This special issue highlights promising research projects developing scalable digital technology solutions for improved heart and brain health. Smartphone-based assessments and point-of-care echocardiography have shown promise in diverse populations, including those with latent rheumatic heart disease and dementia.
A new AI platform matches cardiologists in detecting rheumatic heart disease, demonstrating its potential to prevent hundreds of thousands of unnecessary deaths worldwide annually. The AI algorithm identified mitral regurgitation in up to 90% of children with RHD, making it a promising tool for early detection and treatment.
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Researchers found a shared genetic trait that predicts a higher risk of small lung vessel disease and its severe form, pulmonary arterial hypertension. This discovery could lead to personalized treatments for patients with limited oxygen response.
A biorobotic heart with a silicone robotic pump system can mimic the structure and function of a healthy or diseased heart. The device allows surgeons and researchers to demonstrate various interventions while collecting real-time data, bridging gaps between current simulators and animal studies.
A nationwide Danish study found a slightly increased risk of arrhythmia in patients taking medical cannabis for chronic pain. The risk was more than twice that of those not receiving cannabis, with the largest increases observed in older adults and those with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.
A new study found that paying doctors to visit rural areas is a cost-effective way to provide reasonable access and effective care. The study estimates the financial costs of mitigating cardiologist shortages by studying outreach patterns over 30 years in Iowa.
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Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.
Researchers found that people with noncommunicable diseases experienced greater psychological distress, increased alcohol consumption, and disrupted medical care. Those with NCDs were more likely to report anxiety, depression, and difficulty accessing non-COVID medical care.
The American Heart Association has made significant medical advancements over the past 100 years, including the development of artificial heart valves and implantable pacemakers. The organization continues to work towards health equity, with a focus on removing barriers to healthcare for diverse populations.
A recent study published by the Mayo Clinic found that an AI-enabled digital stethoscope can detect peripartum cardiomyopathy, a potentially life-threatening condition, more accurately than regular care. The researchers identified twice as many cases using the AI-powered tool.
A new study has identified genetic variants that protect against pericarditis, a disease characterized by inflammation of the heart's surrounding sac. The findings provide important insights into the pathogenesis of the disease and suggest that interleukin-1 may be an important contributor to pericarditis.
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Researchers at UNIST developed a novel one-pot process for growing Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus, a predatory bacterium with potential as 'living antibiotics'. This approach eliminated the need for multiple vessels and reduced growth time by over 50%, enabling large-scale cultivation without compromising efficacy.
Research found that having high cholesterol and blood pressure before age 55 significantly increases the risk of heart disease in later life. The study's results show a lasting impact on cardiovascular health, even if levels are lowered subsequently.
Researchers at MMRI have developed a novel approach to minimize cardiac damage after a heart attack by targeting the spleen with histone deacetylase inhibitors. This targeting strategy results in a significant decrease in cardiac scar size and preservation of heart function, even after just one dose.
A recent study published in EBioMedicine found that yellow fever virus causes myocardial fibrosis, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, and vascular endothelium alterations, leading to cardiac conduction system disruption. The research provides new insights into the pathogenesis of YF-associated heart injury.
A new study found that one in six elite athletes have reduced heart function and an enrichment of genes associated with heart muscle disease. The research highlights the need for closer monitoring of these athletes' heart health, as their genetic makeup may be 'stressed' by exercise to cause profound heart changes.
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A study found that the common drug Entresto (sacubitril/valsartan) increases plasma Aβ42 and Aβ40 levels in patients with cardiac failure, making them falsely positive on a debated Alzheimer's blood test. This could lead to misclassification of patients as having Alzheimer's disease.
A new study by UCL researchers suggests that a vest mapping the heart's electrical activity could help identify people at high risk of sudden cardiac death. The electrocardiographic imaging (ECGI) vest combines signals with MRI images to generate 3D models, potentially predicting risk factors for life-threatening heart rhythms.
Research suggests that childhood sedentariness contributes to elevated cholesterol levels and premature heart attack or stroke in mid-life. Engaging in light physical activity for 3-4 hours/day may be effective in reducing high cholesterol.
A new study by NYU Langone Health found that patients from lower socioeconomic areas were less likely to fill their heart-failure medications, highlighting the importance of neighborhood-level interventions to improve access to lifesaving drugs. The research team plans to explore additional barriers, such as cost and language barriers,...
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Researchers discovered that Nectandrin B, a bioactive lignan compound from nutmeg, extends the lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster by as much as 42.6%. The study found that Nectandrin B reduces intracellular ROS levels and improves age-related symptoms such as locomotive deterioration and neurodegeneration.
Research from the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that poor diet quality among adolescents is associated with cardiometabolic risk factors, including obesity and related diseases. The study suggests that promoting nutrition knowledge is necessary to prevent these health risks.
Researchers identify memory CD8 T cells as potential therapeutic targets for atherosclerosis in aging. The study shows that these immune cells enhance plaque buildup in the arteries of aged mice, which could lead to heart attacks and strokes.
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Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
Researchers found that statin therapy reduced mortality and disease risk among people with chronic kidney disease and frailty, regardless of age-related health conditions. The studies provide additional context to the debate about initiating statin use in people at high risk for heart disease.
A new study finds that consuming more oily fish like salmon and mackerel can lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases in people with a family history. The research suggests that these fatty acids EPA/DHA play a crucial role in mitigating this risk, especially for those with close relatives who have suffered from cardiovascular disease.
A secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial found that cardiovascular disease mortality was similar among individuals with hypertension receiving diuretics, calcium channel blockers, or ACE inhibitors. However, ACE inhibitors were associated with an increased risk of stroke outcomes by 11% compared to diuretics.
Researchers have developed a new method, SECRE, to identify genetic regulators of cytokine secretion in autoimmune diseases. The technique has been validated on cells known to play a crucial role in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and shows promising results for treating conditions with few therapeutic options.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine reveals a stagnation in cardiovascular health trends among middle-aged adults, with low-income individuals facing higher rates of hypertension and other risk factors. The research highlights the need to address social determinants of health contributing to these disparities.
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Thirty-two institutions earned the SET-10 distinction, with top ten recognized globally for their dedication to advancing scientific knowledge in interventional cardiovascular medicine. The rankings span six categories and acknowledge excellence within and outside the United States.
A large Asian cohort study identified systolic blood pressure targets below 130 mmHg and diastolic targets between 80-89 mmHg as key to reducing cardiovascular mortality. The findings underscore the need for cautious blood pressure management in patients with diabetes.
Researchers found that higher alcohol consumption is associated with biological age acceleration and hypertension in middle-aged and older adults, but not in young adults. The study suggests that alcohol consumption may mediate the association between alcohol intake and quantitative traits like hypertension.
The COVID-19 pandemic and drug overdose epidemic significantly contributed to the widening gender gap in US life expectancy. Chronic metabolic disease and mental illness are also thought to play a role in the growing disparity.
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Researchers developed a deep convolutional neural network to pinpoint cardiac catheter tip locations in photoacoustic images, achieving high precision and recall. The approach has the potential to replace fluoroscopy during cardiac interventions, leading to safer procedures.
A 20% reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events has been observed for patients with obesity but no history of diabetes taking semaglutide. This study marks a significant milestone, demonstrating the cardiovascular benefits of semaglutide beyond its weight loss effects.
A new study suggests that a PCSK9 inhibitor given every 1-3 months may effectively lower bad cholesterol levels in people with non-genetic hypercholesterolemia. The medication, recaticimab, showed similar effectiveness and safety as other PCSK9 inhibitors when administered less frequently.
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Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.
A phase 1 trial shows that a single dose of lepodisiran can reduce blood levels of lipoprotein(a) by up to 96%, a key driver of heart disease risk. The therapy, which blocks the production of lipoprotein(a), is well-tolerated and has long-lasting effects.
A new therapeutic, lepodisiran, has shown promising results in reducing lipoprotein(a) levels to undetectable levels for nearly one year. The study found that the medication is safe and effective in lowering Lp(a) levels by more than 94%.
The Genes & Health study has enrolled its 10th participant in a gene-editing clinical trial for heart disease, specifically familial hypercholesterolemia. This milestone marks an important step towards improving health outcomes for people of Pakistani and Bangladeshi descent.
A clinical trial found that high levels of anti-Ro/SSA antibodies in pregnant women are associated with an increased risk of fetal atrioventricular block (AVB), a condition that can be fatal. Home-based fetal heart rate monitoring reliably detects conduction abnormalities, potentially reducing the need for serial echocardiograms.
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A new study finds that people with antibodies to common foods like dairy and peanuts are at a higher risk of cardiovascular-related death. The research suggests that these subtle immune responses may lead to inflammation and contribute to heart disease over time.
A new study found that workplaces implementing flexible work arrangements can reduce employees' cardiometabolic risk, equivalent to a reduction of 5-10 years in age-related changes. The intervention had no negative impact on productivity and was particularly beneficial for low- and middle-wage workers.
A large US study found that persistent tobacco use and prediabetes significantly increase the risk of stroke in young adults without other cardiovascular risk factors. Quitting smoking is crucial for preventing stroke and heart disease, especially among those with prediabetes.
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Two reproductive health conditions, polycystic ovary syndrome and dysmenorrhea, are linked to increased cardiovascular disease risk in women. Studies suggest that girls with polycystic ovary syndrome have a 30% higher risk of high blood pressure, while women with dysmenorrhea are twice as likely to experience ischemic heart disease.
A recent meta-analysis found that women in low- and middle-income countries are disproportionately affected by obesity, with risks ranging from 2-3 times higher than men. This disparity is most pronounced in the Sub-Saharan region, where women are up to 10 times more likely to have obesity.
Dr. Yibin Wang will be recognized for his commitment to learning more about the genetic, molecular and cellular mechanisms behind cardiovascular disease. His research has directly contributed to many clinical studies and new trials for heart diseases.
The study analyzed global data from the past three decades, revealing an overall increase in hypertensive heart disease (HHD) prevalence but a decrease in mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). The burden of HHD is particularly concerning for healthcare systems due to higher prevalence with lower mortality rates.
Researchers developed a novel wearable ECG patch with active dry electrodes that improves upon traditional Ag/AgCl electrodes by increasing user comfort, reducing skin irritation, and enhancing diagnostic accuracy. The compact and lightweight design enables continuous monitoring and remote sensing capabilities.
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A large-scale study found that replacing sedentary time with physical activity reduces the risk of coronary heart disease, especially in individuals at high genetic risk. The study analyzed data from over 77,000 participants and found that even small amounts of physical activity can lower relative risk.
A new analysis of 50 years of data found that pregnant people who gained more than the recommended amount of weight had a higher risk of death from heart disease or diabetes in the decades following. Higher risk was found for all weight groups studied, but no increase in risk was uncovered among those who were obese.
Researchers found that Porphyromonas gingivalis inhibits autophagosome-lysosome fusion, worsening cardiac remodeling and causing cardiac rupture after myocardial infarction. The study suggests that treating this oral infection could help prevent fatal heart attacks.
Jinglei Ping, a UMass Amherst engineering professor, has received a $1.9 million grant to investigate a new method of regulating exosome traffic using electronic signals. This approach aims to control cell communication in cancer and heart disease research.
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The Kenyan government and food industry could save billions USD by implementing trans fat limits, which would also reduce heart disease cases and prevent deaths. Experts urge food manufacturers to prioritize consumer health by removing trans fats from products now.
A UCLA-led team has identified RBFox1, an RNA splicing regulator, as a key player in promoting human stem cell-derived heart muscle cell maturation. This finding offers a deeper understanding of heart muscle cell development and hints at future therapeutic applications for regenerative therapies.
A new study finds that short and long-term blood pressure fluctuations increase the risk of dementia and vascular problems in older people. Higher systolic BP variations are also linked with stiffening of the arteries, a key factor in heart disease.
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Researchers from the University of Virginia Health System have made significant discoveries about the genetic influences on fatty acid metabolism in diverse populations. The study found broad similarities among groups but also notable differences, highlighting the need for genetic studies in diverse groups.
A new study found that pre-pregnancy obesity is a primary driver of future cardiovascular disease risk, rather than pregnancy complications. The research followed 4,216 individuals from early pregnancy to postpartum and found those with overweight or obese BMI had a higher risk of developing hypertensive disorders during pregnancy.
A study of 23,000 adults found a significant link between depressive symptoms and increased mortality from cardiovascular disease. Public health efforts can support nationwide strategies to reduce depression's burden.
Researchers developed an AI tool that can detect valvular heart disease with 93% sensitivity and 98% specificity. The tool analyzes audio data from a short burst of sound vibrations using a contact microphone and neural networks, allowing for quick identification of five different valvular diseases.
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A real-world study confirms the reliability and effectiveness of the Pooled Cohort Equation (PCE) in assessing cardiovascular risk, regardless of statin use. The PCE performed well across different demographics and retained accuracy with measurement factors outside its original risk profile range.
A study published in Diabetes Care found that obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia alter cardiac energy production by interfering with metabolic substrate uptake. The research reveals early changes in apparently healthy middle-aged individuals, highlighting the importance of identifying mechanisms involved in heart disease onset.
A new study reveals that COVID-19 triggers a dangerous immune response in hardened fatty deposits lining the heart's largest blood vessels. This inflammation can lead to immediate and longer-lasting heart issues, including plaque rupture and blockage of blood flow.
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