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Cold and room-temperature platelets in cardiac surgery

Researchers found that cold storage platelets (CSPs) can control active surgical bleeding as effectively as room temperature platelets (RTPs), with potential benefits including reduced wastage and increased platelet availability. CSPs may also enable platelet incorporation into inventory at locations with limited shelf life for RTPs.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateAug 17, 2026

Scientists discover an antidote to lethal snake bites that comes straight from the source

Researchers found specific combinations of blood proteins from western diamondback rattlesnakes provided unprecedented neutralizing power against multiple dangerous snake species. Combining several FETUA proteins dramatically increased ability to neutralize venom's damaging effects.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2026

Low-dose triple-pill cut risk of recurrent stroke by about 40%, global trial shows

A global trial involving 1,670 patients with intracerebral haemorrhage found that treatment with a single pill combination of three low-dose blood pressure medicines reduced the risk of another stroke by 39%. The study showed significant benefits in reducing major cardiovascular events and improving blood pressure control.

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 22, 2026

Romiplostim prevents serious side effect of chemotherapy in phase 3 trial

A phase 3 clinical trial by Mass General Brigham reveals romiplostim's ability to prevent chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia, allowing full-dose chemotherapy delivery. The medication boosts bone marrow's resistance to chemotherapy, reducing the risk of life-threatening bleeding and improving cancer treatment outcomes.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 12, 2026

Aspirin not a quick fix for preventing bowel cancer

Daily aspirin use offers no quick or reliable way to prevent bowel cancer in the general population, increasing risk of serious bleeding. However, it may have potential long-term benefits for people at high genetic risk of colorectal cancer.

SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 25, 2026

Novel AI model accurately detects placenta accreta in pregnancy before delivery, new research shows

A novel AI model has been developed to accurately detect placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) in pregnancy, a life-threatening condition often undetected by current screening methods. The model was retrospectively reviewed on 2D obstetric ultrasound images from 113 patients at high risk for PAS and found to be accurate in detecting all cases.

SourceSociety for Maternal-Fetal Medicine·JournalPregnancy·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 12, 2026

Drug developed for inherited bleeding disorder shows promising trial results

A new study found that engasertib reduced nosebleed frequency and duration in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), a rare inherited bleeding disorder. The trial also showed improved symptoms and safety profile for the drug, paving the way for its potential use as a treatment option.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 26, 2025

A bioadhesive sponge inspired by mussels and extracellular matrix offers a new way to stop internal bleeding

Researchers developed a composite bioabsorbable hemostatic sponge inspired by mussels and extracellular matrix. The sponge quickly absorbs blood and firmly adheres to tissues, enhancing hemostatic performance. It promotes wound stabilization, accelerates blood clotting, and reduces inflammation and tissue damage.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·DateOct 14, 2025

Nearly 1 in 6 older adults take aspirin despite no history of heart disease

A study of over 2,500 adults aged 50-80 found that nearly 1 in 6 take aspirin for cardiovascular protection without a history of heart disease. Despite revised guidelines reducing aspirin use for primary prevention after age 70, many patients are unaware of the increased risk of bleeding.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 2, 2025

Large global study links severe bleeding after childbirth to increased risk of cardiovascular disease

A large global study found that women who experience severe bleeding after childbirth face an increased risk of cardiovascular conditions, including heart failure and ischemic heart disease, for up to 15 years. The study analyzed data from over 9.7 million women across Europe, North America, and Asia.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalThe Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 25, 2025

Rethinking stroke risk in patients with atherosclerotic carotid stenosis

A multicenter study found that radiologically unstable plaque, particularly intraplaque hemorrhage, significantly increases the risk of ischemic stroke and ocular symptoms in patients with symptomatic mild carotid stenosis. Surgical intervention, such as carotid endarterectomy, may be a protective factor for these patients.

SourceUniversity of Toyama·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·TypeObservational study·DateApr 24, 2025

Studies find sex-based disparities in transfusion of whole blood in traumatically injured patients

A new study published in Transfusion journal reveals sex-based disparities in the transfusion of whole blood to traumatically injured patients. Women, particularly younger females and those of childbearing potential, are less likely to receive whole blood transfusions compared to men. This disparity is despite whole blood being associa...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalTransfusion·DateApr 11, 2025

Experts challenge aspirin guidelines based on their undue reliance on a flawed trial

Researchers from Florida Atlantic University challenge the current aspirin guidelines based on a flawed trial, advocating for healthcare providers to make individual clinical judgments about prescribing aspirin. They stress that patients should consult their primary care provider to balance the benefits of clot prevention against bleed...

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalClinical Trials·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateApr 2, 2025

Clotting factor concentrate better than frozen plasma for preventing bleeding after heart surgery, according to clinical trial results

A clinical trial has shown that administering clotting factor concentrate (4F-PCC) significantly reduces the risk of severe bleeding after major open-heart surgery. This innovative treatment approach offers a more effective alternative to frozen plasma for managing surgical bleeding.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalJAMA·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 1, 2025

Low-dose apixiban comparable to full dose for preventing VTE recurrence in patients with cancer

A new study has found that a lower dose of the blood-thinning medication apixaban is as effective as the full dose in preventing recurring blood clots in patients with active cancer. Patients who received the lower dose experienced fewer bleeding complications and similar VTE recurrence rates compared to those on the standard dose.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 29, 2025

Are you just tired or are you menopause tired?

A new study has found that heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding during the menopause transition increases the risk of fatigue, with one in three women experiencing abnormal uterine bleeding. The study suggests greater clinical awareness is needed for bleeding changes during this life stage, especially when fatigue is reported.

SourceThe Menopause Society·JournalMenopause·TypeSurvey·DateMar 12, 2025

Nearly half of adults mistakenly think benefits of daily aspirin outweigh risks

A new survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center finds that nearly half of US adults incorrectly think taking a daily low-dose aspirin reduces heart attack and stroke risk. The survey reveals significant gaps in understanding about aspirin use among older adults, with younger respondents more likely to correctly assess the risks.