DUC H. DUONG, M.D.

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This study focused on a protein called RNF38, which is part of a group of proteins that help tag other proteins for degradation. Researchers developed a new method to specifically identify which proteins RNF38 interacts with, finding that it affects several important processes in cells, including how proteins move into the cell nucleus. They discovered that RNF38 can lead to the breakdown of proteins that help control gene activity, potentially impacting cell function. Who this helps: This research benefits scientists studying cell biology and may eventually aid in developing therapies for diseases related to cell transport and protein regulation.

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This study looked at how ready healthcare facilities in Viet Nam and the Philippines are to handle chronic hepatitis B and C. It found that while larger provincial facilities are generally equipped to provide hepatitis care, most primary care facilities are lacking important resources like testing, medications, and trained staff. The lack of health insurance coverage for hepatitis services was also a major barrier. Who this helps: This information benefits patients and healthcare workers by highlighting the need for better resources and training in primary care settings.

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This study looked at the levels of various viruses and pathogens found in wastewater from 147 treatment plants across the United States over a period of 15 months. Researchers measured the concentration of 13 different human viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 and flu viruses, showing that these pathogens were regularly present in the wastewater. This information is important because it helps monitor public health risks and track the spread of diseases in communities. Who this helps: This benefits public health officials and researchers working to manage infectious diseases.

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This study looked at genetic variations that affect certain proteins in our cells' waste disposal system, linked to memory problems and brain degeneration as people age. Researchers found that one specific genetic change increases the build-up of a protein called TMEM106B in cells, which contributes to brain damage. This accumulation was observed in both mice and human brains with neurodegenerative diseases. Understanding this process is important because it could lead to new treatment options for age-related cognitive decline. Who this helps: Patients at risk for age-related neurodegenerative diseases.

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This study examined how well AI translation tools work for translating genetic condition descriptions into multiple languages and how this affects the identification of those conditions. Researchers tested two translation methods on 40 genetic conditions in 191 and 93 languages and found performance varied greatly; for example, some models recognized conditions accurately only in certain languages or based on how common those conditions are in medical literature. The results highlight that AI translations can be inconsistent, which matters because inaccuracies can lead to misdiagnosis or misunderstanding of genetic conditions across different languages. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors who rely on AI tools for diagnosing genetic conditions in various languages.

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Researchers studied skin cells from genetically modified marmosets to better understand how Alzheimer's disease develops. They found that these cells showed changes similar to those seen in humans with Alzheimer's, particularly in proteins linked to the disease. This is important because it helps scientists create better models to study Alzheimer's and could lead to improved treatments. Who this helps: This helps researchers and doctors working on Alzheimer's disease.

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Researchers studied the connection between specific genetic variations linked to neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism and schizophrenia, and how they affect mitochondrial proteins in brain cells. They found that two major genetic deletions, 3q29 and 22q11, which are known to increase the risk of these disorders, lead to similar disruptions in mitochondrial function. This is important because it shows that these genetic factors may interfere with the brain's energy production processes, which could help explain some of the underlying issues in these disorders. Who this helps: This benefits patients with neurodevelopmental disorders and their caregivers.

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This study examined how well testing wastewater for SARS-CoV-2 matched clinical testing results across the U.S. from September 2023 to April 2025. The researchers collected over 3,100 samples from 42 treatment plants in 28 states and found that the wastewater results correlated strongly with clinical data, with some lineages matching as much as 94%. This method allows for effective monitoring of COVID-19 trends, especially as traditional clinical testing decreases. Who this helps: This benefits public health officials and researchers tracking the spread of COVID-19.

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This study looked at antibiotic resistance by analyzing wastewater from 163 treatment plants across 40 states in the U.S. Researchers found that the South had higher levels of antibiotic resistance genes compared to the Midwest, linking these levels to factors like social vulnerability and international travel. This information is crucial because it helps identify areas at risk for antibiotic resistance, which can lead to better health strategies and policies. Who this helps: This helps public health officials and policymakers.

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This study focused on finding a better way to evaluate the health of mouse kidneys that might be used for transplants. Researchers used a technique called dynamic optical coherence tomography (DOCT) to monitor these kidneys for 48 hours without needing any invasive procedures. They found that DOCT can effectively assess kidney viability, which may help reduce the likelihood of healthy organs being discarded unnecessarily. Who this helps: This benefits patients in need of kidney transplants by improving organ quality assessments.

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This study looked at how sleep affects mood by tracking data from 142 people who wore smart bands to measure their sleep duration. It found that more sleep generally led to a better mood for these individuals. The research also showed that how people feel about trust and helping others is linked to their mood, with sleep enhancing positive feelings towards reciprocity. Who this helps: This helps patients wanting to improve their mood and overall well-being.

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This study looks at how artificial intelligence (AI) is being used in clinical genetics, which involves diagnosing and managing genetic conditions. The researchers reviewed various AI technologies, including machine learning and deep learning, and found that AI could greatly improve the accuracy of genetic diagnoses and treatment options in the future. This is important because it means that patients and their families may receive more precise and effective care based on their genetic information. Who this helps: Patients and their families dealing with genetic conditions.

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This study looked at how a medical device called Spectris, which uses sound to stimulate brain activity, affects proteins in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with mild cognitive impairment who are at risk for Alzheimer's disease. After using the device for one hour daily for eight weeks, 110 proteins showed significant changes, with 60 increasing and 50 decreasing, which are linked to myelin production and brain function. These findings are important because they suggest that Spectris may help protect brain health and slow down the progression of Alzheimer's-related symptoms. Who this helps: This benefits patients with mild cognitive impairment and their families.

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This study looked at how well deep learning (a type of artificial intelligence) can analyze X-ray images of the spine in patients with alkaptonuria, a rare disease that affects the spine. The results showed that the deep learning models were very close to expert doctors in scoring the overall severity of spine issues, typically differing by less than 2 points on a scale of 30. Notably, these models were able to predict whether patients were receiving a specific treatment called nitisinone with an accuracy of 68-77%, while doctors only identified this correctly about half the time. Who this helps: This helps patients with alkaptonuria and their doctors by improving the accuracy of spine severity assessments and treatment monitoring.

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This study looked at how two proteins, PACT and ADAR1, work together to keep a protein called PKR from becoming overly active when it's not supposed to. The researchers found that when either PACT or ADAR1 is missing, PKR becomes too active in response to certain viruses, which can be harmful. They discovered that having both PACT and ADAR1 working together is crucial to prevent this, and if both are lost, it can lead to cell death, which can be avoided if PKR is not present. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with viral infections and may guide doctors in developing treatments to manage immune responses to those infections.

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This study focused on a new type of sensor called laser-induced graphene microfluidic integrated sensors (LIGMIS), which can quickly and accurately test for pollutants in water and health markers in saliva. The researchers created improvements that allow these sensors to work better, such as ensuring fluid flows evenly and maintaining their ability to absorb liquids. They were able to detect specific chemicals, like a pesticide (imidacloprid) and nitrate, in water as well as uric acid and calcium in saliva at very low concentrations, making them effective for monitoring water quality and screening for oral cancer. Who this helps: This technology benefits patients, environmental researchers, and healthcare professionals by improving testing methods in remote locations.

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This study looked at antibiotic resistance in the U.S. by testing wastewater from 163 treatment plants. It found that the Northeast and South have higher levels of antibiotic resistance genes than the West and Midwest, with social issues like overcrowding and limited healthcare access linked to these higher levels. Understanding these patterns helps in planning better public health strategies to combat antibiotic resistance, which causes 2.8 million infections and 35,000 deaths each year. Who this helps: This helps public health officials and policymakers.

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This study looked at a new material called UCuBi, focusing on its magnetic properties and how they change based on the amount of copper present in its structure. The researchers found that when the copper amount varied, the temperature at which the material became magnetic changed significantly, from 51 degrees Kelvin to 118 degrees Kelvin. This is important because it shows a way to control the magnetic behavior of materials that could lead to advancements in technology, particularly in electronic devices. Who this helps: This benefits scientists and researchers working on advanced materials and electronics.

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This study looked at how well advanced computer programs (called large language models) can create realistic medical scenarios and treatment plans for patients with genetic conditions, both in children and adults. Researchers tested two models and found that they provided appropriate age-based responses in 282 genetic conditions, but struggled with creating accurate management plans, scoring between 50% and 90% on various aspects of performance. This is important because it shows that while these models can assist in understanding genetic conditions across different ages, they still have significant gaps that need addressing before they can be fully trusted in clinical settings. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and healthcare professionals working with patients affected by genetic conditions.

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This study looked at how geneticists in the U.S. are using and understanding artificial intelligence (AI) in their work. It found that more than half (51.2%) of genetics professionals knew very little about AI, with 64.3% having no formal training in its applications. However, after a tutorial, 75.8% reported using some AI tools in their clinics, indicating that education could help them use these technologies more effectively to improve patient care and ease their workload. Who this helps: This benefits patients and geneticists by improving diagnostic tools and clinic efficiency.

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This study looked at how deep learning technology can analyze X-rays for patients with alkaptonuria, a rare disorder that affects the spine. The results showed that the technology accurately assessed the severity of spine issues, scoring similarly to expert clinicians—within 1.72 points for cervical and 2.51 points for lumbar spine evaluations. It also successfully identified whether patients were receiving treatment with nitisinone with an accuracy of 68% to 77%, compared to only 51% accuracy by doctors. Who this helps: This benefits patients with alkaptonuria and their doctors by providing a faster and more accurate way to assess their condition and treatment.

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This research paper looks at how artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the field of medical genetics now and in the future. Experts from various backgrounds shared their insights, revealing that AI has the potential to greatly enhance genetic testing and disease prediction, making processes faster and more accurate. For example, AI can analyze genetic data more efficiently and help identify genetic conditions that were previously difficult to diagnose. Who this helps: This benefits patients and doctors by improving the accuracy and speed of genetic diagnoses and treatments.

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This study looked at a drug called CT1812, which is being tested for treating Alzheimer's disease. In a clinical trial with adults suffering from mild to moderate Alzheimer's, researchers found that after one month of taking the drug, there were significant changes in brain activity and specific proteins in the cerebrospinal fluid, indicating the drug was having a positive effect. These findings are important because they help confirm that CT1812 is working as intended and may improve brain function in Alzheimer's patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with Alzheimer's disease and their doctors.

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This study looked at the levels of parvovirus B19 DNA found in wastewater from two treatment plants in Texas during a known outbreak. Researchers found that these levels matched up with the number of reported infections, showing that monitoring wastewater can help track this virus. Specifically, there were spikes in virus levels that coincided with increases in cases of hydrops fetalis, a serious condition in unborn babies. Who this helps: This information benefits public health officials and healthcare providers who monitor and respond to virus outbreaks.

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This study looked at how well advanced AI language models can understand and describe genetic conditions that affect people at different ages. The researchers tested two AI models on 282 genetic conditions and found that they performed well, especially in generating accurate medical descriptions and conversations between patients and doctors. While there were some differences in their responses based on age, overall, the AIs showed no major biases related to age, which is important for ensuring that all patients receive appropriate care. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and patients by improving communication about genetic conditions across different ages.

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This study looked at how artificial intelligence (AI) tools can help doctors identify genetic syndromes by analyzing patient photos. It involved 31 medical geneticists who were tested on their ability to diagnose conditions using AI and a more interpretable version of AI called explainable AI (XAI). The results showed that both types of AI helped doctors make better diagnoses, but while AI was generally welcomed, doctors were skeptical about the explainable versions even as their understanding improved with the XAI tools. Who this helps: This benefits doctors by enhancing their diagnostic accuracy and confidence when identifying genetic syndromes.

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This research focused on a protein called Parkin, which is important for recycling damaged cells and has roles in diseases like cancer and Parkinson's. The study found that Parkin can attach small molecules called ubiquitins to specific proteins, particularly a group known as Rab GTPases, which are involved in cell function. This matters because understanding how Parkin works can lead to better insights into its role in diseases and could inform new treatment approaches. Who this helps: This helps patients with Parkinson's disease and researchers working on cancer therapies.

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This study looked at the presence of a specific bird flu virus (H5N1) in the wastewater of an urban area in California over several months and aimed to figure out how it ended up there. Researchers found that while general influenza strains were common, H5N1 was first detected in March 2024, and they concluded that infected poultry or contaminated milk were likely sources of this virus in the wastewater. These findings are important because they help understand the spread of H5N1 in the environment and can inform public health responses to prevent outbreaks. Who this helps: This helps public health officials and farmers monitor and manage the risks of avian influenza.

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This study investigated a program called the ECHO+ model aimed at helping rural doctors in Arkansas, West Virginia, and Oklahoma better manage heart disease, which is a leading cause of death in these states. After participating in the program, the 41 doctors reported they were very satisfied, and they notably increased their knowledge and confidence in treating cardiovascular issues. Specifically, the rate of patients on the right medication (statins) rose from 72% to 86%, and patients saw better health, such as lower blood pressure. Who this helps: This helps patients with cardiovascular disease by improving their care.

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This study looked at a new method called dynamic optical coherence tomography (DOCT) to check how healthy mouse kidneys are for transplantation. Over 48 hours, researchers found that DOCT could provide valuable information about the kidneys’ viability, which could help prevent the unnecessary discarding of usable organs. This is important because it can improve the evaluation process of donor kidneys and increase the chances of transplant success. Who this helps: This helps patients waiting for kidney transplants by potentially increasing the number of available organs.

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This study analyzed over 3,000 wastewater samples from treatment plants across the United States to look for the monkeypox virus. Researchers found the virus in one sample from a site that had a confirmed monkeypox case, but there were no findings in samples from areas without confirmed cases. This is important because it shows that monitoring wastewater can help track the spread of monkeypox in communities. Who this helps: This helps public health officials and researchers monitor monkeypox outbreaks.

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This study looked at how a specific heating method—called a "heat snap"—affects the ability to measure rotavirus RNA in wastewater samples. Researchers found that using this heat snap increased the detection of rotavirus RNA by 125 times, making it a more effective method. This is important because accurate measurement of rotavirus in wastewater helps in tracking its spread, which is crucial for public health. Who this helps: This benefits public health officials and researchers monitoring rotavirus in environments.

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Researchers studied potential treatment targets for Alzheimer's disease by examining 29 different biological factors that are linked to the condition. They found that 25 of these targets showed noticeable changes in the behavior of brain cells related to Alzheimer's, with five targets—Ap2a2, Pdhb, Pdha1, Dlat, and Psmc3—having strong effects on both cell behavior and related proteins. This discovery is important because it narrows down the most promising targets for future treatments, helping to advance the search for effective therapies. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and drug developers focused on Alzheimer’s disease treatments.

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This study examined how different types of human immune cells affect brain health by using a special type of mouse that lacks its own brain immune cells. The researchers found that when human monocytes were introduced into the mouse brains, they caused ongoing inflammation and damage, leading to significant cognitive impairments, while the introduction of human microglia did not have these negative effects. This matters because it highlights the risks of using certain human immune cells in brain therapies, which could lead to serious side effects for patients with neurological disorders. Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers working on treatments for brain diseases.

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This study focused on a new surgical technique for removing a large tumor called a giant trigeminal schwannoma, located at the base of the skull. The researchers used a method combining frontotemporal craniotomy and orbitozygomatic osteotomy, which made it easier to access the tumor and safely remove it while protecting important structures. This approach not only improved visibility during surgery but also helped preserve the function of the jaw joint, crucial for everyday activities like chewing. Who this helps: This benefits patients with giant trigeminal schwannomas and similar skull base tumors.

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This study looked at using recycled materials, specifically oyster shells and plastic waste, as filters in a system designed to treat wastewater from pig farming. The researchers found that while traditional gravel filters were the best, using a mix of recycled materials achieved impressive pollutant removal rates, with one combination removing between 62.6% and 87.6% of solids and nutrients. This approach not only cut costs by three to four times but also helped reduce waste and pollution, making it a more sustainable solution for wastewater treatment. Who this helps: This benefits farmers, environmentalists, and communities dealing with agricultural waste.

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This study looked at potential treatment targets for Alzheimer's disease by testing 29 candidates in special laboratory cells. They found that 25 of these targets changed how the cells behaved, with five targets—Ap2a2, Pdhb, Pdha1, Dlat, and Psmc3—showing the strongest effects that could help reverse disease-related changes in the cells. This research is important because it helps identify the best candidates for developing new therapies for Alzheimer’s disease. Who this helps: This helps patients with Alzheimer's disease and their doctors.

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This study looked at the choroid plexus, a part of the brain that helps control fluid flow and immune responses, to understand its role in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Researchers analyzed samples from 69 people with different stages of cognitive health and found significant changes in 17 different cell types within the choroid plexus. They discovered that inflammation and barriers that normally protect the brain are disrupted, showing that this area of the brain actively contributes to the disease's progression. Who this helps: This research helps patients with Alzheimer's disease and their healthcare providers by highlighting potential areas for new treatments.

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This study looked at how a new drug called NVS-PAK1-1 affects brain cells in Alzheimer’s disease, specifically focusing on dendritic spines, which are important for nerve cell communication. The researchers found that NVS-PAK1-1 protected these spines from damage caused by harmful proteins associated with Alzheimer’s, leading to a significant reduction in spine loss in treated mice. In female mice with a model of Alzheimer's disease, chronic treatment with NVS-PAK1-1 improved spine health and restored several important proteins related to nerve function. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with Alzheimer’s disease by exploring potential new treatments.

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This study examined West Nile Virus (WNV) levels in wastewater from five treatment plants in the U.S. Researchers found WNV RNA in 3 to 13 percent of samples collected from areas with known WNV infections, indicating that monitoring wastewater can effectively track the virus during its active season. This approach could help improve disease surveillance in communities lacking extensive mosquito testing and clinical resources. Who this helps: This benefits public health officials and communities by enhancing disease tracking efforts.

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This study looked at a rare condition called insulin-induced amyloidosis, where abnormal protein deposits build up in the body, affecting areas away from where insulin is injected. Researchers reported a case involving a 52-year-old man who developed a mass on his left arm that was found to be amyloidosis; he was successfully treated by having the mass surgically removed. This finding is important because it highlights that amyloidosis can occur in places not directly associated with insulin injections, increasing awareness among healthcare providers. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by improving understanding of insulin-related complications.

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Researchers studied the changes in proteins in the brains of people with Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and compared them to the brains of mice that also develop amyloid plaques, which are linked to AD. They discovered a specific group of proteins, known as the M42 network, that increases the amount of amyloid plaques and could influence the disease's progress. This is important because targeting these proteins, like midkine and pleiotrophin, might lead to new treatments for Alzheimer's. Who this helps: Patients with Alzheimer's Disease and their families.

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This study looked at how well different artificial intelligence programs, called large language models (LLMs), can identify genetic conditions based on medical questions and simpler explanations from laypeople. The researchers tested several models, including popular ones like ChatGPT-4 and Llama-2-chat, and found that while larger models performed better overall, ChatGPT-4 achieved 89%-90% accuracy. This matters because understanding how these tools can interpret both technical and everyday language helps ensure they can be useful in real medical situations. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by providing better tools for understanding genetic conditions.

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This study looked at a drug called CT1812 for treating Alzheimer's disease and aimed to find specific biological markers in the brain fluid of patients. Researchers analyzed data from two clinical trials and found that CT1812 has effects on certain proteins and pathways related to Alzheimer’s, with several new potential biomarkers identified. These findings are important because they help clarify how CT1812 works, supporting its continued development as a treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients with Alzheimer's disease and their doctors by providing better insights into treatment options.

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This study looked at whether a training method called error management training (EMT) can help emergency medicine residents better interpret head CT scans. The results showed that residents who underwent difficult EMT training scored 60.6% on adaptive expertise cases, significantly higher than those who received easier training or traditional training methods, which scored 45.2% and 40.9%, respectively. This matters because improving how doctors interpret CT scans reduces the chances of making mistakes in real-life situations, ultimately leading to better patient care. Who this helps: This helps emergency medicine residents and, by extension, their patients.

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This study looked at how global political risks, like conflicts or trade tensions, affect the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance of Chinese companies between 2011 and 2020. It found that these geopolitical risks hurt ESG performance, especially for non-state-owned companies and those with fewer political connections, showing that companies faced more financial challenges and less competitiveness during uncertain times. This is important because better ESG practices can lead to a more sustainable business environment and improved public trust. Who this helps: This helps investors and policymakers who care about corporate sustainability and social responsibility.

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Researchers examined the presence of various viruses and pathogens in the solids collected from 191 wastewater treatment plants across the U.S. from January 2022 to June 2024. They specifically looked for viruses like SARS-CoV-2, influenza, norovirus, and many others, often detecting significant levels of these pathogens. This research is important because it helps us understand how diseases spread within communities and can guide public health responses to outbreaks. Who this helps: This helps public health officials and researchers monitor disease trends in communities.