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Lowering LDL, the earlier the better

New research shows that lowering LDL cholesterol beginning early in life can lead to a significant reduction in the risk of coronary heart disease. The study found that a consistent 50-60% reduction in CHD risk was associated with each 1 mmol/L lower lifetime exposure to LDL cholesterol.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 26, 2012

Study shows electron-beam irradiation reduces virus-related health risk in lettuce, spinach

A study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology found that electron-beam irradiation can inactivate viruses on leafy greens, reducing the risk of foodborne illness. The research provides quantified data on the reduction in health risks through this technology, which could lead to greater adoption in the fresh produce industry.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateFeb 6, 2012

Limiting protein or certain amino acids before surgery may reduce risk of surgical complications

A new Harvard School of Public Health study found that limiting protein or certain amino acids before surgery can reduce the risk of serious surgical complications. The study used mice and found that restricting these nutrients can increase stress resistance and prevent injuries to the kidneys and liver.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 25, 2012

Cobblestones fool innate immunity

Scientists at the University of Gothenburg create a nanostructured surface on implants, fooling the innate immune system and reducing rejection rates. The unique surface mimics natural structures, allowing the body to integrate foreign objects more easily.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalInternational Journal of Nanomedicine·DateNov 29, 2011

Study finds online marketplaces overplay safeguards and ignore social aspects of transactions

A recent study by Temple University researchers found that online marketplaces like eBay and Amazon prioritize risk reduction over social aspects of transactions. The authors analyzed buyer data to gauge assessments of online safeguards, finding that economic risk is a significant consideration only in moderately risky markets.

SourceTemple University·JournalInformation Systems Research·DateNov 23, 2011

Testing geoengineering

A team of researchers used modeling to determine the type of testing that might be effective in future solar radiation management. Short-term tests could help inform decisions about larger scale deployments, but would require several decades and extrapolation to centuries-long time scales.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateOct 26, 2011

Analysis of over 10,000 breast cancer patients shows that, following breast conserving surgery, radiotherapy almost halves 10-year-risk of recurrence, and reduces 15-year-risk of mortality by a sixth

A large study of over 10,000 breast cancer patients found that radiotherapy significantly reduces the risk of cancer recurrence and mortality. The study found that radiotherapy almost halves the 10-year-risk of recurrence and reduces the 15-year-risk of mortality by a sixth

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 19, 2011

Higher quality diet associated with reduced risk of some birth defects

A study found that pregnant women with better maternal diet quality had a lower risk of birth defects, including neural tube defects and orofacial clefts. The research used data from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study to examine whether better maternal diet quality was associated with reduced risk for selected birth defects.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateOct 3, 2011

Just 15 minutes of physical activity per day reduces risk of death by 14 percent and increases life expectancy by 3 years

A study published in The Lancet found that just 15 minutes of daily physical activity can reduce the risk of death by 14% and increase life expectancy by 3 years. This benefit applies to all age groups and both sexes, with a significant reduction in mortality rates from cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 15, 2011

Folate intake may reduce colorectal cancer risk

A large cohort study found that high folate intake was associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer. The study also distinguished between natural and synthetic forms of folate and found no increased risk among participants consuming high levels of folate through supplements or fortification.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateJul 5, 2011

Non-invasive ventilation as a weaning or rescue technique may cut risks in some patients

A study found that non-invasive ventilation used as a weaning technique can shorten intubation time and reduce the risk of post-extubation acute respiratory failure. Additionally, NIV used as a rescue therapy significantly reduces the risk of reintubation and death in patients with chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJun 10, 2011

Peripheral venous catheters pose infection risk

A new study from Rhode Island Hospital estimates that over 1 in 10 catheter-related bloodstream infections due to Staph aureus in hospitalized adults are caused by infected peripheral venous catheters. The study highlights the substantial medical burden of complications from these infections.

SourceLifespan·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateMay 3, 2011