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Patients who suffer heart attack have more micro and nanoplastic in their blood

Patients who suffered a serious heart attack had higher levels of micro and nanoplastics in their blood compared to those with chronic ischemic heart disease and normal coronary arteries. The study also revealed that people exposed to higher levels of air pollution and smokers had higher levels of microplastics in their blood.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJul 14, 2026

Chinese Neurosurgical Journal article finds that flow diversion devices are exceptionally safe

A long-term study of patients treated with flow diversion devices (FDDs) for intracranial aneurysms revealed excellent safety profiles, with no significant differences in outcomes between various FDD platforms. The study found that multiple FDDs were associated with a higher risk of insufficient closure and delayed complications.

SourceChinese Neurosurgical Journal·JournalChinese Neurosurgical Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 18, 2026

New experimental drug may restore movement after stroke

Researchers discovered that strokes cause a chain reaction within the brain, leading to neuronal cell death. They found that blocking collagen production can prevent this damage and even restore motor function in paralyzed monkeys. The new drug KDS12025 reduces hydrogen peroxide levels and prevents the entire process from being triggered.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2026

Having more kids associated with reduced risk of stroke and brain damage, research co-led by UT Health San Antonio shows

A new study co-led by UT Health San Antonio found that having three or more live births is associated with a reduced risk of stroke and brain damage in women. The research suggests that reproductive factors, such as the number of live births, may be an important predictive factor in assessing stroke risk in women.

SourceThe University of Texas at San Antonio Health Science Center·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 20, 2026

Chinese Medical Journal article white matter lesions modifying endovascular therapy outcomes in large ischemic core stroke: A secondary analysis of the ANGEL-ASPECT trial

A secondary analysis of the ANGEL-ASPECT trial found EVT to be beneficial for patients with anterior-circulation LVO and a large ischemic core and absent-to-moderate white matter lesions. In contrast, those with severe WMLs showed less pronounced benefits, suggesting uncertainty about EVT's efficacy in this subgroup.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 7, 2026

Researchers identify new drug target to prevent development of dangerous blood vessel defects in brain

Researchers have identified TIE2 as a crucial link between two signaling pathways that drive the growth of blood vessel abnormalities in the brain. Inhibiting TIE2 with a small drug called rebastinib may provide an endothelial cell-centered approach to prevent CCMs, which can cause brain hemorrhages and seizures.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 27, 2026

UT Health San Antonio researchers lead American Heart Association scientific statement on early recognition, intervention for post-stroke spasticity

Post-stroke spasticity affects an estimated 30-80% of stroke survivors, causing abnormal muscle tightness and involuntary spasms. Earlier diagnosis and timely intervention may improve functional outcomes and reduce long-term disability, according to the new scientific statement.

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

Telestroke patients more likely to receive treatment, but with greater delays

Researchers evaluated over 3,000 ischemic stroke patients and found that telestroke patients were 1.6 times more likely to receive clot-busting drugs, but took nearly seven minutes longer to receive treatment after arriving at the hospital. The study highlights clear gaps in timely treatment for these patients.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateSep 26, 2025

Stem cells repair mouse brains post-stroke

Stem cell transplantation has been shown to reverse stroke damage in mice by regenerating neurons and restoring motor functions. The treatment also improved blood-brain barrier integrity, reduced inflammation, and promoted new blood vessel formation.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 16, 2025

Stem cell transplant for stroke leads to brain cell growth and functional recovery in mice

A study led by Keck School of Medicine of USC found that a stem cell transplant performed one week after an ischemic stroke in mice led to significant brain cell growth and functional recovery. The treated mice showed improved fine motor skills, gait, and reduced inflammation compared to untreated mice.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 16, 2025

Correcting imbalance with the gut microbiota after stroke could reduce brain inflammation, open pathway to potential therapies

Researchers found that changes in gut bacteria after a stroke lead to an increase in harmful substances and a decrease in beneficial ones, potentially causing inflammation. Restoring these beneficial substances from gut bacteria could help reduce inflammation after a stroke.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 24, 2025

Persistent racial disparities in vascular surgery outcomes

A recent study published in the Journal of Vascular Surgery found that non-white patients have twice the risk of dying within 30 days of carotid endarterectomy compared to white patients. The study analyzed data from over half a million patients and highlights persistent racial disparities in medical outcomes.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Vascular Surgery·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 13, 2024

New research confirms that young adults can also have large vessel occlusion strokes thought to happen in older adults, given the rise of stroke risk factors in younger adults

New research confirms that young adults are at risk for large vessel occlusion acute ischemic strokes, which were previously thought to occur mainly in older adults. The study found that nearly 20% of a cohort of 1,200 young adult patients had these strokes, highlighting the need for regular check-ups and prompt treatment.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalJournal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 16, 2024

Stroke-care metrics improve with stroke center certification and coordinators

Researchers found that hospitals with stroke center certification and coordinators have substantially better door-to-needle times for stroke patients, improving outcomes. The study highlights the importance of foundational infrastructure in telestroke programs, particularly for smaller hospitals.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 22, 2024

Very early blood pressure control confers both benefits and harms in acute stroke

A new study found that very early blood pressure lowering treatment can improve outcomes for patients with intracerebral hemorrhage, but worsen outcomes for those with ischemic stroke. Rapid diagnosis of the type of stroke is crucial in harnessing the benefits of this treatment.

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 16, 2024

New study highlights need for expanded application of prism adaptation treatment for spatial neglect

A retrospective case-matched study found prism adaptation therapy (PAT) to be beneficial for treating both right- and left-sided spatial neglect. PAT showed improvements in neglect symptoms for patients with right-sided neglect, suggesting greater potential benefits compared to those with left-sided neglect.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalArchives of Rehabilitation Research and Clinical Translation·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 31, 2023

New Jersey Health Foundation awards grants to Kessler Foundation to advance research in brain and spinal cord stimulation methods

Two Kessler Foundation scientists will conduct studies on upper extremity exercise after stroke and restoration of cardiovascular function in spinal cord injury populations. Dr. Shenoy Handiru's study combines transcranial electrical stimulation and wearable sensor-based exergaming to improve hand dexterity, while Dr. Einat Engel-Haber...

Infarction growth, penumbral consumption after reperfusion in COVID vaccine-naïve patients

A recent study found that COVID-19 infection can lead to increased infarct growth and ongoing tissue consumption even after successful reperfusion through angiography. This suggests a potentially aggressive clinical course for patients with COVID-19 and large-vessel occlusion acute ischemic stroke.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeCase study·DateMay 18, 2023

A potential pathway to improved stroke recovery

A study published in Stroke identified two proteins, R-spondin 3 (RSPO3) and LGR4, that trigger a signaling pathway to reduce inflammation and promote neurite outgrowth in the ischemic brain. This discovery provides new hope for patients with ischemic stroke by targeting RSPO3/LGR4 signaling.

SourceOsaka University·JournalStroke·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 11, 2023

Flu vaccine lowers risk of stroke

Researchers at the University of Calgary found that vaccination against influenza significantly lowers the risk of stroke among adults. The study analyzed health records of over four million Albertans and showed that the risk of stroke was reduced in all age groups, not just those at high risk.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateNov 2, 2022

Large stroke trial finds intensive blood pressure lowering after clot removal worsens recovery

A large stroke trial found that intensive blood pressure lowering after clot removal compromises the return of blood flow to the affected area, leading to more brain tissue deterioration and major disability. The study suggests that this increasingly common treatment strategy should be avoided in clinical practice.

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 28, 2022