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New $3.1M NIH grant for University of Houston to study how ‘spongy heart’ disease develops — and whether it can be stopped

University of Houston researcher Mingfu Wu has received a $3.1 million NIH grant to investigate left ventricular noncompaction, a serious heart condition that can lead to heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms. The study aims to uncover a common mechanism behind different genetic causes of LVNC and potentially identify new targets fo...

Loberamisal for acute ischemic stroke

A study published in JAMA found that intravenous loberamisal increased the proportion of patients with acute ischemic stroke achieving full functional outcomes at 90 days. The treatment resulted in a higher proportion of patients regaining full functional abilities compared to placebo.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateSep 10, 2026

Is stroke risk higher after a cancer diagnosis?

New research reveals a significant increase in stroke risk within 3 months of cancer diagnosis, with pancreatic and lung cancers showing the highest rates. The study, published in CANCER, found that younger patients and those with advanced cancer are particularly at risk.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateSep 9, 2026

Why some stroke patients fare better than others

A new study from the University of Colorado Boulder reveals how the brain's defense mechanism can backfire, forming micro-clots that damage tissue after the original clot is gone. This phenomenon, known as no reflow, affects up to 50% of stroke patients and can lead to long-term disability or death.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 2, 2026

How does acupuncture affect motor function after a stroke?

A new study demonstrates that acupuncture can significantly improve muscle function recovery in patients who experienced a stroke. The true-acupoint group showed significant improvements in motor recovery tests, with positive correlations between increases in gray matter volume and limb motor function recovery.

SourceWiley·JournalCNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics·DateJun 3, 2026

New global analysis confirms alcohol’s complex relationship with health: clear cancer risks and chronic liver diseases at any level, mixed evidence for other cardiometabolic conditions

The study found high-risk associations between alcohol use and all ten cancers examined, with risk increasing progressively as intake rose. Low-to-moderate drinking was associated with lower disease risk for type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, ischemic heart disease, and stroke.

AI model predicts 10-year stroke risk based on routine cardiology test

A new AI model, ECG2Stroke, can predict the risk of a stroke up to 10 years into the future using only electrocardiogram (ECG) data and a patient's age and sex. The model was trained on over 200,000 patients and showed accuracy in predicting cardioembolic strokes, which are preventable with blood thinners.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 14, 2026

AI assisted tool linked to improved stroke care and outcomes

A clinical decision support system using AI-assisted imaging analysis and evidence-based treatment recommendations showed better quality care and long-term outcomes for patients with acute ischemic stroke. The tool reduced new vascular events by 26% at three months and maintained the reduction at 12 months.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 20, 2026

Low-intensity treadmill exercise preconditioning mitigates post-stroke injury in mouse models

A study published in Translational Exercise Biomedicine found that low-intensity treadmill exercise preconditioning significantly reduced brain injury and improved neurological outcomes after ischemic stroke in mouse models. The exercise group showed lower infarct size, increased microvessel density, and reduced inflammation.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalTranslational Exercise Biomedicine·TypeNews article·DateMar 4, 2026

GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic could cut risk of major heart complications after heart attack, study finds

GLP-1 weight-loss drugs may prevent further tissue damage following a heart attack, significantly reducing the risk of further life-threatening complications. Researchers found that these drugs improve blood flow to the heart by activating potassium channels, relaxing constricted blood vessels and reducing heart damage risk.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2026

New-onset nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy and initiators of semaglutide in US veterans with type 2 diabetes

A nationwide cohort study found that semaglutide initiators had a significantly higher risk of developing nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy compared to sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor initiators. The absolute risk was low, but clinicians and patients should be aware of this rare but evident increased risk.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateFeb 12, 2026

Study reveals new cellular mechanisms that allow the most common chronic cardiac arrhythmia to persist in the heart

Researchers identify non-contractile cell populations and their role in sustaining atrial fibrillation, a persistent and challenging-to-treat cardiac arrhythmia. The study provides insight into the cellular mechanisms involved and suggests new therapeutic strategies targeting these components.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalCirculation Research·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 12, 2026

Stroke survivors miss critical treatment, face greater disability due to systemic transfer delays

A new study suggests that gaps in the nation's stroke transfer system reduce survivors' chances of receiving critical treatment and increase disability. Patients with longer delays in hospital transfer experienced worse disability after their stroke, highlighting missed opportunities for many stroke patients.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 21, 2026

Intense light therapy may lower risk of myocardial injuries after non-cardiac surgery

A study published in Annals of Translational Medicine found that intense light therapy can lower troponin levels and increase ANGPTL4 protein, protecting heart tissue. The treatment may reduce the risk of myocardial injuries after non-cardiac surgery, which affects 20% of patients and increases one-year mortality rates.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalAnnals of Translational Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateSep 4, 2025

Centuries after discovery, red blood cells still hold surprises

Researchers at University of Pennsylvania discover red blood cells contribute to clot contraction, shrinking and stabilizing blood clots. The finding opens door to new strategies for studying and treating clotting disorders, such as excessive bleeding or dangerous clots like those seen in strokes.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalBlood Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 6, 2025

Brain Network Disorders review highlights role of JAK2 pathway in worsening ischemic stroke outcomes

The JAK2-STAT3 pathway contributes to inflammation and injury after ischemic stroke. Targeting this pathway shows promise for reducing brain swelling, neuronal death, and improving recovery. Several inhibitors have been found effective in preclinical models, including Tyrphostin AG490, Ruxolitinib, and natural compounds like genistein.

SourceBrain Network Disorders Editorial Office·JournalBrain Network Disorders·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 4, 2025

Researchers advocate for stronger blood clot prevention measures after leg artery procedures in high-risk patients

Patients with chronic limb-threatening ischaemia (CLTI) are at risk of serious complications, including major amputations and heart attacks. A new statement from the European Society of Cardiology recommends using dual pathway inhibition (DPI) to prevent blood clots in CLTI patients after leg artery procedures.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateJun 19, 2025

Family Heart Foundation announces results of real-world study in 273,770 individuals with cardiovascular disease demonstrating that risk of subsequent cardiovascular event increases with rising lipoprotein(a) levels

A study of 273,770 individuals with cardiovascular disease found that increasing lipoprotein(a) levels significantly increases the risk of subsequent cardiovascular events. Treatment with high-impact LDL-C lowering therapies may help reduce this risk.

SourceFamily Heart Foundation·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 7, 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

Impaired gastric myoelectrical rhythms associated with altered autonomic functions in patients with severe ischemic stroke

Patients with severe ischemic stroke show impaired gastric motility and autonomic dysfunction, with reduced normal gastric slow waves and increased sympathetic activity. These findings suggest a link between gastric myoelectrical rhythms and autonomic function in ischemic stroke.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Translational Gastroenterology·DateMar 17, 2025

UCalgary researchers confirm best approach for stroke in medium-sized blood vessels

UCalgary researchers confirm that endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is not effective for patients with blockages in medium-sized blood vessels. The ESCAPE-MeVO clinical trial found no improvement in outcomes for these patients compared to standard care. EVT was previously shown to improve patient outcomes after large-vessel strokes.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 6, 2025