DONALD T. DONOVAN, M.D

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This study looked at how a type of Australian wildflower, Senecio lautus, has adapted to different environments by analyzing how its genes respond to gravity. Researchers found 428 genes that changed how they expressed themselves when the plants were rotated, with about 19% of those genes involved in key plant hormones that help the plants grow correctly in response to gravity. Understanding these genetic changes is important because it reveals how plants can evolve to thrive in unique conditions. Who this helps: This helps researchers studying plant adaptation and potentially agricultural practices for growing crops in diverse environments.

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The study looked at a program called Healing of the Canoe (HOC) that helps Native youth by connecting them to their culture and teaching skills to improve their mental health. It found that 74 participants in the program reported feeling more hopeful and resilient after completing it, while 59 youth who didn't participate in the program felt less hopeful and had worse mental health. This is important because it shows that HOC can positively impact young people's feelings and coping skills, which may help prevent suicide. Who this helps: This benefits Native youth struggling with mental health issues and those at risk of suicide.

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In 2023, U.S. health authorities investigated a large outbreak of infections caused by contaminated diced onions, which affected 80 people and resulted in 18 hospitalizations and one death across 23 states. The outbreak was traced back to specific onion farms in California, where tests found harmful bacteria in the soil and irrigation water, indicating the onions were contaminated at the source. This research highlights the urgent need for better food safety practices in the onion industry to prevent similar outbreaks in the future. Who this helps: This helps patients and consumers by reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses.

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This study examined two outbreaks of Listeria monocytogenes infections linked to packaged salads in the U.S. from 2014 to 2022. Together, the outbreaks resulted in 30 people getting sick, with 27 needing hospitalization and 4 losing their lives. These findings show how Listeria contamination can last for years in food products, emphasizing the need for regular testing to prevent illnesses. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially those at higher risk for serious illness from foodborne diseases.

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This study looked at how often cardiac CT scans are used for children with heart issues from 2011 to 2021 at various medical centers in North America. It found that usage jumped from 73% of centers using cardiac CT in 2011 to 98% in 2021, and the number of centers performing over 100 scans a year rose from 5% to 61%. This is important because it highlights a major increase in technology use, but also shows inconsistencies in training, equipment, and protocols that could affect patient care. Who this helps: This benefits pediatric patients with heart disease and the doctors treating them.

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Researchers found that between 2015 and 2019, there was a multistate outbreak of Salmonella infections in people linked to pig ear pet treats, affecting 154 individuals across 34 states. Most of those infected had contact with dogs or the pig ear treats, and many of the bacteria were resistant to multiple antibiotics, raising concerns about both human and animal health. This situation highlights the importance of monitoring pet food safety, especially as it can spread diseases across borders. Who this helps: This helps pet owners and veterinarians by promoting safer pet treat products.

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This study looked at how proteins interact in complex ways by using a new method called hypergraph centrality, which evaluates both the proteins (nodes) and their connections (edges) in a network. The researchers specifically applied this method to a protein system in yeast and found that their model can accurately identify important proteins, revealing that certain groups of proteins are essential for survival. This approach also classifies protein complexes, which helps improve our understanding of biological processes. Who this helps: This benefits researchers studying protein interactions and their roles in diseases.

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This study focused on understanding how Alaska Native and American Indian people view alcohol misuse and dependence to improve treatment options. Researchers created a survey tailored to this community, testing it on 777 individuals, and found that their attitudes can be categorized into four main areas: psychosocial, moral, disease, and nature. This study is important because it provides a first-of-its-kind tool that can help health providers better address alcohol issues in Alaska Native and American Indian communities. Who this helps: This helps patients in Alaska Native and American Indian communities by providing better support and treatment for alcohol-related issues.

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This study examined how to better analyze gene expression data using a method called hypergraphs, which looks at interactions among multiple genes at once. Researchers found that certain aspects of gene interactions, referred to as "hub-like hyperedges," are key to understanding how genes work together. This matters because it helps uncover important features in complex biological systems, enhancing our knowledge of gene expression. Who this helps: This benefits researchers studying genetics and plant biology.

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The study focused on a drug-resistant strain of Salmonella Newport that has been linked to traveling to Mexico and eating U.S. beef products. From 2021 to 2022, 1,308 cases were reported, with 86% of the bacteria showing resistance to common antibiotics. This is significant because many of those infected, particularly Hispanic or Latino individuals, reported traveling to Mexico before becoming ill, highlighting a need for safer food practices when traveling and better safety measures in beef production. Who this helps: This information benefits patients, particularly those traveling to Mexico and consuming beef products.

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This study looked at a new method for transferring a tendon from the extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) to help patients regain thumb movement when other options are not available. Out of ten patients who had this procedure, seven were able to use their thumb well enough to touch their small finger, and three could touch their ring finger. This method is important because it effectively restores thumb movement without complications like wrist imbalance. Who this helps: This helps patients with hand injuries or conditions that limit thumb function.

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This research looked at whether a program designed to help American Indian and Alaska Native adults stop drinking alcohol also helped them reduce their cannabis use. The study found that those who participated in the program had nearly four times higher odds of testing negative for cannabis compared to those who did not receive the program. This is important because reducing cannabis use can benefit overall health and recovery for individuals struggling with substance use issues. Who this helps: Patients dealing with alcohol and cannabis use disorders.

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A recent investigation found that between October 2018 and September 2019, there were 54 cases of Salmonella Typhimurium illness in 23 states linked to pet hedgehogs, with eight patients needing hospitalization. Most of the affected patients had contact with a hedgehog before getting sick, and 72% of those interviewed reported owning one. This information is important because it shows that hedgehogs can carry this harmful bacteria and may pose a health risk to their owners. Who this helps: This helps pet owners, veterinarians, and public health officials.

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This study looked at the genetic makeup of the Australian black tiger shrimp to understand how they handle viral infections. Researchers created a draft genome that is almost 1.9 billion base pairs long, revealing thousands of genes and a new type of viral element related to a common shrimp virus. This discovery is important because it could affect how tests are developed to detect this virus and may help in understanding how shrimp can survive viral infections better. Who this helps: This information benefits shrimp farmers and researchers working on improving shrimp health in aquaculture.

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This study looked at an adult patient with a rare sensitivity to a growth hormone replacement therapy called Norditropin. After initially experiencing severe skin rashes with standard doses, she underwent a careful testing procedure with much smaller doses and successfully tolerated it without any reactions. This matters because it shows that older patients who need this therapy can possibly use Norditropin safely if they undergo a similar graded dose challenge. Who this helps: This helps patients with adult growth hormone deficiency who have experienced allergic reactions to their treatment.

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Researchers studied how to ensure Australia has enough blood donors with the right blood types as the demand for specific types has increased. They found that to meet current needs, 38% of the donor panel, or about 205,000 donors, would need to be genetically typed, which could be done in 12 years if 5% of returning donors are tested weekly. They also identified that 35% of donors, around 188,000, need to be phenotyped, which could take eight years at the current testing rate but could be shortened to three years with more testing. Who this helps: This information will help blood service organizations plan better and ensure they have enough of the right types of blood available for patients who need them.

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This research looked into a major outbreak of Newport infections linked to red onions in the U.S. and Canada from mid-June to September 2020, causing 1,127 reported illnesses across 48 states. About 66% of those sick had eaten red onions shortly before getting ill, leading to a recall of onions from a specific grower in California. This outbreak was significant because it was the largest foodborne outbreak related to onions in 30 years and highlighted the importance of quick collaboration between health agencies to resolve the issue and protect the public. Who this helps: This helps consumers by ensuring safer food and quicker responses to outbreaks.

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This study looked at two types of treatments for people dealing with both Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD): Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Relapse Prevention (RP). Researchers found that participants receiving CPT showed a significant improvement in PTSD symptoms compared to those who received no treatment, with a reduction in symptoms measured at an average score drop of nearly 10 points. Additionally, both CPT and RP treatments led to fewer heavy drinking days compared to no treatment; specifically, CPT reduced heavy drinking by 49%, and RP by 66%. This matters because it shows that effective treatments are available for individuals struggling with both PTSD and alcohol issues. Who this helps: This helps patients dealing with PTSD and alcohol use problems.

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Researchers tested a new type of sensor called a fiber optic bolometer (FOB) to measure temperatures in a fusion plasma for the first time. They found that the FOB was sensitive to temperature changes, with a noise level of just 0.39 millikelvin during normal operation, which means it can effectively measure temperature without interference from surrounding electromagnetic signals. This is important because accurate temperature measurement in fusion devices can help improve the understanding and efficiency of fusion energy production. Who this helps: This benefits scientists and engineers working on fusion energy technologies.

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This study looked at the mental health of students at tribal colleges in the U.S., focusing on suicide risk in relation to issues like heavy drinking, depression, and anxiety. Out of almost 3,300 students surveyed, 8.5% reported being at moderate to high risk for suicide. The findings show that those experiencing significant depression were over six times more likely to be at risk, while those with high anxiety and hazardous drinking also faced increased risks. Who this helps: This information is valuable for mental health professionals, college administrators, and policymakers working to support tribal college students.

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This study looked at suicide risk among students at Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) from 2015 to 2016, focusing on how disabilities and social support affect that risk. Out of over 3,200 students surveyed, 8.8% showed moderate to high risk for suicide; factors like hearing and vision impairments significantly increased this risk. On the other hand, having strong emotional support and resilience were linked to lower suicide risk. Who this helps: This research benefits students at Tribal Colleges and Universities, especially those with disabilities and mental health challenges.

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Researchers studied a new type of sensor called a fiber-optic bolometer that measures radiation in fusion energy experiments. They found that by using a gold disk instead of just silicon, the sensor became much more sensitive, with its ability to detect temperature changes improving by over nine times and noise levels decreasing by six times compared to older designs. This matters because better sensors can help scientists better control fusion processes, potentially leading to more efficient energy production. Who this helps: This helps researchers and engineers working in the field of fusion energy.

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This study looked at whether offering rewards for staying sober could help American Indian and Alaska Native adults reduce their alcohol use. Researchers found that those who received incentives for providing drug tests that showed they hadn't consumed alcohol were more successful, with 59.4% of them submitting negative tests compared to 38.3% in a control group. This is significant because it shows that rewards can be an effective way to help people overcome alcohol addiction in these communities. Who this helps: Patients struggling with alcohol use disorders, especially in American Indian and Alaska Native communities.

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This study looked at how reducing illegal drug use affects the HIV viral load in people living with HIV, regardless of whether they completely stopped using drugs. Researchers found that people who quit using drugs had a better chance of having lower HIV levels—about 21% to 42% lower, depending on the drug. Even those who reduced their use of opioids or methamphetamine without stopping altogether saw significant benefits, with viral loads dropping by 47% and 38% respectively. Who this helps: This helps patients living with HIV who use illicit drugs.

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This study looked at how often doctors in primary care clinics diagnosed and treated patients for alcohol and opioid use disorders (AUD and OUD). Out of over 47,000 adult patients, only 3.1% were diagnosed with AUD, and even fewer, just 0.8%, were diagnosed with OUD. Among those with AUD, only 7.8% received medication, and for OUD, only 26.6% received treatment, highlighting a significant gap in care for these conditions, especially in rural areas. Who this helps: This information is beneficial for patients struggling with AUD or OUD, as well as their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how large sharks affect the behavior and numbers of smaller fish along the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Researchers found that in areas with more white sharks, the abundance of certain prey fish, particularly smooth dogfish, decreased significantly — with their chances of being caught or bitten by sharks dropping by over five to eight times compared to areas with fewer sharks. This matters because it shows that the presence of top predators like sharks can change how much prey fish are around and how they behave, which affects the entire marine ecosystem. Who this helps: This information benefits marine biologists, conservationists, and coastal fishery managers.

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This study looked at how racism affects physicians of color in their workplaces. Researchers surveyed 71 doctors and found that 23% had patients who refused their care because of their race, and many reported facing microaggressions and feeling unsupported by their institutions. The findings highlight the need for healthcare organizations to create better diversity and inclusion policies to help combat racism and support their staff. Who this helps: This helps physicians of color and healthcare organizations.

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This study looked at alcohol and drug use among first-year students at the University of Nairobi. It found that 25% of students had used alcohol or drugs in their lifetime, with 20% currently using substances. Alcohol was the most commonly used, followed by cannabis and tobacco, and students living in private hostels were more likely to use substances than those living on campus. These findings highlight the need for early intervention programs to help reduce substance use among new university students. Who this helps: This helps students, parents, and university officials.

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This study looked at 81 survivors of oropharyngeal cancer treated at a Veterans Affairs hospital to understand how their swallowing ability was affected after treatment. They found that 82% of patients could eat regular diets, but those with more advanced tumors (T3 and T4) were more likely to need feeding tubes, with significant differences in tube use compared to patients with earlier stage tumors. This is important because it shows that the stage of cancer at diagnosis can help predict long-term swallowing problems, which can affect recovery and quality of life. Who this helps: This helps cancer survivors and their healthcare providers understand potential long-term treatment effects.

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This research examined two proteins, lysin 2638aR and Ply187AN-KSH3b, that can kill antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The findings showed that lysin 2638aR can remain effective for up to 200 days under certain conditions, while Ply187AN-KSH3b lasts even longer, up to 340 days. Understanding their stability and effectiveness is crucial because these lysins could provide a new treatment option for infections that don’t respond to traditional antibiotics. Who this helps: This benefits patients with antibiotic-resistant infections and healthcare providers seeking effective treatment options.

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Researchers studied the ONRAB oral rabies vaccine to see how long it stays in the bodies of certain mammals after vaccination. They found that while the vaccine was detected in some animals for up to 34 days, there were no traces left by day 41. This means the vaccine does not stick around long enough to harm wildlife populations, making it a safer option for controlling rabies in the environment. Who this helps: This helps wildlife managers and conservationists working to manage rabies in animal populations.

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Researchers investigated a mail-order hatchery after 13 people got sick from Salmonella infections linked to live poultry. They found Salmonella in 9% of the environmental samples taken from the hatchery, and identified specific strains that closely matched the illnesses reported. This is important because it highlights biosecurity and sanitation issues at the hatchery, which, if improved, could prevent future outbreaks and protect public health. Who this helps: This helps patients and health officials working to prevent Salmonella infections.

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This study explored interest among younger American Indian adults (ages 18-29) in a treatment approach called contingency management (CM) for alcohol misuse. Researchers held four focus groups with 32 participants, finding that combining CM with culturally relevant activities and rewards would make the program more appealing to this age group. This is important because it can lead to better treatment options that resonate with younger American Indians, potentially improving their recovery outcomes. Who this helps: Younger American Indian adults struggling with alcohol misuse.

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This study looked at how well community health workers, known as promotores, followed a program aimed at reducing unhealthy drinking among Latino day laborers. They analyzed 32 recorded sessions and found that promotores successfully used the main steps of the intervention in 78% of cases and showed basic skills in motivational interviewing. This is important because it shows that promotores can effectively help their communities reduce alcohol misuse. Who this helps: Latino day laborers at risk of unhealthy alcohol use.

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This study looked at how healthcare workers feel about mandatory flu vaccinations. Researchers interviewed 21 employees at a children's hospital and found that while many wanted to protect themselves and their patients through vaccination, they were also anxious about the forced nature of the shots and wanted a more private and caring environment for receiving them. Improving how vaccinations are offered can help reduce employee anxiety and lead to better health for patients. Who this helps: This helps healthcare workers and, ultimately, the patients they care for.

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This study looked at how to make a treatment method called contingency management (CM) more acceptable for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities, particularly for those struggling with alcohol use disorders. Researchers held focus groups with 61 participants across three different AI/AN communities, and they found that combining culturally relevant rewards (like art supplies) with practical rewards (such as gas cards) was key. Participants agreed that having respected community leaders involved and using local languages and symbols could improve the program's success and help rebuild trust within families. Who this helps: This benefits American Indian and Alaska Native individuals recovering from alcohol use disorders and their families.

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This research focused on a new method to convert a type of chemical compound called potassium organotrifluoroborates into another type called metal monoorganoborohydrides in one step. The new technique works well with different chemical groups and creates a variety of metal organoborohydrides, which are useful in various applications. Importantly, this method makes it easier to produce these compounds, which can benefit research and industry. Who this helps: This helps chemists and researchers in organic synthesis and material science.

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Researchers studied the genetic material of black tiger shrimp, a popular shrimp species, to better understand their biology and improve production. They created a detailed database containing 236,388 pieces of genetic information from different shrimp tissues and developmental stages, helping to identify key traits that affect growth and health. This work is important because it can lead to better breeding practices and disease management, potentially increasing shrimp farming productivity. Who this helps: This benefits shrimp farmers and aquaculture researchers.

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This research focused on a rare condition where an aneurysm in the heart's sinus of Valsalva ruptures, causing bleeding around the heart valve. They presented the case of a 63-year-old man who experienced sudden shortness of breath and was diagnosed with this rupture along with severe aortic valve problems. Understanding this condition is important because it can lead to serious health risks if not promptly treated. Who this helps: This helps patients with heart conditions and their doctors.

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This study looked at how bilingual children learn vocabulary in two languages, focusing on how the similarity between their first language (like Spanish or Vietnamese) and English affects their learning. Researchers found that while all children improved their first language skills after training, only those who were highly proficient in their first language and were Spanish-English bilinguals successfully transferred that vocabulary knowledge to English. This matters because it shows that having a strong foundation in one language can help children learn a second language better. Who this helps: This helps bilingual children and their educators.

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In 2017, there were 1,521 cases of hepatitis A infections reported in California, Kentucky, Michigan, and Utah, mostly involving people who used drugs or were homeless. The way the virus spread was mainly from person to person, rather than from contaminated food, indicating a change in how hepatitis A is spreading in the U.S. Vaccinating high-risk groups can help stop future outbreaks. Who this helps: This helps people who use drugs and those experiencing homelessness.

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Researchers tested a new device called a surface eroding thermocouple (SETC) to measure heat flux in a nuclear fusion reactor known as DIII-D. The SETC can handle extremely high temperatures over 2000 °C and measure heat levels with accuracy in under 10 milliseconds. Early results showed that it effectively tracks heat during different plasma states, confirming its readings match those from traditional heat measurement tools. This advancement is important because it provides more precise heat measurements in challenging areas of the reactor where other tools can't get a clear view. Who this helps: This benefits engineers and scientists working on nuclear fusion technology.

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This study looked at how the actions of childcare educators influence the eating habits and physical activity levels of preschoolers. Researchers found that when educators modeled healthy eating, children tended to consume less sugar and fat, while providing nutrition education led to lower calorie and fiber intake. However, the teachers' methods for promoting physical activity did not seem to affect how much the children were active. This matters because it shows that educators can significantly impact children's eating behaviors, which is crucial for their health. Who this helps: This research benefits childcare educators and the preschoolers in their care.

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Researchers studied how to treat tusk fractures in Asian and African elephants using strong, lightweight materials. They found that using composite materials helped protect and stabilize the tusks, preventing further damage and managing issues like exposed pulp tissue. For example, one Asian elephant had its tusks capped with a Kevlar/fiberglass material, preventing further injury, while an African elephant’s tusk crack was stabilized with a carbon fiber wrap, although complications arose later. Who this helps: This benefits veterinarians and elephant caretakers by providing effective treatment options for tusk injuries.

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This study looked at the lunches served in 61 childcare centres across New Brunswick and Saskatchewan, Canada, to see if they met nutritional standards. It found that most lunches were not healthy, being low in calories (less than 517 kcal) and fiber (less than 7 g), with only a few meeting the recommended guidelines. The research highlights the need for better nutrition policies in childcare centres to ensure children receive healthier meals. Who this helps: This helps children in childcare centres and their families.

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Researchers looked into an outbreak of infections caused by a type of E. coli linked to flour from a major producer. They found 56 cases across 24 states, and people who consumed a specific brand of flour or tasted unbaked dough were much more likely to get sick, with odds of 21 times and 36 times higher, respectively. This study highlights that even dry foods like raw flour can carry harmful bacteria, which is important for preventing future outbreaks. Who this helps: This helps patients and food safety regulators.