DR. STEVEN M. CRENSHAW, M.D.

Plain English
This study looked at a type of bacteria called Bacillus sp. PB2, which can survive and reduce the levels of a toxic chemical known as hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) found in polluted water and soil. The researchers found that this bacteria can remove about 90% of Cr(VI) from water at a concentration of 8,000 micrograms per liter in just 8 hours, and it works best at a pH of 8.0. This discovery is important because it offers a natural way to clean up environments contaminated with Cr(VI), which is a serious health risk. Who this helps: This helps patients living near contaminated sites and environmental cleanup efforts.

Plain English
This study looked at how special ankle-foot braces (orthotics) with features aimed at reducing muscle stiffness affected the walking of eight children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy, aged 4 to 11. Researchers tested three types of braces over four weeks and found that while the braces changed some ankle movements, there were no clear improvements in walking. This matters because it suggests that simply adding tone-reducing features to braces might not improve gait function for these children. Who this helps: This helps parents of children with cerebral palsy and the healthcare professionals who work with them.