Ming-Jen Lee

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This study looked at a 79-year-old man with bladder cancer who faced serious complications after starting treatment with a drug called pembrolizumab. After his first dose, he suffered from liver problems, chest pain, and muscle weakness, leading to a heart issue that required a pacemaker. Despite treatment for these complications, his health worsened, and he needed to be placed on a ventilator 28 days later, showing that pembrolizumab can cause dangerous side effects in some patients. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors treating cancer patients with pembrolizumab, helping them recognize and address potential severe side effects early.

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Researchers studied an AI system designed to predict cardiac arrests in hospital patients who were at high risk of deterioration. They found that using this AI model reduced the rate of cardiac arrests from 2.07% to 1.06% and also lowered in-hospital deaths significantly. These results show that AI can enhance patient safety in hospitals without needing extra resources. Who this helps: This benefits patients in hospitals, particularly those at risk of serious health declines.

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This study looked at how well different vaccines protect pigs from a specific type of foot-and-mouth disease virus that has recently become a threat in South Korea. Researchers tested three existing vaccines and found that all showed some level of protection, but the O1/Campos vaccine was the most effective, leading to fewer sickness symptoms and less virus spread in vaccinated pigs. This matters because it helps ensure that pigs, which are economically important livestock, can be better protected from this emerging virus. Who this helps: Farmers and veterinarians working with pigs.

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This study focused on creating and refining methods to produce two proteins (935 and 938) that could help improve cancer treatments by boosting the immune system's response to tumors. The researchers found that protein 935 was produced in large amounts (about 2.5 mg for every 100 mL), while protein 938 produced much less (around 0.08 mg for every 100 mL) and was less stable. These findings are important because they lay the groundwork for further research on how these proteins could enhance cancer therapies. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and doctors developing new cancer treatments.

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This study examined how the Zika virus affects brain development in infant rhesus macaques. It found significant changes in brain cell activity, leading to cell death and abnormal brain structure, which can impact behavior. Specifically, two weeks after infection, the infants showed increased emotional reactivity and a gene pattern associated with autism risk. Who this helps: This research assists doctors and researchers in understanding the long-term effects of Zika virus on infant brain development.

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In May 2025, a Salmonella outbreak occurred in seven cities in South Korea, linked to the same bakery products, affecting 1,235 people and resulting in 323 confirmed cases, which means about 26% of those who consumed the products got sick. Investigators found that the bacteria from both the sick individuals and the contaminated bakery items were genetically identical, confirming they came from the same source. This outbreak highlights the importance of quick and thorough investigations to prevent similar foodborne illnesses in the future. Who this helps: This helps patients and public health officials improve food safety and prevent future outbreaks.

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This study looked at treating a serious eye infection called bleb-associated endophthalmitis using a specific type of medication. An 81-year-old man experienced pain and vision loss in his eye, and after being treated with other medications, he received an injection of povidone-iodine. Within 48 hours, the infection showed significant improvement, and there were no further problems noted in the following month. Who this helps: This helps patients with bleb-associated endophthalmitis and their doctors by providing a potential treatment option.

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This study looked at how tiny particles called nanomaterials can improve the way we identify cancer-related substances (biomarkers) found in exosomes, which are small vesicles released by cells. It found that using these nanomaterials makes the process faster and more accurate, consolidating steps of isolating and detecting exosomes into one efficient system. This is important because it could lead to quicker and more reliable cancer diagnoses through simpler blood tests. Who this helps: This helps patients by potentially providing more accurate and timely cancer diagnoses.

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This study examined a treatment called DA-9701, made from natural ingredients, to see if it could help reduce nausea and headaches in people with migraines. The results showed that after one month, nausea days decreased by about 54%, and headache days dropped by 52%, with no significant side effects reported. This is important because it indicates that DA-9701 not only helps with nausea, which is common during migraines, but also significantly reduces the frequency of migraine headaches. Who this helps: Patients suffering from migraines, especially those who experience nausea.

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This study focused on using voice recognition technology to help nurses document patient information in electronic health records. After testing the system in a hospital in South Korea, the researchers found that early versions of the technology could be improved based on feedback from nurses. By redesigning the system to be more user-friendly and mobile, it now better supports nursing tasks and makes documentation easier. Who this helps: This helps nurses by making their documentation process more efficient and accessible.

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The 2025 update of the Korean CPR guidelines includes significant changes aimed at improving survival rates for cardiac arrest victims. Key updates include adding rehabilitation to the emergency response process, allowing dispatchers to guide callers on using defibrillators, and increasing the recommended temperature range for managing patients after resuscitation. These changes are based on new evidence and seek to enhance the effectiveness of CPR training and emergency responses. Who this helps: This helps patients experiencing cardiac arrest and the healthcare professionals responding to them.

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This study examined a type of bacteria found in food, known as Leuconostoc mesenteroides CBA3656, to see how well it can remove tiny pieces of plastic, called nanoplastics, from both water and the human digestive system. The researchers found that this bacterium effectively captured nanoplastics at various concentrations, pH levels, and temperatures, with the most significant results showing a 25% increase in the removal efficiency of these plastics when using CBA3656 under simulated intestinal conditions. This discovery is important because it offers a new and effective way to reduce nanoplastics that may pose health risks. Who this helps: This helps patients and consumers by potentially reducing harmful plastics in their diets.

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This study looked at a new type of treatment called "Trikines," which are designed to improve the immune system's ability to fight cancer by altering how certain proteins signal inside cells. The researchers found that a specific Trikine based on Interleukin-2 helped keep immune cells younger and more effective against tumors, while a Trikine based on Interleukin-10 increased the immune response in tough-to-treat cancers like small cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer. This is important because it offers a new way to enhance cancer treatments without the side effects typically seen with current therapies. Who this helps: This helps cancer patients, particularly those with hard-to-treat tumors, by offering new treatment options.

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This study looks at new treatments for preventing migraines, specifically focusing on drugs that target a protein called CGRP. Researchers found that these new treatments are better tolerated and more effective than traditional medications. Using CGRP-targeting therapies may help more people manage their migraines effectively, improving their daily lives and reducing the need for pain relief medications that can cause problems if overused. Who this helps: Patients suffering from migraines.

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This study looked at splenic artery aneurysms (SAAs) that are found by accident and evaluated how they change over time and their risk of rupturing. Out of 1,774 aneurysms, 78% stayed the same size, with an average growth of just 0.04 cm per year, and only 0.2% ruptured. This matters because it shows that most incidental SAAs are stable and pose a low risk, helping doctors decide how often to monitor them. Who this helps: This helps patients with incidentally found splenic artery aneurysms and their doctors.

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This study looked at a new way to create special materials made from tiny metal oxide particles coated with a strong form of carbon called graphitic carbon. Researchers found they could do this at lower temperatures (under 400°C) instead of the very high temperatures usually needed, resulting in nanoparticles that are more resistant to harsh chemicals and still retain their useful magnetic properties. This new method could make it easier and cheaper to produce materials that can be used for energy storage and cleaning water. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and industries involved in energy storage and environmental cleanup.

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This study looked at how surgery and complications affect recovery in patients with small bowel obstruction (SBO), a common emergency. Researchers found that surgery generally helped improve nausea and overall gastrointestinal function, with surgical patients reporting better scores; specifically, nausea improved by about 5.9 points, and overall function improved by 6.8 points. However, complications from surgery worsened symptoms like nausea and well-being, indicating that avoiding complications is key to enhancing recovery. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing surgery for small bowel obstruction.

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This study looked at how well intraoperative visual evoked potential (VEP) monitoring can predict vision problems during surgeries for nonpituitary suprasellar tumors. Out of 130 eyes analyzed, 12 (9.2%) experienced short-term vision issues and 5 (3.8%) had long-term problems. The researchers found that a 30% reduction in VEP signals indicated potential vision deterioration better than the previously used 50% reduction, meaning the 30% threshold could be a more accurate warning sign during surgery. Who this helps: This information is valuable for patients undergoing surgery for nonpituitary tumors and the doctors who perform these procedures.

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This study examined the effects of a surgery called partial orchiectomy on the growth of testicles in young boys with tumors. Researchers looked at 60 boys who had the surgery and found that while the testicle with the tumor shrank significantly (from about 2.87 cm³ to 0.90 cm³), the healthy testicle on the other side grew a bit (from 0.65 cm³ to 0.82 cm³). It was noted that boys under one year old had a much higher risk of testicle shrinkage after the surgery, with those risks being over 10 times greater compared to older boys. Who this helps: This study helps pediatricians and parents of boys with testicular tumors understand the surgery's effects on growth and make more informed decisions regarding treatment timing.

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This study looked at how bleeding in the brain after treatment for stroke affects recovery and how to predict it using initial brain scans. They analyzed 2,211 patients and found that 41.2% experienced some form of bleeding, with varying severity. Importantly, more severe bleeding dramatically increased the chances of poorer recovery, with the worst type of bleeding increasing this risk nearly 15 times. The researchers also developed a new way to predict this bleeding that worked better than existing methods. Who this helps: This benefits patients who have suffered a stroke and the doctors treating them.

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This study focused on how the suckers—important structures for grip and movement—develop in certain types of cephalopods, from embryos to juvenile stages. Researchers found that during development, the suckers start out symmetrical and later become uneven, and they identified 2,349 genes that play key roles in forming the suckers and arm muscles. Understanding these processes can help shed light on how complex structures develop in animals, which is important for both evolution and biology. Who this helps: This helps researchers studying animal development and evolution.

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This study examined how different aspects of a person's home environment, like lighting and hazards, affect their ability to perform daily tasks when living with glaucoma. Researchers found that better lighting in the home was linked to fewer difficulties in performing these tasks; specifically, for every slight increase in lighting, the odds of having trouble with daily activities decreased by 12%. However, the number or frequency of hazards in the home didn't significantly affect these daily tasks or feelings of safety. Who this helps: This information is useful for patients with glaucoma and their caregivers, as improving home lighting may enhance their daily living.

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This study compared two types of sensors, front-illuminated (FI) and back-illuminated (BI) single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs), to see how their design affects their performance in detecting light. The researchers found that BI SPADs had better sensitivity in the near-infrared range and a wider range of light they could detect, but they also experienced decreased timing performance due to a phenomenon called the diffusion tail. Overall, these findings help improve the design of light detectors in standard camera technology, which is important for various applications in fields like imaging and diagnostics. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and engineers developing advanced imaging technologies.

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This study focused on how well people with cystic fibrosis (CF) can smell and aimed to find out the smallest improvement in smell that really matters to patients. Researchers looked at data from 122 participants and found that a meaningful change in smell scores on the 40-Item Smell Identification Test (SIT) for CF patients is around 3.1 points. This is important because it gives doctors a clear benchmark to track changes in patients' smell abilities, which can greatly affect their quality of life. Who this helps: Patients with cystic fibrosis and their healthcare providers.

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Researchers studied brain organoids, which are tiny, lab-grown models of human brains, to improve drug evaluation methods. They found that adding special materials called nanomaterials helps these organoids better mimic the human brain, enhance blood flow, and support long-term growth, making them more effective for testing new treatments. This research matters because it can lead to more accurate models for studying neurological diseases and developing personalized medicine. Who this helps: Patients with neurological disorders and researchers developing new therapies.

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This study created four new stem cell lines from blood cells of Korean patients with Huntington's disease, which is a genetic disorder that affects movement and cognitive functions. The researchers confirmed that these stem cells can develop into various cell types and are genetically stable, meaning they closely match the original cells taken from the patients. These stem cells are important for studying Huntington's disease and testing new treatments. Who this helps: This helps researchers and doctors working on Huntington's disease to find better treatments.

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This research studied a new type of X-ray detector made from a special material called a perovskite single crystal. They found that by adding carbon black to a layer of a polymer, the detector became much more stable and sensitive, handling high voltage of up to 200 volts and detecting very low levels of radiation (as low as 18.44 nanograys per second). These improvements make it an exciting option for more effective and reliable X-ray imaging. Who this helps: Patients undergoing X-ray imaging.

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The study looked at 21 different brands of eyedrops sold in Malaysia to see if they contained small pieces of plastic called microplastics. It found that 81% of these products had detectable microplastics, primarily made of polystyrene, polyamide, and polyethylene. One type of lubricant eyedrop had the highest concentration, averaging 3 microplastic particles per milliliter. This is important because it reveals that many eyedrops might introduce microplastics into our bodies, which suggests we need stronger quality control in how these products are made. Who this helps: Patients using eyedrops, especially those with conditions like glaucoma.

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Researchers studied a new way to create flexible materials that can change shape when exposed to light, using a technique called UV-laser programming. They found that by using this technique, they could make flat sheets of a special metal alloy (NiTi) transform into complex 3D shapes with better heat absorption, enhancing their performance significantly. This innovation allows for precise control over how these materials bend and shape themselves, which is important for developing advanced technologies like soft robots and interactive displays. Who this helps: This benefits engineers and developers working on soft robotics, interactive technology, and advanced material applications.

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This study looked at how different types of bees interact with various flowering plants. Researchers found that smaller bees tended to visit more plants than larger bees, but the bees' social behavior did not affect these interactions. They also discovered that blue flowers and flowers with closed shapes were more likely to attract bees. This research is important because it provides a better understanding of bee-plant relationships, which can help protect these species and the ecosystems they support. Who this helps: This benefits scientists, conservationists, and pollinator-friendly gardeners.

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This study looked at the effects of two drugs, olaparib and durvalumab, on men with advanced prostate cancer that resists standard hormone treatments. Out of 60 participants, the average time before the cancer progressed was about 5 months, and the average survival was around 19 months. Notably, patients with certain genetic variations had a significantly longer period (13.2 months) without cancer progression compared to those without these variations (4.8 months). Who this helps: This research benefits men with advanced prostate cancer, particularly those with specific genetic changes.

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This study looked at a new smartphone app that helps patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) check their own joints at home, alongside regular doctor visits. It involved 100 patients and found that while doctors often recorded fewer painful and swollen joints than the patients did, the self-assessments were still useful for predicting disease activity, with a 95% chance that patients accurately identified low disease activity. Understanding how patients assess their own condition can improve remote care for RA, guiding better training and monitoring strategies. Who this helps: This helps patients with rheumatoid arthritis and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at the role of a substance called aspartate in the immune response of rats with a severe infection known as sepsis. Researchers found that levels of aspartate were lower in immune cells during sepsis, and giving an aspartate supplement improved survival rates from 0% to 50% in septic rats, helped clear bacteria, and reduced kidney damage. This research highlights the importance of aspartate for a healthy immune response in sepsis and suggests it could be used both to measure immune system issues and as a potential treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients with sepsis and their doctors by providing a new target for treatment and a way to assess immune function.

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This study examined the factors linked to sarcopenia, which is the loss of muscle mass and strength in older adults living in the community. Researchers found that specific measurements, like physical performance tests and handgrip strength, were important in identifying sarcopenia. For instance, a lower score on the short physical performance battery (less than 9.5) and handgrip strength below 17.75 were strong indicators of sarcopenia. Understanding these factors is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management of sarcopenia, helping to improve the health and quality of life for older adults. Who this helps: This benefits older patients and healthcare providers focused on elderly care.

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This study focused on creating a new type of catalyst that helps convert carbon dioxide into fuel using light. The researchers combined a specific metal complex with titanium oxide and a type of organic molecule called porphyrin, finding that this setup improved the efficiency of carbon dioxide conversion. The best results showed more than 3,000 conversions of CO to CO, which is significantly better than previous methods, and different metals in the catalyst changed how the reaction occurred. Who this helps: This benefits researchers in renewable energy and industries looking for sustainable fuel alternatives.

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This study tested whether long-lasting antibodies could help people maintain control of HIV without needing their usual medication. Researchers found that after stopping treatment, 75% of participants who received the antibodies did not experience a rise in the virus levels compared to only 11% of those who received a placebo. This means the antibodies were highly effective, reducing the chance of viral rebound by 91%. Who this helps: People living with HIV who are looking for options beyond lifelong medication.

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This study explored how to make better separators for supercapacitors by recycling waste newspapers into new materials. Researchers found that their special layered design greatly improved performance, showing up to 40% better ion transport and stability compared to traditional separators made from polyethylene. This method not only boosts the efficiency of energy storage but also reduces waste, making it a greener option for technology. Who this helps: This helps manufacturers of energy storage devices and fosters environmental sustainability.

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Researchers evaluated how well existing ICU mortality scoring systems performed in 482 adult patients at a Korean tertiary hospital, and tested whether adding the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) — a measure of chronic illness burden — improved prediction accuracy. The CCI-adjusted APACHE II score and the SAPS III score outperformed standard models, and mechanical ventilation, cardiac arrest requiring resuscitation, kidney replacement therapy, and blood cancers were the strongest independent predictors of death. The study reinforces that accounting for pre-existing chronic conditions improves ICU survival forecasting.

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A nationwide survey of emergency physicians in South Korea found that nearly 15% showed signs of moderate-to-severe depression, driven not by raw workload hours but by perceived staff shortages, verbal abuse, poor sleep, and irregular eating habits. Being married and having good overall wellness were protective. These findings point to specific, addressable factors—workplace safety, sleep support, and social connection—that hospital systems can target to protect physician mental health.

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This study looked at how a substance called β-D-glucan (BDG), taken by mouth, can boost the effectiveness of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccines in livestock. Researchers found that when animals were given BDG along with the FMD vaccine, they produced more long-lasting antibodies—up to five times higher levels in some cases—which enhance their immunity against the virus. This matters because it can lead to better vaccine strategies that protect livestock more effectively from FMD. Who this helps: This benefits farmers and livestock producers by improving vaccine performance and animal health.

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This study looked at the psychological symptoms and social behaviors of 130 children who survived exposure to toxic humidifier disinfectants compared to 129 typical children. The findings showed that survivors had more psychological issues than the other group, with those experiencing more attention problems having greater difficulty in social situations. These results highlight the need for targeted support to help these children improve their social skills and mental health. Who this helps: This helps child survivors of toxic humidifier disinfectants and their caregivers.

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This study looked at how sitting too much affects the way Korean adolescents see their bodies. Researchers analyzed responses from over 150,000 students and found that increased sitting time was linked to a distorted body image, especially among girls in educational settings, who had a 6% higher chance of feeling this way compared to those who were less sedentary. Understanding this connection is important because it can guide efforts to improve the mental health and self-esteem of young people. Who this helps: This benefits adolescents, parents, and school health professionals.

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This study looked at how well topical tranexamic acid (tTXA) works to reduce blood loss during thoracolumbar spine surgeries. Researchers found that using tTXA resulted in a significant reduction of blood loss by nearly 26 mL during surgery and decreased the need for blood transfusions by about two-thirds. This is important because it means patients can expect a safer surgery with less blood loss and a shorter hospital stay, even though it may take a few extra minutes in the operating room. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing spine surgery.