Mondo News

Exploring the Fascinating Heart of the Circus Galaxy: Insights from Webb Telescope

Posted on January 14, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Astronomers utilizing NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope have captured the most detailed infrared images of the Circus Galaxy’s core, making it one of the closest known active galaxies to the Milky Way. Webb’s observations indicate that much of the hot dust surrounding supermassive black holes in galaxies is being drawn into the black holes themselves, contrary to previous models that suggested powerful outward streams.

The Hubble image showcases the Circinus Galaxy, a spiral galaxy located approximately 13 million light-years away in the southern constellation Circinus. A close-up from Webb reveals the core’s glow in infrared light, highlighting the intricate features obscured by dust. Image credits: NASA / ESA / CSA / Webb / Hubble / Enrique Lopez-Rodriguez, University of South Carolina / Deepashri Thatte, STScI / Alyssa Pagan, NOIRLab / CTIO at STScI / NSF.

The Circus Galaxy, also known as ESO 97-G13 or LEDA 50779, is situated about 13 million light-years from Earth, nestled south of the constellation Circinus. This galaxy has fascinated astronomers due to its center being enveloped in a dense cloud of gas and dust.

Traditional ground-based telescopes have faced challenges in isolating regions near the central black hole, where matter spirals inwards and emanates intense infrared light. However, Webb’s state-of-the-art technology enabled Dr. Julien Girard and his team at the Space Telescope Science Institute to pierce through this dust veil with extraordinary clarity.

This remarkable breakthrough was achieved by employing Webb’s Near-Infrared Imager and Slitless Spectrometer (NIRISS) in a specialized high-contrast mode known as aperture masking interferometry.

This innovative technique transforms the instrument into a compact interferometer, merging light captured through various small apertures to generate precise interference patterns.

By examining these patterns, astronomers were able to reconstruct a finely detailed image of the Circus Galaxy’s central engine, revealing that the majority of infrared radiation originates from the donut-shaped torus of dust encircling the black hole, rather than from materials being ejected outward.

Dr. Girard remarked, “This is the first instance where Webb’s high-contrast mode has been employed to observe an extragalactic source.” He expressed hope that their findings will inspire fellow astronomers to leverage aperture masking interferometry to study faint but relatively small, dusty structures surrounding bright objects.

The supermassive black hole remains active, continuously consuming surrounding matter. Gas and dust conglomerate in a torus around the black hole, forming a rotating accretion disk as material spirals inward. This disk generates heat through friction, releasing light across diverse wavelengths, including infrared.

New data from Webb indicate that most of the infrared emissions near the center of the Circus Galaxy stem from the innermost region of this dusty torus, challenging previous assumptions that outflow dominated emissions.

This pioneering technique lays the groundwork for more profound investigations of black holes in other galaxies. By applying Webb’s high-contrast imaging to subsequent targets, researchers aim to establish a broader catalog of emission patterns, which could ascertain whether the behavior observed in the Circus Galaxy is typical among active galactic nuclei or a distinct case.

Their discoveries not only present a clearer perspective on the feeding mechanisms of black holes but also underscore the escalating power of interferometry in space-based astronomy.

More observations are forthcoming, as Webb continues to redefine what can be observed from the most concealed regions of the universe.

Dr. Enrique López Rodríguez, an astronomer at the University of South Carolina, noted, “We will likely require a statistical sample of a dozen or two dozen black holes to comprehend how the mass of the accretion disk and its outflow correlate with the black hole’s power.”

For further details, refer to the results published in today’s edition of Nature Communications.

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E. Lopez Rodriguez et al. 2026. JWST interferometry imaging reveals a dusty torus obscuring the Circinus Galaxy’s supermassive black hole. Nat Commun 17, 42; doi: 10.1038/s41467-025-66010-5

Source: www.sci.news

Centuries-Old Greenland Sharks Thrive Despite Heart Disease: Secrets to Their Longevity Revealed

Posted on January 13, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Greenland Sharks’ Longevity: A Closer Look at Their Heart Health

Credit: Doug Perrine/naturepl.com

Greenland sharks are believed to live between 250 to 500 years. Remarkably, even at 150 years old, they show signs of severe age-related heart disease.

Interestingly, some body parts like their eyes seem resilient to aging and cancer, suggesting that not all organs in this ocean predator are equally affected by age. Despite this resilience, research has shown that Greenland sharks (Somniosus microcephalus) do have significant heart health issues, yet they show no obvious functional decline or reduced lifespan.

Alessandro Cellerino and his team at the École Normale Supérieure in Pisa, Italy, conducted a study on six Greenland sharks (four females and two males), each exceeding 3 meters in length, and found their results to be “truly surprising.”

The researchers estimate that all six specimens were between 100 and 150 years old. They employed various advanced microscopic techniques, including high-resolution fluorescence and electron microscopy, to investigate the animals’ heart tissues.

“The hearts of Greenland sharks exhibited significant fibrotic changes and an abundance of aging markers such as lipofuscin and nitrotyrosine,” stated Cellerino.

In humans, elevated fibrosis levels in heart tissues typically signal age-related heart problems and potential heart failure.

Nevertheless, Cellerino noted that the substantial accumulation of lipofuscin, associated with mitochondrial impairment, does not appear detrimental and “does not adversely affect the lifespan of Greenland sharks.”

The high levels of nitrotyrosine, another marker associated with heart inflammation and oxidative stress, suggest that Greenland sharks may have developed a unique evolutionary strategy for enduring chronic oxidative damage, as opposed to merely attempting to avoid it.

“Initially, I thought what I observed under the microscope was a technical artifact or an error in the experiment,” he remarked.

To compare, the researchers also examined another deep-sea fish, the velvet-bellied lantern shark (Etmopterus spinax), along with the turquoise killifish (Nosobranchius furzeri), a species noted for its fleeting lifespan of mere months, residing in seasonal pools across the African savannah.

Elena Chiavatti mentioned that while the Greenland shark’s heart is highly fibrotic, the other species showed no signs of such conditions, as indicated in the Scuola Normale Superiore paper.

“The accumulation of nitrotyrosine is significant in Greenland sharks, whereas lantern sharks show no accumulation,” Chiavatti commented.

Despite their brief lifespans, killifish share similar nitrotyrosine aging markers with Greenland sharks, she added.

Cellerino emphasized that Greenland sharks exhibit extraordinary resilience to aging, particularly in their hearts. “The existence of organisms like Greenland sharks that endure aging without any noticeable heart decline is remarkable,” he noted. “These findings underscore the exceptional heart resilience of Greenland sharks and suggest potential insights into healthy aging.”

João Pedro Magalhães from the University of Birmingham highlighted that the study underscores our limited understanding of the molecular and cellular aging mechanisms, including which changes are detrimental and which are advantageous.

Furthermore, Magalhães urged for a broader variety of animals in aging and lifespan research. “Most scientists, including myself, primarily use short-lived species like earthworms, mice, and rats, but remarkable long-lived species such as Greenland sharks and bowhead whales could hold the keys to longevity,” he urged.

How One Man Thrived for 555 Days Without a Heart

Posted on December 20, 2025 by

The chronicles of medical history demonstrate that the human body is remarkably resilient. Numerous documented cases illustrate this, including that of a French man who was discovered alive in 2007 with 90 percent of his brain missing.

This 44-year-old man was leading a typical life when it was revealed that he had severe hydrocephalus, a condition where cerebrospinal fluid replaces brain tissue.

His case exemplifies biological redundancy and adaptability, as remaining tissues compensate for lost functions (primarily through neuroplasticity).

Similar adaptations can occur with paired organs, like the lungs, kidneys, and testicles. When one organ fails, the remaining one can assume both functions.

In many instances, even after critical organ loss, advanced medical techniques can keep individuals alive.

For instance, a young American man carried a functioning artificial heart in his backpack for 555 days awaiting a transplant after his own was removed.

In some “pneumothorax cases,” surgeons can remove a patient’s heart and lungs, substituting them with a life support system known as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).

There are instances of individuals living without several organs.

The chronicles of medical history illustrate the incredible resilience of the human body – Image courtesy of Robin Boyden

Some patients with stomach cancer may need multiple digestive organs removed, including the full stomach, spleen, pancreas, small intestine, and colon.

Survival is possible in these situations through a combination of enzyme supplements, a tailored diet, parenteral nutrition, and sometimes insulin supplementation.

Additional internal organs that can be lived without include the gallbladder, bladder, thyroid, and appendix.

While it’s uncertain if there’s a maximum number of organs one can live without simultaneously, losing several organs in a single incident often leads to death due to blood loss, infection, or severe trauma.

This article is in response to Miriam Russell of Hull’s inquiry: “How many organs can you live without?”

If you have questions, please email us at: questions@sciencefocus.com or reach out via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram Page (please include your name and location).

Explore our ultimate fun facts and discover more amazing science content.

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These Two Easy Numbers Can Gauge Your Heart Disease Risk

Posted on November 23, 2025 by

Life encompasses more than mere figures, yet it often seems otherwise in today’s world. We exist in a time dominated by wearable tech, health tracking, and extreme optimization.

With just a few unobtrusive devices, driven individuals can transform themselves into intelligent data compilers.

We can keep an eye on blood oxygen levels, breathing rates, blood sugar, REM sleep, skin temperature, heart rate variability, body composition, and an array of other biomarkers regularly.

If desired, you can document your meals, mood, menstrual cycles, and even bowel habits.

The goal is to have access to all this information so we can enhance and extend our lives. But how do we extract significance from it?

How can we gain genuine health insights without dedicating hours to computations and organization? Because aside from a few bored billionaires, most of us don’t view our living spreadsheets as truly valuable.

Fortunately, researchers at Northwestern University in the US have some exciting news. In 2025, they discovered a method to: Combine two commonly measured health indicators to provide us with deeper insights into daily fitness and long-term health risks.

The daily heart rate per step (DHRPS) is a straightforward measure. Simply divide your average daily heart rate by your average step count.

Yes, you’ll need to constantly track both metrics using a health monitor, such as an Apple Watch or Fitbit (the latter being utilized in the research), but the calculations are done automatically.

In just 2 seconds, you can uncover critical information about your cardiovascular health.

“We discovered that [DHRPS measurement] has a stronger correlation with type 2 diabetes, heart failure, myocardial infarction, and heart attacks,” said Flynn Chen, the lead author of the paper. “It’s significantly more informative than merely tracking heart rate or steps.”

Improving Your Score

Here’s the breakdown: Suppose your average heart rate for the month is 80 beats per minute, and you walk an average of 6,000 steps daily. Your DHRPS score would then be 0.01333.

Now, if you boost your step count to an average of 10,000 steps per day over the following month, your DHRPS should drop to 0.008. In this case, a lower score is preferable.

In their study, Chen and colleagues monitored over 7,000 Fitbit users across five years, during which they recorded more than 50 billion steps.

Taking more steps can effectively benefit your overall health – Photo credit: Getty

The researchers categorized participants into three groups based on their DHRPS scores: low (below 0.0081), moderate (above 0.0081 and below 0.0147), and high (above 0.0147).

The simplest way to alter your score is by increasing your step count, Chen suggests.

“Numerous established studies indicate that daily step count is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and overall mortality,” he adds.

“Our ongoing research reveals that heart rate in relation to step count may be an even stronger independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease than step count alone.

“By increasing your step count, you not only pursue the 10,000 steps daily goal, but also improve both metrics simultaneously.”

Chen advises that you need at least a week’s worth of consistent data from your smartwatch or tracker for a meaningful DHRPS score.

The Future of Heart Rate per Step

Since the release of this study, the health tracking community has started utilizing these insights, potentially leading to further advancements as more data becomes available.

“A crucial aspect is that our metrics correlate with VO.₂ max scores,” Chen mentions.

This is significant because V.O.₂ maximum measures the highest rate of oxygen consumption during exercise, providing valuable insights regarding your aerobic capacity and metabolic health.

The challenge lies in accurately measuring VO.₂ max, as it typically requires a treadmill stress test, with limited availability of such tests.

If DHRPS proves to be a reliable indicator of VO.₂ max, it could serve as another method to simplify health data access for everyone—no spreadsheets needed.

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This Drowsy Squirrel Might Pave the Way for Innovative Heart Disease Treatments

Posted on November 11, 2025 by

A hibernating species of North American squirrel might provide vital insights for tackling one of the most persistent and lethal heart diseases globally.

California’s biotechnology firm fauna ecology has created a novel drug based on the genetic insights of hibernating mammals.

The small molecule drug, referred to as Faun 1083, targets heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF)—a form of heart failure impacting millions and lacking effective treatments.

Fauna’s strategy draws inspiration from the natural world, as noted by CEO Dr. Ashley Zehnder: “We’re investigating where biological evidence exists for disease resistance or recovery,” as mentioned in BBC Science Focus.

“Years of physiological research indicate that ground squirrels can safeguard their hearts from harm during hibernation. Additionally, heart failure ranks as one of the top causes of death worldwide.”

By examining how the adorable American line squirrel protects its organs while hibernating, Dr. Fauna discovered a gene that aids the animal in averting tissue damage and scarring—critical factors in heart failure among humans.

“What is elevated in the ground squirrel’s system, which shields the heart from harm, may be diminished in humans suffering from heart failure,” Zehnder explains. “This informs our focus on the pathways that are crucial for human health issues.”

Currently, there are limited effective treatments for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) beyond merely alleviating symptoms – Photo credit: Getty

Fauna’s AI-enhanced discovery platform analyzes these protective traits across animal genomes and human genetic data to identify potential drug targets.

According to Zehnder, the resultant compound Faun 1083 stems directly from research into the cardiac biology of ground squirrels. The new treatment has already shown potential during preclinical trials and is set to undergo animal safety assessments prior to commencing human trials next year.

Fauna Bio’s research is part of a burgeoning field known as ‘comparative genomics,’ which seeks evolutionary insights to enhance human health.

The company is part of the Zoonomia Consortium, which unveils adaptations that enable animals to resist disease and recover from tissue damage.

“Our goal is to leverage evolutionary adaptations,” Zehnder asserts. “Humans rarely cure diseases naturally, but many mammals worldwide do so regularly… Why not utilize the full spectrum of nature’s experiments?”

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Study Suggests Men Should Exercise Twice as Long as Women for Heart Health

Posted on November 5, 2025 by

Research indicates that men may need to engage in exercise for twice as long as women to obtain equivalent health benefits, according to a significant new study involving 85,000 participants.

Findings revealed that women performing approximately four hours of moderate to vigorous exercise weekly, such as brisk jogging, swimming, or dancing, could lower their risk of coronary heart disease by 30 percent. In contrast, men required nearly nine hours of physical activity per week to achieve the same risk reduction.

“In comparison to men, women allocate half the time to exercise for similar health outcomes,” the researchers noted in their publication. Nature cardiovascular research.

While the research team did not explore the reasons for this notable difference, they proposed several physiological explanations.

Women possess higher estrogen levels, a hormone linked to bone and muscle health along with fat metabolism rates.

Additionally, men and women have different types of skeletal muscles, which may make women more adept at endurance training.

“Heart disease is the primary cause of premature death in both genders, though men typically develop heart disease earlier, and women tend to ‘catch up’ later in life after menopause,” stated Professor Riyaz Patel, a cardiologist at University College London, who was not part of the study. BBC Science Focus.

“The takeaway is that everyone can benefit from exercise. Increased physical activity is advantageous for all.”

Anything that gets your heart pumping, like jogging, dancing, or swimming, can help improve your heart health – Credit: Getty

The study, led by Jiajin Chen from Xiamen University in China, monitored participants aged 37 to 73 using wrist-worn fitness trackers over an eight-year period.

For individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions, women required just 51 minutes of exercise weekly to reduce their risk of death by 30 percent, compared to 85 minutes for men.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of early death globally. In the United States alone, about 100 out of every 100,000 women are anticipated to die from cardiovascular disease in 2023, while the figure for men is 60% higher.

The World Health Organization, along with the American Heart Association and NHS, advises individuals aged 16 to 64, regardless of gender, to engage in 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week.

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Coronavirus Poses Greater Heart Disease Risk for Children Than Vaccination

Posted on November 5, 2025 by

Vaccination against covid-19 is safer than infection

Juan Monino/Getty Images

Recent findings highlight that vaccinating children is more beneficial than exposing them to the coronavirus. A comprehensive study involving nearly 14 million children revealed that the likelihood of experiencing serious, albeit uncommon, side effects related to the heart and blood vessels was considerably greater following an infection compared to a vaccination.

Specifically, children aged 5 to 18 experienced 17 additional infections per 100,000 with inflammatory conditions such as Kawasaki disease in the six months after contracting SARS-CoV-2, as opposed to other periods. Conversely, among children first vaccinated with the Pfizer/BioNTech mRNA vaccine, infections per 100,000 dropped by almost two.

Myocarditis, which is inflammation of the heart muscle, resulted in over two extra cases per 100,000 individuals in the six months post-infection. In comparison, there was less than one additional case among vaccinated individuals, indicating that the risk of myocarditis is more than double following infection relative to vaccination.

A report highlighting a new coronavirus infection causing myocarditis has been made known. As early as April 2020, reports began surfacing even after vaccinations commenced in December. Vaccines associated with myocarditis tend to present milder symptoms, particularly in young men, and most individuals recover swiftly.

The uncommon side effects of this vaccine have garnered substantial media focus and stirred significant concern, contributing to delays in introducing routine childhood vaccinations in the UK until April 2022.

The latest findings reinforce earlier research indicating that vaccinated children face a lower risk of myocarditis compared to their unvaccinated peers, despite the rarity of this side effect. A majority of children contracted the virus, placing them at an elevated risk of adverse effects.

“It’s important to note that severe complications are highly uncommon among children and adolescents in general,” states Angela Wood from Cambridge, UK, a part of the HDR UK regional network. “Nevertheless, evidence suggests that the risk is generally higher following COVID-19 compared to vaccination.”

Wood’s team evaluated data from the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) encompassing approximately 14 million children under 18 from January 2020 to December 2021. During the latter half of this timeframe, 3.9 million children received the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, while 3.4 million were diagnosed with COVID-19 for the first time. Subsequent periods could not be analyzed due to insufficient testing.

This approach does have its limitations. For instance, the data does not indicate whether children who experienced these complications made a full recovery, and many mild COVID-19 cases amongst children may not have been formally recognized. “However, despite these constraints, the scale of the data and the comprehensive connection across all NHS data instills great confidence in our overall conclusions today,” says Wood.

“It’s crucial to understand that findings relevant to the strain of the coronavirus prevalent during the peak of the pandemic may differ for the current strain,” advises William Whiteley from the University of Edinburgh, UK, who was not involved in the study. His team previously reported that COVID-19 vaccines reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes for at least six months post-vaccination.

The fact that nearly all individuals, apart from very young children, now possess some level of immunity to COVID-19 means they may respond differently to both booster shots and reinfections, according to team members including Peer Hardelid from University College London. “Ongoing research is essential,” she emphasizes.

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Stem Cell Therapy Lowers Heart Failure Risk Following Heart Attack

Posted on October 30, 2025 by

Mesenchymal stem cells tagged with fluorescent markers

Vusivkova/Shutterstock

The largest trial conducted so far indicated that individuals who received a stem cell infusion right after a heart attack had a lower risk of developing heart failure compared to those who underwent standard treatment. This finding offers compelling evidence that stem cells may aid in the heart’s self-repair mechanisms.

Following a heart attack, the heart muscle sustains permanent damage and weakness, rendering the organ unable to adequately pump blood to meet the body’s needs, frequently resulting in heart failure. Presently, the only available treatments are heart transplants or pumps that can restore heart function.

To explore solutions, researchers turned to stem cells, which possess the remarkable capability to transform into various cell types. Nonetheless, prior studies evaluating their application post-heart attack have yielded inconsistent results. A 2020 study with 375 participants showed that bone marrow-derived cells, which include stem cells that evolve into blood cells, did not notably decrease mortality compared to standard therapies such as cardiac rehabilitation and medications aimed at lowering blood pressure, preventing blood clots, and managing cholesterol levels.

Armin Attar and colleagues from Shiraz University in Iran explored a different strategy. They employed mesenchymal stem cells capable of differentiating into structural cells such as cartilage and adipose tissue. These stem cells are also known to release substances that mitigate inflammation and promote tissue regeneration.

The researchers collected mesenchymal stem cells from umbilical cord blood and administered them into the hearts of 136 patients within three to seven days following their first heart attack. While these stem cells can also be extracted from the individual’s own adipose or bone tissue, the cultivation process can take up to a month. By utilizing umbilical cord blood samples, the team can provide treatments more swiftly and potentially enhance their efficacy, Attar explained. Another group of 260 participants received standard post-heart attack treatments.

After three years, individuals who received the stem cell therapy were, on average, 57% less likely to develop heart failure and 78% less likely to be hospitalized for heart failure compared to those receiving standard treatment. Furthermore, they exhibited significant improvements in cardiac function, suggesting that the therapy aids in the regeneration of heart tissue post-injury.

“This represents a significant advancement,” Attar remarked. Although the therapy did not lower mortality risk during the study period, the reduction in hospitalizations is still significant, according to Hina Chowdhury from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York. “Heart failure is the predominant cause of hospital admissions in the U.S.,” she pointed out.

However, it should be noted that 80% of participants were male, leading Chaudhry to caution that it is uncertain how the therapy would affect women, who are more prone to heart failure post-heart attack. Attar’s team did not observe any gender differences in a separate analysis. This study was also restricted to young adults, with all participants aged between 18 and 65. “It’s beneficial to see distinctions among age groups, as younger individuals typically have enhanced regenerative abilities and recover better from cardiac injuries,” Chaudhry noted.

This research provides the most robust evidence to date that stem cells can aid in restoring heart function post-heart attack. Nevertheless, this treatment does not fully heal the heart. “There is no medication or treatment that can replace lost heart muscle cells,” Chaudhry emphasized. Still, she added, “This ongoing work is expanding our understanding of the heart’s regeneration process and how to achieve it.”

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Men Might Need to Exercise More than Women for Comparable Heart Health Benefits

Posted on October 27, 2025 by

Exercise offers substantial advantages for heart health

Ian Canham/Alamy

For men over 50, engaging in more than twice the exercise as women may be necessary to achieve equivalent heart health benefits. Data analysis from activity trackers indicated that this demographic requires almost nine hours of moderate-to-vigorous activities, such as brisk walking or cycling, each week to lower their risk of coronary heart disease by 30%.

In comparison, women only need around four hours to achieve the same reduction.

Researchers had long speculated that women might experience greater heart benefits from exercise than men, based on self-reported data, although such figures can be misleading.

To address this issue, Chen Jiajing and colleagues at Xiamen University in China utilized data from wrist-worn activity monitors sourced from the British Biobank study, correlated with participants’ health records over an eight-year span.

The team first evaluated data from 80,243 adults, averaging 61 years in age and with no previous history of coronary heart disease. Women achieving at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise weekly had a 22% reduced risk of developing coronary heart disease, while men saw only a 17% reduction with the same exercise commitment.

To reach a 30% risk reduction, even greater physical activity was required. There was a notable gender disparity in this regard, with women needing to exercise 250 minutes and men needing 530 minutes.

The team next examined 5,169 participants already diagnosed with coronary heart disease, with an average age of 67, and two-thirds being male. Women who engaged in 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise per week were 70% less likely to die from any cause in the subsequent eight years compared to less active women. Conversely, men who completed the same amount of exercise only experienced a 20% lower likelihood of death than their less active counterparts.

“This isn’t bad news for men, but it’s important to recognize,” says Nir Einon from Monash University, Australia. “With this knowledge, men can strive to improve and exercise more. It’s encouraging for busy women, yet we must not forget that women also need to remain active.”

Chen and his team could not be reached for immediate comments, but the study suggests the discrepancy may be linked to hormonal factors, as higher estrogen levels can enhance fat metabolism during exercise. Eynon posited that biological differences could mean women utilize more breathing capacity, metabolic energy, and muscle strength to achieve comparable physical tasks as men.

The research is “robust”; Guidelines based on gender according to Ercilia DeFilippis at Columbia University in New York City, yet it primarily encompasses individuals who are about 93% white, affluent, and educated. DeFilippis highlighted that Black women typically experience poorer cardiovascular outcomes than their white counterparts, and social factors significantly impact their health and treatment adherence.

“It’s crucial to understand how these findings relate to more racially diverse and socio-economically disadvantaged groups in the future, given the severe impact of cardiovascular disease,” she emphasized.

Nonetheless, these findings for the older demographic indicate that remaining active in later years can offer considerable benefits, but exercise regimens should be customized according to age and physical capabilities, she reiterated. “It’s never too late to become active and move your body.”

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Wegovy Improves Heart Health Even with Slight Weight Loss

Posted on October 23, 2025 by

Increasing evidence suggests that GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy offer benefits beyond treating obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Shelby Knowles/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Research indicates that the weight-loss medication Wegovy can lower the risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular conditions, even in individuals who may not experience significant weight loss or those who aren’t severely obese.

Earlier findings from the SELECT trial hinted that Wegovy, a GLP-1 weight-loss drug, could have these heart health benefits, but it remained unclear if they were solely due to weight reduction. Studies involving pigs suggested a direct protective effect on the heart, now validated in humans.

“The important takeaway is that the cardiovascular advantages of these drugs occur independently of weight loss. This repositions them as drugs that modify diseases rather than merely aiding weight loss,” explains John Deanfield from University College London.

Wegovy contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 treatment, as well as Ozempic, which is designed for managing type 2 diabetes. While these treatments are approved for weight management and diabetes, they have shown promise in various other conditions, including dementia and alcoholism.

The SELECT trial assessed semaglutide against placebo regarding cardiovascular risks in 17,604 participants aged 45 and older who were overweight or obese. None were diabetic, yet all had some heart disease. In November 2023, Deanfield et al. announced that semaglutide reduced the likelihood of heart attacks, strokes, and other severe cardiac events by 20%.

Researchers are analyzing data to determine if these effects are solely due to weight loss, examining various body mass index (BMI) and weight loss ranges. They discovered that individuals starting with a BMI of 27—categorized as mildly obese—showed improved heart disease risk after using semaglutide, as did the severely obese with a BMI of 44.

Interestingly, the degree of weight lost seemed to have minimal impact on cardiovascular improvements, whether during the initial 20 weeks or throughout the nearly two-year study.

However, abdominal fat appears to play a significant role. Researchers noted that a slimmer waist at the study’s onset correlated with reduced heart disease risk, regardless of whether participants received semaglutide or a placebo. Moreover, after years on semaglutide, each 5-centimeter reduction in waist size was linked to a 9% decrease in cardiovascular event risk. The research team found that waistline reduction contributed to nearly one-third of the drug’s heart-protective effects, while the reasons for the other benefits remain unclear.

These results reinforce semaglutide’s potential beyond just weight management, as individuals in the placebo group even experienced a slight rise in heart disease risk while losing weight; this may be reflective of an underlying health issue, Deanfield notes.

Further studies are required to unpack how semaglutide and potentially other GLP-1 medications exert these benefits. Professor Deanfield speculates that enhancements in blood vessel function and blood pressure could be at play, alongside possible anti-inflammatory effects.

“Inflammation is a crucial mechanism influencing various diseases we want to avoid,” he mentions. “This appears to be a shared pathway targeted by these drugs.”

This advantage might also be linked to how semaglutide interacts with fat surrounding the heart, referred to as epicardial adipose tissue. Gianluca Iacobellis from the University of Miami highlights, “Semaglutide binds to epicardial adipose tissue receptors to enhance tissue health, consequently improving heart function and lowering cardiovascular event risks.”

“The query remains: What criteria should we establish to identify individuals most likely to benefit from these drugs?” questions Stefano Masi from the University of Pisa, Italy. “This is an ongoing challenge.”

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Medical drugs /
heart disease

The Heart of Our Galaxy Could Be Teeming with Dark Matter Particles

Posted on October 17, 2025 by

Gamma rays are detected in unusually high amounts at the center of the Milky Way galaxy

The center of our galaxy is exhibiting unusual behavior, potentially linked to dark matter. In 2009, observations from the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope uncovered unexpectedly high levels of gamma ray emissions from the Milky Way’s center, a phenomenon termed galactic central gamma-ray excess (GCE). Simulations suggest these gamma rays could arise from the annihilation of dark matter particles.

The discussion surrounding the origins of GCE has intensified since its initial discovery, leading to two main theories. The first posits that it may stem from a previously unobserved population of pulsars, rapidly spinning neutron stars that emit considerable radiation.

Alternatively, it could be linked to weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs), long considered primary candidates for dark matter. These particles seldom interact with normal matter, but a collision between two can lead to annihilation and consequently, a burst of gamma rays.

However, the dark matter explanation has lost traction recently, especially after searches for WIMPs yielded no results. “The dark matter interpretation demands greater proof due to insufficient direct evidence of its existence despite thorough investigations,” notes Jeff Grube from King’s College London.

Another factor contributing to this skepticism is that dark matter in galaxies is expected to be evenly distributed, while GCEs display a flattened distribution. Yet, new simulations by Joseph Silk and his colleagues at Johns Hopkins University in Maryland indicate that this discrepancy may not be significant.

These new simulations carefully considered the Milky Way’s history in relation to GCEs. “We know from history that our galaxy merged with smaller galaxies billions of years ago, which contributed to the formation of dark matter,” noted Silk. “No one would have anticipated that the galaxy’s center would exhibit spherical symmetry due to this history.”

The results confirmed this notion, resulting in a distorted dark matter distribution aligned with the shape of GCE, reviving the dark matter theory. However, the mystery remains unresolved, as pulsars continue to be a viable explanation. “At best, the situation is still ambiguous,” added Grube.

The current gamma-ray observatories do not possess the capability to distinguish between these two theories; however, the Cherenkov Telescope Array observatories, under construction in the Canary Islands and Chile and expected to begin operations in 2026, could provide clarity.

“In many ways, there’s a 50 percent chance that we may have discovered significant dark matter, but we require new telescopes to confirm this,” stated Silk. If GCE is indeed the result of dark matter, it could offer the best insight yet into this enigmatic substance that underpins the universe.

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Drone Warfare: The Transformative Technology at the Heart of the Ukraine Conflict

Posted on September 6, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

“IAfar, the deputy commander of the “Davinci Wolves,” shares insights about the critical role of one of Ukraine’s renowned battalions in countering ongoing Russian attacks.

Amid the aftermath, the remaining forces strive to form around ten units to assault Ukrainian positions. It requires funding – “We’ve eliminated 11 individuals in the past 24 hours,” Afer remarks. Previously, attacks occurred once or twice daily, but the situation is now relentless. According to Da Vinci’s commander, the Russian troops seem to be operating under near-suicidal orders, driven by fear of their superiors.

At the command center of the Da Vinci Wolves Battalion

A reconnaissance drone tracks a scorched treeline to the west of Pokrovsk. The imagery is relayed to Da Vinci’s command center, situated at one end of a 130-meter underground bunker. “Even taking a moment to relax is perilous,” Afer notes, as the team operates around the clock. Constructed in four or five weeks, the bunker features multiple rooms, including barracks for resting, alongside drawings by children and family reminders. The week’s menu adorns the wall.

Three and a half years into the Ukrainian conflict, there has been no progress on Donald Trump’s August peace initiative. As the war evolves, Afer elaborates on advancements in FPV (first-person view) drones, piloted remotely via onboard cameras. The so-called kill zone currently extends “12-14 kilometers” behind the frontline. A $500 drone, flying at speeds of up to 60mph, can maneuver within this area. “It’s all about logistics,” he explains, referring to food, ammunition, and medical supplies transported on foot or with the aid of ground drones.

Heavy machine gun near the temporary base of Da Vinci Battalion

Additionally, various types of ground drones are stationed in the countryside Dacha, currently occupied by Da Vinci soldiers. This concept rapidly evolved from an idea to a practical application. The drones include remote-controlled machine guns and flatbed robotic vehicles, such as the $12,000 Termit, capable of traversing rough terrain while carrying 300kg over 12 miles at a maximum speed of 7 mph.

End of land drones equipped for cargo, attack, and mine laying

Photo of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense Termit drone.

These ground drones also contribute to saving lives. “Last night, we sustained two fractured legs and a chest injury,” Afer recounts. The entire rescue operation consumed “nearly 20 hours,” during which two soldiers successfully transported the injured man on a ground drone over a mile, delivering him to a safe village. Thankfully, the soldiers survived.

Da Vinci reports that their position remains secure, but the relentless Russian infiltration attempts effectively reveal locations where defenses are weak or coordination between nearby units is lacking. Recently, Russian forces breached Ukrainian territory, advancing 12 miles northeast of Pokrovsk, near Dubropyria. This marks a precarious moment in a critical sector, coinciding with Trump’s summit with Vladimir Putin in Alaska.

Initially, reports suggested countless soldiers had breached the area, but the confirmed figure appeared substantially higher. Ukrainian military sources estimate that roughly 2,000 Russians were involved, with 1,100 casualties reported during the offensive led by Ukraine’s newly formed 14th Chebona Karina Brigade from the Azov legions.

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That night, another dacha was used by Da Vinci, where individuals stayed in the garden, and moths circled the light. Within, a specialized drone jammer occupies a gaming chair and is surrounded by seven screens mounted on fans and supported by intricate carpentry.

Although sensitive to the imagery, team leader Olexandre discusses the jammer’s operations, referring to him by the call sign Shoni. They both have the capability to intercept video feeds from the FPV drones, with three screens dedicated to capturing footage for reconnaissance. Upon detection, their mission is to identify the drone’s radio frequency and to secure the jammer at ground level (except when dealing with fiber optic drones that utilize up to 12 miles of fixed wiring instead of wireless connections).

“We manage to block about 70%,” shares Shaune, acknowledging that Russian forces achieve similar success rates. In their area, they encounter about 30-35 enemy drones daily, with some days witnessing even higher interception rates. “Last month, we seized control of the airspace. We intercepted their pilots expressing their inability to fly due to radio signals,” he adds, although these achievements waned after Russian artillery targeted their jamming equipment. The nature of battle is dynamic, with Shaune concluding, “It has become a drone war, where we wield shields while attacking with swords.”

Olexandre, call sign Shauni, resting in the kitchen

One drone pilot can undertake 20 missions within a 24-hour span. Sean manages to operate an FPV for prolonged periods, often for days, while strategically hiding miles behind the frontlines. The primary objective, particularly with Russians under attack, is targeting infantry. Sean candidly remarks that he “neutralizes at least three Russian soldiers” in this ongoing aerial and ground conflict. When asked if this makes it easier to eliminate adversaries from a distance, he responds, “I don’t know; I just know.” Dubok, another FPV pilot, shares this sentiment while sitting alongside Sean.

Other anti-drone measures are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Ukraine’s third brigade is stationed in the North Kalkiv sector, east of the Oskill River, while extensive defensive efforts are ongoing to the west. Inside their base, team members scan radar displays for signs of primarily Russian Supercams, Orlan, and Zara reconnaissance drones. Upon identifying a target, they launch an Albulet Interceptor, deploying two drones from the fields of sunflowers. This small delta-wing drone, made of black polystyrene, is operable with one hand and costs around $500.

Buhan, a pilot of a drone crew with Albaret interceptors in the position of the 3rd Attack Brigade in the Kharkiv region

Alvalet interceptor in the dugout of the 3rd Attack Brigade in the Kharkiv region

The Alvalet can reach a remarkable speed of 110 mph, though it features a limited battery life of just 40 minutes. It is piloted from a bunker using a control system designed for enthusiasts, guided by the onboard camera. The aim is to deploy its hand-ren bullets close enough to the Russian drones to ensure detonation. “If you’ve never flown an FPV drone before, it’s simple to learn,” Buhan shares, one of the drone operators.

Amidst an unusually wet and cloudy August, the adverse weather creates a rare lull in drone activity, as the Russians refrain from operating under such challenging conditions. The crew hesitates to activate the Albulet for fear of losing it, providing an opportunity for conversation. Buhan states he was a trading manager prior to the war, while DAOS was involved in investments. “Had it not been for the war, my life would have taken a different path,” he reflects. “But we all must unite to fight for our freedom.”

Do the pilots feel apprehensive about continuing their fight in what seems to be an endless conflict? The two men look towards me and nod, their silence speaking volumes.

Doctors Create AI Stethoscope Capable of Identifying Major Heart Conditions in Just 15 Seconds

Posted on August 30, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

A doctor has successfully created an AI-powered stethoscope that can identify three cardiac conditions in just 15 seconds.

The classic stethoscope, which was invented in 1816, has been crucial for listening to internal body sounds and has remained a vital tool in medical practice for over two hundred years.

The research team is now working on a sophisticated AI-enhanced version that can diagnose heart failure, heart valve issues, and irregular heartbeats.

Developed by researchers at Imperial College London and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, this innovative stethoscope can detect minute variations in heartbeat and blood flow that are beyond the capacity of human ears, while simultaneously performing quick ECG readings.

The details of this groundbreaking advancement that could enhance the early diagnosis of these conditions were shared with thousands of doctors during the European Heart Association Annual Meeting in Madrid, the largest cardiac conference globally.

Timely diagnosis is crucial for heart failure, heart valve disease, and irregular heart rhythms, enabling patients to access life-saving medications before their condition worsens.

A study involving around 12,000 patients from a UK GP practice tested individuals exhibiting symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue.

Those who were evaluated using the new technology were twice as likely to receive a diagnosis of heart failure compared to similar patients who were not subjected to this method.

Patients were three times more likely to be diagnosed with atrial fibrillation—an irregular heart rhythm that heightens the stroke risk—and nearly twice as likely to be identified with heart valve disease, characterized by malfunctioning heart valves.

The AI-led stethoscope identifies subtle differences in heartbeat and blood flow that are imperceptible to the human ear while recording ECG. Photo: Eko Health

Dr. Patrick Bectiger from Imperial College London remarked:

“It’s amazing to utilize a smart stethoscope for a quick 15-second assessment, allowing AI to promptly provide results indicating whether a patient has heart failure, atrial fibrillation, or heart valve disease.”

Manufactured by Eko Health in California, the device resembles a credit card in size. It is placed on a patient’s chest to record electrical signals from the heart while a microphone picks up the sound of blood circulation.

This data is transmitted to the cloud—an encrypted online storage space—where AI algorithms analyze the information to uncover subtle heart issues that may be overlooked by humans.

Results indicating whether a patient should be flagged for any of the three conditions will be sent back to a smartphone.

While breakthroughs like these can carry risks of misdiagnosis, researchers stress that AI stethoscopes should only be employed for patients presenting heart-related symptoms, not for routine screening in healthy individuals.

However, accelerating the diagnosis process can ultimately save lives and reduce healthcare costs.

Dr. Mikhilkelsiker, also from Imperial College, stated:

“This test demonstrates that AI-enabled stethoscopes can make a significant difference, providing GPs with a rapid and straightforward method to detect issues early, ensuring patients receive timely treatment.”

“Early diagnosis allows individuals to access the necessary treatment to enhance their longevity,” emphasized Dr. Sonya Babu Narayan, clinical director of the British Heart Foundation, which sponsored the research alongside the National Institute of Health and Therapy (NIHR).

Professor Mike Lewis, Director of the Innovation Science Department at NIHR, remarked, “This tool represents a transformative advance for patients, delivering innovation right into the hands of GPs. AI stethoscopes empower local practitioners to identify problems sooner, diagnose patients within their communities, and address leading health threats.”

The Vanishing Y Chromosome: A Potential Contributor to Heart Disease in Men

Posted on August 13, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Human Y (right) and X chromosomes observed with scanning electron microscopy

Power and Syred/Science Photo Library

Human Y (right) and X chromosomes observed via scanning electron microscopy — Human Y (right) and X chromosomes observed with scanning electron microscopy

Power and Syred/Science Photo Library

A recent study involving over 30,000 individuals has revealed that men who experience a loss of Y chromosomes in a substantial number of immune cells are at a higher risk for narrower blood vessels, a significant factor in the development of heart disease.

“The loss of Y chromosomes greatly impacts men,” states Kenneth Walsh from the University of Virginia, who was not involved in the research. “Men’s lifespan averages six years shorter than women’s, primarily due to the instability of sex chromosomes.”

Loss of the Y chromosome is one of the most prevalent mutations following conception in men. This phenomenon typically occurs in leukocytes, the immune cells responsible for attacking and eliminating pathogens, as the rapidly multiplying stem cells that generate white blood cells undergo division. The cells without Y chromosomes accumulate and become more frequent as individuals age; approximately 40% of 70-year-old men show detectable losses.

This issue gained traction in 2014 when Lars Forsberg from Uppsala University in Sweden and his colleagues noted that elderly men with significant Y chromosome loss in their blood typically had a lifespan that was five years shorter than those without it. Walsh later linked this loss to heart disease.

Forsberg and his research team have now uncovered further connections between Y chromosome loss and specific cardiovascular issues. They analyzed data from Swedish cardiopulmonary bioimaging studies, which provided detailed vascular scans of 30,150 volunteers aged between 65 and 64. None of the participants exhibited symptoms of cardiovascular disease; however, they were assessed for vascular stenosis or atherosclerosis.

Among the male participants, 12,400 possessed the necessary genetic information to evaluate their Y chromosome loss. They were categorized into three groups: those with no detectable Y loss in leukocytes, those with less than 10% loss, and those with over 10% loss. Atherosclerosis scores for these groups were then compared with each other and with a female cohort in the study.

The researchers discovered that approximately 75% of men who had the highest Y chromosome loss exhibited narrowed blood vessels, while around 60% of those with less than 10% loss showed similar findings.

Despite some atherosclerosis being observed even in those with undetectable Y loss, about 55% of men and roughly 30% of women in this category had been affected. “Clearly,” Forsberg noted, “[loss of Y] involves other factors.”

In the coming months, Thimoteus Speer and colleagues from the University of Goethe in Frankfurt studied men undergoing angiography, an X-ray technique for examining blood vessels due to suspected cardiovascular disease. They found that over the next decade, individuals who lost Y chromosomes in more than 17% of their immune cells were more than twice as likely to die from a heart attack compared to those with less affected cells.

“The findings of Lars Forsberg and our study are quite consistent,” Speer remarked. “He observes increased coronary atherosclerosis, correlating it with a higher risk of mortality from myocardial infarction [heart attack], emphasizing the relationship with coronary atherosclerosis.”

Walsh acknowledges that neither study definitively proves that Y chromosome loss directly causes these outcomes. However, statistical analyses suggest its independent effect aside from smoking or aging— the primary risk factors for mutations.

The pressing question remains: how does Y chromosome loss impact health? Previous research by Walsh indicated that removing chromosomes from mouse immune cells adversely affects the cardiovascular system by driving fibrosis, which is the formation of scar tissue. However, heart attacks and atherosclerosis are typically more associated with inflammation and lipid metabolism defects than fibrosis. Both Speer and Walsh assert that more research is essential to unravel this relationship.

With a deeper understanding of the underlying processes, Speer hopes that future blood tests for Y chromosome loss will guide proactive interventions. “[These tests] may help in identifying patients who could particularly benefit from specific treatments,” he concludes.

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Forever Young at Heart: A Year Older, Still Gaming and Writing About It

Posted on August 6, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

This week marks my birthday, and while it might not seem like a fitting topic for an article about pressing a button, bear with me.

At 54, I find myself officially in my mid-50s, yet I’m still pursuing video game journalism as my career. I indulge in gaming every single day. My workspace is a home office filled with games, and when I’m not playing, I’m usually contemplating them. During moments like these, I wonder: Should I ever consider stopping? Is there an expiration date on someone’s journey in game journalism? I can think of only a handful of peers my age who are still writing about games full-time. While some of my friends outside the industry still play, it’s usually limited to just a couple of titles each year, perhaps EA Sports FC or the latest Nintendo hit with kids. Life has a funny way of pulling you away from your passions if you’re not careful.

Right now, keeping pace with certain parts of the industry feels overwhelming. The realm of esports is almost unrecognizable to me, filled with numerous leagues, emerging stars, controversies, and more. It requires a full-time dedication that seems more suited for sports journalists. Then there are influencers and content creators—I’m not familiar with KaiCenat, Lazarbeam, or QuarterJade, though I have a vague awareness of their immense importance as tastemakers. During press trips to preview new games, I often find that I’m old enough to be the parent of many younger writers and creators I meet.

Despite this, I remain captivated by the mechanics of games and the craft behind them. I grew up in a time when games were perceived as exclusively for kids, but that’s certainly no longer the case. From nostalgic adventures like Lost Records: Bloom and Anger that reflect on middle age’s regrets to the God of War series examining parental and heritage themes (part of the “Game Dad” trends emerging as a new generation of developers embrace parenthood), video games encapsulate a lifelong narrative. This is why journalists of all ages should be engaged in writing about them. Consider film journalism: Roger Ebert wrote for the Chicago Sun-Times until his passing in 2013. The late Philip French, a noted critic for The Observer, officially retired at 80, yet continued writing about film for two more years before his death. They never ceased enjoying and engaging with cinema, so why should they stop writing about it?

A nostalgic adventure… Lost Records: Bloom and Anger. Photo: Don’t Nod

I now have more history with gaming than most young writers I admire. I was there for the arrival of Pac-Man, owned a Commodore 64 and a Mega Drive, and reviewed Virtual Boy games for a living. It raises the possibility of self-satisfaction similar to Roy Batty’s closing monologue, “I’ve seen things you wouldn’t believe,” but I truly value that experience. If history teaches us anything, it’s that firsthand experience enriches our understanding of sociocultural impact. Nowadays, anyone can load up Space Invaders on an emulator, but the emotional context of that game during the era of the Home Computing Revolution and Star Wars Mania is challenging to convey in 2025.

I frequently emphasize the importance of continuing to play—whether it’s video games, chess, soccer, or reenacting historical events. Equally crucial is the continued questioning of our world and our preferences. After spending enough time engaged in something, you’ll often discern how the story unfolds. Currently, I have reservations about gaming censorship prompted by payment processing companies. However, I’ve navigated similar moral panics before, from Mary Whitehouse to Jack Thompson and multiple tabloids. It’s reassuring to know, like before, this too shall pass.

You remain the positive aspect of your passions—the books you read, the teams you support, the concerts you attend. Life is a tapestry of experiences from which we extract our own insights and form our personal maps of the vast cultural terrain we inhabit. This holds true whether you’re 95, 16, or in my case, 54.

In short, you’re stuck with me. I hope the game isn’t over.

What to do

Retro… the origin of Gradius. Photo: Konami

Feeling nostalgic, I recommend the retro collection Gradius Origins from Konami and Developer M2, an undeniable master at bringing classic titles to modern consoles. Origins collates all six entries in this esteemed arcade shoot-’em-up series, encompassing Gradius 1-3 and various spinoff Salamanders, featuring Japanese, North American, and often prototype versions with impressive new features.

These provide exhilarating side-scrolling experiences with striking spaceships, superb weapon upgrade systems, surreal biomechanical landscapes, and challenging bosses. The intricately choreographed enemy attack patterns are intense, but fair, and this time you can save your progress—unlike in the original. Alongside the game, there’s a delightful digital gallery, showcasing arcade flyers, concept art, and guides for all enemy ships. It’s a fantastic trip down memory lane.

Available on: PC, PS5, Switch, Xbox
Estimated playtime: Over 20 hours

What to read

Breaking the fourth wall… Death Stranding 2. Photo: Kojima Production

I found this article about the fourth-wall-breaking moments in Death Stranding 2 by Maddie Myers to be quite enjoyable. I spent 100 hours in Hideo Kojima’s unique masterpiece, and the game’s awareness of its artificiality was a refreshing reminder of the hyper-realistic nature of contemporary games and the roles players have to play to sustain their illusions.
Check out this diverse range of interviews with Laura Miele, president of Electronic Arts Entertainment. It seems plans are in motion for an Apex Legends Movie, alongside Sims-related films by the publisher. Personally, I’d love to see adaptations of Mirror’s Edge or Titanfall instead, or perhaps new games in those franchises.
This past weekend, the video game retail site GOG offered 13 mature games for free, including Postal 2 and House Party, with a million players taking advantage of the deal. The intent was to raise awareness of censorship in gaming following disputes over payment processing terms affecting NSFW titles. You can find more details here on Eurogamer.

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What to click

Question block

Return to the 90s… fear the spotlight. Photo: Blumhouse Games

Here’s a thought from Bluesky’s Kohigh Mathy:

“Why do certain genres seem to fade away, like music, real-time tactics, or point-and-click adventures? Will they only resurface years later? Is it market fatigue, changes in technology, or something else?”

I see multiple factors at play. Similar to how certain movie genres come and go, there’s a generational cycle of influence. Game developers who grew fond of a genre as children often attempt to recreate it as adults. The prevalence of low-poly survival horror games can be attributed to creators who fondly remember Resident Evil from the original PlayStation.

There’s also a cultural and sociopolitical dimension— developers are inspired by their environment, and prevailing global themes may be best expressed through specific game genres. Consequently, during times of global unrest and conflict, military real-time strategy games may see a resurgence. Additionally, technological advancements play a role. The arrival of new consoles or graphics cards leads to a rush to recreate beloved genres on those platforms. Veterans who enjoy revamping these genres contribute to this wave.

Last but not least, there’s the interaction of nostalgia and innovation. Rediscovering outdated genres can yield fresh perspectives. In a market flooded with souls-likes, hero shooters, and deck-builders, there’s merit in creating new takes on 1990s-style interactive movies, graphic adventures, or multi-sport simulators. This situation is advantageous for all parties involved.

If you have a question for the question block, or anything to say about the newsletter – Please email pushbuttons@theguardian.com.

Major Study Links Nighttime Light Exposure to Heart Disease Risks

Posted on July 3, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Optimizing Darkness in Your Night Environment

Tero Vesalainen/Shutterstock

SEI 2575076471 — Optimizing Darkness in Your Night Environment

Tero Vesalainen/Shutterstock

Exposure to light at night significantly raises the risk of heart disease, according to extensive research.

Various environmental and behavioral signals synchronize the body’s circadian rhythms, the internal clocks that manage physiological functions. However, contemporary lifestyles often disrupt these biological mechanisms, heightening sensitivity to health issues.

Light is a primary regulator of circadian rhythms and has been linked to numerous health implications. For instance, shift workers exposed to nighttime light face a higher risk of heart disease.

Previous studies utilizing satellite data have indicated associations between residents of brightly lit urban areas and heart disease, focusing solely on outdoor light at night. Daniel Windred, from Flinders University in Adelaide, and his team sought to determine if overall light exposure impacts cardiovascular health.

They monitored approximately 89,000 individuals without pre-existing cardiovascular conditions, equipping them with light sensors for a week between 2013 and 2016. “This represents the largest research effort on personal light exposure patterns affecting cardiovascular health to date.”

The sensors captured both natural and artificial light sources, including emissions from mobile phones. Over the eight-year period, participants who experienced the brightest nights showed a 23-56% increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease compared to those exposed to darker nights.

For example, individuals in the highest light exposure category included those who activated overhead lights for an hour from midnight to 6 AM. “This scenario places them within the 90th to 100th percentiles of nighttime light exposure,” Windred noted. He emphasized that the body continues to react to artificial light even after it is turned off, and short exposures can disrupt circadian rhythms.

Researchers accounted for factors such as gender, age, smoking habits, and shift work. They also demonstrated that the connection between light exposure and heart disease risk remained constant, regardless of sleep duration, sleep efficiency, or genetic predisposition.

Interestingly, although women generally have a lower incidence of heart disease at the same age as men, exposure to bright nighttime light can neutralize this protective effect due to estrogen. Evidence suggests that women experience more significant melatonin suppression in response to bright light, making their circadian systems more sensitive compared to men.

Disruption of circadian rhythms can compromise glucose tolerance, elevating the risk for type 2 diabetes, which is a risk factor for heart disease. Such disruption also influences blood pressure and can increase the risk for abnormal cardiac rhythms due to conflicting signals between the brain and heart.

“The significance of these findings must not be understated,” stated Martin Young from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. “As a 24/7 society increasingly disrupts our circadian systems, this study underscores the notable health risks linked to such exposure.”

Windred suggests that individuals strive to maintain a darker nighttime environment. “Optimize your sleep schedule to ensure darkness during bedtime. If you awaken during the night, utilize dim lighting and avoid bright overhead lights.”

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Heart Attacks No Longer Hold the Top Spot as Leading Cause of Death in the U.S.

Posted on June 25, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Training in Bystander CPR may have played a key role in decreasing heart attack fatalities over the last 50 years

Piyamas Dulmunsumphun / Alamy stock photos

Heart attack fatalities in the US have dramatically decreased over the last five decades, while deaths from chronic heart diseases have surged, potentially due to increased longevity.

“Significant strides have been made in reducing cardiac mortality, and we’re witnessing this transformation,” says Sarah King from Stanford University in California.

She and her team analyzed heart disease mortality data from 1970 to 2022, utilizing the American disease control and prevention database to monitor all recorded deaths nationwide.

In 2022, they discovered that heart disease constituted 24% of all US deaths, a decrease from 41% in 1970, significantly aided by nearly a 90% drop in heart attack fatalities, previously the deadliest form of heart disease.

“We’ve made remarkable progress in reducing heart attack deaths over the past half-century,” remarks King. This includes innovations such as cardiac stents, coronary artery bypass surgery, and cholesterol-lowering therapies. King also believes that public health initiatives, including Bystander CPR training and efforts to decrease smoking rates, have contributed to these improvements.

Nonetheless, the rise in mortality from other types of cardiac ailments has surged by 81%, indicating that many chronic conditions are leading to increased deaths. For instance, fatalities from heart failure, arrhythmias, and hypertensive heart disease have surged by 146%, 106%, and 450%, respectively.

“Many of these issues are related to aging,” explains King. “Those who survive heart attacks seem to live longer, giving them more time to develop these chronic heart conditions.”

However, the statistics might overstate changes in cardiac mortality. “Various factors can lead to a person’s death, resulting in potential misclassification and oversimplification,” King warns. For instance, many patients succumb to heart failure following a heart attack. “It’s not a straightforward issue because the underlying reason for that heart failure is often a blockage in the coronary arteries,” she adds.

Still, the majority of heart disease fatalities aren’t directly caused by heart attacks. “Addressing these other causes of increased mortality will be crucial,” King states. “Discovering healthier aging methods will be the next frontier for heart disease.”

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Study Finds Men More Prone to “Hard Heart Syndrome” Mortality

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Following traumatic experiences, such as a divorce or the loss of a loved one, individuals may encounter symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath.

This phenomenon, clinically termed takotsubo cardiomyopathy, is believed to arise from emotional or physical stress that triggers a surge of hormones, including adrenaline, which hampers the heart’s ability to contract effectively. While most individuals recover swiftly, a minority may face heart failure.

Wounded heart syndrome predominantly affects women; however, men have a mortality rate that is more than double that of women. A study published recently in the Journal of the American Heart Association highlights this disparity.

The research examined data from around 200,000 adults in the U.S. who were hospitalized for this condition between 2016 and 2020. It found that nearly 11% of men in this group died, compared to about 5% of women. This was supported by previous studies indicating a higher mortality rate among men.

“It’s consistently noted that men generally do not experience takotsubo syndrome as frequently, but when they do, the outcomes tend to be worse,” explained Dr. Harmony Reynolds, director of NYU Langone Health’s Center for Women’s Cardiovascular Research, who was not part of the study.

The differences between men and women could be tied to the triggers of their conditions, according to the cardiologist. In men, the syndrome is often instigated by physical stressors like surgery or stroke, whereas in women, the triggers tend to be emotional, such as job loss or the death of a loved one.

“Individuals facing emotional stressors tend to fare better,” noted Dr. Iran Wittstein, a cardiologist at Johns Hopkins Medicine who was not involved in the study.

“Men appear to have a higher risk of severe outcomes or mortality, suggesting that a more dangerous trigger is necessary for syndrome onset.”

Dr. Mohammad Movahed, the principal investigator of the study, added that men may also struggle more with recovery from takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Research indicates lower social support for men to help them cope with stress.

“If the stressor is transient and then removed, there could still be damage to the heart or diminished recovery chances,” Movahed, a cardiologist at the University of Arizona Sarver Heart Center, explained.

However, scientists continue to explore the underlying mechanisms of the syndrome and why fatalities occur in rare instances.

“Researchers are still pursuing to uncover the definitive causes of this condition,” Wittstein remarked.

Is stress the only trigger?

To diagnose takotsubo cardiomyopathy, physicians look for certain hallmark signs. Typically, in affected patients, parts of the heart muscle balloon out, but there are usually no blocked arteries, which would indicate a heart attack. Most patients can also identify stressors that led to their episodes.

“During these moments, we feel the weight on our hearts,” stated Dr. Matthew Tomey, a cardiologist at Mount Sinai St. Luke’s Hospital in New York City. “It’s as if heartache manifests physically.”

However, Wittstein cautioned that stress alone may not suffice to trigger takotsubo syndrome.

“Some individuals might have minor work-related frustrations, engage in a slightly intense jog, or experience irritation at a red light,” he described.

Reynolds shared that one of her patients had four instances of the syndrome, each stemming from a mild stomach bug that caused vomiting.

“She is quite averse to vomiting, which likely contributed to her incidents,” she noted.

Wittstein now posits that certain individuals may harbor an inherent sensitivity to takotsubo syndrome. His findings suggest that stress hormones narrow small blood vessels around the heart, limiting blood flow and making some individuals, especially those with high blood pressure or cholesterol, more vulnerable.

Research indicates that postmenopausal women are at an elevated risk of developing this syndrome, potentially due to decreased estrogen levels, which facilitate the dilation of small blood vessels around the heart.

However, Reynolds emphasized that further research is needed to fully understand these mechanisms.

“There’s a suggestion that sex hormones may play a role, but establishing that link is still an ongoing challenge,” she said.

It’s complex to manage and prevent

The intricate nature of takotsubo cardiomyopathy can complicate its prevention and treatment.

Doctors often seek ways to alleviate stress, sometimes prescribing medications intended for other heart conditions, such as beta blockers, or recommending meditation and mental health support.

“To date, we have not identified any preventive drugs that effectively reduce complications, mortality rates, or specific therapies,” Movahed stated.

The new study found that mortality rates associated with takotsubo syndrome remained relatively stable from 2016 to 2020.

However, Wittstein noted that the study relies on diagnostic codes assigned to hospitalized patients, which might overlook broader circumstances influencing a patient’s death, particularly regarding strokes or other neurological issues.

“I suspect many individuals recover from takotsubo syndrome but subsequently succumb to other complications,” he remarked.

The cardiologist advises patients to seek immediate medical attention if they experience chest pain or shortness of breath, rather than attributing it solely to stress.

“Only through a comprehensive evaluation at the hospital can we differentiate between this condition and a traditional heart attack,” Reynolds cautioned. “Thus, it’s critical not to ignore chest pain.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Shingles Vaccines Linked to Reduced Risk of Various Common Heart Issues

Posted on May 6, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The shingles vaccine appears to offer additional benefits

Cavan images / Alamy

SEI 250069808 — The shingles vaccine appears to offer additional benefits

Cavan images / Alamy

Vaccination against shingles, also known as herpes zoster, not only prevents this painful infection but also lowers the chance of cardiovascular issues.

A recent observational study involving over 1 million participants has revealed that individuals who receive the shingles vaccine Zostavax have a 26% reduced risk of developing heart disease, heart attacks, or heart failure compared to those who are unvaccinated.

“Shingles is known to cause inflammation in blood vessels,” notes a researcher. “Thus, by preventing the infection, vaccines could potentially reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.”

Shingles manifests when the varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox, reactivates after lying dormant in the body. This reactivation can happen due to factors like stress or prolonged chemotherapy, leading to painful rashes.

While cardiovascular complications are not commonly highlighted, research has shown a link between shingles and increased risks for conditions such as stroke and heart attack, especially within the first year post-infection, with stroke risk rising by approximately 30% and heart attack risk by 10%.

To investigate whether vaccinations mitigate these risks, Lee and colleagues analyzed data from 1,271,922 individuals over 50, gathered by the South Korean National Health Registry Bureau from 2012 to 2024. They assessed who received the live vaccine and compared it with the later onset of 18 cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure, stroke, and arrhythmias, while also considering various health-related factors like age, gender, and lifestyle.

Throughout a six-year average follow-up period, the study found that the risk of cardiovascular events post-vaccination was 23% lower than in unvaccinated individuals.

The reduction was more pronounced in men, with a 27% lower risk compared to a 20% decrease in women. Among those under 60, there was a 27% reduction in risk, while in older populations, it was 16%. Rural residents showed a 25% risk reduction versus 20% in urban settings, and low-income groups had a 26% decrease, while higher earners experienced a 20% reduction. The data also indicated that risk reduction decreased as BMI increased.

For specific cardiovascular incidents, vaccinated people were found to be 26% less likely to experience a stroke, heart attack, or heart failure, and 26% less likely to die from heart disease. Additionally, the risk of coronary artery disease was reduced by 22%.

The benefits were most significant in the two to three years following vaccination, gradually tapering off over the subsequent five years.

The findings support the notion that shingles vaccination “enhances our confidence” in its capability to lower cardiovascular risk by decreasing vascular inflammation potentially triggered by the shingles virus, states Galen Faulke from Pennsylvania State University.

“Zoster itself has a notably high incidence of pain and postherpetic neuralgia, which can be extremely distressing,” he adds. “However, healthcare systems globally can significantly reduce cardiovascular ailments by advocating the use of cost-effective shingles vaccines.”

While further research is necessary, scientists theorize that the vaccine may indirectly contribute to lowering cardiovascular risks associated with shingles.

Initially, the focus was on Zostavax, which uses viral proteins, but more attention is now directed towards Shingrix.

“That’s why it is more effective at preventing shingles. I believe recombinant vaccines could offer even stronger cardiovascular protection,” Lee explains.

Despite the study design not establishing causality as in randomized trials, researchers can identify risk correlations across a large population. Such extensive data can reveal risk patterns that clinical trials might overlook, Lee explains.

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What Defines a Kentucky Derby Champion? A Big Heart, Powerful Lungs, and Strong Legs

Posted on April 30, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Horses have honed their abilities, such as running, jumping, and pulling, as humans have bred and trained them for various purposes over thousands of years. The 151st Derby, the most-watched horse racing event, not only highlights the skills of these animals but also raises concerns about their treatment and well-being. Advocates have long voiced worries about injuries and fatalities, especially after twelve horses died at Churchill Downs two years ago.

There’s no doubt that the relationships between humans and horses have transformed warfare, agriculture, and society.

Timothy Winegard, a historian at Colorado Mesa University and author of the recent book, The Horse, remarked, “We’ve combined our intellect with the horse’s size, strength, stamina, and speed to create the most unstoppable animal coalition.”

Why Are Horses So Powerful?

The horse’s heart and lungs contribute significantly to its remarkable power.

Hearts typically weigh between 10-12 pounds (4.5-5.4 kg), roughly 1% of the horse’s body weight, compared to about 0.5% for a typical human heart. The famous horse Secretariat, who won the Triple Crown in 1973, was later found to have a heart weighing over 20 pounds (9.1 kg).

A horse’s heart is designed for exercise, with a resting heart rate around 34 beats per minute that can rise to 220 or 240 during a race—much faster than a human’s maximum during intense exertion.

Derma Sotogake training on the mornings of the 2023 Kentucky Derby.
Andy Lions/Getty Images

“One unique aspect of horses is their incredible capacity to circulate blood throughout their bodies. They can achieve high heart rates while remaining safe,” explained Sarah Reed, a researcher at the University of Connecticut.

Additionally, horses possess a lung capacity of 60 liters, ten times that of a human.

“This extensive lung capacity allows oxygen to efficiently transfer from the air to the blood, which is essential for sustaining aerobic energy,” noted Farmer.

Recent research published in the journal Science indicates that genetic mutations enable horses to mitigate the adverse effects associated with ultra-high energy production.

“Horses are exceptional athletes because they can deliver significantly more oxygen to their muscles than elite Olympic athletes. They have larger energy reserves and more efficient systems…and these mutations play a role in both aspects.”

What Contributes to a Horse’s Speed and Skills?

Various biological characteristics enhance a horse’s abilities.

Horses store excess red blood cells in their spleens, which are released to enhance oxygen transport during intense exertion.

“During exercise, adrenaline triggers the spleen to circulate these excess red blood cells,” said veterinarian Hillary Clayton. “Essentially, what a horse accomplishes is a form of ‘natural blood doping.’”

Honoring Marie at Churchill Downs in 2024.
Charlie Riedel / AP

Furthermore, a horse’s brain is adept at processing sensory information and reacting swiftly. Although their frontal lobe—the section associated with thinking and planning—is proportionally smaller than that of humans, horses are hardwired for play and independent running without fear, as explained by Dr. Scott Bailey, a veterinarian at Clayborne Farm. This focus is critical for athletic performance.

The bone structure and muscle makeup are also advantageous. The ligaments and tendons in their hind legs function like springs, and as Farmer noted, like other large prey animals, they possess “long, slender legs designed for running.”

What Are the Risks for Horses?

Adjustments that enhance a horse’s speed also increase the risk of injuries. Their slender legs endure the impact of each stride, and over time, repetitive stress during racing and training can lead to tendon and ligament damage, Reed stated.

In 2023, fatalities occurred not only at Churchill Downs but also at other major racecourses, affecting public perceptions of the sport and prompting changes. No specific cause of death was identified. However, in 2024, Churchill Downs improved the equipment used on its racing surfaces and added a veterinarian dedicated to horse safety and integrity.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Recent studies suggest that incorporating simple walking tips can improve your heart health

Posted on April 19, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Engaging in regular and extended bouts of walking can help shield you from abnormal heart rhythms, heart attacks, heart diseases, and strokes.

Recent research published in Heart, a publication owned by the British Medical Journal, supports this notion. According to the study, adults who maintained a brisk walking pace of over four miles per hour (mph) were 43% less likely to develop heart rhythm abnormalities over a 13-year period.

For many people, a pace of 3.5 mph is typical, so walking at 4 mph may feel more energetic. It’s a deliberate pace that slightly elevates your heart rate and breathing, but still allows for conversation.

“Individuals who perceived their normal walking pace as average (3-4 mph) or active (>4 mph) experienced a reduced risk of heart rhythm abnormalities,” stated Professor Jill Perl, the Henry Mechanic Professor of Public Health at the University of Glasgow and senior author of the study, as reported by BBC Science Focus.

Furthermore, even minor lifestyle changes, such as walking at an average pace for at least five minutes daily, were shown to yield significant benefits according to the study’s findings.

Most of us walk at speeds of 3.5 mph or 130 bpm. This is about the pace of the song that got me hooked on the senses of BJ Thomas. – Credit: Solstock via Getty

The study included data from 420,925 participants from the UK Biobank, of which 81,956 individuals tracked their walking habits using activity monitors.

After 13 years, approximately 9% of participants developed heart rhythm abnormalities, such as atrial fibrillation, tachycardia, and bradycardia.

Individuals who spent more time walking at an average or active pace were found to have lower odds of developing these abnormalities compared to those with less walking activity.

It was estimated that around 36% of the benefits associated with brisk walking and heart health could be attributed to its positive impact on risk factors for heart disease.

“Brisk walking can help lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and reduce inflammation in the body,” explained Professor Perl.

While the study had limitations, including its reliance on self-reported data and a predominantly white participant pool, the results emphasize the potential benefits of incorporating regular brisk walking into one’s routine.

Read more:

About Our Experts:

Professor Jill Perl holds the Henry Mechanic Chair in Public Health at the University of Glasgow. She also serves as an honorary public health consultant for the Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Commission. Prior to her current role, Professor Perl was a professor of epidemiology at the British Heart Foundation’s Centre for Cardiovascular Research in Glasgow. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh and the European Society of Cardiology.

What Your Hearing Can Reveal About Your Risk of Heart Failure

Posted on April 13, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Heart failure affects over 60 million people worldwide, where the heart is unable to properly pump blood due to a weak or stiff heart. Typical causes include coronary heart disease, hypertension, and obesity. However, new research published in the journal heart shows that hearing loss is also linked to an increased risk of heart failure.

Heart failure doesn’t mean the heart stops working completely, but rather needs extra support to function. The study, which evaluated data from over 160,000 people from the UK biobank, found that individuals with hearing loss had a higher risk of developing heart failure over a 5-year follow-up period compared to those with normal hearing.

The study also revealed that individuals with inadequate hearing had a 15% higher risk, while those with inadequate hearing had a 28% higher risk of heart failure. Higher scores on the Audio Reception Threshold test were also associated with a higher risk of heart failure. These findings suggest that hearing health should be considered in cardiovascular risk assessment and prevention strategies.

According to the World Health Organization, 25% of people over 60 suffer from varying levels of hearing loss.

Research suggests that untreated hearing loss can lead to social isolation, psychological distress, and neurosis, all of which increase the risk of heart failure. The study authors also point out biological links between hearing loss and heart problems, emphasizing the importance of addressing hearing health in cardiovascular risk management.

Overall, while hearing loss may be considered a normal part of aging, it may actually indicate underlying issues that can impact heart health. It’s essential to consider hearing health in relation to overall cardiovascular health to reduce the risk of heart failure.

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Drug developed by Eli Lilly decreases presence of mysterious LP(A) particles related to heart attack risk

Posted on March 30, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

One in five people (an estimated 64 million people in the US) has increased levels of small particles in their blood. It can significantly increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

But few people knew about it and there was not much to do, so little doctors would have checked it. Dieting is useless. I don’t even exercise. There were no medicines.

But that may change in the near future.

On Sunday, the cardiologist announced that the experimental drug created by Eli Lily of Repodisilan can lower particle levels by 94% with a single injection. The effect lasted for 6 months and there were no serious side effects.

However, it has not yet been confirmed that lowering LP(a) levels reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes. It awaits a massive clinical trial currently underway.

Lily’s research was presented on Sunday at the American Society of Cardiology’s Annual Meeting and was presented simultaneously Published New England Journal of Medicine. At least four companies are also testing innovative drugs that block the production of the body of LP(A) and the mixing of lipids and proteins.

Dr. David Maron, a preventive cardiologist at Stanford University who is not involved in Lily’s research, said evidence of a severe and long-term reduction in lipoprotein levels by repodisilans is “thrilling.”

Dr. Martha Gulati, a preventive psychologist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, was also not involved in the exam, saying the study was “really elegant.”

Eli Lilly is currently conducting large clinical trials asking whether the drug can prevent heart attacks, strokes or cardiovascular death. It will end in 2029. Clinical trials of other drugs targeting LP(a) end more quickly. The first is a study of Novartis drugs that are injected monthly, with results expected in 2026.

However, cardiologists warn that there is no guarantee that medicine will protect people. They remember too well the lessons they learned, assuming that changing risk factors could change risk. Cardiologists were once keen on drugs that raise HDL levels known as “good cholesterol.” People with naturally higher HDL levels had a lower incidence of heart disease. These HDL raming drugs did not help.

Dr. Daniel Rader, a preventive psychologist at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, says LP(A)-lowering “is a huge new frontier in cardiovascular medicine.” Dr. Radar is a member of Novartis’ Scientific Advisory Committee and has written editorials to accompany new papers.

Treatments targeting LP(a) took a long time.

Lipoprotein was identified as a in 1974 Risk factors for heart disease This is controlled by genes rather than lifestyle or environment.

People with slightly higher than normal LP(a) levels have an approximately 25% increase in their risk of heart attacks and stroke. And very high levels can double the risk, as seen in 10% of the population.

Cardiologists say patients with no obvious reason for heart attacks or stroke (with normal cholesterol levels and blood pressure and not smoking) often know that their LP levels are high. Usually, it is found that they have a family history of heart disease of unknown cause.

The same applies to people who are experiencing heart attacks at a young age, says Dr. Stephen Nissen, a preventive psychologist at Cleveland Clinic, is an academic leader in the Lilly drug trials, and for clinical trials of three other new drugs.

“If you go to the coronary care unit and see a 40-year-old with an acute myocardial infarction, you need to know your LP(a) level,” he said, referring to a heart attack. Often they said their levels were 250 nanomoles or even higher per liter. The normal limit is 75.

Dr. Maron said his clinic is full of people who don’t know why they developed heart disease until they learn that they have high levels of LP.

One is Montewood, a 71-year-old retired firefighter who lives in Reading, California. His LDL cholesterol levels rose to moderately. His blood pressure was normal. He didn’t smoke. However, he had his first heart attack in 2006 while taking cholesterol-lowering statins.

It appeared that almost all of Mr. Kisae’s family had died of heart disease.

His paternal grandmother had her first heart attack when she was in her 40s. She died of a heart attack at the age of 63. His father and his father’s brother died of heart disease. Mr. Kisae’s brother died of a heart attack.

When Dr. Maron tested Wood’s LP level, it was above 400.

Dr. Maron and other preventive psychologists say they regularly test LP(a) levels in all patients, like Dr. Grati, Dr. Nissen and Dr. Radar. Because LP(a) levels are gene-controlled, patients should only test once.

Dr. Nissen is dull with LP(a) patients.

“We say: You have a disability that has serious meaning. I want to take all the risk factors you’ve been off the table,” he said.

But Dr. Grati said that a study found it. 0.3% The US population is receiving insurance-paid LP(a) tests, with only 3% of heart disease patients being tested.

She and other preventive cardiologists say that all adults should take the LP(a) test. If the level is high, your doctor should actively treat all other risk factors.

For Kisei, it meant taking Repatha, a powerful cholesterol-lowering drug that lowered his LDL cholesterol levels to 30.

However, Mr. Kisae’s case did not end there. Dr. Maron led one of the new drugs that lower LP(a) levels to clinical trial testing.

During the exam, Kisae had no symptoms of heart disease. I had no chest pain or shortness of breath. When the exam was finished, his symptoms returned, leading to a square bypass operation.

“It’s anecdotal,” Dr. Maron said. “But these drugs can prevent heart attacks.”

Source: www.nytimes.com

Kilmer McCurry, a pathologist known for his groundbreaking theory on heart disease, passes away at age 91

Posted on March 22, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

In the 1960s and 1970s, Kilmer S. McCurry, a pathologist at Harvard Medical School, was controversially expelled into the basement. He claimed that the amino acid homocysteine had been overlooked as a potential risk factor for heart disease.

His daughter, Martha McCurry, later revealed that he passed away due to metastatic prostate cancer. His death was not widely reported at the time.

Dr. McCurry’s theory, which is still debated, suggested that inadequate vitamin intake could lead to high homocysteine levels in the blood, causing plaque buildup and artery stiffening. This challenged the prevailing cholesterol-centric view supported by the pharmaceutical industry.

Although Dr. McCurry acknowledged the importance of cholesterol, he believed homocysteine should not be ignored. However, his superiors at Harvard disagreed, leading to his lab being moved underground and eventually being told to leave.

In a 1995 interview, Dr. McCurry described his experience as “very traumatic.” He felt isolated and misunderstood by his peers.

At a medical conference in Boston, Dr. McCurry learned about Homocystinuria, a genetic disorder linked to high homocysteine levels. This discovery sparked his interest in the role of homocysteine in disease.

One case involving a young girl with homocystinuria who had a family history of the disease stood out to Dr. McCurry. This prompted him to further investigate the connection between homocysteine and artery stiffness.

“How did an 8-year-old die in the way an elderly man?” Dr. McCurry wrote in The Heart Revolution, recalling the incident that led to his controversial research.
credit…HarperCollins

After studying tissue samples, Dr. McCurry found evidence that homocysteine could lead to artery stiffening without cholesterol or fat buildup. This discovery further fueled his research into homocysteine’s role in heart disease.

The rejection of Dr. McCurry’s theory in the 1960s and 1970s took a toll on his career. He struggled to find employment for years after leaving Harvard.

Despite facing resistance, Dr. McCurry continued his research on homocysteine and its impact on heart health. His persistence ultimately paid off, as studies in the 1990s confirmed his earlier findings.

Dr. McCurry’s work shed light on the importance of homocysteine as a marker for cardiovascular disease risk. His perseverance and dedication to his research have since been acknowledged by the medical community.

Dr. McCurry’s early research laid the foundation for later studies linking homocysteine levels to heart disease risk. Subsequent investigations have supported his initial claims, validating his work and legacy in the field of cardiology.

Despite initial skepticism, Dr. McCurry’s contributions to the understanding of homocysteine have been recognized by the medical community. His insights have paved the way for further research into the role of this amino acid in cardiovascular health.

Dr. McCurry’s groundbreaking work continues to inspire researchers and clinicians to explore the complex relationship between homocysteine and heart disease. His legacy lives on in the ongoing pursuit of innovative approaches to cardiovascular care.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Reducing the Risk of Heart Disease: A New Approach

Posted on March 18, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Quantum Universe

Quantum physics is confused. Luckily, scientists have been exploring it for years, and finally we are beginning to understand it all. Quantum Mechanics guide now easier. A Whistlestop tour to understand the basic theory that governs very small things.

Near-death experience

They left their bodies, witnessed a bright light, and returned forever. But will the survivors of near-death experiences (NDEs) get a glimpse of something great beyond that? Here’s what NDES can tell us about the mystery of our final moments:

Losing the world under the sea

Discover the lost landscape off the coast of Australia, engulfed in the ocean that could have lived over half a million years ago.

Mystical signals from deep space

Fast Radio Burst: Are these mystical signals from deep spaces becoming even more strangers?

plus

There’s a bit of hope: Having hope is a way to do better for your mental health than mindfulness.
New pieces of obesity puzzle: A better understanding of the human hypothalamus pathways has great medical potential and could lead to new treatments of obesity.
Q&A: Your question answered! This month: Does your name affect your physical appearance? Does something poop gold? How old is Jupiter’s Great Red Spot? Why is it so difficult to switch tasks? What’s the craziest thing ever stolen? And more!

Issue 417 for sale on Tuesday, March 18th, 2025

Don’t forget that BBC Science Focus It is also available on all major digital platforms. There is a version Android, Kindle Fire and Kindle e-book readersas well as iOS App For iPad and iPhone.

Experience the Virgin Money Flaster Chatbot in the heart of Scunthorpe

Posted on February 13, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Feedback is the latest science and technology news of new scientists, the sidelines of the latest science and technology news. You can email Feedback@newscientist.com to send items you believe readers can be fascinated by feedback.

NDCS TBC

In the fun world of international climate negotiations at this point, everything is a bit quieter. The final big news was the COP29 conference in Azerbaijan in November. This was a huge success for a fossil fuel company promoting bystanders' products. Donald Trump then returned to the White House as President of the United States. He immediately ordered the country to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, which governs international climate action. Negotiators can make excuses that they are a bit shell shocked.

Nevertheless, the wheels of the climatic bureaucracy are crushed. This year, signers of the Paris contract must submit renewals Nationally determined contributions (NDC). This is essentially a list of promises to take action to address climate change. The deadline is February 10th, and most countries missed it. Climate strategist Ed King He's getting attention Newsletter “Three small hill countries with many sheep” (UK, New Zealand and Switzerland) managed to submit theirs, but “we will have to wait until the second half of 2025 for China, India and the EU ”.

No one is in a hurry. It will take time. It's not like half of Los Angeles got burned to the ground. Drink tea, lift your legs and live your best life. It will be done when it is complete.

V-word

Reporter Matthew Spark draws our attention to one experience David Burchwho discussed savings accounts online with virgin money and asked the chatbot: The chatbot responded: “Don't use such words. If you use that language, I won't be able to continue chatting.”

Online assistants appear to have been programmed to avoid certain words and phrases that were considered discriminatory or offensive, including “virgin.” After Birch I posted it angrily There were a few things about this on LinkedIn Media reporting and virgin money I apologized I've taken down the chatbot (it was an outdated model anyway).

This was yet another example of a recurring problem with online discussions. Context is important. It is certainly possible to use it to insult the string virgin, but it is also the name of a multinational corporation. Tools that simply filter specific strings are obligated to block many harmless messages, but also lack the obvious slur-independent abuse.

The issue dates back at least to 1996 when AOL refused to allow residents of Scunthorpe, UK, to create accounts. The town's name contains a string that many people find offensive.Scunthorpe problem“For such a technical disaster.

The “virgin” incident is just the latest example. The Wikipedia page for Scunthorpe questions is a treasure trove of careless toilet humor and, more importantly, surprises. Perhaps we can speculate on the problems faced by certain mushroom promoters with Japanese names, but why is the New Zealand town of Facatane, a similar context-blinded foul, similar? Ignore the reader to predict whether the situation has become blinded. control.

Readers are welcome to submit their stories, but feedback cannot guarantee that email filters will pass through them.

Is it finally happening?

January 26th, website Daily Express The newspaper issued a big warning:Yellowstone warning as Survercano “preparing for an explosion”“. Good gravy, we thought. Will the Super Orcano under Yellowstone stop that perennial rumble and eventually tear it and cover North America with ashes and suck the sun?

In a thorough examination, the story merely reported the existence of a short YouTube document. What happens if the Yellowstone volcano erupts tomorrow? It was released in March 2020 on a channel called What. Feedback may be felt and readers may agree. ExpressHeadline.

Still, I’ll fill out the page. Found Feedback a Half a dozen article This theme has been featured in early January with headlines like “”.Yellowstone Crater movements create fear of boss explosion as scientists assess the risk“This noted that some scientists discovered “movement deep within the crater” and that this was on alert. paper in Nature It used new imaging techniques to determine that the volcano was not contained close to the magma sufficient to erupt. Others said this study:New debate about when and where it will spurt“This is certainly one way to interpret research that an eruption is not imminent.

Going back further back in time: On July 23rd last year, there was a small hydrothermal explosion in the Biscuit Basin area of Yellowstone, essentially trapped steam escaped the ground and escaped. Queue the headlines”Is Yellowstone going to erupt?“This was answered to an affordable answer by geophysicists. Geophysicists only say that the volcano erupts when there is “enough magma and pressure that can be erupted,” and that “either state is in yellowstone He explained that it will only erupt if it is not present.

We tried to go back further, but after the 50th post with almost the same headline, the feedback brain broke. At this point there were so many stories that declared the Yellowstone eruption imminent. When we see it off on live TV, we don't know if we believe it or not.

Have you talked about feedback?

You can send stories to feedback by email at feedback@newscientist.com. Include your home address. This week and past feedback can be found on our website.

https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/bkY_3vXuGBA?wmode=opaque&feature=oembed" title="“01_ballad” (Vocaloid Hatsune Miku, Original PV)" height="480" width="640" allowfullscreen="

Drinking morning coffee could positively impact heart health

Posted on January 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Drinking coffee in the morning may be more strongly associated with a lower risk of death than drinking coffee later in the day, according to a new study led by scientists at Tulane University.

king others. This study highlights the importance of considering timing in the relationship between coffee intake and health outcomes. Image credit: Sci.News.

“Previous studies have shown that drinking coffee does not increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, but does increase the risk of some chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes,” said Lu Qi, a professor at Tulane University and lead author of the study. appears to be declining.”

“Given the effects of caffeine on our bodies, we wanted to know whether the time of day you drink coffee affects your heart health.”

The study included 40,725 adults who participated in the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 1999 and 2018.

As part of the study, participants were asked about all the food and drinks they consumed in at least one day, including whether they drank coffee, when and how much they drank it.

The study also included a subgroup of 1,463 people who were asked to complete a detailed food and drink diary for one week.

Approximately 36% of the study participants were coffee drinkers in the morning (mostly coffee before noon), 16% were coffee drinkers throughout the day (morning, afternoon, and evening), and 48% were non-coffee drinkers.

Compared to non-coffee drinkers, those who drank coffee in the morning were 16% less likely to die from any cause and 31% less likely to die from cardiovascular disease.

However, the risk was not reduced for those who drank coffee throughout the day compared to those who did not drink coffee.

People who drank coffee in the morning, both moderate drinkers (2-3 cups) and heavy drinkers (more than 3 cups), benefited from a lower risk.

Those who drank less alcohol in the morning (one glass or less) benefited from a smaller risk reduction.

“This is the first study to test coffee drinking timing patterns and their health effects,” Professor Qi said.

“Our findings show that it’s not just whether or how much you drink coffee that matters, but the time of day you drink it.”

“We don’t usually give advice on timing in dietary guidance, but we might want to think about this in the future.”

“Further research is needed to validate the findings in other populations, and clinical trials are needed to test the potential effects of varying the times people drink coffee.”

of study Published today on european heart journal.

_____

Xuan Wang others. Timing of coffee drinking and mortality among U.S. adults. european heart journalpublished online on January 8, 2024. doi: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehae871

Source: www.sci.news

The Virtual Idol, Hatsune Miku, Holds a Unique Place in My Heart

Posted on November 25, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

CThrongs of J-Pop enthusiasts gathered outside John Cain Arena on a scorching 36-degree Melbourne night, flaunting their iconic green wigs. However, the blistering heat wasn’t a concern for Hatsune Miku, the night’s star attraction who is digitally animated and doesn’t sweat. The 16-year-old ‘Vocaloid’ virtual pop sensation embarked on her inaugural Australian tour.

As followers are well-informed, Miku is the avatar of a 157 cm tall teenage girl with distinctive green pigtails. She is the representation of a collection of voice samples created using Yamaha’s Vocaloid speech synthesis technology by Krypton Future Media. Users input lyrics and melodies, which are then “sung” by the sampled audio (portrayed by actor Saki Fujita as Hatsune Miku). While some Vocaloid producers fine-tune their software for realism, others cherish its artificial essence.

Hatsune Miku on stage. “The basic idea of Vocaloid is that it's a gift to the fans,” says one audience member. Photo: ©CFM

Inside the arena, Miku came to life on an LED screen, igniting a controlled frenzy among the audience. Most attendees remained seated, focusing on synchronizing their battery-powered colored glow sticks. Miku, towering over with a mesmerizing presence, danced to a live band amid a massive lighting setup. Speaking in English with a Japanese accent, she engaged with the audience, creating an illusion of a live, spontaneous performance.

“Thank you all for making this night truly special,” she joyfully exclaimed. “I hope we had a great time.” The crowd erupted in cheers. “Until we meet again!” she signed off.

Vocaloid tracks have gained popularity in Japan, often appearing on mainstream pop charts and even reaching the top spots. Billboard introduced a chart exclusively for Vocaloid, Niconico. Since its debut in 2007, Miku’s first demo, 01_Ballad, has inspired over 100,000 fan-made songs, mostly from Japan’s otaku community, known for their fervent passion for characters over celebrities. Miku’s prominence led her to open for Lady Gaga, perform at Coachella, and be remixed by Pharrell Williams.

Other popular characters based on various voicebanks include Rin Kagamine and Luka Megurine, who made a surprise appearance at Miku’s Melbourne concert, delighting fans.

While many attendees in Melbourne cosplay as Miku, some fans create new Miku designs to embody specific traits or brands. For instance, “Bunningsmiku” or “Woolysmiku.” This quirky practice aligns with the highly commercialized subculture. A recent Live Nation survey found that Asian pop fans spend 138% more per ticket and 85% purchase merchandise.

“Vocaloid is essentially a gift to the fans. It’s the fans who shape its identity,” Olivia shared. “There’s a vibrant community surrounding it that unites everyone.”

Despite her eternal teenage years and cutting-edge technology, Hatsune Miku is now in many ways a traditional artist with a setlist of classic hits. Photo: Jonathan White/©CFM

For some fans, concerts serve as an opportunity for identity exploration. Tori, 19, dressed as the gender-swapped male Mikuo, embracing their transgender identity.

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“I’m transgender, but I feel more comfortable.” [dressed this way]. “I love music, I love her as an instrument, and I find the technology amazing,” they said. “I feel like a lot of nerd people, transgender people, people who don’t feel like they fit in can relate to that.”

Initially unrelated to artificial intelligence, Vocaloid software paved the way for today’s generative AI models trained on artists’ voices, often without consent. Open source pop music is on the rise. Grimes announced that AI could render artists’ voices in exchange for royalties.

Despite her perpetual teen persona and cutting-edge tech, Miku has established herself as a legendary figure with timeless hits. Fans like Kong, 36, a devotee since 2008, hold a special place in their hearts for Miku and revel in nostalgic performances of classics like world is mine.

“Miku has a special place in my heart. Before I had a job, before I had a family, before I had children, I gave birth to Miku,'' Kong reminisced, under the glow of home lights. “She embodies what you need in life when you know her, when you meet her. The song is haunting. It transcends time.”

Astronomers create a map of star formation in the heart of NGC 1386

Posted on October 29, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

NGC1386 is a spiral galaxy located 53 million light years away in the constellation Eridanus.

This image of NGC 1386 combines data from VST and ALMA. Image credits: ESO / ALMA / National Astronomical Observatory of Japan / NRAO / Prieto others. / Deep investigation of Fornax.

Dr. Almudena Prieto of the Canarias Institute for Astronomy and colleagues observed the central region of NGC 1386 as part of an experiment. PARSEC projecta parsec-scale multiwavelength survey of the nearest galactic center.

“Stars often form in star clusters, which are collections of thousands of stars that originate from giant clouds of molecular gas,” the astronomers said.

“The blue ring at the center of this galaxy is ripe with star clusters filled with young stars.”

To examine this ring in more detail, Dr. Prieto and his co-authors used data from ESO's Very Large Telescope (VLT) and the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope.

The data shows that these clusters all formed around the same time 4 million years ago.

“This is the first time that synchronous star formation has been observed in a galaxy containing mainly old stars,” the researchers said.

They used the Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array (ALMA) to uncover further secrets of NGC 1386.

“The new images show numerous gas clouds as golden rings, ready to form a second wave of young stars,” the scientists said.

“But we still have to wait five million years for these to emerge.”

“Even though it is old, NGC 1386 continues to rejuvenate,” the researchers added.

of findings Published in September 2024. Royal Astronomical Society Monthly Notices.

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Almudena Prieto others. 2024. PARSEC's view of star formation at the galactic center: from primordial clusters to star clusters in early-type spirals. MNRAS 533 (1): 433-454;doi: 10.1093/mnras/stae1822

Source: www.sci.news

Research shows that eating strawberries regularly could boost heart health and help control cholesterol levels

Posted on October 19, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

According to one researcher, daily consumption of strawberries (1-4 cups per day) improves lipid metabolism and inflammatory outcomes in people at high cardiovascular risk. new review paper Published in a magazine Critical reviews in food science and nutrition.

Strawberries are a natural and delicious way to support heart health and manage cholesterol. Image credit: D. Сroisy.

“Strawberries contain a number of potentially health-promoting phytonutrients, including phenols, polyphenols, fiber, micronutrients, and vitamins,” said Roberta Holt, a researcher at the University of California, Davis, and colleagues.

“The purpose of our review is to provide a comprehensive overview of recent human studies on the effects of strawberry and strawberry phytonutrient intake on human health.”

For the review, the authors conducted a literature search through the PubMed and Cochrane databases.

They combined results from 60 papers (47 clinical trials and 13 observational studies) published from 2000 to 2023.

They found that strawberries are rich in beneficial phytonutrients such as polyphenols and fiber, which help lower LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels while reducing inflammation.

The result is improved overall heart health and better management of cardiovascular risk factors.

Daily consumption of strawberries, whether in fresh, frozen, or freeze-dried form, can have a significant impact on cardiometabolic health, especially in those at high risk for heart disease.

Strawberries can help lower the risk of developing cardiovascular disease by improving lipid metabolism and reducing systemic inflammation.

“Our research shows that regular consumption of strawberries not only lowers cholesterol, but also helps reduce inflammation, a major contributing factor to heart disease,” Dr. Holt said.

“This means that simply adding a cup of strawberries to your daily routine can significantly reduce your risk of cardiovascular events.”

Beyond heart health, the team's review revealed exciting benefits for brain health.

The findings suggest that strawberries are rich in flavonoids, which may help slow cognitive decline and prevent dementia.

The researchers said, “Strawberries may support cognitive function and fight oxidative stress, which is an important factor in keeping the brain sharp as we age.”

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Phrae Charonwoodhipon others. strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) Intake on human health and disease outcomes: a comprehensive literature review. Critical reviews in food science and nutritionpublished online on September 11, 2024. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2024.2398634

Source: www.sci.news

What you need to know about the serious heart condition affecting 10 million Americans

Posted on September 12, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

New research published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology reveals that Atrial fibrillation (A-Fib) is three times more common in the United States than previously known, affecting an estimated 10.5 million American adults. A-Fib is characterized by an irregular heartbeat and can lead to severe complications such as stroke, heart failure, heart attack, kidney disease, and dementia.

While individuals with atrial fibrillation have an increased risk of heart-related mortality, the condition is treatable and typically not life-threatening. The exact cause of A-Fib remains unknown, but it tends to occur more frequently with age and is prevalent in certain groups with existing cardiovascular conditions.

A recent study conducted by scientists at the University of California analyzed medical records of 30 million adult patients in California from 2005 to 2019, revealing that 2 million individuals had atrial fibrillation. The study also observed an increasing incidence of A-Fib over the years, indicating a rise in prevalence due to factors such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes.

Symptoms of atrial fibrillation may include irregular and rapid palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, and anxiety. Diagnosis can be made through an irregular heartbeat or an electrocardiogram (ECG). Technological advancements, such as smartwatches designed to monitor A-Fib, are aiding in the detection and management of the condition.

What are the signs of atrial fibrillation?

Dr. Hugh Calkins, a prominent cardiologist, emphasized the importance of recognizing symptoms of atrial fibrillation for early detection and treatment. Individuals experiencing symptoms are encouraged to seek medical advice for proper evaluation and management of the condition.

About our experts

Dr. Hugh Calkins is the Katherine Ellen Poindexter Professor of Cardiology at the Johns Hopkins Hospital, Maryland, USA. He has contributed extensively to cardiovascular research and is a renowned expert in electrophysiology and arrhythmia services.

Professor John Kamm holds the position of Professor of Clinical Cardiology at St George’s University Hospital, London. His research contributions in cardiology have been published in various prestigious medical journals.

Read more:

“Research into the antibacterial effect of earwax E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus It was isolated from skin and stool samples of an undergraduate student at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria.” “.

Living in areas with abundant trees may lower risk of heart disease, study finds

Posted on August 27, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

A recent study suggests that living in a neighborhood filled with trees can have similar heart benefits to regular exercise. Researchers at the University of Louisville conducted a clinical trial involving hundreds of people living in six low- to moderate-income neighborhoods in South Louisville, Kentucky. They found that planting thousands of mature trees near people’s homes led to lower levels of blood markers associated with heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers.

The Green Heart Louisville Project, part of the HEAL Research, revealed that areas with more trees and shrubs had improved health outcomes compared to areas with fewer trees. This study aimed to reduce the incidence of heart disease in the community under the leadership of Professor Aruni Bhatnagar.

Unlike previous observational research, the HEAL study had a control group and an intervention group, providing clearer insights into the effects of nature. Participants aged 25 to 75 living in South Louisville were recruited for the study, with samples collected before and after the tree-planting intervention.

The results showed a 13% decrease in a blood marker associated with heart disease in individuals living in areas with more trees. This reduction was comparable to the benefits seen from starting a regular exercise routine.

Overall, the study demonstrated a strong link between trees and improved physical health by providing shade, cooling, and noise reduction. Beyond physical health, trees also offer mental health benefits and create spaces for relaxation, exercise, and socialization.

How trees improve your physical health

Trees play a crucial role in mitigating urban heat and air pollution, which can worsen existing health conditions. The project in South Louisville focused on areas with poor air quality to study the impact of tree planting on pollution levels.

As the project continues, researchers plan to expand tree planting to other areas and explore additional benefits such as encouraging outdoor activities and improving overall well-being. The findings highlight the importance of equitable access to green spaces in cities and the essential role of nature in human health.

In conclusion, nature is not just a luxury but a necessity for human well-being, and efforts should be made to ensure everyone has access to green spaces for a healthier future.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Scientists investigate the effects of a broken heart

Posted on August 8, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

The Science of Love

“Losing or ending a romantic relationship is one of the most painful losses an adult can experience,” begins the BAS (A Study Full of Acronyms) study by German and Iranian researchers. Journal of Psychiatry Research.

This is science at its most overtly romantic: electromagnetically stimulating the brains of volunteers who have suddenly experienced heartbreak. It's also science with the most acronyms: tDCS (transcranial direct current stimulation), DLPFC (dorsolateral prefrontal cortex), VLPFC (ventrolateral prefrontal cortex), LTS (love trauma syndrome).

For those who have suffered through heartbreak, here's a passage worth hearing out loud as a midnight rooftop monologue: “Thirty-six participants with love trauma syndrome were randomly assigned to three tDCS conditions (left DLPFC, right VLPFC, or sham stimulation). LTS symptoms, treatment-related outcome variables (depression, anxiety, emotion regulation, positive and negative affect), and cognitive functioning were assessed pre-intervention, immediately after intervention, and one month after the intervention.”

The evaluation showed that brain zapping “ameliorated symptoms of LTS,” according to the researchers, but they cautioned that, in terms of science in general, “there are significant gaps in the research on 'love trauma syndrome,' what exactly the symptoms are and what the diagnostic criteria are.”

Eliminates odors

Kevin Lee sees some causation in the actions of perhaps London's (and the world's) first celebrity pathologist.

He writes: “I'm a retired forensic scientist and, as you can imagine, I've been asked countless times how I deal with smells. Apart from the old-fashioned solution of smiling innocently and asking, 'Ouch, what's that?', I still have a keen sense of smell and can detect a range of odours, even when the smell of decay is very faint. I've trained myself to have a fairly neutral approach to these smells, so that although I still notice them well, after one good sniff, they're no longer an issue.”

“Recent articles [Feedback, 15 June] Sir Bernard Spilsbury, a very famous forensic scientist in the early 20th century, said that his sense of smell was extremely defective. If it was, it is more likely that this was because he was a heavy smoker, smoking around 50 cigarettes a day. It is also possible that he used the same techniques that I later used.”

A slice of life

This note from UK reader Gerald Legg depicts body parts that are living (elbow), dead (hair), nominal (leg) and sliced: “Your recent article, 'Parting the Hair' (July 20th) made me think of my time at Manchester University, where my PhD research involved a lot of microtome work using an old but still-functioning Cambridge rocking microtome. [a specialist cutting device].

“I was taught how to sharpen the blade using a glass plate and cerium dioxide. Before each use, the blade is sharpened and then tested under 40x magnification to make sure it is free of scratches. The test is to cut a hair. A sharp blade can cut a hair three times, lifting the little curled section that is still attached to the body of the hair and then cutting the hair straight through.

“There was a sharp knife in the lab, and I put my elbow against the knife and heard it cutting all the way to the bone, but I didn’t feel anything.

“I was rushed to the nearby Manchester Hospital, where I was quickly healed with just a few stitches and was able to return to the lab and continue serial sectioning with the same blade.”

Anonymous

When students make tangible contributions to science, some teachers find ways to publicly recognize who, what, and where they did it, especially when students make extraordinary sacrifices.

In the academic world, credits are limited: individual students are not identified by name.

Simple Happiness

“Simple, simple, simple” is an old rule of thumb, especially among scientists. In honor of this maxim, Feedback has created a document collection called “Simple, Simple, Simple.”

The first item in this assemblage is report It was published in the February 6, 1997 issue under the heading “The Uniquely Simple Personality of Politicians” NatureThe study suggests that a politician's personality can be summed up in just two or three numbers – in stark contrast to the five numbers psychologists claim are needed to judge the average person.

The study's authors were awarded the Ig Nobel Prize in Psychology in 2003.

If you have the simple pleasure of finding another good example, send it to us (with details of the citation) at Simple pleasures, Feedback.

Marc Abrahams is the founder of the Ig Nobel Prize ceremony and co-founder of the journal Annals of Improbable Research. He previously worked on unusual uses of computers. His website is Impossible.

Do you have a story for feedback?

You can submit articles for Feedback by emailing feedback@newscientist.com. Please include your home address. This week's and past Feedback can be found on our website.

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Intermediate-sized black hole found in the heart of the Milky Way Galaxy

Posted on July 19, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Using data from the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope (VLT) and other telescopes, astronomers have found evidence of an intermediate-mass black hole. IRS 13a dusty group of stars within the nuclear cluster of our Milky Way galaxy.

Intermediate-mass black holes can form in dense star clusters, either through the merger of stellar-mass black holes or the collapse of very massive stars. Image credit: Sci.News/Zdeněk Bardon/ESO.

Black holes are found in a wide range of masses, from stellar-mass objects with masses of 10 to 100 times that of the Sun, to objects at the centers of galaxies with masses over 100,000 times that of the Sun.

However, there are only a few intermediate-mass black hole candidates between 100 and 100,000 times the mass of the Sun.

“The IRS 13 cluster is located 0.1 light-years away from the centre of our galaxy,” said Dr Florian Peisker from the University of Cologne and his colleagues.

“I noticed that the stars in IRS 13 were moving in an unexpectedly orderly pattern.”

“They actually expected the stars to be randomly positioned.”

“Two conclusions can be drawn from this regular pattern,” they added.

“Meanwhile, IRS 13 appears to be interacting with Sagittarius A*, a black hole at the centre of the Milky Way that is four million times more massive than the Sun, which leads to the orderly motion of stars.”

“However, something else needs to be present inside the cluster to maintain the observed compact shape.”

Using data from the VLT, the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), and NASA's Chandra X-ray Telescope, astronomers have found strong evidence that IRS 13 has a disk-like structure.

“Multi-wavelength observations suggest that the reason for IRS 13's compact shape could be an intermediate-mass black hole located at the center of the cluster,” the researchers said.

“We were able to observe characteristic x-rays and ionized gas rotating at hundreds of kilometers per second in the disk surrounding the suspected intermediate-mass black hole.”

“Another indication of the presence of an intermediate-mass black hole is the unusually high density of this cluster, which is higher than the density of any other cluster in our Milky Way galaxy.”

“IRS 13 appears to be an essential component in the growth of the central black hole, Sagittarius A*,” Dr Peisker said.

“This fascinating star cluster has continued to astonish the scientific community since its discovery almost 20 years ago. It was initially thought to be an unusually massive group of stars, but high-resolution data have now allowed us to confirm its component parts, with an intermediate-mass black hole at its center.”

of result Appears in Astrophysical Journal.

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Florian Peisker others2024. The evaporating massive embedded stellar cluster IRS 13 close to Sgr A*. II. Kinematic structure. ApJ 970, 74; doi: 10.3847/1538-4357/ad4098

Source: www.sci.news

Increased risk of heart attack and stroke associated with Xylitol sweeteners

Posted on June 6, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Xylitol is often marketed as a “natural” way to sweeten drinks and foods.

Pixelshot/Alamy

Xylitol, a sweetener commonly found in sugar-free drinks, chewing gum and toothpaste, has been shown to increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Often marketed as “low carb,” “natural,” or “keto-friendly,” xylitol is a sugar alcohol found in fruits and vegetables, but at levels roughly 1,000 times lower than what’s added to commercial products. It can also be prepared artificially. Chemical reactions from plant materials.

last year, Stanley Hazen Hazen and his colleagues at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio found that the sweetener erythritol was associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Suspecting that xylitol might also affect heart health, Hazen surveyed 3,306 adults in the United States and Europe.

The researchers took a single blood sample from participants to measure their xylitol levels after an overnight fast, and found that over a three-year follow-up, those with the highest blood xylitol levels were one-third more likely to develop cardiovascular disease, such as a heart attack or stroke.

To better understand this trend, the researchers looked at the effects of xylitol in the lab on human blood cells called platelets, and on platelet activity in mice. Platelets crowd together at the site of an injury to prevent bleeding, but they can also clot within blood vessels. This can affect blood supply to the heart and brain, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

The researchers found that human platelets cultured in xylitol showed signs of being more likely to clot than those cultured in saline, and blood clots formed significantly more quickly in the veins of mice injected with xylitol.

Finally, the team tracked platelet activity in 10 subjects after they drank the same amount of water sweetened with xylitol. Within 30 minutes, plasma xylitol levels increased 1000-fold, and all indicators of platelet clotting readiness improved, especially in subjects with the highest levels of xylitol in their blood.

“This study highlights the urgent need to investigate sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners,” Hazen said. “While there’s no need to throw away your toothpaste just because it contains xylitol, people should be aware that consuming products high in xylitol may increase their risk of developing blood clot-related conditions.”

Combined with previous research on erythritol, the findings “emphasize the need for systematic research into the effects of artificial sweeteners on cardiovascular disease risk,” the researchers say. Silvia Radenkovic At the University Medical Center Utrecht, Netherlands.

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The Hubble Space Telescope zooms in on the heart of NGC 4753

Posted on May 13, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

NGC 4753 is characterized by a bright white core and distinct dust lanes around the core.

This Hubble image shows part of the lenticular galaxy NGC 4753, about 60 million light-years away in the constellation Virgo. Image credit: NASA / ESA / Hubble / L. Kelsey.

NGC4753 It is located approximately 60 million light years away in the constellation Virgo.

Also known as LEDA 43671, UGC 8009, or IRAS 12498-0055, this lenticular galaxy was discovered by German-born British astronomer William Herschel on February 22, 1784.

NGC 4753 is a member of galaxy group NGC 4753 in the Virgo II cloud, a collection of at least 100 galaxy clusters and individual galaxies extending from the southern edge of the Virgo Supercluster.

“NGC 4753 is thought to be the result of a galaxy merger with a nearby dwarf galaxy about 1.3 billion years ago,” Hubble astronomers said in a statement.

“The unique dust lanes around the galactic cores are thought to be formed by this merging event.”

“Most of the galaxy's mass is now thought to reside within a slightly flattened spherical halo of dark matter.”

“Dark matter is a type of matter that cannot currently be directly observed, but it is thought to make up about 85% of all matter in the universe,” the researchers said.

“It is called 'dark' because it does not appear to interact with electromagnetic fields and therefore does not appear to emit, reflect, or refract light.”

“This object is also of scientific interest for testing various theories about the formation of lenticular galaxies, given its low-density environment and complex structure.”

“Additionally, this galaxy has experienced two known Type Ia supernovae.”

“These types of supernovae are very important because they are caused by the explosion of a white dwarf star with a companion star and always peak at the same brightness, or 5 billion times brighter than the Sun.”

“Knowing the true brightness of these events and comparing it to their apparent brightness gives astronomers a unique opportunity to measure distances in the universe.”

This new image of NGC 4753 consists of observations from Hubble's Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3) found in the ultraviolet and optical parts of the spectrum.

Two filters were used to sample different wavelengths. Color is obtained by assigning different hues to each monochromatic image associated with an individual filter.

Source: www.sci.news

Intermittent fasting linked to higher risk of heart disease-related death

Posted on March 19, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Eating within eight hours, commonly known as the 16:8 diet, is a common form of fasting.

Christina Pedrazzini/Science Photo Library/Getty Images

Restricting eating time to eight hours a day (a common type of intermittent fasting) is associated with an increased risk of death from heart disease. However, some scientists believe that people with pre-existing health conditions may unconsciously eat intermittent meals if their symptoms or treatments affect their appetite and perhaps the quality of the meal is more important than the time of the meal. It claims that you may choose to fast.

It has long been reported that time-restricted eating can lead to improvement. blood pressure, Blood glucose level and cholesterol levelbut the long-term effects are unknown.

You can learn more about Chong Wenze Researchers from Shanghai Jiao Tong University in China and their colleagues surveyed about 20,000 adults (almost evenly split between men and women) who took part in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Their average age was 49 years, and just under three-quarters were non-Hispanic white.

Each year from 2003 to 2018, study participants self-reported their dietary information. The researchers then matched this with U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention death records from 2003 to 2019. Participants were eligible if they were 20 years of age or older and had completed two dietary questionnaires within one year of the study.

Over an average 8-year follow-up period, the research team found that even though intermittent fasting is often praised, people who ate in an 8-hour window per day were less likely to eat on a 12-hour daily eating schedule. They discovered that they cannot live longer than humans for ~16 hours. For longevity benefits.

Researchers also found that people who followed an eight-hour eating schedule were 91 percent more likely to die from heart disease during the follow-up period than those who ate for 12 to 16 hours or more.

Among people diagnosed with heart disease before the study, those who ate for more than 8 to 10 hours had a 66% higher risk of dying from heart disease than those who ate for more than 12 to 16 hours. Among people diagnosed with cancer, eating for more than 16 hours had a lower risk of dying from cancer than those on a more restrictive eating schedule.

The study, presented at the American Heart Association (AHA) Epidemiology and Prevention Conference in Chicago, does not prove that time-restricted eating caused these deaths, Zhong said. To tell.

They said it was important to consider why participants practiced time-restricted eating. benjamin horn at Intermountain Heart Institute in Salt Lake City, Utah. Some people may have adopted this pattern intentionally, he says, while others may have limited eating windows due to health conditions or treatments that affect their appetite.

He says some people may have restricted eating schedules because of limited access to food. jo ann carson, former chair of the AHA Nutrition Committee. According to research, Food insecurity is linked to unhealthy lifestyles that lead to heart disease. “We also don’t know anything about the health of the food they ate,” Carson said.

The authors acknowledge in their paper that their study relied on self-reported dietary information, which may be inaccurate. They plan to investigate whether this finding applies to a wider range of ethnic groups and how fasting may increase the risk of adverse health outcomes.

People who want to reduce their chances of dying prematurely “should aim for an overall heart-healthy eating pattern, regardless of mealtime,” Carson says. People who want to start intermittent fasting should talk to their doctor first, Horn says.

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Niacin, Vitamin B3 Supplements Linked to Higher Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke

Posted on February 19, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Niacin, or vitamin B3, is a popular supplement

Celsol/Alamy

People with high levels of niacin (also known as vitamin B3) in their blood may be more likely to have a heart attack or stroke than people with low levels of niacin. Consuming too much of this vitamin, which is routinely added to fortified foods and can also be taken as a supplement, can cause inflammation in blood vessels.

Heart attacks and strokes are the leading causes of death worldwide. Although researchers have made great strides over the past few decades in discovering risk factors for these conditions, they have not identified them all.

“If treated [high] cholesterol and [high] You can still have a heart attack even if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or any other pre-existing risk factors. ”Stanley Hazen at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. “There's something we're missing.”

To fill these gaps, Hazen and his colleagues collected blood samples from 2,331 U.S. adults and 832 European adults who chose to undergo cardiovascular testing. The researchers analyzed the samples for substances called metabolites, which are byproducts of metabolic processes such as digestion. The researchers then tracked participants' occurrence of cardiac events, such as heart attacks and strokes, over a three-year period.

The researchers found that people with high levels of a metabolite called 4PY were, on average, about 60 percent more likely to experience such an event than those with lower levels. This compound only occurs when the body breaks down excess niacin.

Further experiments revealed that 4PY inflamed blood vessels in rodents. We know that inflammation is a major contributor to the development of heart disease, Hazen said.

It's not uncommon for people to have high niacin levels, he says. This is partly because certain foods, such as cereals and flour, are routinely fortified with vitamins in countries including the UK and US.

Niacin supplements are also becoming more popular Evidence suggests it has anti-aging effects says Hazen. Additionally, doctors stopped prescribing high doses of niacin to people at risk for cardiovascular disease because it was initially thought that the vitamin protected people from the risk of cardiovascular disease by lowering cholesterol. It happened recently.

“I think this study really shows that when it comes to vitamins, sometimes you can have too much of a good thing,” he says. Jenny Jia at Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois.

However, this study was primarily conducted on people of European descent. So it's unclear whether similar results would occur in people of different racial or ethnic backgrounds, Zia said.

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heart attack/
Heart disease