Tiny fragments of plastic have become ubiquitous in our environment and our bodies. Higher exposure to these microplastics, which can be inadvertently consumed or inhaled, is associated with a heightened prevalence of chronic noncommunicable diseases, according to new research being presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session (ACC.25).

Compared with those who spent most of their time in a single room, people with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) who were able to travel outside of their home without assistance were significantly less likely to be hospitalized or die within a year, according to a study being presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session (ACC.25). The findings underscore the value of supporting holistic care and encouraging people with heart failure to maintain an active lifestyle and engage with others in their community to the extent possible, researchers said.

Angela Duckworth of the School of Arts & Sciences and Wharton School and co-director of the Behavior Change for Good Initiative at the University of Pennsylvania led a collaborative megastudy to investigate whether email interventions informed by behavioral science could help teachers help students learn math. “Our results showed that simple, low-cost nudges can help teachers support student progress in math,” Duckworth says.