Friday, February 06, 2026

 

Large increases in PM2.5 exposure from wildfires have exaggerated progress in reducing inequities in traditional sources of PM2.5 in California



PLOS

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Large increases in PM2.5 exposure from wildfires have exaggerated progress in reducing inequities in traditional sources of PM2.5 in California, especially across racial groups and in years with severe wildfires like 2018. 

 

Article URL: https://plos.io/45zJHSm

Article Title: The diverging role of increasing wildfire smoke to ambient PM2.5 exposure disparity in California, 2006 to 2018 

Author Countries: France, United States

Funding: This work was supported by the National Institute on Aging (RF1AG071024 to JAC; RF1AG071024 to TB). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.

Journal

PLOS Climate

DOI

10.1371/journal.pclm.0000796 

Article Publication Date

4-Feb-2026

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New consumer survey shows many still incorrectly believe CPR requires special training




 



American Heart Association

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DALLAS, Feb. 2, 2026 — New consumer survey findings from the American Heart Association show that nearly six in every ten American adults still  incorrectly believe only those with special training should perform Hands-Only CPR.[1] The perpetuation of this myth can be the difference between life and death as science tells us immediate CPR is proven to improve outcomes.[2] Because most cardiac emergencies happen outside of a hospital setting, the fastest way for anyone to be a “first responder until help arrives” and save a life is to call 9-1-1 and immediately take action with Hands-Only CPR. Research indicates Hands-Only CPR can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival.2

Launching this February during Heart Month 2026, the Heart Association’s theme, You Are the First Responder Until Help Arrives, reinforces a simple truth: you don’t need medical credentials to save a life; all you need is basic knowledge, courage and the willingness to act. Today, bystanders step in with CPR only about 41% of the time.[3] The American Heart Association, a global force changing the future of health for all, is working to change that.

“People tell us they’re afraid they’ll ‘do it wrong’ or think CPR requires having a certification or taking class before they can help,” said Stacey E. Rosen, M.D., FAHA, volunteer president of the American Heart Association and senior vice president of women’s health and executive director of the Katz Institute for Women’s Health of Northwell Health in New York City. “Here’s what matters - if a teen or adult collapses: call 911, then push hard and fast in the center of the chest. Your hands can keep blood flowing until professionals arrive.”

Each year in the United States, more than 350,000 cardiac arrests happen outside of a hospital and about 90% are fatal.[4] Most occur at home, where a loved one may be the only one nearby to help. Kristen Walenga, 47 at the time, of Frankfort, Ill., was the only adult at home when she collapsed from sudden cardiac arrest while making breakfast one Saturday morning. Her 15-year-old son, Eddie, who had learned CPR from the American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge program when he was in middle school, knew what to do and immediately took action. With his other siblings calling 911 for help, he started chest compressions until paramedics arrived. Kristen survived because of her child’s preparation and courage.

To bust the “special training” myth, it is important to understand that Hands-Only CPR for teens and adults has two simple steps: (1) call 911; and (2) push hard and fast in the center of the chest at 100–120 beats per minute, about the tempo of “Stayin’ Alive” or “Uptown Funk.” If an automated external defibrillator (AED) that can shock a heart back into a normal rhythm is available, turn it on and follow the voice prompts. For infants and children, CPR must include breaths.

You can learn CPR today with fast, flexible options for everyone. During American Heart Month, the Heart Association invites people to choose the path that fits their life, at home, at work or at school.

  • Watch and learn the basics of Hands-Only CPR.
  • Take a class to build confidence and learn when to add breaths, how to use an AED and how to help children and infants. Find a CPR class at heart.org/nation.
  • Bring CPR to your circles by asking your school, workplace, faith community or gym to develop cardiac emergency response plans (CERPs), host CPR awareness activities and secure an AED.

Many people hesitate and some groups, including women and Black adults, are still less likely to receive CPR. The Heart Association’s focus specifically addresses barriers such as concerns about doing it “wrong,” fear of legal ramifications and worries about inappropriate contact, as well as the persistent belief that special training is required, a perception that is even more common in historically excluded communities.

“CPR is a civic duty. Heroism is not limited to uniforms, it is everyday people stepping up for others,” said Rosen. “Strong communities are built by preparedness. Whether you’re at home, the gym, or a child’s soccer game, cardiac arrest can happen anywhere, and you will most likely be saving the life of someone you know and love. Being prepared and willing to help strengthens the fabric of our nation.”

“You Are the First Responder” aligns with the Heart Association’s Nation of Lifesavers initiative, sponsored nationally by Walgreens, to turn more bystanders into lifesavers and double survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest by 2030.

Additional Resources:

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by millions of volunteers, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health and provide resources to save and improve lives affected by heart disease and stroke. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.   

[1] American Heart Association Annual CPR Perceptions Survey. Available upon request.

[2] Del Rios M, Bartos JA, Panchal AR, Atkins DL, Cabañas JG, Cao D, Dainty KN, Dezfulian C, Donoghue AJ, Drennan IR, Elmer J, Hirsch KG, Idris AH, Joyner BL, Kamath-Rayne BD, Kleinman ME, Kurz MC, Lasa JJ, Lee HC, McBride ME, Raymond TT, Rittenberger, JC, Schexnayder SM, Szyld E, Topjian A, Wigginton JG, Previdi JK. Part 1: executive summary: 2025 American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care. Circulation. 2025;152(suppl):S284–S312. doi: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000001372

[3] 2024 CARES Annual Report: https://mycares.net/sitepages/uploads/2025/2024_flipbook/index.html?page=32

[4] Palaniappan LP, Allen NB, Almarzooq ZI, Anderson CAM, Arora P, Avery CL, Baker-Smith CM, Bansal N, Currie ME, Earlie RS, Fan W, Fetterman JL, Barone Gibbs B, Heard DG, Hiremath S, Hong H, Hyacinth HI, Ibeh C, Jiang T, Johansen MC, Kazi DS, Ko D, Kwan TW, Leppert MH, Li Y, Magnani JW, Martin KA, Martin SS, Michos ED, Mussolino ME, Ogungbe O, Parikh NI, Perez MV, Perman SM, Sarraju A, Shah NS, Springer MV, St-Onge M-P, Thacker EL, Tierney S, Urbut SM, Van Spall HGC, Voeks JH, Whelton SP, Wong SS, Zhao J, Khan SS; on behalf of the American Heart Association Council on Epidemiology and Prevention Statistics Committee and Stroke Statistics Committee. 2026 Heart disease and stroke statistics: a report of US and global data from the American Heart Association. Circulation. Published online January 21, 2026. doi: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000001412

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Mediterranean diet associated with lower risk of all stroke types




American Academy of Neurology
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Highlights:

  • Following a Mediterranean diet is associated with a lower risk of all types of stroke among women, according to a new study.

  • The study does not prove that the diet causes the lower risk; it only shows an association.

  • Women with the highest adherence to the Mediterranean diet were 18% less likely to experience any stroke, including a 16% lower risk of ischemic stroke and a 25% lower risk of hemorrhagic stroke.

  • The Mediterranean diet emphasizes high intake of vegetables, legumes, fruits, fish, and olive oil, and low intake of dairy, red meat, and saturated fats.

MINNEAPOLIS — Following a Mediterranean diet is associated with a lower risk of all types of stroke among women, according to a study published on February 4, 2026, in Neurology® Open Access, an official journal of the American Academy of Neurology. The study does not prove that the Mediterranean diet is the cause of the lower risk of stroke; it only shows an association.

The diet was associated with a lower risk of stroke overall, as well as ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke. Ischemic stroke is caused when blood flow is blocked to part of the brain. It is the most common type of stroke. Hemorrhagic stroke is caused by bleeding in the brain.

The Mediterranean diet includes a high intake of vegetables, legumes, fruits, fish and healthy fats such as olive oil, and a low intake of dairy products, meats and saturated fatty acids.

“Our findings support the mounting evidence that a healthy diet is critical to stroke prevention,” said study author Sophia S. Wang, PhD, of City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center in Duarte, California. “We were especially interested to see that this finding applies to hemorrhagic stroke, as few large studies have looked at this type of stroke.”

The study involved 105,614 women with an average age of 53 at the start of the study who had no history of stroke. The participants filled out a questionnaire at the start of the study about their diet. Participants were given a score of zero to nine based on how closely they followed the Mediterranean diet. People received one point if they consumed above the overall average in the population in these categories: whole grain cereals, fruits, vegetables, legumes, olive oil and fish, plus drinking a moderate amount of alcohol. They also received one point if they consumed a below-average amount of red meat and dairy products. A total of 30% of participants had scores of six to nine—the highest group. And 13% had scores of zero to two, the lowest group.

The participants were followed for an average of 21 years. During that time, 4,083 strokes occurred, with 3,358 ischemic strokes and 725 hemorrhagic strokes. For ischemic strokes, there were 1,058 among the 31,638 people in the highest group compared to 395 cases among the 13,204 people in the lowest group. For hemorrhagic stroke, there were 211 strokes among those in the highest group, compared to 91 among the lowest group.

When researchers adjusted for other factors that could affect stroke risk, such as smoking, physical activity and high blood pressure, they found that those in the highest group were 18% less likely to have a stroke than those in the lowest group. They were 16% less likely to have an ischemic stroke and 25% less likely to have a hemorrhagic stroke.  

“Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability, so it’s exciting to think that improving our diets could lessen our risk for this devastating disease,” said Wang. “Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and to help us understand the mechanisms behind them so we could identify new ways to prevent stroke.”

A limitation of the study is that people reported their own diet information, so they may not have remembered correctly.  

The study was supported by the National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke.

Discover more about stroke at Brain & Life®, from the American Academy of Neurology. This resource also offers a website, podcast, and books that connect patients, caregivers and anyone interested in brain health with the most trusted information, straight from the world’s leading experts in brain health. Follow Brain & Life® on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

The American Academy of Neurology is the leading voice in brain health. As the world’s largest association of neurologists and neuroscience professionals with more than 40,000 members, the AAN provides access to the latest news, science and research affecting neurology for patients, caregivers, physicians and professionals alike. The AAN’s mission is to enhance member career fulfillment and promote brain health for all. A neurologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, care and treatment of brain, spinal cord and nervous system diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, stroke, concussion, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, headache and migraine.

Explore the latest in neurological disease and brain health, from the minds at the AAN at AAN.com or find us on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

Journal

Neurology

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Ancient American pronghorns were built for speed




U-M study shows American pronghorns evolved for speed long before the American cheetah arrived on the scene





University of Michigan

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ANN ARBOR—The fastest land animal in North America is the American pronghorn, and previously, researchers thought it evolved its speed because of pressure from the now-extinct American cheetah.

But recently, that theory has come under fire. Now, a University of Michigan study examining fossilized ankle bones of ancient relatives of the American pronghorn has shown that the pronghorn was evolving to be faster more than 5 million years before the American cheetah appeared on the continent. The study, supported by the Michigan Society of Fellows and the U-M Rackham Graduate School, is published in the Journal of Mammalogy.

"There was a long-standing idea that pronghorn are so much faster than every predator in North America because of a predator-prey arms race between the pronghorn and the American cheetah," said U-M paleontologist Anne Kort and co-author of the study. "What our work was able to add to this story was that not only was the American cheetah not as cheetah-like as previously thought, but that pronghorn have this build for running that existed well before the American cheetah came about."

The researchers say this sheds light on how current artiodactyl relatives—artiriodactyls include camels, cows, deer and antelopes—and other mammals may adapt as humans push farther into wild landscapes and as the climate warms. First author Fabian Hardy, assistant professor at Slippery Rock University, says the findings have implications for how we develop future wildlife and livestock management practices, as well as conservation practices.

"This tells us something about what animals are going to succeed going forward, and where we are going to find them. Is the modern pronghorn going to continue throughout the region that it's found in now?" said Hardy, who completed the work as a graduate student and postdoctoral researcher at U-M. "They're still traveling long distances. They were set up for that 12 million years ago. So they'll probably do all right, even with urbanization and fragmentation, because they can move around efficiently."

The study focused on fossils found in the Mojave Desert's Dove Spring Formation, which was deposited from 8 million to 12.5 million years ago. During this time, the region underwent great environmental change. In a valley called the El Paso Basin, the landscape shifted from once unbroken forest into a patchy mosaic of woodlands separated by more arid grasslands. 

Examining the ankle bones of early pronghorn relatives, the researchers expected to see the bones shorten in comparison to the point of rotation of the ankle. This would suggest that they adapted to traveling efficiently across grasslands and between patches of forest. Instead, the researchers found that their ankle bones, specifically a blocky bone in the middle of the joint called the astragalus, remained unchanged. This suggests the pronghorns were able to move between patches of forest effectively rather than adapt to open grassland.

Working in a fossil assemblage from a geologic epoch called the Miocene, Hardy collected a range of bones from a span of about 4 million years. He met with Kort, who studies the interaction between environmental change and mammals' locomotor adaptations, to develop a project centered around them.

"From about 30 million years ago to present, we see mammals becoming increasingly cursorial, which means they're adapted to running," Kort said. "I was curious to see if you could detect that in this kind of smaller scale pattern of drying and opening environments."

The researchers compared the astragalus using a study that had been done on modern artiodactyls such as antelope and cows. That study showed that these animals, which lived in an open habitat, had a shorter astragalus, adapted for efficient running.

"We expected to see longer astragali in the beginning, and then it would transition to more running-adapted astragali in the end. But we did not find that," Kort said. "Instead, what we found was a community that just stays the same through the whole section."

The pronghorn relatives, which were the size of a slender, long-legged beagle, were large enough that they could move in and out of the El Paso Basin, Kort said, seeking patches of forest elsewhere that were still suitable habitat.

"Our guess is that they could just move around to compensate for this aridification and landscape change," Kort said.

Although the astragalus had not changed over the time period Kort and Hardy were examining, they did show evidence of already adapting to running—5 million years before the cheetah appeared. In fact, the earlier pronghorns have "effectively the same ankle ratio as the modern pronghorn. So they're really built very similarly, and really built for speed well before this American cheetah shows up," Kort said.

Eventually, toward the end of the Miocene, the small pronghorns died off—perhaps as a result of a "tipping point" in the ecosystem that led to irrevocable changes in the ecosystem.

"It's easy to expect evolution and this gradual change over time, but I think this idea that you might not even see a problem until it's too late is a good reminder of how these things work," Kort said. "Our findings also may provide contextual information for biologists who are in wildlife management and doing direct conservation. They may not directly use it, but it's almost like having a historical context to understand a political problem."

Journal

Journal of Mammalogy

DOI

10.1093/jmammal/gyaf089 

Article Title

Family-level ecometrics reveal functional trait stability in Miocene artiodactyls despite environmental change in the Mojave region

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