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Science News for April 3, 2022


Leaks after left atrial appendage occlusion heighten stroke risk

A large study found that small to moderate-sized leaks after left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) procedures significantly increased the risk of adverse events such as clotting and bleeding in AFib patients. Researchers suggest optimizing device placement techniques and using newer devices may help minimize leaks and reduce stroke risk.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateApr 3, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Patiromer helps patients stay on optimal heart failure therapy

The study found that patiromer significantly lowers blood potassium levels in patients taking RAASi medications for heart failure. The results suggest that patiromer can be used to control excess potassium buildup in the blood, which is a common side effect of RAASi therapy.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateApr 3, 2022

Smartwatch app found to accurately detect atrial fibrillation

A smartwatch app was found to accurately detect atrial fibrillation in nearly 94% of users who followed up with a clinician. The study also screened participants for obstructive sleep apnea and found that those flagged for possible sleep apnea were 1.5 times more likely to have AFib.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateApr 3, 2022

Cleaner fuels from CO2 is the promise from the University of Surrey

The University of Surrey has developed a method to capture CO2 directly from the air and use dynamic catalysis to create carbon-negative methanol, which could offset the cost of direct air capture. The project aims to produce a valuable chemical that can help scale up direct air capture technology.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·DateApr 3, 2022

New study reveals insights into how early immune response defines severity of COVID-19

A new study by Princeton University researchers reveals that macrophages, a type of immune cell, are crucial in the early immune response to SARS-CoV-2. The study used humanized mice with human lung tissue and blood stem cells to investigate the role of macrophages and identified specific genes associated with an effective antiviral re...

SourcePrinceton University·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2022

Earliest record of a candidate aurora found in Chinese annals

A recent study published in Advances in Space Research has identified the earliest record of a candidate aurora in an ancient Chinese text, dated to 977-957 BCE. The 'five-coloured light' mentioned in the Bamboo Annals is consistent with a large geomagnetic storm and provides valuable insights into space weather variability.

SourceNagoya University·JournalAdvances in Space Research·TypeCase study·DateApr 3, 2022
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

SLN360 markedly reduces lipoprotein(a), an important cause of heart disease

Researchers found that SLN360, an experimental siRNA therapy, significantly reduced blood levels of lipoprotein(a), a lesser-known driver of heart disease risk. Participants who received higher doses saw their lipoprotein(a) levels drop by up to 98% and remained lower even after five months.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateApr 3, 2022

Mineral supplement could stop fatty liver disease progression

A preclinical study found that mice fed a high-fat diet and given the mineral supplement Aquamin did not develop liver cancer, unlike those without the supplement. The researchers observed a dramatic reduction in late-stage consequences of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in animals receiving the supplement.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 3, 2022
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.

Advice on how to use digital devices to detect and manage arrhythmias published today

A new consensus document provides practical guidance on using digital devices to monitor heart rhythm and rate. Digital devices can detect asymptomatic arrhythmias that can be treated, such as atrial fibrillation, which increases stroke risk. Experts advise patients and doctors to use devices correctly and establish a management plan.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEP Europace·DateApr 3, 2022

Vupanorsen achieves modest reduction in Non-HDL cholesterol

Vupanorsen, an experimental drug targeting non-HDL cholesterol, showed modest reductions in Non-HDL cholesterol by up to 28%, triglycerides by up to 57%, and angiopoietin-like 3 (ANGPTL3) levels by up to 95% in patients with high cholesterol.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalCirculation·DateApr 3, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Electronic alert improves guideline adherence for heart failure treatment

A new study found that customized digital alerts via an electronic health record system significantly increased the number of guideline-directed medications prescribed for heart failure patients. The alerts improved medication use by over a quarter of patients, translating to one medication addition per every 14 alerts received.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateApr 3, 2022

Cleveland Clinic-led trial finds that experimental ‘gene silencing’ therapy reduces lipoprotein(a), an important risk factor of heart disease, by up to 98%

A Cleveland Clinic-led trial found that an experimental 'gene silencing' therapy significantly reduced blood levels of lipoprotein(a), a key driver of heart disease risk, by up to 96%-98%. The therapy targets the gene responsible for Lp(a) production and has shown strong efficacy with no major safety concerns reported.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateApr 3, 2022

Personalized, in-store nutritional intervention boosts diet quality

A study presented at the American College of Cardiology's Annual Scientific Session found that personalized nutrition education in grocery stores significantly improved DASH diet adherence. Participants who received six one-on-one sessions with a dietitian showed an average increase of 4.7 points on their DASH scores.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateApr 3, 2022
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.