
Contrasting heat stress response patterns of coral holobionts across the Red Sea suggest distinct mechanisms of thermal tolerance.
2021
Molecular ecology
Voolstra CR, Valenzuela JJ, Turkarslan S, Cárdenas A, Hume BCC +11 more
Plain English This study looked at how two types of corals from different parts of the Red Sea handle heat stress, especially since rising ocean temperatures are a big threat to coral reefs. Researchers found that corals from the Gulf of Aqaba can withstand heat up to 7°C above their normal maximum temperatures, while corals from the central Red Sea can only tolerate heat at levels about 3°C higher than that of Gulf corals. These differences in heat tolerance are linked to how the corals and their microorganisms respond to temperature changes, which is crucial as it suggests that some coral populations may better cope with global warming than others.
Who this helps: This helps coral reef conservationists and marine biologists who study climate change impacts on marine ecosystems.
TMEM16F and dynamins control expansive plasma membrane reservoirs.
2021
Nature communications
Deisl C, Hilgemann DW, Syeda R, Fine M
Plain English This study looked at how cells can stretch their outer membrane to create more space for functions like moving materials in and out. The researchers discovered that a protein called TMEM16F works with another set of proteins called dynamins to control this stretching process. When they removed TMEM16F or dynamins, the cells could not stretch their membranes properly, showing that these proteins are crucial for maintaining membrane flexibility and function.
Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and scientists studying cell behavior in conditions like inflammation or tissue repair.
The public psychology for liberation training model: A call to transform the discipline.
2021
The American psychologist
Neville HA, Ruedas-Gracia N, Lee BA, Ogunfemi N, Maghsoodi AH +3 more
Plain English This study introduces a new training model called the Public Psychology for Liberation (PPL) that aims to help psychologists better address social issues like racism and oppression. The model consists of five key areas of expertise and ten important practices, such as promoting cultural understanding and compassion, all designed to support healing and fairness in society. This matters because it encourages psychologists to work more effectively with marginalized communities and contribute to social justice.
Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly those from historically marginalized groups.