Scientists at HSE University have discovered that in preeclampsia—one of the most severe complications of pregnancy—the placenta remodels its lipid metabolism, reducing its own cholesterol synthesis while increasing cholesterol transfer to the foetus. This compensatory mechanism helps sustain foetal nutrition but accelerates placental deterioration and may lead to preterm birth. The study findings have been published in Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences.

People who consumed over nine servings of ultra-processed foods per day on average were 67% more likely to suffer a major cardiac event than people consuming about one serving of such foods per day, in a study being presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session (ACC.26). Ultra-processed foods include many packaged and convenience foods, such as chips, crackers, frozen meals, processed meats, sugary drinks, breakfast cereals and breads.

Feeding children ultra-processed foods, such as chicken nuggets, is common in the US. Social norms like this are difficult to change, but Rutgers Health researchers found that when parents take photos of the food available to them, their perceptions shift and they begin to question this norm.

University of Virginia School of Medicine researchers are working to increase the availability of weight-management programs that offer beneficial personalized feedback.