ROBERT M. THOMPSON, MD

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This study looked at how a protein called NRSF affects pain receptors in nerve cells after an injury. Researchers found that NRSF can lower the expression of a key pain receptor gene called OPRM1, which helps manage pain. By using a drug and a precise gene-editing technique, they were able to boost OPRM1 expression, leading to better pain responses in cells. This is important because it shows a potential new way to treat chronic pain that occurs after nerve damage. Who this helps: Patients suffering from neuropathic pain.

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This study looked at ways to help doctors safely reduce or stop prescribing high-risk pain medications—like opioids and benzodiazepines—to patients with chronic back and neck pain. Researchers trained doctors in a special program to support these changes, and they tested this approach with about 320 patients over a year. The goal was to see if this training led to fewer patients using these risky medications, ultimately aiming to improve patient health and quality of life. Who this helps: This benefits patients suffering from chronic back and neck pain.

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A recent study looked at how asthma attacks increased in England during thunderstorms in June 2023. It found that hospital visits and telehealth calls for asthma symptoms rose significantly during these storms, especially when there was also high pollen in the air, although this spike did not affect very young children or older adults. Understanding this link is important because it can help health services prepare for these events and educate people on how to manage their asthma during thunderstorms. Who this helps: This benefits patients, healthcare providers, and public health officials.

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This study looked at the quality of life of patients with inoperable stage I non-small cell lung cancer who received two different types of radiation therapy: stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and conventionally hypofractionated radiation therapy (CHRT). Researchers found that at the two-week mark, those treated with SBRT reported better overall health scores (69) compared to those on CHRT (65), but by two years, the scores were quite similar (60 for SBRT vs. 63 for CHRT). This is important because it shows that while SBRT may help patients feel better in the short term, the long-term benefits are comparable to the traditional method. Who this helps: Patients with inoperable stage I non-small cell lung cancer.

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This study looked at how stable certain personality traits are over one year in people with borderline personality features, using a specific assessment tool called the PID-5. Researchers found that these traits remained quite stable, with a strong correlation score of 0.74 for the overall traits, meaning the traits were consistent over time. Additionally, they discovered that certain negative traits (like emotional instability) were reliably linked to challenging therapy outcomes, showing that understanding these traits can help predict how well someone might do in treatment. Who this helps: This helps therapists and mental health professionals working with patients who have borderline personality traits.

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This research focused on finding a new way to detect liver fibrosis, a serious condition often related to metabolic liver disease, using a non-invasive method instead of the painful and risky liver biopsy. Researchers developed small proteins called affibodies that specifically target a protein related to liver damage, showing they can identify liver fibrosis in animal models with much better accuracy—50 times better than current methods. This approach not only allows for earlier diagnosis but also can help track how the disease progresses over time, which is crucial for effective treatment. Who this helps: Patients with liver disease and their doctors.

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Researchers studied a way to reduce harmful mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in mice with a specific muscle disease. They used a technique called mitoARCUS, which was injected into the muscle and resulted in a significant drop in mutant mtDNA levels that lasted for up to 42 weeks, improving muscle function and reducing fatigue. This is important because it offers a potential long-term treatment for muscle diseases caused by mtDNA mutations. Who this helps: This benefits patients with mitochondrial myopathies and their doctors.

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This study looked at how recent advancements, such as gene therapy and improved newborn screening, are changing the way we understand and treat leukodystrophies, a group of rare brain disorders. Researchers found that newborn screening helps identify these conditions earlier, which can improve treatment outcomes and extend life expectancy. However, there are still risks associated with new gene therapies, including potential severe side effects like cancer and immune problems. Who this helps: This benefits patients with leukodystrophies and their families by providing earlier diagnoses and better treatment options.

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In a study of 1,312 Jamaican women diagnosed with breast cancer from 2012 to 2016, researchers found that 27% had triple-negative breast cancer and 25% had HER2-positive cancer. Most tumors were of an invasive type, and the typical age at diagnosis was 55. This information is crucial because the high prevalence of these aggressive cancer types may explain why breast cancer outcomes are poorer for Jamaican women, suggesting a need for better testing and treatment options for this population. Who this helps: This helps patients in Jamaica and their doctors in providing targeted care.

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This study looked at a specific gene called CPSF1, which is important for developing the eyes and processing genetic information. Researchers found a new change in this gene in a patient who had congenital cataracts, intellectual disability, and increased appetite. The results showed that this genetic change likely affects the protein's structure and function, which is significant because it links CPSF1 to these conditions for the first time. Who this helps: This helps patients with congenital cataracts and intellectual disabilities, as well as their families by providing clarity on the genetic causes of their conditions.

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This study looked at how moving patients to different wards in hospitals affects older adults with dementia. Researchers analyzed data from over 27,000 hospital admissions and found that when patients with dementia were moved between wards, they spent an average of 5.2 more days in the hospital, while those with dementia also had a 40% higher risk of dying during their stay. These findings highlight that minimizing ward changes can help reduce lengthy hospital stays for older adults, particularly those with dementia. Who this helps: This helps patients with dementia and their caregivers.

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Researchers studied a common bone cancer in dogs called osteosarcoma to find new ways to treat it and improve patient survival. They identified 442 genes that are overactive in cancerous tissues and focused on four specific genes related to the disease, finding that two of them showed different activity based on the dog's sex. This research is important because it may lead to better diagnostic tools and treatments for osteosarcoma, benefiting both veterinary and human medicine. Who this helps: This helps dogs with osteosarcoma and their veterinarians.

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This study looked at patients with blood cancers and found that they have more fat in their thigh muscles compared to healthy people (11% vs. 8.8%). The researchers also discovered that this extra muscle fat is linked to lower levels of physical fitness, specifically a significant decrease in the amount of oxygen their bodies can use during exercise. Addressing this issue may help improve the overall health and fitness of these patients. Who this helps: Patients with haematological cancer.

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This study looked at how a program called PEERS, which involves medical and public health students, helps adolescents in emergency departments get the support they need for their social and mental health issues. Over 28 months, students screened 246 patients aged 13 to 23, finding that 97.2% had at least one social need, and 93.1% were referred to helpful resources, like education and mental health services. This program shows that students can effectively connect young patients to essential support without interrupting emergency care, highlighting an important way to improve adolescent health. Who this helps: This benefits adolescents and young adults using emergency services.

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The Grey Zone Project studied how to better classify genetic variations in boys at risk for X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) based on newborn screening results. They created a new system that separates patients into three risk categories based on specific biochemical markers: low risk (with levels under 110 nmol/L), moderate risk (110-177 nmol/L), and high risk (over 177 nmol/L). This new approach helps reduce unnecessary testing and eases anxiety for families by clearly identifying which boys are most likely to develop serious health issues. Who this helps: This helps patients and their families by providing clearer risk assessments and reducing unnecessary medical procedures.

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This study created a large dataset that looks at the relationships between music skills, thinking abilities, personality traits, and background of both musicians and nonmusicians. It collected information from 1,438 young adults aged 18-30 across multiple countries, using tests to measure memory, problem-solving, and music understanding, alongside surveys on personality and socioeconomic status. The findings will help us understand how being a musician might relate to different ways of thinking and behaving, which could inform education and training methods. Who this helps: This benefits educators, musicians, and researchers interested in cognition and personality.

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This study looked at genetic changes in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using a special testing method on 353 individuals. Researchers found that KRAS was the most common mutated gene in this group, occurring more frequently than in other regions, and they identified new genetic changes that could influence cancer growth and spread. Understanding these genetic differences is important because it may lead to better-targeted treatments based on specific patient needs. Who this helps: This helps patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

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This study looked at whether low-dose aspirin could help prevent pregnancy complications like poor growth of the fetus and pre-eclampsia in pregnant women with sickle cell disease in Nigeria. The research involved 476 women, and it found that taking aspirin did not significantly lower the risk of these complications—27% in the aspirin group versus 26% in the placebo group. However, women taking aspirin experienced more crises related to sickle cell disease and had higher maternal death rates—4.2% compared to 0.1% in the placebo group—suggesting that aspirin might pose more risks than benefits. Who this helps: This information is crucial for doctors treating pregnant women with sickle cell disease.

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This study looked at a type of muscular dystrophy linked to changes in the LEMD2 gene, which is important for the structure of the cell's nuclear envelope. The researchers found that specific genetic variants can cause this condition, helping to identify 14 affected individuals. Understanding these genetic links is crucial because it can improve diagnosis and potential treatments for patients with this rare disorder. Who this helps: Patients with muscular dystrophy associated with LEMD2 gene changes and their doctors.

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This study looked at liver disease in children with a specific genetic condition called Pi*ZZ alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. It found that 41.3% of these children had liver fibrosis, 17.3% had cirrhosis, and 10.7% underwent liver transplantation. Additionally, elevated liver enzymes were present in 43% of the children but tended to decrease as they got older, although this does not mean their liver disease was getting better. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors treating children with this condition by providing important data on liver health outcomes.

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This study looked at how remote patient monitoring (RPM) through a mobile app could help young children with feeding tubes learn to eat by mouth instead. It found that before using the app, only 41% of children successfully transitioned to eating by mouth, while after using it, 90% were successful. This matters because RPM can make tube weaning easier and more effective for children with various medical issues. Who this helps: Pediatric patients with feeding tubes and their families.

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The study examined a special type of material called high entropy oxide perovskite, specifically Nd(CrMnFeCoNi)O, to understand its electrical and magnetic properties. Researchers found that below 190 Kelvin, this material displayed unique electrical behavior, with a dielectric response value between 230 and 250, and distinct responses to electric voltage. These findings are significant because they suggest this material could be used to improve electronic devices that rely on both electric and magnetic properties, allowing better control under different conditions. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and engineers developing advanced electronic devices.

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This paper discusses the important connection between physical activity and obesity, highlighting how regular exercise can help prevent and manage obesity. It supports these points with current evidence and guidelines, emphasizing that being active is essential for maintaining a healthy weight. Understanding this relationship is crucial because it can guide policies and strategies to improve public health, especially in times of rising obesity rates. Who this helps: This benefits patients struggling with obesity, healthcare providers, and public health organizations.

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This study looked at the presence of tiny plastics, called microplastics and nanoplastics, in human liver tissue and found that their levels have increased significantly over the last decade. Lab tests showed that these plastics can cause serious damage to liver cells, similar to what is seen in advanced liver disease, by leading to inflammation and other harmful changes. This is important because it raises concerns about how these plastics might contribute to liver disease and highlights the need for more research on their effects. Who this helps: This helps patients with liver disease and healthcare providers looking for new causes and treatments.

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This study looked at how spending time in natural spaces, like woodlands and parks, affects the school performance of young people in urban areas. Researchers found that teens who were exposed to more greenspaces, especially woodlands, scored better on their GCSE exams—specifically in subjects like math, science, and English. For instance, the benefits from woodland exposure accounted for 12.5% to 25.1% of the improvement in exam scores through better cognitive function. Who this helps: This helps urban adolescents and city planners work towards healthier environments for children.

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The Eastern Canadian Gastrointestinal Cancer Consensus Conference in September 2025 brought together healthcare experts to discuss important developments in treating gastrointestinal cancers. They focused on several areas, like managing early-stage gastroesophageal junction cancer and exploring new treatments for colorectal cancer, as well as prevention strategies. These discussions aim to improve patient care and outcomes in these cancer types. Who this helps: Patients with gastrointestinal cancers and their healthcare providers.

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The 25th Annual Rocky Mountain Virology Association meeting brought together 152 researchers to discuss important topics related to viruses, including how they enter and assemble in the body. A key presentation highlighted ongoing research about viral glycoproteins, which are crucial for developing vaccines and antiviral treatments for certain viruses. This research is important because improving our understanding of these viral components can lead to better ways to protect against infections. Who this helps: This benefits patients at risk of viral infections and the doctors who treat them.

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This research focused on creating new breast cancer cell lines from a patient of Afro-Caribbean descent, as most existing cell lines do not represent this group. The scientists developed three new cell lines that showed unique behaviors, such as one line being especially sensitive to certain cancer drugs like platinum-based therapies. These findings matter because they help researchers understand how breast cancer behaves differently in women of African ancestry, which can lead to better treatments for this group. Who this helps: This helps patients of African ancestry diagnosed with breast cancer.

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This study looked at a program in Kentucky called Access to Recovery (ATR) that helps people struggling with substance use disorders by providing them with various support services. The findings showed that participants who used recovery housing vouchers had significantly better recovery outcomes, including higher recovery capital scores and employment rates, compared to those who did not use these vouchers. Additionally, participants who used transportation vouchers reported better recovery scores and lower rates of returning to substance use, indicating these supports play a crucial role in long-term recovery success. Who this helps: This benefits individuals in recovery from substance use disorders, especially those needing housing and transportation support.

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This study focused on the severe drought and food crisis in Somalia between 2022 and 2023, leading to increased risks for diseases like cholera and measles. To address this, researchers developed a tool called WHO-SIDE, which tracks disease trends and helps predict future cases using real-time data. Since its launch, WHO-SIDE has been used to identify high-risk areas and guide public health efforts, but challenges like limited technology and incomplete data have restricted its full effectiveness. Who this helps: This benefits public health officials and local healthcare providers in Somalia.

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This study looked at how having multiple long-term health conditions (like heart or lung issues) affects recovery one year after being hospitalized for COVID-19. It found that people with these conditions were 34% less likely to feel fully recovered a year later, especially if their issues affected their respiratory or other body systems. Understanding these patterns can help improve care for those recovering from COVID-19. **Who this helps:** This helps patients with long-term health conditions and their healthcare providers.

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The study looked at how different strategies are combined in HIV care programs in low- and middle-income countries from 2014 to 2021. It found that most studies used education on health innovations (60%) and training for new skills (30%), with these strategies often appearing together in various bundles. This is important because understanding which strategies work well together can help improve the delivery of HIV services. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers improve access to effective HIV care.

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This study looked at how women in Australia felt when they received unexpected news during their pregnancy ultrasounds, such as issues with the baby's size or possible complications. Out of 26 surveyed women, most reported poor communication: over half said they were not given enough time to understand the news, and only 11.5% felt they were involved in decision-making about their care. These findings show that better communication and support are needed for pregnant women to help them navigate stressful and uncertain situations. Who this helps: This helps patients and their families during pregnancy.

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This research looked at how AI chatbots can help family caregivers who are often stressed and have trouble finding support. Out of 505 studies reviewed, 30 were relevant, mostly focusing on how chatbots like ChatGPT provide useful information, especially for caregivers of people with dementia or cancer. While the chatbots generally gave accurate and accessible advice, their effectiveness in offering emotional support was not well studied yet, which is important for the well-being of caregivers. Who this helps: This helps family caregivers looking for information and support.

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This study looked at whether data from smartphones and wearable devices can help find idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) earlier. Researchers analyzed data from 109 people, including those with IPAH, and found a system that could identify those with the disease with a high accuracy rate—0.87, which improved to 0.94 when using a questionnaire. This is important because earlier detection could lead to better management and outcomes for patients with IPAH. Who this helps: This helps patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension and their doctors.

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This research paper looks at attachment theory, which helps understand the bond between young children and their caregivers, and how this knowledge can be practically applied by professionals working with families. The authors, a group of 47 experts, highlight common misunderstandings that can prevent effective use of attachment theory, and they provide strategies and interventions that can improve the relationships between parents and children. They stress the importance of focusing on caregiving and emotional support rather than just classifying attachment styles, which can improve outcomes for children. Who this helps: This helps children and their parents by guiding professionals in providing better support and care.

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This study examined how to improve the way medical students learn to prescribe medications, which is often done poorly, leading to mistakes in patient care. The researchers developed a new teaching method called the Four Component Instructional Design (4C/ID) model, which combines different types of learning activities and support to help students better understand and apply their prescribing skills. They created a blueprint for teaching about antibiotics that spans the entire medical training process, aiming to make learning more effective and reduce errors in real-world situations. Who this helps: This helps medical students and their future patients by improving medication management.

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This study looked at the reasons why herring gulls were admitted for rehabilitation at a facility in the UK from 1999 to 2024, how long they stayed there, and their chances of surviving after being released back into the wild. Out of 17,334 herring gulls admitted, 9,013 were successfully released, and researchers found that those with different problems had varying chances of being released. Understanding these factors is important for improving the care and survival of herring gulls, especially as their populations are declining due to various pressures. Who this helps: This helps wildlife rehabilitation centers, conservationists, and the overall welfare of herring gulls.

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This study looked at the potential financial impact of introducing MP-AzeFlu, a new nasal spray designed for treating allergic rhinitis (hay fever), in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The findings showed that switching to MP-AzeFlu could save about SAR 3.9 million in Saudi Arabia and AED 0.55 million in the UAE over five years, with even higher savings possible if it replaces more complex treatments. These cost savings are important for helping patients and healthcare systems manage spending more effectively while providing necessary treatments. Who this helps: Patients with allergic rhinitis and healthcare providers in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

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This study looked at the effectiveness of various physical tests for elite track sprint cyclists, focusing on how reliable these tests are and how they relate to cycling performance. The researchers found that all the tests they used produced consistent results, with reliability scores above 0.92, and many of the benchmark tests strongly correlated with peak power output, meaning they can help predict how well a cyclist will perform. This is important because it can help tailor training for individual cyclists and identify talented athletes more accurately. Who this helps: This benefits elite cyclists and their coaches.

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This study looked at the costs of a hepatitis C screening program in community corrections centers in Brisbane, Australia. It found that over 185 participants, 12% tested positive for the virus, and 8 achieved a successful cure at a cost of about $20,000 per cure, or about $11,400 for each person who started treatment. This is significant because it shows that offering these programs in community corrections centers can effectively reach and help individuals with hepatitis C who typically don’t seek healthcare. Who this helps: This benefits patients in the criminal justice system who are at risk for hepatitis C.

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This study examined a new surgical method called low anterior access single-port robotic surgery for kidney tumors, comparing it to the traditional multi-port robotic surgery. They looked at over 2,300 patients and found that those who had the single-port surgery experienced significant benefits: 41.6% of them left the hospital within 24 hours, compared to only 10.9% of those who had multi-port surgery, and they reported lower pain levels and reduced need for pain medications. This matters because it shows that this new method can help patients recover faster and experience fewer complications after surgery. Who this helps: Patients needing kidney surgery, especially those with complex medical histories.

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This study looked at a patient with a genetic disorder linked to a specific gene (KMT5B) that affects muscle function. Researchers analyzed the patient's muscle tissue and blood, finding significant damage and changes in muscle structure, including signs of muscle denervation and inflammation, along with 77 abnormal proteins that impact muscle health. This matters because it helps explain how this genetic disorder causes muscle problems, which can guide better treatments and therapies for patients with similar conditions. Who this helps: This helps patients with neurodevelopmental and neuromuscular disorders and their healthcare providers.

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The DRIFT trial studied how to best treat completely displaced wrist fractures in children aged 4 to 10 who come to North American emergency departments. The research compared two treatments: reducing the fracture while the child is sedated, versus simply immobilizing the fracture without sedation. With 167 children in each treatment group, the study aims to measure their recovery and quality of life one year later, focusing on a significant improvement of 4 points in their upper limb function scores. Who this helps: This helps children with wrist fractures and their families by identifying the most effective treatment method.

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This study examined a new type of CT scanner that uses cadmium-zinc-telluride (CZT) detectors for low-dose lung cancer screening. The researchers found that this new scanner produced clearer images with less noise compared to a traditional scanner, especially when using lower doses of radiation. Specifically, CZT scanners showed better performance in image clarity and consistency, making them promising for early lung cancer detection while reducing radiation exposure. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly those at risk of lung cancer, by providing safer and clearer screening options.

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This study compared two types of medical imaging scans, photon-counting CT (PCCT) and energy-integrating detector CT (EID-CT), to see which one uses radiation more efficiently, especially for obese patients. The researchers found that PCCT had significantly less noise in the images, which means clearer pictures, and could reduce radiation exposure by 33% for smaller waist sizes and 44% for larger waist sizes. This is important because it allows for safer imaging with less radiation while still providing high-quality images. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially those who are obese, by reducing their exposure to radiation during imaging.