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Science News for May 15, 2021


Shrinking planets could explain mystery of universe's missing worlds

Researchers investigating the 'radius gap' in exoplanet sizes found that younger mini-Neptunes shrink drastically over billions of years, leaving behind solid cores and becoming super-Earths. As planets age, their gas is stripped away, shifting the radius gap between rocky super-Earths and larger, gas-shrouded planets.

SourceSimons Foundation·JournalThe Astronomical Journal·DateMay 15, 2021

Early biomarker warning of heart disease for diabetic patients

Researchers at Newcastle University discovered that tiny pieces of genetic material, miR-424-5p, increase in early stages of heart disease in type 1 diabetes patients. This biomarker has the potential to define additional therapeutic options to help patients with type 1 diabetes.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalStem Cell Research & Therapy·DateMay 15, 2021
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Left atrial appendage occlusion associated with low rate of stroke

The study analyzed over 36,000 LAAO procedures performed with the WATCHMAN device in older, higher-risk patients with atrial fibrillation. At one year, the estimated 1.53% ischemic stroke rate was lower than predicted by stroke risk scores, suggesting effective stroke prevention.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMay 15, 2021

Left atrial appendage occlusion reduces stroke after heart surgery

Researchers found that left atrial appendage occlusion significantly reduced stroke risk by 33% in patients with AFib or atrial flutter. The procedure, performed during heart surgery, added less than 10 minutes to the operation and demonstrated long-term safety.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 15, 2021
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Simple surgery prevents strokes in heart patients

A large international study led by McMaster University found that removing the left atrial appendage significantly cuts the risk of strokes by more than one-third in patients with atrial fibrillation. The procedure is simple, quick, and safe for the majority of heart surgery patients with this condition.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 15, 2021

Low- and high-dose aspirin achieve similar protection, safety for those with heart disease

A study presented at ACC.21 found that low- and high-dose aspirin achieved similar health benefits for those with cardiovascular disease, including reduced death and hospitalization rates. However, the higher dose group was more likely to switch doses and discontinue use due to tolerability concerns.

SourcePatient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 15, 2021

Apixaban not superior to standard care after TAVR

Researchers found that apixaban reduced blood clot formation around implanted valves with no increased bleeding risk. However, a subset of patients showed higher rates of non-cardiovascular death without anticoagulation indication.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMay 15, 2021
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