Simulated space radiation may damage rat hearts long after exposure

Researchers develop method to preserve donor hearts for more than 24 hours, a major improvement over current six-hour time window. The new approach uses normothermic ex-vivo heart perfusion and has shown strong improvements in extending the shelf-life of donor hearts.

Researchers have identified hundreds of genes and microproteins specific to human hearts, which are also abnormally expressed in heart failure. These findings provide new insights into cardiac disease and suggest potential targets for therapy.

A new molecular process discovered by researchers contributes to the failure of donor hearts after transplant, but a therapy using medication for high blood pressure has been found to reduce damage. The treatment significantly improves the function of donor hearts and increases their distance in cold storage.

Advances in pediatric heart care have increased survival rates, but a shortage of donor hearts means many children still die waiting. Experts urge a shift from 'perfect' donor hearts to carefully selected organs and technological innovations to expand the donor pool.

Researchers developed a novel rat model that closely replicates human COPD-associated cor pulmonale, exhibiting chronic lung inflammation, pulmonary hypertension, and right ventricular hypertrophy. The model provides insights into the underlying mechanisms of disease progression and potential therapeutic targets.

Researchers discovered how urban rat migration spreads leptospirosis, a deadly disease, and developed a novel technique for testing rat kidneys. The study used advanced molecular techniques to analyze DNA from 328 rat kidney samples collected from 17 sites in Boston, finding that 59 rats were positive for Leptospira bacteria.