DR. TODD N. TOM, MD

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This study looked at how certain brain cells in a specific area of the human brain, called the lateral occipital complex, recognize objects regardless of their position or size. The researchers found that these brain cells respond consistently to shapes, even when those shapes change in size or location, with effective changes of up to 2 octaves. This is important because understanding how our brains process visual information can help improve treatments for visual recognition disorders. Who this helps: This helps patients with visual recognition issues.

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This study looked at how people's neighborhoods in cities are connected beyond just where they live. Researchers reviewed 32 studies from the U.S. published from 2014 to 2023, finding that 72% used data from cell phones or social media to map these connections. They discovered that patterns of racial and income segregation often persist in these networks and that being part of a disadvantaged network is linked to higher crime rates and worse health outcomes. Who this helps: This helps urban planners, public health officials, and community organizations.

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This study looked at how using a special type of molecule called PAMAM dendrimer can improve the performance of silicon solar cells. Researchers found that adding these molecules allowed the solar cells to operate more efficiently, boosting their power conversion efficiency to 14.5%, which is an increase of 8.3% compared to cells without this modification. This improvement means that solar panels can generate more electricity from the same amount of sunlight, making them more effective and potentially lowering energy costs. Who this helps: This helps consumers and manufacturers of solar panels.

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This study examined new types of materials called dendrimer polyelectrolytes, specifically two forms, to see how well they conduct electricity in solar cells compared to a traditional material. The researchers found that the best-performing material, PAMAM G3, allowed for electrical resistance as low as 20 ohm-cm and helped solar cells achieve over 15% efficiency, which is a significant improvement. This is important because it suggests that these new materials could make solar panels more efficient and effective. Who this helps: This benefits solar energy researchers and companies looking to improve solar panel technology.

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This study looked at improving thin-film solar cells made from antimony selenide (SbSe) by replacing a harmful material called cadmium sulfide (CdS) with a new layer made of zinc oxide (ZnO) and a polymer. They found that this new setup increased the open-circuit voltage of the solar cells from 243 millivolts to 344 millivolts and achieved a maximum efficiency of 2.4%. This is important because using safer materials can make solar technology more sustainable and easier to develop for widespread use. Who this helps: This benefits both solar energy manufacturers and environmentally conscious consumers.

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This study looked at how COVID-19 vaccine distribution in large U.S. cities during March and April 2021 affected different racial and economic groups. It found that areas with higher poverty levels and more uninsured residents had lower vaccination rates, meaning Black and Hispanic communities were not getting vaccinated as fast as White and Asian communities. For example, by April, vaccination rates in Black and Hispanic neighborhoods were still lagging behind those in White and Asian neighborhoods, highlighting ongoing inequalities that the vaccine rollout did not address effectively. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially those from marginalized communities who are at higher risk for COVID-19.

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Researchers created a device called a random positioning machine (RPM) to simulate a low-gravity environment in the lab, which allows them to study how human bone cells (osteoblasts) respond to changes in gravity. After running the RPM for 6 hours, they noticed that the bone cells changed shape and structure, which could impact their function; specifically, the cells showed less structural support and became less stiff compared to those grown in normal gravity. This finding is important because understanding how bone cells behave in low-gravity can help us learn more about bone health, especially for astronauts or people who are bedridden. Who this helps: This helps patients in space and those facing long periods of inactivity or immobility.

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The study focused on improving thin metallic layers used in solar cells by mixing silver with aluminum to create films that are both clear and conductive. Researchers found that these super-thin layers performed well in a specific solar cell design, resulting in better efficiency compared to earlier methods. This advancement matters because it could lead to more effective and affordable solar energy technologies. Who this helps: This benefits solar energy manufacturers and ultimately consumers looking for efficient energy solutions.

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The study evaluated a sexual education program called Pono Choices in Hawaii's middle schools. It involved 1,783 students and found that those who received the Pono Choices curriculum had significantly better knowledge about pregnancy and STIs than those who did not, although there was no noticeable difference in the rates of students starting sexual activity. This research is important because it shows that using a tailored educational program can improve teens' knowledge about sexual health, which is crucial for making informed decisions. Who this helps: This benefits students, teachers, and school leaders.

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This study looked at how life coaching and pharmacist counseling can help employed adults with diabetes improve their management of the condition. Out of 190 participants, those who received this support reported better confidence in managing their diabetes, improved quality of life, and a lower body mass index, though their blood sugar levels remained unchanged. These findings are important because they show that personalized support can make a real difference in how people handle their diabetes day-to-day, particularly for those who engage more frequently with their coaches and counselors. Who this helps: This benefits adults with diabetes, especially those who are employed and seeking better management of their condition.

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This study looked at a case where a patient developed kidney stones 3.5 years after stopping the HIV medication indinavir. It shows that indinavir can cause kidney stones long after a person has finished taking the drug. This finding is important because it highlights that some side effects of medications can last longer than expected, which can help in monitoring and treating patients effectively. Who this helps: This helps patients who have taken indinavir and their doctors.

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This study explored how working adults with diabetes in Hawaii view their condition and the challenges they face in managing it. Researchers talked to 74 employed adults and found that many experienced significant effects from diabetes, such as other health issues and a lack of social support, which made managing their condition more difficult. Participants emphasized the need for better education about diabetes, more emotional and social support, and coordinated healthcare to help them balance work and family responsibilities with their diabetes management. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with diabetes and healthcare providers looking to improve management strategies.

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This study looked at how working adults with diabetes view the disease's impact on their jobs and independence. It found that 34% worried diabetes would affect their employment, while 57% believed it could impact their independence. This is important because understanding these concerns can help healthcare providers create better support and resources tailored to specific groups of people with diabetes. Who this helps: Patients with diabetes and healthcare providers.

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Between September 2001 and 2002, Hawaii experienced a dengue fever outbreak after a local resident fell ill, marking the first locally transmitted cases since 1944. Researchers found that out of 1,644 people examined for dengue-like symptoms, 122 were confirmed to have dengue, specifically the virus strain from Tahiti. This is significant because it highlights the need for ongoing monitoring and control of mosquito populations, even when diseases seem absent. Who this helps: This benefits public health officials and communities in Hawaii.

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This study looked at the risk of getting dengue fever for tourists visiting Hawaii during an outbreak. Out of 3,064 surveyed visitors, only 94 (or 3%) reported feeling ill with symptoms similar to dengue, but all tested negative for the virus. This means that the risk of contracting dengue while in Hawaii during that time was very low—about zero cases for every 358 days a person spent there. Who this helps: This information helps tourists and health officials better understand the dengue risk when traveling to Hawaii.

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The study looked at how introducing rapid tests for influenza in Hawaii improved the tracking of the virus from the 1999-2000 flu season onward. They found that the number of tests conducted jumped significantly, with cultures increasing from 396 to 2,169 and the number of doctors participating rising from 34 to 327. This matters because better surveillance helps health officials understand and respond to flu outbreaks more effectively. Who this helps: This helps public health officials and healthcare providers.

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Researchers surveyed 652 doctors in Hawaii who have diagnosed hepatitis C (HCV) since 1997. They found that fewer than 20% of licensed doctors have diagnosed this infection, indicating that there may be between 12,000 and 18,000 undiagnosed cases in the state. The study highlights the need for more primary care doctors to get involved in identifying and treating hepatitis C, as the current treatment is mainly handled by only twelve physicians, which could strain resources. Who this helps: This helps patients with hepatitis C who need better access to diagnosis and treatment.

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This study looked at a patient with posterior cortical atrophy (PCA), a brain condition that affects vision and thinking, caused by Alzheimer's disease. The findings showed that this patient experienced a range of symptoms, including difficulty recognizing objects, visual impairment, and confusion, and they were able to confirm the specific brain damage through imaging and lab tests. Understanding PCA better is important because it helps doctors recognize and treat the different symptoms associated with these brain issues. Who this helps: This helps patients with Alzheimer's disease and their doctors.

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This research paper focuses on the relationship between depression and Parkinson's disease (PD), highlighting how common depression is among PD patients. It found that factors like the severity of disability and younger age at onset increase the risk of depression. Although some treatments show promise, such as the use of certain medication combinations and therapies like electroconvulsive therapy, managing depression in PD can be complicated by the risk of side effects from multiple medications. Who this helps: This information helps patients with Parkinson's disease and their doctors.

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This study discusses a 35-year-old man who developed a rare condition called partial Brown-Sequard syndrome after a diving accident, which is a form of spinal cord decompression sickness. An MRI showed two unusual spots in his spinal cord, indicating damage that affected his nervous system. Understanding this case is important because it highlights a new way that diving injuries can affect the body, which may improve diagnosis and treatment for similar cases in the future. Who this helps: This helps doctors, especially those treating diving accident victims.

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This study looked at brain scans of 18 patients who had carbon monoxide poisoning. Researchers found that 39% of the patients showed specific damage in a brain area called the globus pallidus, while 28% had changes in the deep white matter. However, these scans did not help predict how the patients would recover or whether they would survive, indicating that early brain imaging is not useful for guiding treatment decisions. Who this helps: This research is important for doctors treating patients with carbon monoxide toxicity.

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Researchers created a new questionnaire to check how many people have migraines by asking them questions based on established medical guidelines. They tested this questionnaire on 50 patients at a headache clinic and found that it reliably identified different types of migraines. This is important because it helps improve how we understand and measure the prevalence of migraines in large groups of people. Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers better identify and treat migraine sufferers.