DR. ANTHONY J. HART, MD

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This study looked at how psychological distress, like depression and anxiety, affects the severity of symptoms in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It found that those who reported higher levels of distress also noted worse disease activity six months later, with sleep quality being a key factor in this relationship; specifically, poor sleep accounted for 55% of the impact of distress on symptom severity. Understanding this connection is important because it highlights that managing mental health can help improve physical health and reduce healthcare costs for these patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with inflammatory bowel disease and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how to best care for newborns who were diagnosed with neurological disorders before birth, using new imaging and genetic testing methods. Researchers emphasized the need for teamwork between various medical specialists to provide better treatment and support for these babies. They found that there are important areas needing research to understand the long-term effects of these disorders better, but there is a lack of extensive studies on this topic. Who this helps: This benefits newborns with neurological disorders and their families, as well as the healthcare professionals involved in their care.

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This study looked at how a patient's body mass index (BMI) affects their recovery and quality of life after revision hip surgery. The researchers found that patients with higher BMI started with lower quality of life scores, but all groups improved significantly after surgery, especially those with a BMI over 40, who showed the largest gains. Importantly, the long-term benefits were similar for patients of all BMI levels, indicating that having a high BMI should not automatically prevent someone from getting this type of surgery. Who this helps: Patients needing revision hip surgery, especially those with higher BMI.

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This study looked at how clinical trials for a severe type of Crohn's disease that affects the anal area (called perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease) currently measure treatment effectiveness. Researchers found that existing measures are inconsistent and often not valid, with most trials failing to use standard definitions for how to assess improvement. They recommend future trials use both patient feelings and objective tests to better evaluate treatments, which is important for developing effective therapies. Who this helps: This helps patients with perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease and their doctors find better treatments.

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This study looked at custom-made implants used for hip replacement surgeries if the previous surgery had problems. Researchers followed up with 30 patients who received these implants for at least five years and found that 90% of them reported significant improvements in hip function and quality of life. This is important because it shows that personalized implants can greatly enhance the outcomes for patients with complex hip issues. Who this helps: This helps patients with complicated hip joint problems and the doctors treating them.

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This study looked at the immune system's T cells in patients with immune thrombocytopenia, a condition where the body doesn't produce enough platelets. The researchers found that patients with a high level of T cell clone diversity before treatment had a better chance of responding well—specifically, 60% of these patients showed a prolonged response compared to only 20% with lower diversity. Understanding these patterns can help doctors predict how well patients will respond to treatment, improving care. Who this helps: This helps patients with immune thrombocytopenia and their doctors.

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This study investigated the effectiveness of two methods of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for treating ulcerative colitis: through a nasogastric tube versus a colonoscopy. The results showed that 75% of patients receiving FMT via colonoscopy improved significantly after eight weeks, compared to only 25% with the nasogastric method. These improvements were linked to the growth of beneficial bacteria and a reduction in inflammation markers, highlighting the potential of targeted microbial treatments to help manage this condition. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with ulcerative colitis by identifying a more effective treatment option.

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This study looked at a new deep-learning tool called the Serial CT response score (Serial CTRS) to predict how long patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) might survive after receiving immunotherapy. Researchers found that Serial CTRS was much better at predicting survival than existing methods, showing that it could identify patients with low risk of survival with a high reliability—specifically, it was 6.19 times better at distinguishing survival outcomes in one patient group and 18 times better in another group. This is important because better predictions mean doctors can make more informed treatment decisions for their patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with advanced lung cancer and their doctors by providing better predictions for treatment outcomes.

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This study focused on improving how doctors examine the brains of critically ill newborns, as many felt unsure about doing it correctly. Researchers created a new checklist that helps doctors consistently document their findings and understand what they mean. After testing the checklist with health professionals, they found that it would boost confidence in conducting these exams and improve how doctors communicate and interpret results. Who this helps: This helps doctors and pediatricians working with sick newborns.

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This research looked at how using special compounds that release oxygen and reactive oxygen species can help heal infected wounds. The studies found that using calcium peroxide in wound treatments improved healing by an average of 26% compared to standard methods. This matters because faster healing can reduce hospital readmissions and the burden of infection on health systems, especially as antibiotic resistance increases. Who this helps: Patients with infected wounds.

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This study looked at using low-cost materials from waste to create catalysts that can turn plastic and biomass waste into usable fuels. Researchers found that these waste-derived catalysts worked almost as well as traditional catalysts, with one example converting waste plastic and biomass into 28-40% gasoline and 35-50% diesel, while keeping harmful chlorine levels below 0.1%. This is important because it offers a more sustainable way to recycle waste and produce energy, helping to address both waste management and energy needs. Who this helps: This helps environmentalists, energy producers, and communities dealing with waste management.

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This study looked at how to manage the rectal stump in patients with ulcerative colitis who undergo subtotal colectomy, focusing on surgical techniques, treatment for complications, and cancer monitoring. Researchers found that closing the stump inside the abdomen can lead to higher rates of pelvic infections (5-25%), while closure under the skin can cause more wound infections (up to 15%). They also reported that most patients experience changes in the rectum after surgery, but only about 30-40% show symptoms, and the risk of developing cancer in the rectal stump is quite low at around 0.7%. Who this helps: This information is valuable for patients undergoing colorectal surgery and their doctors.

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This study looked at how effective different treatments for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are by using real-world patient data instead of only controlled clinical trials. The researchers found that using real-world evidence can help doctors make better treatment choices since it reflects the actual experiences of patients. This is important because it can lead to improved health outcomes for people living with IBD. Who this helps: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease and their doctors.

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This study examined guidelines for managing perianal fistulising Crohn's disease (pfCD), focusing on when to perform examinations under anesthesia (EUA), insert setons (a type of drainage device), and remove them. Researchers reviewed 24 clinical guidelines and found that EUA and seton placement were recommended for perianal abscesses but that recommendations varied for other types of fistulas, with no consensus on how or when to remove setons. These findings are important because they highlight inconsistencies in care for patients with pfCD, suggesting a need for standardized guidelines to improve treatment outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients with perianal fistulising Crohn's disease and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how a team of different healthcare professionals, like doctors, psychologists, and dieticians, can work together to provide better care for people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The findings show that using a holistic approach that targets various symptoms and health habits can significantly improve patients' quality of life and manage their condition more effectively. For example, treatments that combine mental health support with regular medical care can help with issues like pain and mood, leading to better overall health outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients with inflammatory bowel disease and their healthcare providers.

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This study focused on two methods for targeting and removing specific cells in axolotls to understand their role in healing and regeneration. Researchers found that when they eliminated macrophages—important immune cells—key regeneration processes were disrupted: bone regeneration stopped entirely, spinal-cord connections failed to recover, and certain cells became disorganized. These findings highlight how crucial macrophages are for healing in axolotls and provide new tools for studying cell functions throughout their lives. Who this helps: This helps researchers studying regeneration and potential therapies for injuries or diseases in humans.

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This study looked at how elderly patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) prefer to discuss their health outlook with doctors. Researchers interviewed CKD patients and found three key ideas: patients want conversations to respect their choices, they have different views on when these discussions should happen, and healthcare professionals should use empathy to support them during these uncertain times. Ensuring that doctors communicate in a way that aligns with patients' preferences can help them feel more empowered to make decisions about their care. Who this helps: This benefits patients with chronic kidney disease and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how different hospitals use CT scans for preparing knee and hip surgeries. Researchers found that there was a lot of variation in protocols used by different orthopedic companies, leading to issues like poor image quality and unnecessary repeat scans. By creating five standardized protocols for imaging, the researchers aim to improve clarity, reduce confusion, and enhance patient safety during joint replacement surgeries. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing hip and knee surgeries, as well as doctors and healthcare providers involved in their care.

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This study focused on identifying a new hormone called micrin/SgII-70, which acts as a brake on tissue overgrowth in the body. Researchers found that this hormone can help reduce tissue growth in various conditions like endometriosis and certain cancers, suggesting that it could play a significant role in managing these diseases. Specifically, micrin appeared to regulate tissue by promoting smaller cell sizes, which could reduce the severity of issues like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Who this helps: Patients suffering from tissue overgrowth conditions and infertility.

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This study looked at how well anti-TNF therapies (used to treat Crohn's disease) penetrate the tissue of perianal fistulas in patients who have active disease. Researchers found that all 14 patients had detectable levels of these medications both in their blood and in the fistula tissues, with a stronger correlation seen in those treated with infliximab (a specific anti-TNF drug). The study highlights the importance of understanding how these drugs work at the tissue level, which could help improve treatment outcomes for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with perianal fistulising Crohn's disease.

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This study looked at how early involvement in research and mentorship during orthopedic surgery training affects future academic productivity. The findings showed that residents who published more papers during their training had significantly higher publication rates after finishing their residency, with strong correlations (r = 0.483, p < 0.001). Additionally, having mentors with more research achievements contributed to greater future scholarly output. Who this helps: This benefits orthopedic surgery residents and training programs by highlighting the value of research opportunities and mentorship.

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This study looked at how certain antifungal drugs can lead to antifungal resistance in the environment, particularly in water and soil. The researchers found specific concentration levels, called predicted no effect concentrations (PNECRs), that could trigger resistance; for example, these concentrations ranged from 5.67 micrograms per liter for clotrimazole to 7.94 micrograms for nystatin in water, and from 2.26 milligrams per kilogram for voriconazole to 2.16 milligrams for nystatin in soil. Knowing these levels is important because it helps develop strategies to prevent antifungal resistance, which is a growing concern for human health. Who this helps: This research benefits patients and healthcare providers by addressing a critical public health issue.

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This study focused on understanding how to collect important long-term health information from people who donate kidneys or livers. Living donors themselves helped identify key data points to track, such as any health problems that arise after donation and quality of life impacts. For example, they highlighted the importance of information on lab results and whether donors could perform normal activities, aiming for a clearer picture of their long-term health and well-being. Who this helps: This benefits living donors and those considering becoming donors, as it ensures their experiences and health outcomes are better understood.

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This study looked at how well a new subcutaneous (SC) method of delivering Infliximab (IFX) works for patients with chronic inflammatory pouch conditions, who had been treated with the standard intravenous (IV) form. Researchers followed seven patients for an average of over eight years, during which all continued on SC IFX without any pouch failures or serious side effects. These results are important because they show that switching to SC IFX is effective and safe, suggesting that this method could be a viable option for treating these patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with chronic inflammatory pouch conditions looking for safe treatment options.

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Researchers studied how a protein called BtuJ1 in certain gut bacteria helps these bacteria get enough vitamin B, which is crucial for their growth and survival. They found that BtuJ1 binds to vitamin B with very strong attraction, allowing the bacteria to have a backup supply when vitamin B is scarce. This discovery shows how intricate the mechanisms are that these gut bacteria use to thrive in the human digestive system. Who this helps: This benefits patients by enhancing our understanding of gut bacteria, which can impact overall health.

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This study looked at how well guselkumab, a medication that targets inflammation, works for patients with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis (UC). Out of 313 participants, those who received guselkumab showed a significant decrease in harmful inflammation markers in their blood by week 4 and continued improvement by week 12. The treatment seemed to promote healing in the gut tissue, which is crucial for improving patients' symptoms. Who this helps: This helps patients with ulcerative colitis looking for effective treatment options.

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This study looked at the differences in core muscle composition between highly active cyclists and physically inactive individuals using a type of MRI that measures fat and muscle volume. The researchers found that cyclists had lower fat in their muscles and higher muscle volume compared to the inactive group, with significant differences across all seven core muscles tested. This matters because understanding these variations can help in tailoring fitness programs and rehabilitation strategies based on activity levels and muscle health. Who this helps: This helps patients and fitness professionals design effective exercise and rehabilitation plans.

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This study looked at how well certain tests, including magnetic resonance enterography (an imaging test), can predict whether patients recently diagnosed with Crohn's disease would develop severe symptoms within five years. Researchers found that 42% of the 194 patients studied developed disabling symptoms, and while initial clinical assessments had moderate accuracy (49% sensitivity), adding the imaging scores did not significantly improve this prediction. The average healthcare cost for patients over five years was about £24,267, with younger patients and those with severe disease incurring higher costs, emphasizing the need for better prediction tools to manage treatment effectively. Who this helps: Patients with Crohn's disease and their healthcare providers.

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Researchers studied how the Higgs boson behaves when it decays into pairs of charm quarks and is produced alongside top quarks. They found that the rate of this occurrence is slightly lower than what the standard model predicts, with numbers showing an observed event rate of 0.91, and the charm-quark interactions better constrained at less than 3.5 times the standard model expectation. This matters because it helps scientists understand the fundamental properties of particles and how they interact, which is key for advancing physics knowledge. Who this helps: This research benefits physicists and researchers working on particle physics and the standard model.

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This study focused on analyzing three specific types of particles called B mesons: B^{*+}, B^{*0}, and B_{s}^{*0}. Researchers found the mass differences between these excited mesons and their normal counterparts to be very precise: 45.277 MeV for B^{*+}, 45.471 MeV for B^{*0}, and 49.407 MeV for B_{s}^{*0}. These findings are notable because they enhance the accuracy of our understanding of these particles by a factor of ten compared to earlier measurements. Who this helps: This helps physicists studying particle interactions and the fundamental forces in nature.

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The CMS particle detector at CERN observed, for the first time, a collision event in which a single top quark was produced alongside both a W and a Z boson simultaneously. The signal was confirmed with 5.8 standard deviations of statistical significance using 200 inverse femtobarns of data. This observation validates a predicted process in the Standard Model of particle physics and opens a new channel for probing fundamental interactions between quarks and force-carrying particles.

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This study compared the effects of two medications, adalimumab and ustekinumab, on inflammatory proteins in patients with moderate to severe Crohn's disease. Researchers looked at blood samples from nearly 400 patients and found that both medications led to different changes in the levels of inflammation-related proteins over time. Adalimumab showed a broader reduction in inflammation proteins, while ustekinumab significantly reduced a specific protein related to fatigue. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with Crohn's disease and their doctors by providing insight into how different treatments work.

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This study looked at how accepting donor kidneys out of the usual order (referred to as AOOS) affected adult patients waiting for and receiving kidney transplants. Researchers found that candidates at centers that used AOOS more frequently saw significantly higher rates of receiving transplants: a 4% increase for those with 10% AOOS, a 27% increase for 20%, and an 81% increase for 30%. However, the chances of kidney failure after receiving a transplant were similar regardless of AOOS use, indicating that the way kidneys are allocated may affect who gets transplants more than long-term outcomes. Who this helps: This research benefits kidney transplant candidates and healthcare providers by highlighting the effects of allocation strategies on access to transplants.

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This study created a detailed guide for researchers on how to conduct high-throughput chemical genomic screening, which looks at how genes affect the characteristics of microbes under different conditions. The new method helps generate reliable data on how microorganisms respond to various stresses and can identify potential drug targets, improving approaches to combat antimicrobial resistance. The findings could enhance our understanding of microbial behavior and lead to better treatments in medicine. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and doctors working on microbial diseases and antibiotic resistance.

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This study examined the long-term risk of developing serious conditions, like high-grade dysplasia or colorectal cancer, in people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who had previously been diagnosed with low-grade dysplasia (LGD). Among nearly 7,500 individuals followed for 15 years, 6.3% went on to develop these severe conditions, with the risk decreasing significantly in recent years. Factors that increased the risk included older age, longer duration of IBD, having a family history of colorectal cancer, increased levels of a certain marker in stool (fecal calprotectin), and recent use of high doses of prednisone. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with IBD and their doctors by providing important information on risks and management strategies.

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This study looked at the size of fistulas in patients with perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease, using MRI scans to see how this size relates to the severity of the disease. Researchers followed 51 patients over a median of 10 years and found that larger fistula volumes were linked to more severe disease, with a 27% decrease in volume indicating clinical improvement in 64% of patients. These findings matter because they provide a way to objectively measure disease activity and track treatment response, which could help doctors adjust care for their patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease and their doctors.

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This research looked at ways to reduce methane emissions from dairy barns using a method called thermal catalytic oxidation. The study found that methane levels ranged from 2 to 102 parts per million (ppm) in winter and summer, and to effectively benefit the climate, the process requires specific methane levels depending on the energy source used. For instance, using solar energy for methane destruction costs around $425 per tonne of carbon dioxide removed, whereas using grid energy costs over $10,000 per tonne, making it much less efficient. Who this helps: This benefits farmers and dairy operators looking for effective ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

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This paper discusses a study that looked at new treatments to prevent infections in patients undergoing total joint replacement surgery. The researchers found that these new methods were both safe and effective, which is crucial for reducing the risk of complications during recovery. This matters because preventing infections can lead to better healing and fewer hospital visits for patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing joint replacement surgery.

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This research looked at how to treat unhealed wounds and persistent perineal sinuses (PPS) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) after surgery called proctectomy. The study found that healing rates for these treatments varied significantly, ranging from 30% to 100%, but most of the research reviewed was of poor quality and didn't provide reliable results. Improving treatment for these conditions is crucial since up to one-third of patients may experience these complications after surgery, making it essential to establish better treatment methods. Who this helps: Patients recovering from proctectomy due to Crohn's disease.

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This study looked at the shapes of the upper thigh bone (proximal femur) in 62 patients who had hip replacement surgery. Researchers found that the angle of the femur that surgeons aim for (prosthetic femoral version) is not reliably predicted from the bone's natural angle, especially since women showed a wider range of shapes compared to men. Understanding these differences is important because it can lead to better surgical planning and custom implants that fit individual patients, particularly for women. Who this helps: Patients undergoing hip replacement surgery, especially women.

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This study explored how the cells in the small intestine respond to different infections. Researchers created a detailed map called GutPath, which includes information from over 500,000 cells and shows how these cells react during infections, identifying a new cell type linked to bacterial presence and tissue damage. This research helps improve our understanding of how the small intestine functions during infections, which is important for developing better treatments for diseases like Crohn's. Who this helps: This benefits patients with intestinal diseases and doctors treating them.

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This study looked at how well a type of artificial intelligence, specifically ChatGPT, can simplify MRI reports for patients with perianal fistulas, making them easier to understand. Researchers found that AI-generated summaries were much easier to read and understand than the original reports, scoring significantly higher in readability (66 compared to 26) and helpfulness. However, some AI outputs included inaccuracies, so it's important to continue refining the tool and having doctors check it before widespread use. Who this helps: This benefits patients by providing clearer MRI reports and helping them understand their medical conditions better.

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This study looked at how the use of peritoneal dialysis (PD) changed across different communities in the U.S. between 2011 and 2020. Researchers found that the likelihood of starting PD increased significantly in areas that previously had low use, with an increase of 49% in those areas, compared to a 17% increase in high use areas. This is important because it means more people, especially in underserved communities, are gaining access to this life-saving treatment. Who this helps: Patients with kidney disease who require dialysis, especially those in lower-income areas.

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Researchers looked at how to improve clinical trials for patients with perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease (PFCD), a challenging condition with limited treatment options. They gathered expert opinions and found that out of 292 proposed guidelines, 156 were deemed appropriate for creating standardized trial designs. This matters because having clear and consistent guidelines can lead to better testing of new therapies, ultimately benefiting patients seeking effective treatments. Who this helps: Patients with perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease.

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This study examined the patterns of jet production in events where multiple particles (leptons) are produced during high-energy collisions of protons. After analyzing a large amount of data from these collisions, the researchers found that the patterns matched what is expected from existing theories, showing no significant signs of new physics or unexpected jet production. Specifically, they looked at events with one, two, and four leptons and found no unusual increases in jet counts, which is important for understanding potential new particles predicted by theories beyond the current model. Who this helps: This helps researchers and physicists in their efforts to discover new particles and understand fundamental forces.

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This particle physics study reports the first observation of coherent phi(1020) meson photoproduction from heavy nuclei, using data from ultraperipheral lead-lead collisions at the Large Hadron Collider's CMS detector. The measured production cross section was about five times lower than a model treating the nucleus as a collection of free nucleons, consistent with nuclear shadowing effects that suppress gluon density in nuclei at low momentum fractions. The result provides a new tool for probing the internal gluonic structure of heavy nuclei at an energy scale bridging two regimes of quantum chromodynamics.