Marcus McMahon

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This study looked at a new way to track gene therapy in the liver without needing any special dyes or agents. Researchers used a tool called a genetically encoded MRI reporter (superCESTide) that allows for clear imaging of gene expression in mice. They found that the amount of signal from the MRI images increased with higher doses of the treatment, showing a strong connection between the imaging results and gene expression levels. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and doctors working on gene therapies, particularly those focused on liver conditions.

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This research reviewed the effects of cancer screening programs on adults with intellectual disabilities to see if they help or harm this group. The researchers looked at over 3,100 studies but found that none met their criteria for inclusion, meaning there isn't enough evidence to know how these screenings impact people with intellectual disabilities. Understanding these effects is crucial, as relying on participation alone might not lead to better health outcomes for these individuals. Who this helps: This helps patients with intellectual disabilities and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how to improve the training for researchers studying health services and policies in Canada. Researchers created a new list of essential skills that includes nine key areas focused on not just academic training but also important leadership and professional skills. Two new critical areas added emphasize equity and inclusion, ensuring that health services are accessible and respectful of Indigenous cultures. Who this helps: This benefits patients, researchers, and health system leaders by improving care and outcomes through better-trained professionals.

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This study examined how well X-rays can find small surgical needles during operations, especially in delicate procedures using extremely fine stitches. Researchers tested different sizes of needles in human cadavers and found that while larger needles (sizes 3-0 to 6-0) were identified correctly almost all the time (99%), smaller needles (8-0 and above) were nearly impossible to detect, with only 3.77% of 8-0 needles located, and none of the 10-0 needles found. This is important because it highlights the need for hospitals to rethink how they search for lost tiny needles to avoid delays and risks during surgery. Who this helps: This helps surgeons and surgical teams working with microsurgical procedures.

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This study tested a new virtual 3D eye model called the One Right Eye to see if it could help patients understand their eye conditions better and be more satisfied with their doctor's explanations. Out of 92 patients, those who used the eye model rated their doctor's explanations as "very good" 89% of the time, compared to just 69% in the standard group. The model appears to improve how well patients understand their conditions and their overall satisfaction with the consultation. Who this helps: This helps patients receiving eye care.

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This study examined important elements that influence the quality of end-of-life care for people with intellectual disabilities. Researchers reviewed 1,270 studies and included 40 in their final analysis, ultimately creating a framework that highlights three key themes: the need for personalized care, the importance of having a supportive network, and the necessity of proper resources. Understanding these factors is crucial to improving care for this vulnerable group as they approach the end of life. Who this helps: This helps patients with intellectual disabilities and their caregivers.

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This study looked at a new type of engineered blood vessel made from biological materials, called an acellular tissue-engineered vessel (ATEV), for use in coronary artery bypass surgery. In three patients, the researchers successfully implanted two of these vessels, and after one year, one of the vessels worked well while the other had some issues but still showed promise. This is important because it offers a potentially better alternative to traditional vein grafts, which can fail or cause complications. Who this helps: This helps heart patients who may need bypass surgery.

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This study looked at how a common mutation in the BRAF gene affects the function of the TP53 gene in melanoma, a type of skin cancer. Researchers found that BRAF not only interacts with TP53 but also prevents it from working properly by moving it out of the cell's nucleus, where it typically helps control cell growth. This interaction allows melanoma cells to ignore the protective effects of TP53, even when DNA is damaged, indicating a new way that melanoma can progress without major genetic changes. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and researchers working on melanoma treatments.

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This study looked at individuals with high levels of anti-CCP antibodies to understand what immune changes occur in those who go on to develop rheumatoid arthritis (RA) compared to those who don’t. The researchers found that people who developed RA had larger amounts of certain immune cell types and specific immune markers, which could signal the onset of the disease. Notably, they were able to create a model using these immune markers and other clinical signs to predict who would develop RA, offering a way to identify at-risk patients earlier. Who this helps: This helps patients at risk for rheumatoid arthritis and their doctors to identify disease onset sooner.

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A decision-support tool delivered via tablet, website, or smartphone app was rolled out across 15 U.S. rheumatology clinics to help nearly 1,900 patients with lupus choose immunosuppressive treatments. Patients showed low decisional conflict, strong alignment between their preferred and actual role in decisions, and high satisfaction with doctor-patient communication — and these gains held steady at three and six months. The free app (ManageMyLupus) proved feasible across a geographically and racially diverse population, including a majority of African American participants.

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This study looked at how well a new device called Somfit can detect obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) compared to the standard method, polysomnography (PSG). Among 92 participants, Somfit showed strong agreement with PSG results—its accuracy in detecting OSA was about 89%, with a sensitivity of 90.5%, meaning it correctly identified most cases of OSA. This matters because if Somfit can reliably diagnose OSA at home, it could make testing for this condition easier and more accessible for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients who may struggle to access traditional sleep studies.

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This study looked at how long it takes for clinics to start using a computerized tool that helps lupus patients make decisions about their treatment. Researchers found that it usually takes about 4 minutes to introduce the tool to patients, and most visits with patients using the tool were similar or slightly shorter than those without it. Since the decision aid can help patients feel more confident in their treatment choices, understanding the time needed to implement it is important for encouraging its use in clinics. Who this helps: This helps lupus patients by providing them with better information to make treatment decisions.

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This study looked at adults hospitalized with influenza in the U.S. during the 2017-2019 flu seasons to identify different groups based on their health conditions and symptoms. Out of over 43,000 hospitalizations, they found five distinct groups: for example, one group included mostly younger patients with few health issues, while another group comprised older patients with serious conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Understanding these groups can help doctors better evaluate the effectiveness of flu vaccines and treatments for preventing severe cases. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by providing insights into how different groups respond to influenza.

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This study explored the structure of liquid carbon, which is not well understood despite its importance in various fields, including planetary science and material synthesis. Researchers found that liquid carbon has a complex structure, characterized by an average of about four neighboring atoms at extremely high pressures (around 1 million atmospheres). Understanding this structure is important because it helps scientists model carbon's behavior under extreme conditions and can lead to advances in technology and materials. Who this helps: This benefits researchers in fields like material science, planetary science, and engineering.

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This study looked at blood samples from 145 patients with lupus nephritis, a serious kidney condition caused by lupus, comparing them to 40 healthy individuals. Researchers found three distinct groups of patients based on immune system activity: one group had a higher chance of responding to treatment but more severe disease, while another group was less likely to respond to therapy, and the third showed chronic kidney damage without much immune activity. Identifying these groups can help doctors better tailor treatments for lupus nephritis patients based on their specific immune profiles. Who this helps: This helps patients with lupus nephritis by guiding their treatment options.

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This study looked at whether using a newer pain relief method called liposomal bupivacaine, instead of the traditional ropivacaine, would lower the need for opioid painkillers and improve recovery after knee replacement surgery. The results showed that patients who received liposomal bupivacaine required 65% less opioids at discharge and 48% less in the first 12 weeks compared to those who received ropivacaine, and they reported better pain relief two weeks after surgery. This is important because it highlights a way to manage pain more effectively and reduce reliance on opioids, which can lead to fewer risks of addiction and other side effects. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from knee surgery by providing better pain management options.

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This study looked at a Canadian program that funded digital health research, called the eHealth Innovations Partnership Program (eHIPP), which received CAD$42 million from 2015 to 2021. Researchers found that the program led to the development of 36 new healthcare solutions and showed positive outcomes, such as improved health results (62%), better access to care (62%), and enhanced experiences for both patients and providers (52%). Understanding how these investments translate into real-world improvements is important for future funding decisions and for creating effective health solutions. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers seeking better access to and quality of health services.

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This study focused on understanding how certain cancer cells in the lung depend on a family of receptors (ERBB) for their growth and survival when BRAF signaling is active. The researchers found that when both BRAF signaling and ERBB activation were blocked, there was a significant enhancement in treatment effectiveness for BRAF-driven lung cancers, leading to better and longer-lasting responses. Specifically, combining treatments improved outcomes in preclinical models of this type of lung cancer. Who this helps: This benefits patients with BRAF-driven lung cancer by potentially improving their treatment options.

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This study looked at how a protein called BRAF interacts with other proteins in melanoma, a serious type of skin cancer. Researchers found that BRAF can connect with and potentially inactivate a tumor-suppressing protein called TP53, which is important for preventing cancer. This interaction might explain why changes to TP53 are not often seen in cancers driven by BRAF. Who this helps: This helps patients with melanoma by improving understanding of the disease’s biology.

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This study looked at a method called rapid tube weaning, where children who rely on feeding tubes are encouraged to eat by mouth more quickly. In the trial, 16 children participated, divided into two groups: one followed a standard approach and the other underwent rapid weaning. Although the rapid method was found to be acceptable and feasible, it did not significantly help more children achieve full oral feeding or stop using feeding tubes completely. Who this helps: This research benefits healthcare providers and caregivers of children who need feeding tubes.

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This study looked at how young children with cystic fibrosis (CF) aged 0-5 years are affected by new treatments called CFTR modulators over the first two years of therapy. Researchers followed 303 children to measure changes in their growth, nutrition, and pancreatic function. They found that tracking these changes is important to understand how well the treatments work and to improve care for children with CF. Who this helps: This benefits young patients with cystic fibrosis and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how people with aphasia, a condition that affects communication, use digital technology like smartphones and social media to stay in touch with friends. Researchers found that over 90% of participants highlighted the importance of these tools for maintaining friendships. The study also noted three key areas: the need for flexible technology options, how technology helps individuals express their identities, and the critical role technology plays in fostering social connections. Who this helps: This benefits patients with aphasia and their families by promoting better social relationships.

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Researchers studied how to better differentiate between aggressive and non-aggressive tumors by using a special MRI technique to measure pH levels in tumors after giving them glucose. They found that, after glucose administration, the average pH levels in different tumor types changed: from 6.31 to 6.1 for wild-type tumors, 6.3 to 6.3 for VEGF-overexpressing tumors, and 6.55 to 6.58 for HIF-1α knockdown tumors. This approach offers a promising way to identify tumor types more accurately, which could help doctors choose the right treatment. Who this helps: Patients with different types of breast cancer.

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This study looked at how flu vaccines made in hens' eggs might affect children's long-term immune responses. Researchers found that when kids receive vaccines that have adapted to egg production, it can weaken their immunity to future flu strains. This mismatch can lead to ineffective vaccination, potentially reducing effectiveness throughout a person’s life. Who this helps: This information benefits children receiving flu vaccines and their healthcare providers.

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This research looked at how to create a large funding program in Canada to support better integrated healthcare, which aims to improve coordination and health outcomes. The study found that gathering input from various stakeholders, such as community members and healthcare providers, is essential; specifically, there was a consensus that implementing and scaling effective care strategies is critical for making a real impact. This matters because it paves the way for healthcare systems to adopt better practices that could benefit many people. Who this helps: Patients and healthcare providers working in integrated care systems.

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This study looked at a special form of sodium that exists under extreme pressure, specifically above 200 GPa, to see if it contains localized electrons, which are important for its properties as an electride. Researchers found clear evidence of these localized electrons when they examined a sodium crystal at 223 GPa, strengthening the idea that this sodium phase behaves like an electride. This discovery matters because it could lead to advances in material science and electronics, potentially enabling the development of new technologies that use these unique properties. Who this helps: This helps researchers working on advanced materials and electronic devices.

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This study looked at how a protein called ARF6 helps cancer cells survive, especially in melanoma, a type of skin cancer. The researchers found that when they blocked a treatment that inhibits another protein called BRAF, ARF6 quickly activated and helped the cancer cells resist the therapy. By targeting ARF6, they found that it made these resistant cancer cells more responsive to treatments that combine BRAF and MEK inhibitors, suggesting a new way to improve therapies for patients. Who this helps: Patients with BRAF-driven melanoma who are struggling with treatment resistance.

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This study focused on improving a type of MRI technology that tracks specific proteins in the body, helping to monitor the effectiveness of treatments like gene therapy or viral therapy. Researchers found that certain proteins containing amino acids, specifically tyrosine, tryptophan, and lysine, can create a distinct and strong contrast in MRI images, making them easier to detect compared to natural proteins already in the body. These proteins showed rapid exchange rates and a unique structure, which could lead to better tracking of therapies without invasive procedures. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing gene or viral therapies and the doctors monitoring their treatment outcomes.

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The study looked at hospitalizations caused by the flu in the U.S. during the 2024-25 season, which was particularly severe. It found that there were 127.1 hospitalizations per 100,000 people, the highest rate since the 2010-11 season, with older adults aged 75 and over experiencing the most hospitalizations at 598.8 per 100,000. Most of the hospitalized patients (89.1%) had existing health issues, and the results highlight the importance of flu vaccinations and antiviral treatments to prevent serious complications. Who this helps: This information benefits patients, especially older adults and those with underlying health conditions.

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This study looked at how machine learning could help hospitals predict how much work nurses will have in the coming days, using data on nursing activities collected from a major hospital. The researchers found that a specific model (lasso regression) improved prediction accuracy by 25% compared to the traditional method of assuming no change in workload, with only 0.17% of predictions being incorrect. This matters because better predictions can lead to more effective staff planning, improving care for patients and overall nurse well-being. Who this helps: This helps patients and hospital administrators.

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In the 2024-25 flu season, the CDC identified a troubling rise in severe brain conditions linked to influenza in children, specifically acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE), with 109 out of 192 suspected cases confirmed as influenza-associated encephalopathy (IAE). Of these, 37 cases were ANE, which had a high mortality rate of 41%. Alarmingly, only 16% of the eligible children had received the flu vaccine, highlighting the need for better vaccination rates to protect against serious illnesses. Who this helps: This research helps patients (children), their families, and healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how effective certain behavioral treatments are for pica, a condition where people eat nonfood items. Out of 33 cases studied, 30 people had their pica behaviors reduced by at least 90% after treatment. Furthermore, 26 out of 29 participants continued to show positive results even when the treatment was used by different people and in new places. This is important because it shows that behavioral treatments can work very well in managing pica and can adapt to various environments. Who this helps: This helps patients with pica and the professionals treating them.

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This study looked at how aspirin breaks down in mouse models of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and specifically measured the levels of its metabolite, salicylic acid (SA), in different tissues. Researchers found that SA accumulated significantly in various areas: 141.9 pmol/mm² in the liver, 129.5 pmol/mm² in the kidney, and 50.4 pmol/mm² in TNBC tumors. This research is important because it provides a better understanding of how aspirin and its metabolites distribute in the body, which could improve imaging techniques used to detect cancer and monitor treatment effectiveness. Who this helps: Patients with triple-negative breast cancer and their doctors.

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This study looked at what happens when the military uses a "race-neutral" method to interpret lung function tests, called spirometry, for active-duty service members. They found that using this method changed results for different racial groups: Black service members showed more problems with their lung function, while White service members showed fewer. Specifically, abnormal spirometry increased from 9.8% to 11.6% among those screened, with significant changes noted for both Black (from 16.7% to 46.7%) and White (from 6.5% to 3.2%) members. Who this helps: This research helps military personnel, especially Black service members, by addressing issues with lung health assessments that could affect their deployment readiness.

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This study looked at how terbium, a rare earth metal, changes its structure under extreme pressure. Researchers found that at 234 gigapascals (GPa), terbium transitions from a 16-atom structure to a more stable 8-atom structure, and this new structure stays stable even up to 308 GPa. This discovery links two previously separate patterns of structural changes in similar metals, helping scientists understand high-pressure behavior in these materials. Who this helps: This research benefits materials scientists and engineers working on technologies that involve high-pressure conditions.

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This study looked at how people who inject drugs in Baltimore feel about "safer supply programs," which provide legal, prescribed drugs instead of dangerous street drugs. It found that 87% of those surveyed were interested in such programs, especially older individuals and those without stable housing. These programs could help reduce overdoses and violence associated with drug use, making it safer for individuals and the community. Who this helps: Patients who inject drugs and communities affected by drug-related issues.

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This study looked at a new rating scale called the Transactional EXchanges in Texting for Aphasia (TEXT-A) to assess how well people with aphasia can text. Researchers tested 60 individuals who had strokes and found that the scale is highly reliable, with an interrater reliability score of 0.902, indicating that different raters generally agreed on the scores. This is important because it means that the TEXT-A can effectively measure texting abilities, which are increasingly vital for communication in daily life for these individuals. Who this helps: This benefits patients with aphasia and their caregivers by providing a reliable way to assess and improve their texting skills.

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This study examined how well a specific amino acid called alanine can be used in MRI scans to detect a transporter protein called ASCT2, which is important for cancer cell growth. They found that when alanine was injected into tumors, the scans showed significantly more activity in certain pancreatic and prostate cancers that overexpress ASCT2, with a notable increase in CEST MRI signal in those tumors (p < 0.0001). This is important because it could help doctors better identify and monitor cancers that rely on this particular pathway for nutrients. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and researchers working with cancer patients, particularly those with pancreatic and prostate cancers.

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This study focused on X-linked Dystonia-Parkinsonism (XDP), a serious neurological condition affecting mainly Filipino men. Researchers found that a specific genetic change caused abnormal processing of genes related to XDP, and by using advanced gene-editing tools, they could correct these issues in lab cells, restoring normal function in about 30% of the affected genes. This is important because it opens the door to developing targeted treatments for this rare disease, improving the care options available for patients. Who this helps: This helps Filipino patients suffering from X-linked Dystonia-Parkinsonism.

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This research review looked at how often cancer occurs in adults with intellectual disabilities. It found that the overall cancer prevalence in this group is about 2%, which is similar or lower than the general population, but certain types of cancer, like ovarian and testicular cancer, appeared to be more common. Understanding cancer rates in adults with intellectual disabilities is important for improving healthcare and developing better support systems for these individuals. Who this helps: This helps patients with intellectual disabilities and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at treatments for a type of skin cancer called NRAS-mutated melanoma, especially focusing on new drugs called RAS(ON) inhibitors, like daraxonrasib. Researchers found that while these drugs can effectively shrink tumors in some patients, resistance can develop, particularly in those with specific genetic mutations, affecting treatment success. For example, one patient did well on daraxonrasib, but another worsened due to genetic changes. This matters because understanding how to overcome resistance can help improve treatment options for patients with this hard-to-treat cancer. Who this helps: This helps patients with NRAS-mutated melanoma.

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This study looked at how adults with intellectual disabilities are screened for and treated for cancer. It found that these individuals often receive less routine cancer screening and are diagnosed later, leading to poorer health outcomes. Factors like limited education about screening and difficulties in communication contribute to these challenges, but improving education and adapting treatment plans can help increase access to care. Who this helps: This benefits patients with intellectual disabilities and their healthcare providers.

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This research looked at the levels of a specific infection that raises the risk of gastric cancer, focusing on how these levels have changed over time in different age groups and generations. The study found that younger generations have lower infection rates, but levels increase as people get older, with significant differences noted between various global regions. Understanding these trends is crucial for tackling gastric cancer more effectively in the future. Who this helps: This benefits patients at risk of gastric cancer and healthcare providers aiming to prevent it.

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This study looked at how common certain infections are in different racial and ethnic groups in the U.S., since the most recent data is outdated and only covers a few groups. The researchers found significant differences in infection rates among these groups, and that trends also vary depending on age and the year people were born, but the available data is not comprehensive enough to give a full picture. This matters because understanding these disparities can help improve health strategies and treatments for underrepresented groups. Who this helps: Patients from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.

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This study tested whether hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) could prevent rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in people who are at high risk due to specific antibody levels. Out of 144 participants, 30.4% who took HCQ developed RA after 3 years, compared to 32.9% in the placebo group, showing HCQ did not significantly lower the risk of developing RA. These findings matter because they indicate that HCQ is not effective for preventing RA in these at-risk individuals, which could change treatment approaches. Who this helps: This helps patients at risk for rheumatoid arthritis and their doctors.

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A computerized lupus treatment decision aid was implemented in 15 U.S. rheumatology clinics between 2019 and 2024, reaching between 3% and 44% of eligible patients depending on the site. Larger clinical teams were linked to higher patient reach, and clinical staff consistently rated the tool as appropriate, acceptable, and feasible over two years of follow-up. The findings provide real-world evidence that this type of shared decision-making tool can be sustained in diverse outpatient settings, even through a pandemic.