SARAH MCDAVITT EGAN, M.D.

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A pilot trial tested an online self-help CBT program for grief — co-designed with young people — in 88 adolescents, comparing it to a four-week waitlist. The program was feasible and highly acceptable, with 97% of completers reporting they liked it, and participants showed improvements in wellbeing compared to the waitlist, as well as within-group reductions in anxiety, depression, and trauma symptoms by follow-up. No significant group differences were found for anxiety, depression, trauma, or prolonged grief at the primary post-intervention timepoint, indicating larger trials are needed.

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Forensic laboratories traditionally rely on manual microscopy to detect sperm cells in sexual assault evidence, which is time-consuming especially when sperm numbers are very low. An automated system using deep neural networks correctly identified sperm cells with accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity all above 99.9%, and in some low-sperm samples outperformed human examiners. Automating this process can substantially speed up forensic casework without sacrificing accuracy.

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This paper examines how artificial intelligence could change the way therapists are trained and supervised in cognitive behavioral therapy, including using AI to simulate patients, give real-time feedback on technique, and build cultural competence. Key challenges identified include ensuring data quality, addressing ethical concerns, and making AI tools work in low-resource settings where mental health care is most needed. The authors propose guidelines for developing and evaluating AI in therapy training responsibly.

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Scientists assembled a high-quality, complete reference genome for the southern live oak, Quercus virginiana, using a tree cloned from a historically significant specimen at Auburn University. This is the first reference genome for the live oak group and reveals details about the tree's chromosome structure, genetic variation, and regions important for inheritance. The resource will help researchers study how oaks adapt, hybridize, and evolve across their range.

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Adults with glycogen storage disease type Ia — a condition requiring strict dietary management to keep blood sugar stable — were interviewed at multiple time points during a gene therapy trial to capture their lived experience of treatment. Most reported reduced reliance on cornstarch, improved physical and emotional functioning, and overall satisfaction with the therapy, though some experienced blood sugar instability during dietary transitions. The results highlight both the promise of gene therapy for this condition and the need for close dietary monitoring during treatment.

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Mice lacking the CDKL5 gene — a model for a severe form of childhood epilepsy — were exposed to loud sounds, and nearly all male knockout mice had severe, often fatal seizures in response, while female carrier mice and normal mice were largely unaffected. This is the first demonstration of sound-triggered seizures in this mouse model, and a subset of knockout mice also had spontaneous seizures captured on video-EEG recording. The finding provides a reliable and practical way to test potential seizure treatments for CDKL5 deficiency disorder.

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Researchers worked directly with 11 children to co-design an internet-based therapy program for grief, incorporating the children's preferences for colorful visuals, audio recordings, drawing, and interactive features. The resulting program consists of eight modules delivered over four weeks, targeting anxiety as the primary outcome along with depression, wellbeing, trauma, and prolonged grief in children aged 6–12. A planned randomized controlled trial will test whether this child-informed design improves both effectiveness and engagement.

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Researchers measured brain responses to sounds triggered by different agents — a person's own hand, another person's hand, a robotic hand controlled by a person, and a computer-driven robot — to understand how the brain predicts and dampens incoming sensory signals. The early brain response (N1) was only reduced when a human was involved in generating the sound, while a later response (P2) was reduced for all observed actions regardless of whether a human or machine was responsible. This shows that two distinct brain mechanisms govern how we dampen sensory signals from others' actions, with only one of them depending on recognizing a human agent.

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Researchers studied how the scaffold protein Intersectin-1 (Itsn1) influences the ability of neurons to sustain rapid firing at a key auditory brain synapse in mice at different developmental stages. Itsn1 loss had no effect in young mice but, in mature mice, slowed the recovery of the synapse after heavy use by impairing a calcium-dependent process that refills the pool of ready-to-release neurotransmitter packages. The findings reveal a specific developmental mechanism by which Itsn1 helps maintain reliable signal transmission at high firing rates.

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Standard developmental assessment tools commonly used in clinical practice were evaluated in children with SCN2A-related disorders — a severe genetic condition causing epilepsy and neurodevelopmental impairment — to determine if they are suitable for measuring communication abilities in clinical trials. Age-standardized scores performed poorly due to severe floor effects and insensitivity to meaningful differences between patients, while alternative scoring approaches (growth scale values and raw scores) captured real differences and tracked change over time. The findings have direct implications for how future trials in this and similar rare conditions should measure treatment outcomes.

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Ireland established national radiation dose reference levels for 52 types of fluoroscopy procedures used in medical imaging, using data collected from all relevant facilities across the country. Separate reference levels were set for different equipment types and for pediatric patients. When compared internationally, Irish dose levels are generally lower than those reported in other countries, providing a useful benchmark for ongoing quality improvement in radiation safety.

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A meta-analysis of seven studies pooling data from over 3,100 participants found that higher perfectionism — whether measured as striving for high standards or worry about mistakes — was significantly associated with more compulsive exercise. The pooled correlations were moderate in size, consistent across different dimensions of perfectionism. Given that compulsive exercise is involved in maintaining eating disorders, the findings point to perfectionism as a relevant treatment target when addressing unhealthy exercise patterns.

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A genetic screening approach in mice with a common type of childhood brain tumor identified a potassium channel protein called KCNB2 as essential for keeping tumor cells alive. KCNB2 controls cell volume in tumor-propagating cells, and removing it causes the cells to swell, take up less growth factor signaling, and proliferate more slowly. Notably, blocking KCNB2 had little effect on normal development and worked even better when combined with standard anti-tumor therapy.

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Experiments in mice showed that Jagged1, a signaling protein in breast tissue, acts as a tumor suppressor in luminal breast cancer but promotes tumor growth in the more aggressive basal subtype. Deleting Jagged1 from the mammary gland disrupted normal cell development and changed the balance between stem-like and mature cell types. Analysis of human breast cancer data confirmed these opposing effects, suggesting that the role of Jagged1 in breast cancer depends critically on the cell type of origin.

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A three-wave online study of nearly 500 young women examined whether perfectionism predicts later development of eating disorder or OCD symptoms, and whether disorder-specific factors like body dissatisfaction mediate these links. Perfectionism predicted increased OCD symptoms but not eating disorder symptoms, while eating disorder symptoms actually predicted later increases in perfectionism. Body dissatisfaction independently predicted both types of symptoms, suggesting it is a broad vulnerability factor rather than specific to eating disorders.

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ATI-2138 is a new drug candidate that simultaneously blocks two enzymes — ITK and JAK3 — that drive inflammation in autoimmune diseases. In laboratory and animal studies it reduced disease in models of arthritis and colitis, and in a first-in-human trial it was safe and well-tolerated, with measurable effects on the intended biological targets. These results position ATI-2138 as a promising candidate for treating autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.

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This study demonstrated that bacteria naturally present in the reproductive tract are transferred between sexual partners during unprotected intercourse and can be detected using advanced DNA sequencing. These unique bacterial signatures could serve as forensic evidence in sexual assault investigations, particularly in cases where no male DNA is found. The use of barrier contraceptives affects transfer, which has practical implications for evidence interpretation.

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A longitudinal study tracked immune, inflammatory, and metabolic markers in 33 people receiving two to four COVID-19 vaccine doses over more than a year. Vaccine-related changes in these markers were temporary and minor, with the overall metabolic profiles of vaccinated individuals closely resembling those of unvaccinated, uninfected controls rather than people who had COVID-19. The data support the metabolic safety of repeated COVID-19 vaccination.

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Researchers tested whether adding specific growth-promoting bacteria to cultures of Asparagopsis armata — a red seaweed being farmed as a feed additive to reduce methane emissions from cattle — could improve how fast the seaweed grows. All tested bacterial strains significantly increased the seaweed's growth rate, and the introduced bacteria integrated into the seaweed's microbial community without disrupting existing microbes. Microbial inoculation appears to be a practical and safe strategy to boost seaweed farm productivity.

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Young adults trying to lose weight reported their levels of self-compassion, body appreciation, and disordered eating behaviors twice a day for a week, allowing researchers to look at how these variables shifted together within the same person over time. On days and at times when individuals felt more self-compassionate or more appreciative of their body, they also reported less disordered eating. The findings suggest that interventions targeting self-compassion and body appreciation may help reduce disordered eating in people actively trying to manage their weight.

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Two field experiments in Stanford University dining halls tested whether reducing serving spoon size would lead diners to eat less meat without harming their satisfaction. A moderate 25% reduction showed a non-significant trend toward less meat served, while a larger 50% reduction had no effect on meat consumption and actually reduced diner satisfaction. The results suggest that very large portion reductions may backfire, and that moderate nudges warrant further study in different food service contexts.

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Researchers tested whether placing coral larvae on specially designed "seeding devices" and removing competing macroalgae improved coral survival on degraded reefs over two years. Devices improved first-year survival compared to natural recruitment, especially in areas where seaweed was actively removed, but those advantages largely disappeared by the second year. The study provides realistic survival estimates and cost data to help managers assess whether coral seeding is a worthwhile restoration investment at specific sites.

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A commentary on a meta-analysis of self-help interventions for eating disorders, highlighting that these interventions also improved comorbid difficulties such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem — not just the primary eating disorder symptoms. The author argues that this broad impact is consistent with findings in other areas and emphasizes the value of tracking session-by-session progress to guide decisions when multiple problems are present. The key practical message is that focused self-help for eating disorders can deliver benefits that extend well beyond the primary condition.

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Using protein analysis across different stages of biofilm formation in a marine bacterium, researchers identified 248 proteins involved in the transition from free-swimming to surface-attached life, including a large previously unknown protein called BapP. Experiments showed BapP is essential for biofilm formation and that its function depends on calcium levels, similar to adhesion proteins found in other bacteria. This work expands knowledge of how bacteria stick to surfaces and could inform strategies to control biofilm formation in marine and medical contexts.

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Researchers disrupted the microbes living on and around a dominant seaweed on Australian rocky shores to test how those microbes affect the seaweed's ability to reproduce and establish new plants. Disrupting the seaweed's own microbiome reduced egg release, while disrupting both the seaweed and surrounding surface microbes together significantly reduced how many young plants successfully settled. The results show that both the seaweed's personal microbial community and the broader surface environment are important for its reproduction and long-term survival.

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Researchers used brain imaging and gene expression data from over 3,500 mice spanning 135 genetic models of neurodevelopmental disorders, then matched brain structure patterns to over 2,000 humans with autism, ADHD, OCD, and related conditions. Four consistent brain structure clusters were identified across both species, each linked to a specific molecular pathway — two involving gene regulation and two involving the connections between neurons. This cross-species approach makes it possible to assign previously unexplained human cases to biological subtypes, which could improve the precision of future treatments.

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Genetic data from over 17,000 horses were screened for chromosomal abnormalities, identifying two young male Irish Sport Horses with an extra copy of chromosome 27 — a condition rarely documented in horses. Both cases arose from a cell division error (heterodisomy), one from the father and one from an older mother, and neither showed obvious physical abnormalities at the time of detection. The findings suggest that routine genetic screening for chromosomal abnormalities at registration could be a cost-effective way to identify potentially infertile horses early.

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A common red-shouldered bug was identified as the first insect in the order Hemiptera known to both pollinate a plant and have its offspring eat that plant's seeds — a rare type of insect-plant relationship. Lab and field experiments confirmed the bugs drink nectar and transfer pollen, providing a pollination benefit, while their offspring destroy seeds in the same fruit. This finding also expands understanding of how this bug's feeding behavior evolved, challenging the previous assumption that seed-eating alone drove its morphology.

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A systematic review examined 16 randomized controlled trials to determine whether perfectionism at the start of treatment predicts how well people respond to therapy for mental health conditions including eating disorders, anxiety, OCD, and depression. Across these studies, higher baseline perfectionism was associated with worse treatment outcomes in about half the trials, with the most consistent negative effects found in studies involving children and adolescents. Clinicians are advised to assess and directly address perfectionism when it appears to be blocking progress in therapy.

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Young people aged 14–24 with lived experience of grief co-designed a research project to explore what grief literacy means to them, conducting workshops and creating scenarios depicting a grief-literate world. Key findings were that young people want to understand grief, know how to support grieving peers, and be supported themselves — and that they reject outdated stage-based grief models and unsolicited advice. The study provides a foundation for creating youth-centered grief education and support resources.

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Researchers investigated why Bacillus bacteria — which produce natural antibiotics to protect tomato plants from a wilt-causing pathogen — often perform worse in the field than in the lab. They found that a soil bacterium called Stenotrophomonas maltophilia breaks down the antibiotics produced by Bacillus, effectively helping the plant pathogen survive. Understanding this three-way interaction is critical for improving the reliability of biological pest control in real agricultural settings.

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Over two years, researchers collected and tested more than 3,000 mosquitoes from 12 species across Perth, Western Australia, screening them for blood parasites using molecular techniques. Avian malaria-like parasites were detected in nearly 4% of pools, mostly in Culex mosquitoes, including three newly identified parasite types unique to the region. The study demonstrates that mosquito-based surveillance is an effective way to track blood parasites in wildlife and adds new information about the diversity of these parasites in Australia.

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Researchers interviewed patients, caregivers, and medical experts to document the full burden of ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency, a rare genetic disorder causing dangerous ammonia buildup, and to build a framework of its most important symptoms and impacts. The most commonly reported problems included cognitive and neurological symptoms, gut issues, fatigue, and wide-ranging effects on diet, emotions, and social life. This framework is designed to guide the development of patient-relevant outcome measures for use in clinical trials of new treatments, including gene therapy.

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Nine adolescents who participated in a trial of online self-help CBT for grief were interviewed about their experience with exposure and imagery transformation techniques — components typically delivered by therapists. Most found these techniques acceptable, even when delivered without professional guidance through an internet platform. This supports the feasibility of including these methods in unguided digital grief interventions for teens.

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Researchers mapped changes in small non-coding RNA molecules in the brains of mice lacking the CDKL5 gene, which causes a severe childhood epilepsy syndrome. Extensive disruptions were found across multiple types of non-coding RNA, including microRNAs, and two specific microRNAs were confirmed as altered in the disease model. These findings open a new avenue of research into how CDKL5 loss disrupts brain function and point toward potential biomarkers and treatment targets.

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A rule-based mental health chatbot called MYLO, co-designed with young people, was tested over four weeks with 24 young Australians with anxiety or depression, partly to see how it compared with users' experiences of newer AI tools like ChatGPT. Participants showed moderate to large improvements in distress, anxiety, and functioning despite many expecting more human-like conversation from the chatbot. The findings highlight the need to either upgrade rule-based chatbots or clearly communicate their limitations to users who now have high expectations from generative AI.

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Families in Flint, Michigan participated in virtual focus groups after completing a five-week online cooking and nutrition program that included ingredient delivery and instruction from a chef and dietitian. Five main themes emerged around cooking challenges, class format, family support, food provision, and learning, with many families reporting that the program strengthened family bonds and supported children's emotional wellbeing. Virtual cooking programs like this appear particularly valuable in under-resourced communities where in-person services are limited.

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A systematic review and meta-analysis of 83 studies with over 32,000 adults quantified the relationship between perfectionism and self-esteem. People with high perfectionistic concerns — excessive worry about mistakes and self-criticism — had meaningfully lower self-esteem, while people high in perfectionistic strivings — setting very high personal standards — showed only a negligible positive association with self-esteem. The results support the idea that it is the negative, self-critical dimension of perfectionism that undermines self-worth, and they suggest that CBT for perfectionism may be worth comparing directly to self-esteem treatments.

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This paper describes the design and protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial of an internet-delivered CBT program for grief specifically tailored for adolescents, which was built through a co-design process with young people. Participants are randomized to eight online modules over four weeks or a four-week waitlist, with outcomes including wellbeing, anxiety, depression, trauma symptoms, and prolonged grief measured at three timepoints. The protocol also includes qualitative feedback to assess acceptability and programmatic data to assess feasibility.

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Researchers interviewed 32 caregivers of children enrolled in a produce prescription program in Flint, Michigan, to understand why some families struggled to use the program despite finding it valuable. Five barrier themes emerged: food insecurity, how prescriptions were distributed, difficulty redeeming them, lack of educational support, and program design issues. Caregivers recommended concrete solutions including partnering with larger grocery retailers and creating digital prescriptions, offering practical guidance for improving similar programs elsewhere.

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A new species of parasitoid wasp was discovered on the Rice University campus in Houston, Texas, emerging from galls made by a gall wasp on southern live oak leaves. This is the first parasitoid of its genus found anywhere in the world to target cynipid gall wasps, and hints at a previously unknown ecological relationship between these parasitoids, gall wasps, and oaks in North America. The discovery is supported by DNA barcoding and behavioral observations of the female wasp scanning leaves to locate host galls.

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A retrospective study at a children's cancer hospital in Melbourne compared two methods for removing a type of tunnelled central venous catheter used to deliver chemotherapy: pulling it out with traction versus surgically exposing the cuff through a small dissection. The dissection method had a higher first-attempt success rate (99% vs. 91%) and no cases of cuff retention, while the traction method was far less expensive (approximately A$387 vs. A$2,560 per removal). The results support traction as the preferred first-line approach, with dissection reserved for cases where traction fails.

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A secondary analysis of data from nearly 10,000 three-year-olds in Ireland examined which specific home play activities predicted children's social and emotional development, accounting for family and parenting factors. Informal activities like games, painting, drawing, and reading predicted better socioemotional outcomes, while structured academic activities like letter and number games showed weaker associations. The quality of the parent-child relationship — particularly warmth and closeness — was the strongest predictor overall.

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PIMMS-Dash is a free web-based tool that lets researchers explore and visualize data from high-throughput transposon insertion sequencing experiments — a technique used to identify which bacterial genes are essential for survival under different conditions. The tool requires no bioinformatics expertise and generates interactive tables and publication-quality figures directly from existing pipeline outputs. Making this kind of analysis accessible to non-specialists lowers barriers to entry and speeds up the identification of genes relevant to bacterial fitness and disease.

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This article describes the mission and strategic approach of the FamilieSCN2A Foundation, a patient advocacy organization working to develop treatments for SCN2A-related disorders — severe genetic conditions causing epilepsy, autism, and intellectual disability. The foundation has raised approximately $6 million and funded 26 research grants to build the scientific and clinical infrastructure needed to advance drug development. The article outlines how the foundation is creating a research ecosystem — including natural history studies and outcome measure development — to maximize the chances of bringing effective treatments to patients.

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A prospective study followed 120 dairy cows in Ethiopia for three weeks after calving to measure how often they developed uterine infection and what factors increased risk. The cumulative incidence was 17.5%, with most cases occurring within the first 10 days after birth, and retained placenta was the only significant risk factor — increasing the odds of infection nearly 15-fold. E. coli and Staphylococcus were the most common bacteria isolated, and the findings highlight the importance of preventing retained placenta to reduce uterine infections in this herd.

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An online CBT program for perfectionism was tested in 85 university students, comparing pure self-help with a version where participants were guided to consult an AI chatbot for help. Both groups completed similar numbers of modules and showed similar improvements in perfectionism, anxiety, and disordered eating over eight weeks, but the AI-guided group became nearly 3.5 times more open to receiving support from AI. The trial establishes feasibility but was underpowered to detect differences in outcomes between conditions, pointing to the need for a larger fully-powered study.