Dr. Coles studies how specific genes and immune responses affect diseases like ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), FTD (Frontotemporal Dementia), and Alzheimer's disease. He explores how alterations in brain and immune cells contribute to these conditions and evaluates potential treatments including combinations of cannabinoids and other therapeutic strategies. His research also involves understanding cellular reactions within lymph nodes to improve vaccine efficacy for diseases like influenza and mpox.
Key findings
His research on CCNF gene mutations indicates that early changes in brain cells may play a significant role in the development of ALS and FTD, even before neuron loss, with mice showing mitochondrial dysfunction.
CBD and THC mixtures did not improve memory in a transgenic mouse model for Alzheimer's and caused anxiety, indicating more research is needed for effective treatments.
A new scoring system using microRNAs correctly predicted 84% of individuals at high risk for type 1 diabetes, showing great promise for early intervention.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Coles study Alzheimer's disease?
Yes, he conducts research on Alzheimer's, including evaluating potential treatments like combinations of CBD and THC.
What conditions does Dr. Coles focus on?
Dr. Coles primarily focuses on neurological diseases such as ALS and Alzheimer's, as well as immune response studies to improve treatments for various conditions.
How does Dr. Coles's work help patients?
His research enhances understanding of disease mechanisms in ALS and Alzheimer's, which is important for developing better treatments and interventions.
Has Dr. Coles studied vaccine responses?
Yes, he investigates how lymph nodes respond to vaccines, which can lead to improved effectiveness of vaccination strategies.
What are some treatment developments from Dr. Coles's research?
He has explored new therapeutic approaches for conditions like type 1 diabetes and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, with findings that could influence clinical practices.
Publications in plain English
The Role of Fibroblasts Across Inflammation and Immunity.
2026
Annual review of pathology
Cowan MJB, Davidson S, Coles M, Buckley CD
Plain English This research paper studied the role of fibroblasts, which are cells traditionally seen as helpers in tissue structure but are now known to also play important roles in managing inflammation and immune responses. The findings highlight that fibroblasts contribute to various health problems, especially in organs like the heart, lungs, kidneys, and liver, and that they can significantly influence the body’s ability to fight inflammation. Understanding these functions opens up new treatment possibilities for various inflammatory diseases.
Who this helps: This helps patients with inflammatory diseases as well as doctors treating them.
Spatial profiling of human diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis lesions reveals immunosuppressive microenvironments that coincide with parasite localization.
2026
The Journal of investigative dermatology
Lopes PO, Fantecelle CH, Barboza BA, Freire-de-Lima CG, Decote-Ricardo D +12 more
Quantitative Systems Pharmacology Models of Anti-Amyloid Treatments for Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review.
2026
CPT: pharmacometrics & systems pharmacology
Herriott L, Coles M, Fournier N, Gaffney E, Wagg J
Plain English This study reviewed various models used to evaluate treatments for Alzheimer's disease that target amyloid proteins, highlighting how well these models predict treatment effects. Out of 540 research papers, only seven provided useful QSP models, and these models scored poorly on quality, achieving between 40% and 53% on a quality checklist due to issues with validation and reproducibility. Improving these models is important because they can lead to better strategies for treating Alzheimer's patients.
Who this helps: This helps patients and researchers working on Alzheimer's treatments.
Protocol for precision cutting and short-term culture of lymph node tissue slices for modeling of innate immune responses ex vivo.
2026
STAR protocols
Fergusson JR, Coles M, Dendrou CA, Milicic A
Plain English This study focused on a new method for preserving and analyzing human lymph nodes, which are crucial for immune responses. Researchers developed a way to cut lymph nodes into thin slices that can be kept alive for up to 20 hours in a lab setting while testing how they respond to immune challenges. This is important because it allows scientists to better understand how the immune system works, which can lead to improved treatments for diseases.
Who this helps: This benefits researchers studying immune responses and may lead to better therapies for patients with immune system disorders.
Combining cannabidiol and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol at a 50:3 ratio - a new therapeutic strategy for APP/PS1ΔE9 transgenic mice?
2026
Neurobiology of aging
Coles M, Rosa Porto R, Chesworth R, Steiner-Lim GZ, Karl T
Plain English This study looked at how a combination of cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) affects mice that are genetically modified to develop Alzheimer's disease. The researchers found that while the CBD and THC mix improved some behaviors related to memory and response to sounds in mice, it also caused unexpected negative effects, like impairing social recognition in male mice. These results suggest that this specific combination might not be the best treatment for Alzheimer's, so more research is needed to find the right dosages and combinations that could work better.
Who this helps: This helps researchers and doctors working on treatments for Alzheimer's disease.
ALS-FTD-linked CCNFdrives increased hippocampal astrocyte ramification and mitochondrial dysfunction and impairs motor neuron excitability.
2026
Journal of neuroinflammation
Robinson L, Do-Ha D, Cheng F, Stevens CH, Rosa Porto R +17 more
Plain English This study focused on a gene called CCNF, which is linked to both amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Researchers created a new mouse model and found that while the mice did not show motor decline after 18 months, their brain cells called astrocytes changed significantly, indicating early signs of potential neurodegeneration. They observed that the astrocytes in these mice and in human patients with ALS or FTD also showed problems with their energy production and how they interact with neurons, which could affect brain signaling and contribute to the diseases.
Who this helps: This research benefits patients with ALS and FTD by improving our understanding of the early changes in brain cells that may lead to these conditions.
Discovery of synthetic small molecules targeting the central regulator ofpathogenicity.
2025
Science advances
Boudrioua A, Joiner JD, Grin I, Kronenberger T, Korotkov VS +19 more
Plain English This study focused on an intestinal pathogen that causes disease by injecting harmful proteins into host cells. Researchers discovered a new synthetic molecule, called C26, which blocks this injection process and helps prevent the bacteria from invading cells. C26 was shown to effectively hinder the bacteria's ability to penetrate tissues by targeting a specific protein, with improvements in its potency noted for future use in treating infections.
Who this helps: Patients suffering from infections caused by this pathogen and healthcare providers treating these conditions.
A microRNA-based dynamic risk score for type 1 diabetes.
2025
Nature medicine
Joglekar MV, Wong WKM, Kunte PS, Hardikar HP, Kulkarni RA +25 more
Plain English Researchers studied how specific molecules called microRNAs can be used to identify individuals at high risk for type 1 diabetes (T1D). They found that a new risk score, based on these microRNAs, was highly effective in predicting who might develop T1D or need insulin in the future, with a strong accuracy rate of 84% in test groups. This is important because it can help guide earlier interventions for those at risk, potentially delaying or preventing the onset of the disease.
Who this helps: This benefits patients at risk of developing type 1 diabetes and their doctors.
Ex vivo model of functioning human lymph node reveals role for innate lymphocytes and stroma in response to vaccine adjuvant.
2025
Cell reports
Fergusson JR, Siu JHY, Gupta N, Jenkins E, Nee E +12 more
Plain English Researchers studied how human lymph nodes respond to a specific vaccine adjuvant, which helps boost immune responses to vaccines. They found that certain immune cells, like monocytes and macrophages, release cytokines (such as IL-1β) that kickstart inflammation when exposed to the adjuvant. Specifically, 92% of the cytokine response relied on a receptor called TLR4, which indicates the importance of this pathway in activating the immune system in response to vaccines.
Who this helps: This helps patients receiving vaccinations, as it can improve vaccine effectiveness and safety.
Regulatory T cells attenuate chronic inflammation and cardiac fibrosis in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
2025
Science translational medicine
Wang YJ, Singh K, Lokman AB, Deng S, Sunitha B +20 more
Plain English This study focused on hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a serious genetic heart condition, and examined how certain immune cells, specifically regulatory T cells, affect heart damage and inflammation. The researchers found that boosting the number of these T cells reduced heart scarring and improved heart function in mice, indicating that they play a protective role. This research is important because it highlights a potential new treatment approach to prevent or lessen heart damage in patients with HCM.
Who this helps: This helps patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and their doctors.
Maksymenko K, Hatskovska V, Coles M, Aghaallaei N, Pashkovskaia N +13 more
Plain English This study focused on creating new protein binders that can specifically target certain areas on proteins known as epitopes. Researchers developed a computer-based method that quickly generates and tests these binders. They successfully designed protein binders that worked well against two cancer-related targets, with 24 candidates leading to effective binders, some capable of slowing tumor growth in tests on living organisms.
Who this helps: This benefits cancer patients by potentially providing new treatments.
Combination treatment with medium dose THC and CBD had no therapeutic effect in a transgenic mouse model for Alzheimer's disease but affected other domains including anxiety-related behaviours and object recognition memory.
2025
Pharmacology, biochemistry, and behavior
Aumer B, Rosa Porto R, Coles M, Ulmer N, Watt G +2 more
Plain English This study looked at whether combining two compounds from cannabis, THC and CBD, could help alleviate symptoms of Alzheimer's disease in mice specifically bred to develop the condition. After three weeks of treatment, the researchers found that the mice with Alzheimer's still struggled with anxiety and memory tasks, with no notable improvements. However, the treatment did lead to weight loss in all the mice involved, regardless of their genetic background.
Who this helps: This research is relevant for doctors and scientists studying Alzheimer's treatment options.
Incidence of Complicated Intrauterine Device Removal in a Large Health Care System.
2025
O&G open
Coles M, Dedhia D, Alvarez A, Sanghani S, Blitz MJ +1 more
Plain English This study looked at the difficulties involved in removing intrauterine devices (IUDs) in a large health care system in New York between 2017 and 2020. Out of 1,803 IUD removals, 205 cases (11.4%) required extra help, such as using medical tools or doing the procedure in an operating room, which measured around 114 complicated removals per 1,000 procedures. Understanding these complications, especially their link to age, can help doctors better inform patients about the risks when they decide to have an IUD removed.
Who this helps: Patients considering or needing an IUD removal.
T cell memory response to MPXV infection exhibits greater effector function and migratory potential compared to MVA-BN vaccination.
2025
Nature communications
Chen JL, Wang B, Lu Y, Antoun E, Bird O +24 more
Plain English This study looked at how the immune system responds to monkeypox virus (MPXV) in people who have been infected versus those who have received a specific vaccine, MVA-BN. Researchers found that people who recovered from MPXV infection had stronger and more effective immune cells, particularly CD8 T cells, compared to those vaccinated, with these immune cells being better at moving to infection sites and fighting the virus. This matters because it suggests that natural infection leads to a more robust immune response that could help protect against future monkeypox infections.
Who this helps: This helps patients who have had monkeypox by highlighting the strength of their immune response compared to vaccinated individuals.
Cripping inquiry: breathing life into co-produced disability methodologies.
2025
Frontiers in sociology
Ellis J, Atkinson L, Glover S, Kettle J, Joseph G +15 more
Plain English This research explores how a diverse team, including clinicians and people with different disabilities, examines breathing and ventilation through unique, artistic, and personal methods. They emphasize the importance of understanding disability not just as a medical issue but as a valuable human experience. By highlighting the need for flexibility and care in their work, they aim to create more inclusive research approaches that benefit everyone involved.
Who this helps: This helps patients, researchers, and doctors who work with disability and chronic illness.
Immunogenicity of MVA-BN vaccine deployed as mpox prophylaxis: a prospective, single-centre, cohort study and analysis of transcriptomic predictors of response.
2025
The Lancet. Microbe
Drennan PG, Provine NM, Harris SA, Otter A, Hollett K +22 more
Plain English This study examined the effectiveness of the modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA-BN) vaccine in preventing mpox, especially when given at a lower dose. Researchers found that out of 30 participants who had not been previously vaccinated against smallpox, 47% developed antibodies by 28 days after the first shot, which increased to 89% after a second shot at 90 days. The findings highlight the importance of understanding how the immune system responds to the vaccine, which can help enhance vaccination strategies during mpox outbreaks.
Who this helps: This benefits patients at risk for mpox, particularly in areas experiencing outbreaks.
Early lymph node T follicular helper cell signalling hub drives influenza vaccine response in an ancestrally diverse cohort.
2025
EBioMedicine
Siu JHY, Coelho S, Palomeras A, Belij-Rammerstorfer S, Barman N +26 more
Plain English This study looked at how the immune system responds to the flu vaccine in a group of 13 adults of African and Asian ancestry. Researchers found that the lymph nodes connected to the vaccine site grew larger and showed increased activity within just three days after vaccination, particularly due to a type of immune cell called CD4T follicular helper cells. This finding is important because it helps us understand how different individuals might respond to vaccines, which can inform better vaccine designs for diverse populations.
Who this helps: This benefits patients, particularly those from diverse ancestral backgrounds.
A single cell atlas of frozen shoulder capsule identifies features associated with inflammatory fibrosis resolution.
2024
Nature communications
Ng MTH, Borst R, Gacaferi H, Davidson S, Ackerman JE +26 more
Plain English This study looked at the cells involved in a condition called frozen shoulder, which is characterized by inflammation and stiffness in the shoulder but can resolve on its own. Researchers found two types of immune cells called MERTK+ macrophages that help reduce inflammation and support healing, along with specific types of cells known as fibroblasts that also play a role in tissue repair. Understanding how these interactions work gives insights into developing better therapies for frozen shoulder and possibly other ongoing fibrotic diseases.
Who this helps: This research benefits patients with frozen shoulder and doctors treating them.
Wounds : a compendium of clinical research and practice
Del Pin C, Rao A, Coles M, Del Rio MB, Oropallo A
Plain English This study looked at how different types of tissue-based products from cisgender individuals affect wound healing in both men and women. It found that wounds treated with male-derived products healed better, with faster closure rates compared to those treated with female-derived products. Specifically, the healing rates for male products were notably higher, although factors like access to treatment and the reason for the wound played a role in the results.
Who this helps: This research benefits patients with wounds and healthcare providers looking for effective treatments.
Simultaneous portal vein thrombosis and splenic vein thrombosis in a COVID-19 patient: A case report and review of literature.
2024
World journal of clinical cases
Abramowitz BR, Coles M, Aytaman A, Chander-Roland B, DiLeo DA
Plain English This study looked at a 77-year-old man with COVID-19 who developed blood clots in both the portal vein and the splenic artery, a rare situation. Doctors discovered these clots through imaging after the patient experienced abdominal pain, and they treated him with blood thinners, leading to pain relief and a good recovery. Understanding this case matters because it highlights the potential for unusual blood clotting complications in COVID-19 patients, which can help doctors better recognize and treat these issues.
Who this helps: This helps patients with COVID-19 and their doctors by improving awareness of potential complications.
Evidence for a kinetic FLP reaction pathway in the activation of benzyl chlorides by alkali metal-phosphine pairs.
2024
Dalton transactions (Cambridge, England : 2003)
Csókás D, Coles M, Toh ZH, Young RD
Plain English This research studied how certain chemical pairs, specifically sodium and phosphines, can break down chemical bonds in compounds called benzyl chlorides. The study found that these pairs can effectively assist in breaking down C-Cl bonds during a specific reaction, enhancing the potential for using these reactions in various chemical processes. This is significant because it provides a new way to activate useful compounds in chemistry, which could lead to more efficient synthesis of pharmaceuticals and other materials.
Who this helps: This benefits chemists and researchers developing new drugs and chemical substances.
Easy-to-configure zero-dimensional valley-chiral modes in a graphene point junction.
2024
Science advances
Davydov K, Zhang X, Ren W, Coles M, Kline L +4 more
Plain English This study focused on creating a new type of device using a material called bilayer graphene that can control a specific kind of electronic current called valley-polarized current. The researchers built a simple junction that allows for easy setup and operation, achieving a high level of valley current polarization at around 80%. This is significant because it could lead to more efficient and scalable electronic devices using valleytronics technology.
Who this helps: This helps researchers and engineers developing advanced electronic devices and technology.
Fueling the Firefighter and Tactical Athlete with Creatine: A Narrative Review of a Key Nutrient for Public Safety.
2024
Nutrients
Gonzalez DE, Forbes SC, Zapp A, Jagim A, Luedke J +9 more
Plain English This study looked at how creatine monohydrate, a common dietary supplement, can help firefighters and tactical athletes like police and soldiers. It found that creatine can boost physical performance, improve recovery after injuries, and even enhance mental health. For example, it helps with muscle fitness and can support decision-making, which is essential for those in high-stress jobs.
Who this helps: This benefits firefighters, police officers, and soldiers.
A New Organic Laser Material Design Toward Ultra-Low Amplified Spontaneous Red Emission and Ultra-Bright Electroluminescence.
2024
Small (Weinheim an der Bergstrasse, Germany)
Wallwork NR, Shukla A, Roseli RB, Allison I, McGregor SKM +8 more
Plain English This study focused on creating new organic materials for lasers that can produce bright red light efficiently. Researchers found that a specific design of these materials led to a remarkable improvement in performance, achieving a low energy requirement for lasing (4.5 microjoules per square centimeter) and extremely high brightness (about 710,000 candela per square meter). This is important because it could lead to better quality and more efficient laser technologies for various applications.
Who this helps: This benefits researchers, engineers, and manufacturers working on advanced lighting and display technologies.
A longitudinal single-cell atlas of anti-tumour necrosis factor treatment in inflammatory bowel disease.
2024
Nature immunology
Thomas T, Friedrich M, Rich-Griffin C, Pohin M, Agarwal D +44 more
Plain English This study looked at how patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis respond to a specific treatment called adalimumab, which targets inflammation. Researchers analyzed around one million individual cells from gut biopsies of 41 patients and discovered important differences in cell responses based on the disease type. They found that certain cell changes before treatment could predict whether patients would go into remission, highlighting the importance of understanding these individual responses to improve treatment outcomes.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with inflammatory bowel disease by informing more personalized treatment approaches.
Asparagine availability controls germinal center B cell homeostasis.
2024
Science immunology
Yazicioglu YF, Marin E, Andrew HF, Bentkowska K, Johnstone JC +16 more
Plain English This study focused on how the availability of asparagine, a type of amino acid, affects the growth and survival of specific immune cells called B cells. Researchers found that when asparagine levels were low, B cells struggled to survive and multiply, which weakened the body's immune response to infections like the flu. Specifically, they discovered that inhibiting asparagine led to a serious drop in B cell activity, affecting their ability to produce effective antibodies.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with weakened immune systems and doctors treating infections.
Covalent Fragments Acting as Tyrosine Mimics for Mutant p53-Y220C Rescue by Nucleophilic Aromatic Substitution.
2024
ACS pharmacology & translational science
Klett T, Stahlecker J, Jaag S, Masberg B, Knappe C +4 more
Plain English This study focused on finding small molecules that can stabilize a specific mutant form of the p53 protein, known as Y220C, which is common in many cancers. Researchers tested various compounds and identified three that effectively stabilize the Y220C mutant, with one compound, SN001, increasing its stability by up to 4.45 degrees Celsius. This is significant because stabilizing this mutant form of p53 could help restore its ability to suppress tumors, potentially improving cancer treatments.
Who this helps: This research benefits cancer patients with the Y220C mutation in their p53 protein.
In vivo human keyhole limpet hemocyanin challenge in early phase drug development: A systematic review.
2023
Clinical and translational science
Drennan PG, Karponis D, Richards D, Coles M, Fullerton JN
Plain English This study looked at how a substance called keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) is used in early drug testing to see how well new treatments can stimulate the immune system in healthy volunteers before these treatments are given to patients. Out of 2,421 studies checked, 46 were included, and 14 of these were early trials of new drugs, with 71% focusing on enhancing T-cell activity. The findings show that the way KLH is used can vary widely, which makes it hard to compare results and could slow down the development of new drugs.
Who this helps: This helps researchers and pharmaceutical companies working on new immunotherapies.
Why does understanding the biology of fibroblasts in immunity really matter?
2023
PLoS biology
Wong ZY, Nee E, Coles M, Buckley CD
Plain English This study focuses on fibroblasts, which are cells that help build and support tissues in our bodies. Researchers found that fibroblasts play a crucial role in controlling the immune system's response in different organs, adapting their functions based on specific needs. Understanding how these cells work is important because it might allow us to fix issues in tissues that aren’t functioning well, which can lead to better treatments for various health conditions.
Who this helps: This helps patients with immune-related diseases and doctors treating them.
A pragmatic feasibility trial of the Primary Care Intervention for PTSD: A health service delivery model to reduce health disparities for low-income and BIPOC youth.
2023
Behaviour research and therapy
Ng LC, Miller AN, Bowers G, Cheng Y, Brigham R +5 more
Plain English This study looked at a program called the Primary Care Intervention for PTSD, aimed at helping young people with trauma-related mental health issues in a primary care setting. Out of 23 youth referred for evaluation, 19 participants completed the study, showing significant improvements in anxiety symptoms (40% reduction) and substance use (30% reduction) after treatment, and many expressed satisfaction with the program. The results suggest this approach is effective and accepted by youth, making it a valuable option for improving access to mental health care for low-income and BIPOC adolescents.
Who this helps: This helps vulnerable youth who are experiencing PTSD and their caregivers.
Impact ofand intermittent amprolium treatment on performance and the gut microbiome composition of Turkey poults.
2023
Frontiers in veterinary science
Trujillo-Peralta C, Latorre JD, Chai J, Senas-Cuesta R, Forga A +8 more
Plain English This study looked at how a new vaccine and a drug called amprolium affect the health and gut bacteria of young turkeys (poults) dealing with coccidiosis, an intestinal infection. The researchers found that poults receiving the vaccine, especially those that also got amprolium, gained more weight and had fewer harmful germs in their droppings compared to those that weren’t vaccinated. The research shows that this vaccination strategy can help young turkeys stay healthier and manage their gut bacteria better when faced with infections.
Who this helps: This benefits turkey farmers and the turkeys they raise.
The effects of essential oil from Lippia origanoides and herbal betaine on performance, intestinal integrity, bone mineralization and meat quality in broiler chickens subjected to cyclic heat stress.
2023
Frontiers in physiology
Señas-Cuesta R, Stein A, Latorre JD, Maynard CJ, Hernandez-Velasco X +14 more
Plain English This study looked at how two types of essential oils from the plant Lippia origanoides, along with an herbal supplement, affected the growth, gut health, bone strength, and meat quality of chickens under heat stress. Researchers found that chickens given these oils gained more weight and had better bone strength than those under heat stress without the oils. Specifically, chickens given one type of oil (EO1) experienced improved growth and less intestinal damage compared to those not receiving any oil, while those with the other oil (EO2) showed higher mortality rates.
Who this helps: This research benefits poultry farmers looking for antibiotic-free methods to raise healthy chickens in hot environments.
Research Note: Isolation, speciation, and anticoccidial sensitivity of Eimeria spp. recovered from wild turkey feces in the United States.
2023
Poultry science
Trujillo-Peralta C, Ashcraft A, Señas-Cuesta R, Coles M, Hernandez-Velasco X +8 more
Plain English This study examined feces from wild turkeys in the U.S. to find out if they carried types of Eimeria, a parasite that affects turkeys, and if these parasites were sensitive to certain medications used to treat infections. Researchers collected over 100 samples and identified Eimeria spp. that were sensitive to drugs like monensin, zoalene, and amprolium. The findings are important because they could lead to better treatments and vaccine options for coccidiosis in farmed turkeys.
Who this helps: This benefits turkey farmers and the commercial turkey industry.
Evaluation of Clostridium septicum hemolytic activity, administration route, and dosage volume of a clostridial dermatitis (cellulitis) bacterin-toxoid on humoral immune response in commercial turkeys.
2023
Poultry science
Forga A, Robbins K, Smith A, Coles M, Tellez-Isaias G +3 more
Plain English This study looked at improving a vaccine for a disease called clostridial dermatitis in turkeys, which can harm flocks as they get ready for market. Researchers found that using larger vaccine doses led to a stronger immune response in turkeys, regardless of how the vaccine was made or where it was injected. Understanding these factors is important because it can help reduce the need for antibiotics in turkey farming.
Who this helps: This helps turkey farmers and the birds they raise.
Characterizing the impact of Enterococcus cecorum infection during late embryogenesis on disease progression, cecal microbiome composition, and early performance in broiler chickens.
2023
Poultry science
Arango M, Forga A, Liu J, Zhang G, Gray L +8 more
Plain English This study looked at how infection with the bacteria Enterococcus cecorum impacts the health and development of broiler chickens during their last stages of embryo development. Researchers found that certain strains of the bacteria, specifically EC7 and EC11B, led to significant weight loss in the chicks—about 27% lower weight gain compared to uninfected birds over a 21-day period. Additionally, these bacterial infections changed the gut bacteria in the chickens, which could affect their overall health long after they hatch.
Who this helps: This benefits poultry farmers and veterinarians by highlighting the risks of bacterial infections in embryos.
Three-dimensional, in-vitro approaches for modelling soft-tissue joint diseases.
2023
The Lancet. Rheumatology
Johnson PA, Ackerman JE, Kurowska-Stolarska M, Coles M, Buckley CD +1 more
Plain English This study looked at new ways to create three-dimensional (3D) models of soft-tissue joint diseases, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, to better understand how these diseases start and progress. The researchers found that building accurate 3D models can improve our knowledge of how different cells in the joint interact, which is essential for developing targeted treatments. This matters because it could lead to more personalized medical care for patients suffering from joint diseases.
Who this helps: Patients with joint diseases.
Inventory of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures Used in the Non-Operative Care of Scoliosis: A Scoping Review.
2023
Children (Basel, Switzerland)
Parent EC, Vaclavik M, Bourgoin C, Hebert C, Bouwmeester M +7 more
Plain English This study looked at different tools used by patients to report on their health during non-surgical treatment for scoliosis, a condition where the spine curves abnormally. Researchers found 145 different reporting tools used across 488 studies, with the Oswestry Disability Index being the most common at 37.3%. Understanding which tools are most effective for measuring patient outcomes helps improve care for scoliosis patients who are not undergoing surgery.
Who this helps: This helps patients with scoliosis and their healthcare providers by identifying the best ways to measure treatment outcomes.
A topological refactoring design strategy yields highly stable granulopoietic proteins.
2022
Nature communications
Skokowa J, Hernandez Alvarez B, Coles M, Ritter M, Nasri M +12 more
Plain English This study explored a new method for designing proteins that help produce white blood cells, specifically granulocytes. The researchers created new versions of a protein called G-CSF and found that two of these new proteins were very effective, with one being extremely stable and active even at high temperatures. This is important because it could lead to better treatments for patients who need to boost their white blood cell count, especially during cancer therapies.
Who this helps: Patients undergoing cancer treatment.
Cross-tissue, single-cell stromal atlas identifies shared pathological fibroblast phenotypes in four chronic inflammatory diseases.
2022
Med (New York, N.Y.)
Korsunsky I, Wei K, Pohin M, Kim EY, Barone F +30 more
Plain English Researchers studied a type of cell called fibroblasts, which play an important role in inflammation in diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, interstitial lung disease, and Sjögren's syndrome. They found two specific groups of pro-inflammatory fibroblasts that appear in all the inflamed tissues examined, suggesting that these cells have a common role across these diseases. This matters because it highlights potential new targets for treatment that could work for multiple inflammatory conditions at once.
Who this helps: Patients with chronic inflammatory diseases.
Development and pilot testing of a five item traumatic stress screener for use with adolescents in pediatric primary care.
2022
Child and adolescent psychiatry and mental health
Ng LC, Oblath R, Brigham R, Tai MH, Coles M
Plain English This study focused on creating a simple five-question screening tool called the Adolescent Primary Care Traumatic Stress Screen (APCTSS) to help identify traumatic stress symptoms in young patients during routine doctor visits. The researchers found that more than half of the participants (56.7%) experienced a traumatic event, and about 30% met the criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Many of these adolescents might not have been recognized as needing help without this new tool, which highlights the importance of early identification and intervention for better mental health outcomes.
Who this helps: This helps adolescents who have experienced trauma and their healthcare providers.
Therapeutic properties of multi-cannabinoid treatment strategies for Alzheimer's disease.
2022
Frontiers in neuroscience
Coles M, Steiner-Lim GZ, Karl T
Plain English This research looked at how combinations of cannabinoids, like CBD and THC, might help treat Alzheimer's disease (AD). The study found that using these cannabinoids together can improve cognition—CBD prevented memory loss in mice with AD, while low doses of THC helped aging mice think better. This approach could be promising because it targets multiple aspects of the disease and might work better than using one cannabinoid alone, but more research is needed to find the best ways to use these treatments safely.
Who this helps: This helps patients with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers.
Screening of a Halogen-Enriched Fragment Library Leads to Unconventional Binding Modes.
2022
Journal of medicinal chemistry
Dammann M, Stahlecker J, Zimmermann MO, Klett T, Rotzinger K +4 more
Plain English This study focused on a new library of small drug fragments enriched with halogens to explore how these fragments can bind to a specific human protein involved in signaling, known as DYRK1a. The researchers found that one fragment not only attached to the typical site but also to a secondary site using a unique way of binding that involves halogen bonds. This discovery could help in developing new drugs more effectively since these binding methods can offer untapped opportunities in early drug design.
Who this helps: This benefits researchers looking to create new medications.
A glutamine-based single α-helix scaffold to target globular proteins.
2022
Nature communications
Escobedo A, Piccirillo J, Aranda J, Diercks T, Mateos B +12 more
Plain English This research focused on creating a new type of peptide, which is a small protein, that can effectively bind to larger, globular proteins by folding into a specific shape called an α-helix. The researchers found that by using glutamine, a natural amino acid, they could design these peptides to be stable and well-suited for targeting various proteins. This is important because it opens up new possibilities for developing treatments that could intervene in diseases caused by disordered proteins, offering a safer and more efficient approach.
Who this helps: This helps researchers and drug developers in creating better therapies for diseases linked to protein malfunctions.
Revisiting a challenging p53 binding site: a diversity-optimized HEFLib reveals diverse binding modes in T-p53C-Y220C.
2022
RSC medicinal chemistry
Stahlecker J, Klett T, Schwer M, Jaag S, Dammann M +8 more
Plain English This study focused on a mutated version of the p53 protein, which plays an important role in controlling cell division. Researchers discovered several compounds that can bind to this mutated protein, including one that changes its structure to potentially enhance its stability. One particular compound, called 1151, could help improve interactions with the mutated p53, which is important for developing new treatments for cancer.
Who this helps: This benefits cancer patients who have the Y220C mutation in the p53 protein.
Lupas AN, Pereira J, Alva V, Merino F, Coles M +1 more
Plain English Researchers studied how proteins, critical components of living organisms, form their specific three-dimensional shapes from a series of amino acids. They found that DeepMind's AlphaFold2 program could predict these shapes accurately, often matching lab experiments. This is significant because it solves a long-standing challenge in understanding protein structure, potentially accelerating advancements in medicine and biology.
Who this helps: This benefits scientists and researchers working in medicine and biotechnology.
Management of Refractory Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia with Bevacizumab.
2021
Case reports in gastrointestinal medicine
Masood M, Coles M, Sifuentes H
Plain English This study examined the use of a medication called Bevacizumab to treat patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), a genetic disorder that causes abnormal blood vessel formations leading to ongoing gastrointestinal bleeding. The researchers found that Bevacizumab effectively reduced this bleeding in patients with HHT. This is significant because it offers a potential new option for managing a challenging and serious complication of HHT.
Who this helps: This helps patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia suffering from recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding.
Christopher D Buckley Calliope A Dendrou Moustafa Attar Guillermo Tellez-Isaias Danielle Graham Tim Karl Aaron Forga Billy Hargis Rossana Rosa Porto Anita Milicic
Physician data sourced from the
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Publication data from
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Plain-English summaries generated by AI.
Not medical advice.