News by Subject Medicine & Health

In an article published in the peer-reviewed SPIE publication Journal of Biomedical Optics (JBO), 'Frequency-domain differential photoacoustic radar: theory and validation for ultra-sensitive atherosclerotic plaque imaging,' researchers demonstrate a new imaging modality that successfully identifies the presence of cholesterol in the arterial plaque.

In the first Mendelian randomization study to look at this, researchers have found evidence that excess weight and body fat cause a range of heart and blood vessel diseases (rather than just being associated with it). The study is published in the European Heart Journal.

Stroke, one of the leading causes of death worldwide, is normally caused by poor blood flow to the brain, or cerebral ischemia. This must be diagnosed within the first few hours of the stroke for treatment to be effective. Researchers have developed a device that uses near-infrared light to monitor blood flow. The hybrid instrument, which relies on the combination of two light measurement techniques, could be used to quickly and noninvasively diagnose cerebral ischemia.

A team of UK scientists have identified the mechanism behind hardening of the arteries, and shown in animal studies that a generic medication normally used to treat acne could be an effective treatment for the condition.

Researchers have discovered what happens in the brain as people learn how to perform tasks, which could lead to improved lives for people with brain injuries. The study, led by researchers from the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University, revealed that new neural activity patterns emerge with long-term learning and established a causal link between these patterns and new behavioral abilities.

Preliminary findings from a new study reveal that inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption may account for millions of deaths from heart disease and strokes each year. The study estimated that roughly 1 in 7 cardiovascular deaths could be attributed to not eating enough fruit and 1 in 12 cardiovascular deaths could be attributed to not eating enough vegetables.