Among adults ages 18-49 (median age of 41 years) who were born with a hole in the upper chambers of their heart known as patent foramen ovale (PFO), strokes of unknown cause were more strongly associated with nontraditional risk factors, such as migraines, liver disease or cancer, rather than more typical factors such as high blood pressure.

Researchers at UCL have tested a new scoring system to measure the risk of stroke in patients with narrowed arteries due to atherosclerosis, which could prevent unnecessary surgeries and stents.

It makes sense that a viral infection during a pregnancy might negatively affect the fetus — but scientists now know that some effects of an adverse event during pregnancy may not be revealed for decades. On a more empowering note, scientists have found that low stress in pregnancy, consistent parenting in a child’s early years and quality preschool experiences reduce the risk of heart disease and mental illness in adulthood.

Those particular insights on how early life impacts future health, and many more, were made possible because of the New England Family Study, a one-of-a-kind research project launched in 1959 and continuing today.