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Science News for March 29, 2014


Renal denervation shows no benefit in resistant hypertension

A large randomized trial found that renal denervation did not significantly lower systolic blood pressure in patients with severe resistant hypertension. Despite rigorous design and blinding, the treatment failed to meet primary efficacy goals, highlighting the need for further research.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 29, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Fewer deaths with self-expanding TAVR versus surgery at 1 year

A study found that self-expanding TAVR significantly lowers death rates compared to traditional surgical valve replacement in high-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis. The treatment resulted in lower all-cause mortality and heart attack/stroke-related deaths at one year.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 29, 2014

Study finds astronauts' hearts become more spherical in space

The study found the heart becomes more spherical by 9.4% in microgravity, similar to predicted models, and may benefit certain cardiovascular patients on Earth. The temporary shape change appears after spaceflight, but long-term health effects are unknown.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 29, 2014

Too many diet drinks may spell heart trouble for older women

A large study found that postmenopausal women who consume two or more diet drinks per day are 30% more likely to have a cardiovascular event and 50% more likely to die from related disease. The association persists even after adjusting for other risk factors.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 29, 2014

Daylight saving impacts the timing of heart attacks

A new study found a 25% jump in heart attacks on Mondays after springing forward and a 21% drop on Tuesdays after falling back. Researchers suggest that the time change may alter the timing of when heart attacks occur, potentially putting vulnerable individuals at greater risk.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 29, 2014
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Efforts to curb hospital readmissions take center stage

Researchers focus on identifying vulnerable patients, early follow-up, medication, and engagement to lower readmission rates. Studies show that starting ACE inhibitors or ARBs prior to discharge and using risk stratification tools can significantly reduce 30-day readmissions.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 29, 2014

Role of type-2 astrocytes on the repair of spinal cord injury

A study found that co-culturing dorsal root ganglion neurons with type-2 astrocytes increases neuronal survival rates and process lengths. However, the effect is weaker compared to type-1 astrocytes and oligodendrocyte precursor cells.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateMar 29, 2014

A new study shows that even micro heart attacks are a major problem

Researchers used cardiac magnetic resonance imaging to identify patients with mild heart disease who were at high risk of developing more serious heart problems. The study found that these patients had nearly three times the likelihood of experiencing a major cardiac event over time compared to those without a mild heart attack.

SourceMinneapolis Heart Institute Foundation·DateMar 29, 2014
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Analysis supports use of risk equations to guide statin therapy

A new analysis found that using risk equations can help guide statin therapy for heart disease patients, suggesting they are helpful for clinical decision making. The study also suggests the Pooled Cohort risk equations are valid for informing clinical management decisions.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMar 29, 2014

Efforts to curb hospital readmissions take center stage

Researchers have identified key strategies to reduce hospital readmissions for heart failure patients, including starting ACE inhibitors or ARBs prior to discharge, analyzing demographic risk factors, and using automated tools to predict individual risk. These innovative approaches aim to improve patient outcomes and alleviate economic...

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 29, 2014
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Are statins good for your love life?

Researchers found that statins significantly improve erectile function in men with both high cholesterol and erectile dysfunction. Erectile function scores increased by 24.3% in men taking statins, outperforming lifestyle modifications. The study suggests that statins may help improve blood flow to the penis and reduce symptoms of ED.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 29, 2014