Thomas J Roberts

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This study examined how the placement of markers on muscles affects the accuracy of measuring muscle length during movement. Researchers found that markers placed on the muscle's long axis did not accurately reflect the actual lengths of muscle fibers, with some measurements even showing unexpected changes. These findings highlight the need for careful placement of markers when studying muscle movement, as misplacement can lead to incorrect data that can't be fixed later. Who this helps: This helps researchers and scientists studying muscle movement in both humans and animals.

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This study looked at how transgender and nonbinary (TNB) adults heal from trauma caused by their parents. It found that embracing their TNB identity is crucial for their healing process, with 15 participants highlighting that understanding their identity helps them make sense of their experiences and find joy despite parental lack of support. The research shows that TNB individuals can create stronger, supportive communities and work towards healing, both personally and collectively. Who this helps: This helps TNB individuals and the professionals supporting their mental health.

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This study examined changes in nerve connections in a specific part of the brain (thalamus) in mice with Dravet syndrome, a severe form of epilepsy. Researchers found that the connections that help transmit signals in a part of the thalamus (the VPL) were significantly weaker after the mice experienced seizures, and this problem continued into adulthood; specifically, the number of excitatory connections decreased by a notable amount, while another part (the VPM) remained unaffected. Understanding these changes is crucial because they may explain why some behavioral problems persist in people with Dravet syndrome even after seizures lessen. Who this helps: This helps patients with Dravet syndrome and their caregivers by providing insight into ongoing challenges they face.

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This study focused on a patient with a large blood clot in the heart related to their cardiac device. The researchers found that this type of clot can be serious and might lead to significant health issues, yet there's little research on how to treat it effectively, and most current strategies are based only on individual case reports. Proper treatment involves careful, personalized decisions, mainly using blood-thinning medications, because larger clots pose a greater risk of complications. Who this helps: This helps patients with heart devices and doctors managing their care.

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This study focused on how collagen and fibrin, two important proteins in the body, interact to create hydrogels used for modeling tumors. The researchers found that changing the amount and sequence in which these proteins are combined affects the structure and behavior of the hydrogels. Specifically, increasing fibrin reduced pore size and changed the stiffness of the gel, which are important for mimicking how tumors behave. Who this helps: This research benefits scientists and doctors working on cancer treatments by improving the models used for studying tumors.

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Researchers examined a blood test that detects tumor DNA in patients with a specific type of head and neck cancer that doesn't involve HPV. They found that when the test showed positive results after treatment, it indicated a higher chance of cancer recurrence and lower survival rates. This finding is important because it suggests that this blood test could help doctors identify patients at greater risk after treatment, potentially leading to more tailored monitoring and care.

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Researchers studied a blood test that detects tiny amounts of tumor DNA in patients with a specific type of throat cancer that is not linked to HPV. They found that when this DNA was present, patients were more likely to experience a recurrence of their cancer and had a shorter survival time. This finding is important because it suggests that this blood test could help doctors predict outcomes and make better treatment decisions for patients with this type of cancer.

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Researchers studied how the length of the hind limbs in Mongolian gerbils affects their jumping and turning abilities. They found that for each 1 mm increase in leg length, the gerbils could jump with 1 unit more body weight force. Additionally, gerbils with shorter thigh lengths turned faster; a 1 mm increase in thigh length slowed their turning speed by 5%. This research helps us understand how different leg parts affect movement, which could impact the gerbils' survival in the wild. Who this helps: This information is useful for scientists studying animal movement and adaptation.

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This study looked at air quality in Fairbanks, Alaska, during winter when pollution levels can get very high due to local heating and vehicle emissions trapped by cold weather. Researchers used inexpensive sensors to measure the levels of pollutants like carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NO), and ozone (O) at different heights in the atmosphere. They found that, during cold nights, these pollutants were more concentrated closer to the ground while higher up, the air was often clearer; this highlights how local weather patterns affect air quality. Who this helps: This research benefits residents and policymakers in areas affected by winter air pollution.

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This study looked at how volcanic gases interact with air when they are released from a volcano, focusing on the role of bromine monoxide in this process. Researchers found that gases like hydrogen bromide can oxidize when they mix with air, especially at temperatures significantly lower than the magma itself, specifically several hundred degrees Kelvin cooler. This finding is important because it helps scientists understand volcanic activity better and improves predictions about how gases are emitted during eruptions. Who this helps: This helps researchers and volcanologists studying volcanic eruptions and their environmental impacts.

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This study examined how a type of collagen, called collagen VI, affects muscle health in mice with a specific muscle disease. Researchers found that mice lacking collagen VI experienced significant issues with a signaling pathway important for muscle function, particularly during muscle injury. Understanding this connection is crucial because it opens up potential treatments aimed at improving muscle health for those affected by collagen VI-related disorders. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with collagen VI-related muscle disorders and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how aware adults are of the risks of using areca nut, a known cause of oral cancer. It found that 50% of people surveyed didn't recognize areca nut as a risk factor for oral cancer, and among those specifically asked about pure areca nut, 80% were unaware it causes cancer. This is important because it highlights a significant lack of knowledge that could lead to more cases of oral cancer, and emphasizes the need for better education and warning labels regarding the dangers of areca nut. Who this helps: This benefits patients at risk of oral cancer and health professionals working in areas where areca nut is used.

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This study looked at how lizards adapt to their environments, specifically focusing on species that have lost limbs. Researchers found that in 58 different lizard species, up to 1% had lost limbs, yet these lizards were often healthy and performed just as well as those with intact limbs. This challenges the belief that losing limbs greatly reduces an animal's chance of survival and suggests that natural selection may not always be as strong or universal as previously thought. Who this helps: This research benefits biologists and ecologists studying evolution and animal adaptation.

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This study looked at how woodpeckers manage their muscles and breathing while they drill into wood, which allows them to hit hard and fast. The researchers found that when downy woodpeckers peck, muscles in different parts of their bodies work together like a hammer, creating strong and precise movements. They also discovered that the birds exhale with each strike, similar to how athletes grunt to stabilize their bodies during intense activities, allowing them to maintain this high-energy behavior over time. Who this helps: This research benefits bird conservationists and biologists studying avian biomechanics and health.

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This study looked at how effective a cancer treatment called cetuximab is for patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer who have already received a different type of therapy called immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Among 70 patients, cetuximab worked for about 21.4% of them, with those receiving it alongside chemotherapy seeing a better response (27.7%) and longer treatment duration. The results highlight that patients with virus-independent tumors and those who don’t smoke experienced better outcomes, which is important for guiding treatment decisions. Who this helps: This helps doctors in choosing the best treatment plans for their patients with head and neck cancer.

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This study looked at the side effects experienced by patients undergoing treatment for advanced thyroid cancer. It found that common issues include fatigue, high blood pressure, and skin problems, with severe side effects like blood clots also being a concern. Managing these side effects effectively is crucial for enhancing patients' quality of life and treatment outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits patients with advanced thyroid cancer.

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This study examined how certain structures in the tumor called tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) can help predict which patients with head and neck cancer will respond to a specific type of immunotherapy known as immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). Researchers looked at tumor samples from 20 patients, finding that those who responded to treatment had more B cells present and better survival rates when TLS were located close to the tumor. The study also showed that measuring TLS density could predict treatment response with 80% accuracy, suggesting it may be a better indicator than the currently used marker. Who this helps: This helps patients with recurrent head and neck cancer by improving treatment prediction and outcomes.

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Researchers developed a highly sensitive blood test that detects tiny amounts of HPV cancer DNA left in patients after surgery for HPV-related head and neck cancer. They found that patients whose blood still contained this cancer DNA had much worse outcomes—only 60% stayed cancer-free for 2 years compared to 100% of patients with no detectable DNA—and this blood test was better at predicting who would relapse than current methods doctors use. The test could also spot cancer coming back up to 17 months before it shows up on scans or causes symptoms, giving doctors an early warning system to decide whether patients need additional treatment like chemotherapy or radiation.

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This study looked at how the spacing between muscle fibers in pennate muscles affects how those muscles contract. Researchers found that when the space between the muscle-like actuators increased, the ability of the muscle to change its pennation angle during contraction decreased, leading to less effective responses to varying loads. This is important because understanding these interactions can help improve both biological muscle function and the design of artificial muscles for various applications. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and engineers working on muscle mechanics and artificial muscle development.

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This study looked at how the stiffness of muscles affects their ability to generate force during movement in young and older rats. Researchers found that both young and old rats had shorter muscle operating lengths when their muscles were stiffer, which can limit how much force those muscles can produce. This matters because if muscles are not functioning optimally, it could impact movement and mobility, particularly in aging animals. Who this helps: This helps patients with muscle stiffness issues, doctors, and researchers who study aging and muscle function.

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This study looked at how turkeys prepare their muscles before landing from jumps or falls. Researchers found that the way turkeys activate their leg muscles changes based on how high they fall: the muscle activity starts about 22 milliseconds after falling begins and builds up as they get closer to the ground. This means that their leg stiffness and the force of landing increase with the height of the fall, which helps them absorb the impact. Who this helps: This research benefits patients recovering from injuries involving falls, by providing insights into muscle activation that could inform rehabilitation strategies.

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This study looked at how large meals affect the way Boa constrictor snakes move when crawling. After consuming meals that made up 30-37% of their body weight, the snakes were still able to move well, but their height while moving increased by more than 1.5 times and the movement of their skin decreased by over 25%. This is important because it shows that snakes can adjust their movement to efficiently crawl even after eating large prey without injuring their muscles. Who this helps: This helps researchers and veterinarians understand snake movement and health after feeding.

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This study looked at how the skin of snakes changes in its ability to stretch and support weight after eating large prey, and how this differs between snake species. Researchers found that the skin of Boa constrictors became more elastic after feeding, with the ability to stretch increasing from the front of the body to the back. In contrast, the skin of two other species showed less variation depending on feeding, which indicates that the ability to stretch is not the same in all snakes and is particularly important for those that eat large animals. Who this helps: This helps researchers and veterinarians understand how snake skin adapts to different feeding behaviors, which can inform care for pet reptiles and wildlife conservation efforts.

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This study looked at a patient with advanced lung cancer who experienced problems in their treatment due to poor communication and coordination among healthcare providers during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, the patient did not receive the consistent care recommended by their medical team. This matters because it shows how crucial effective communication is in ensuring patients get the right treatment, particularly for serious conditions like stage III non-small-cell lung cancer. Who this helps: This helps patients with cancer and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how often targeted therapies for a type of lung cancer are used by Medicaid patients across different states. Out of the estimated 3,461 years of treatment needed, only 2,281 years of therapies were actually given, meaning about 66% of eligible patients received their treatment. The use varied dramatically by state, with only 18% of patients treated in Arkansas compared to 113% in Massachusetts, and most states fell short of the expected rates, highlighting the need for better access to these life-saving treatments. Who this helps: Patients with lung cancer who rely on Medicaid for their treatment.

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This research focused on improving how the surface of a common soft material called PDMS can be modified at a very small scale. The study found that by changing the way PDMS is made, they could create tiny patterns on the surface and control its stiffness, with elastic properties ranging from 0.013 to 1.4 MPa. This is important because it can enhance the use of PDMS in medical applications, like cell culture, where the material's surface characteristics greatly influence cell behavior. Who this helps: This helps patients and researchers working in tissue engineering and cell culture.

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This study looked at how often patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and colorectal cancer (CRC) received tests to identify if targeted therapies could help them, and how this varied across different healthcare practices. It found that while testing rates increased (from 74% to 85% for NSCLC and from 45% to 65% for CRC), only 8% of NSCLC patients were treated with targeted therapies. This matters because many patients are missing out on potentially beneficial treatments that could improve their outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients with NSCLC and CRC who need access to effective testing and treatments.

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This research looks at different methods for measuring muscle length and how these measurements help us understand movement in animals, including humans. The study highlights four techniques—sonomicrometry, fluoromicrometry, magnetomicrometry, and ultrasound—and explains how they reveal important information about how muscles work and how they affect movement efficiency. These insights are crucial for improving our understanding of physical performance and may lead to better treatments or enhancements in rehabilitation and athletic training. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from injuries, doctors who treat them, and athletes looking to improve their performance.

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This study looked at the experience of a young woman with aggressive breast cancer who died shortly after being sent home from the hospital without the necessary medications or follow-up care, which made her last days more difficult. The research found that her discharge was unsafe due to various small mistakes and poor communication among medical teams. Improving the way patients are handed off between doctors and ensuring clear care plans can help prevent similar situations, ultimately reducing unnecessary suffering for patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients with serious illnesses and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how government policies affect the way medicines are prescribed in nursing homes, especially for older adults. It found that being aware of these policies can help nurses make better decisions about reducing unnecessary medications, which is important for the health of patients who often take many drugs at once. By focusing on individual needs, nurses can help improve medication use and overall care for elderly residents. Who this helps: This helps patients in nursing homes, particularly older adults taking multiple medications.

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This study looked at lip, oral, and pharyngeal cancers across 204 countries to understand their impact on public health. In 2019, there were about 370,000 cases and 199,000 deaths from lip and oral cavity cancer, and around 167,000 cases and 114,000 deaths from pharyngeal cancer worldwide. The research found that smoking is a major cause of these cancers, contributing to 55.8% of pharyngeal cancer deaths in men, and highlighted that poorer regions carry a heavier burden of these diseases. Who this helps: This benefits public health officials and policymakers working to reduce cancer rates and improve health outcomes.

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This study explored how skeletal muscles and tendons work together to produce more power during fast movements in frogs. Researchers found that muscle fibers generated about 339 watts per kilogram of power, which was 1.75 times higher than the maximum power produced in a steadier motion. They also discovered that bending bones outside the muscles contributed an additional 195 watts per kilogram, showing that both muscles and surrounding structures can significantly enhance power output. Who this helps: This research benefits athletes, trainers, and medical professionals interested in muscle performance and rehabilitation.

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This study looked at a type of collagen called collagen VI, which is important for muscle health. Researchers used a special mouse model to find that a lack of collagen VI disrupts the TGFβ pathway, a crucial process for muscle function and response to injury. They discovered that this disruption occurs early in the disease and could lead to muscle weakness and damage, which opens avenues for new treatments. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with collagen VI-related disorders and the doctors treating them.

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This study looked at cancer trends worldwide from 2010 to 2019 in 204 countries, focusing on new cases, deaths, and the impact of cancer on people's lives. In 2019, there were about 23.6 million new cancer cases and 10 million cancer deaths globally, marking significant increases of 26.3% in cases and 20.9% in deaths since 2010. The findings are important because they highlight that cancer remains a major health issue, especially in areas with different social and economic conditions, helping shape strategies to better address cancer care and prevention. Who this helps: This helps patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers by providing data to improve cancer prevention and treatment efforts.

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This study looked at how the COVID-19 pandemic changed cancer care by increasing the use of virtual appointments. Findings showed that most cancer patients and healthcare providers were happy with virtual care, but there were issues with some groups, like low-income patients, having less access. It's important for health systems to find ways to improve the quality of care, make sure everyone has equal access, and address any regulations to effectively mix in-person and virtual care moving forward. Who this helps: This helps cancer patients and healthcare providers.

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This research looked at how different genes affect muscle performance in Anolis lizards, particularly in their leg and jaw muscles. The findings showed that certain gene groups connected to muscle contraction and energy use were linked to how quickly and powerfully muscles could contract. For example, muscles that are built for greater speed had genes that contributed to this, while those focused on strength had different gene activity. Understanding these genetic differences can help us learn how animals adapt their muscle functions for different activities, which is important for their survival. Who this helps: This helps researchers studying animal physiology and adaptation.

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This paper studied how various flaws in healthcare systems and human decision-making led to a delay in diagnosing tuberculosis in a patient already fighting lung cancer. The authors found that cognitive biases and communication issues between medical teams contributed to this delay, which is critical since timely diagnosis can significantly impact treatment outcomes. Understanding these factors is important to prevent similar mistakes in the future and improve patient care. Who this helps: This helps patients with cancer and their healthcare providers by highlighting the importance of timely and accurate diagnoses.

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This study focused on a new technique called magnetomicrometry, which uses tiny magnetic beads to measure how muscles change length while animals move freely. Researchers tested this method on turkeys running around and found it accurately tracked muscle movements during different activities, such as climbing and walking. This breakthrough is important because it allows scientists to study muscle function in natural settings rather than just in the lab. Who this helps: This helps researchers studying animal movement and muscle function.

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This study explored the use of tiny magnetic beads implanted in muscles to track their movements. Researchers found that after implanting these beads in animal models, there were no changes in their walking patterns, and the beads remained stable as long as they were placed more than 3 centimeters apart. These findings show that the magnetic beads are safe and effective, suggesting they can soon be used in humans to improve the control of prosthetics and help with recovery from neurological issues. Who this helps: This benefits patients using prosthetics and those recovering from nerve-related conditions.

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Researchers studied how passive muscles can generate force even without active contractions by looking at the role of fluid and collagen in muscle structure. They found that when isolated bullfrog muscles were placed in a solution that made them take in more fluid, the muscles widened by about 16.4% and shortened by about 2.1%, producing measurable work. This is important because it shows that muscle can act like a mechanical engine, which could lead to new ways of understanding muscle function and designing treatments for muscle-related conditions. Who this helps: This helps patients with muscle disorders and doctors treating them.

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This study looked at how psoriatic disease, which includes psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, affects inflammation and blood clotting. Researchers found that patients with psoriatic disease had higher levels of inflammatory molecules and a greater tendency for blood to clot compared to healthy individuals. Specifically, psoriatic patients showed denser fibrin clots and larger fibrin fibers, indicating a higher risk of cardiovascular problems. This is important because it highlights the need for monitoring blood clotting in patients with severe psoriatic disease to prevent potential heart-related complications. Who this helps: This helps patients with psoriatic disease and their doctors by identifying risks associated with their condition.

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This study looked at how domestication has changed the muscles in turkeys, particularly focusing on the gastrocnemius muscle. Researchers found that while domestic turkeys have muscles that are twice the size of wild turkeys, they produce less force relative to their body weight. Additionally, domestic turkey muscle fibers are smaller on average, and the amount of collagen in their muscles is lower, which affects muscle structure. Who this helps: This research benefits breeders and farmers looking to improve turkey health and performance.

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This study introduces a new technology called magnetomicrometry, which uses tiny magnetic beads implanted in the body to wirelessly track how muscles, tendons, and bones move. Researchers tested this system in turkeys and found it accurately monitored muscle length in real time, ensuring the beads are safe to use in the body over a long period. This technology is important because it could improve rehabilitation for patients and provide better control for prosthetic limbs and robotic devices. Who this helps: Patients with mobility issues and those using prosthetics or exoskeletons.

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The VA Storybook Program aimed to improve the relationships between nurses and patients by sharing personal stories about nurses with patients. After participating in the program, patients reported feeling more satisfied and described nurses in a more positive light, indicating stronger connections and trust. This program is important because it shows a simple way to enhance the patient experience and improve care. Who this helps: Patients in VA hospitals and their care providers.