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Medicaid expansion tied to improvements in blood pressure, glucose control

A new study found that Medicaid expansion is associated with reductions in uninsurance and improvements in blood pressure and glucose control measurements. The benefits were highest among Black and Hispanic patients. Longer-term investments into quality care and care management are necessary to realize these health outcomes.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 10, 2021
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Low-sodium salt prevents stroke

The Salt Substitute and Stroke Study found that replacing regular salt with low-sodium alternatives lowers the risk of stroke, cardiovascular events, and mortality. The study also showed no increased risk of serious adverse events related to hyperkalaemia, providing clear evidence for an effective and affordable intervention.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 30, 2021

Combo therapy cuts risk of heart attacks and strokes in half

A combination therapy of aspirin, statins, and at least two blood pressure medications cuts the risk of fatal cardiovascular disease by over half. The treatment strategy, known as a polypill, is consistent in benefits across different blood pressure levels, cholesterol levels, and diabetes status.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalThe Lancet·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 29, 2021

Pregnant women with COVID-19 face higher risk of pre-eclampsia, study shows

A review of scientific literature found pregnant women infected by SARS-CoV-2 have a higher risk of developing pre-eclampsia due to reduced ACE2 availability. ACE2 plays a crucial role in placental development, blood pressure control, and fetal development, making its impairment more susceptible to serious complications.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalClinical Science·DateAug 25, 2021
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Can isometric resistance training safely reduce high blood pressure?

A new study reveals isometric resistance training (IRT) as a safe and effective method for reducing high blood pressure. IRT, which involves contracting muscles without changing length, can lower office blood pressure by almost as much as blood pressure-lowering medications.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalHypertension Research·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 20, 2021

Study shows millets can reduce risk of developing cardiovascular disease

A new study found that consuming millets can significantly lower total cholesterol, triglycerides, and BMI, as well as decrease blood pressure in people who were overweight or obese. The study used meta-analysis to analyze data from 19 studies with nearly 900 participants.

SourceInternational Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 18, 2021

Heart Age Test a ‘wake up call’ for those at risk

A new study by Staffordshire University found that users of the Heart Age Test (HAT) were more likely to make healthy lifestyle changes. The test aims to provide early warning signs of cardiovascular disease, encouraging users to reduce their heart age through diet and exercise.

SourceStaffordshire University·TypeSurvey·DateAug 5, 2021
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Stroke treatment may backfire when kidneys don't work well

A new study found that intensive blood pressure-lowering therapy may harm patients with decreased kidney function after a stroke, whereas those with normal kidney function showed similar outcomes. The study suggests considering renal function when deciding optimal blood pressure ranges for each patient.

SourceNational Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center·JournalNeurology·DateJul 8, 2021

5-minute workout lowers blood pressure as much as exercise, drugs

A new study from the University of Colorado at Boulder found that a 5-minute daily workout can lower blood pressure and improve vascular health, comparable to traditional exercise or medication. The ultra-time-efficient maneuver, known as High-Resistance Inspiratory Muscle Strength Training (IMST), was developed for breathing muscles a...

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJun 29, 2021

No pressure: Maintaining normal BP over long term is the key to heart health, study finds

A recent study published in Chinese Medical Journal found that maintaining normal blood pressure over a long period of time significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. The study analyzed data from a 26-year follow-up of participants and found that cumulative blood pressure levels were a reliable measure of the risk of CVD.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·DateJun 28, 2021
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Exposure to homophobic attitudes linked to higher stress levels among sexual minorities

Research reveals that lesbian, gay and bisexual people who encounter homophobic attitudes experience significant increases in heart rate, blood pressure and stress hormones. The study found that perceived homophobia had a direct impact on physiological stress among sexual minorities, increasing systolic blood pressure during interviews.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalHealth Psychology·DateJun 21, 2021
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Researchers model impact of blood pressure control programs at barbershops nationwide

Researchers model the impact of implementing blood pressure control programs at barbershops nationwide, finding that such programs could reach one in three Black men with uncontrolled blood pressure. These community-based interventions would avert 8,600 major cardiovascular events annually, including 1,800 heart attacks and 5,500 strokes.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalCirculation·DateJun 14, 2021

Procedure using ultrasound energy found to treat high blood pressure

A global multicentre clinical trial found that a one-hour ultrasound-based procedure called 'renal denervation' significantly reduced blood pressure in resistant hypertension patients. The study, published in The Lancet, suggests this procedure could offer hope to patients who do not respond to recommended treatments.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 7, 2021
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Unexpected discovery opens a new way to regulate blood pressure

A recent study published in Nature Communications reveals that zinc plays a critical role in regulating blood pressure by triggering the relaxation of blood vessels. This discovery could lead to the development of new zinc-based blood pressure drugs, addressing the limitations of existing treatments for hypertension.

SourceLarner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 7, 2021

Faith-community nurses promote physical activity among congregants

A West Virginia University study shows that faith communities have the potential to promote physical wellbeing along with emotional or spiritual health. A 12-week program led by faith-community nurses encouraged better time management, provided participants with more energy, and improved comfort with exercise on a regular basis.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalJournal of Interprofessional Education & Practice·DateJun 2, 2021

Seeds of economic health disparities found in subsistence society

Researchers found a connection between high inequality in subsistence societies and increased blood pressure, as well as respiratory diseases like pneumonia. However, chronic conditions like hypertension and cardiovascular disease were less prevalent in these communities.

SourceWashington State University·DateJun 1, 2021
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Zapping nerves with ultrasound lowers drug-resistant blood pressure

A new study found that ultrasound treatment, called renal denervation, significantly lowered blood pressure in patients with drug-resistant hypertension. The procedure, which uses brief pulses of ultrasound to disrupt nerve signals, resulted in a 8-point drop in daytime blood pressure and an average decrease of 8.3 points at night.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 16, 2021

Have high blood pressure? You may want to check your meds

A new study reveals that nearly 1 in 5 adults with high blood pressure are taking medications that could elevate their blood pressure. Researchers identified three common culprits: antidepressants, NSAIDs, and oral steroids, which were reported by 9%, 7%, and 2% of participants, respectively.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMay 6, 2021

Cardiovascular risk factors appear early in Black women

A study found that Black women as young as their 20s and 30s show high rates of lifestyle-linked risk factors, including obesity and elevated blood pressure. The researchers call for preventive care and lifestyle changes among Black women under age 40 to mitigate the burden of heart disease.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMay 5, 2021
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Gender-affirming hormone therapy may increase risk of high blood pressure

A new study found that gender-affirming hormone therapy was associated with changes in blood pressure among transgender men and women. Researchers monitored 470 patients who began hormone therapy between 2007 and 2015, and found that some experienced different blood pressure effects compared to their peers.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalHYPERTENSION·DateApr 19, 2021

New advice for medics treating high blood pressure

A new study by NUI Galway researchers found no evidence that diastolic blood pressure can be harmful when reduced to levels previously thought too low. The study suggests treating systolic values between 100-130mmHg is beneficial, freeing doctors from worrying about diastolic readings falling too low.

SourceUniversity of Galway·JournalCirculation·DateApr 13, 2021

Trends in blood pressure among US children, teens

A nationally representative US study found increasing blood pressure levels among children and teens over the past 20 years, with significant rises in systolic and diastolic pressures. The study's findings highlight growing concerns about childhood hypertension, emphasizing the need for preventive measures.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 1, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Salt substitution -- an effective way to reduce blood pressure in rural India

A new study by The George Institute for Global Health found that replacing regular salt with a reduced-sodium, added-potassium salt substitute significantly lowered systolic blood pressure in rural Indian hypertensive patients. The intervention was shown to be an effective and low-cost way to control blood pressure in these communities.

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMar 30, 2021

Fasting acts as diet catalyst

A five-day fast followed by a healthy diet reduces inflammation and promotes beneficial gut bacteria, improving cardiovascular health. Long-term effects include lower body mass index, reduced blood pressure, and decreased antihypertensive medication use.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 30, 2021

How to prevent and treat high blood pressure with exercise

The European Society of Cardiology recommends specific exercises for individuals based on their current blood pressure level. For those with hypertension, aerobic exercise is the most effective method to lower blood pressure. For people with high-normal blood pressure, dynamic resistance training is recommended, while those with normal...

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateMar 23, 2021
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

New skin patch brings us closer to wearable, all-in-one health monitor

Engineers at UC San Diego developed a soft, stretchy skin patch that monitors cardiovascular signals and multiple biochemical levels in the human body. The patch tracks blood pressure, glucose, lactate, alcohol, and caffeine levels, providing a comprehensive overview of the wearer's health.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateFeb 15, 2021
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Women have a lower range of 'normal' blood pressure than men

Research from the Smidt Heart Institute found that women have a lower normal blood pressure range compared to men, with systolic pressures above 110mmHg associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The study's authors recommend reassessing blood pressure guidelines to account for sex differences.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalCirculation·DateFeb 15, 2021

High blood pressure causes atrial fibrillation

A new study finds that high blood pressure is causally associated with the most common heart rhythm disorder, atrial fibrillation. Elevated blood pressure was found to increase the risk by 1.8%, 2.6%, and 1.4% relative increases in atrial fibrillation for systolic, diastolic, and pulse pressures, respectively.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateFeb 8, 2021