Dongguk University scientists uncover novel battery design for industrial energy storage

Researchers developed a graphene coating that supercharges zinc-ion batteries for grid use

Dongguk University Evaluation and Audit Team

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The new study reveals a safer and scalable zinc-ion battery incorporating game-changing graphene technology.  

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Credit: Prof. Geon-Hyoung An from Dongguk University, Republic of Korea

The present century has witnessed a proactive shift towards more sustainable forms of energy, including renewable resources such as solar power, wind, nuclear energy, and geothermal energy. These technologies naturally require robust energy storage systems for future usage. In recent years, lithium-ion batteries have emerged as dominant energy storage systems. However, they are known to suffer from critical safety issues.

In this regard, zinc-ion batteries based on water-based electrolytes offer a promising solution. They are inherently safe, environmentally friendly, as well as economically viable. These batteries also mitigate fire risks and thermal runaway issues associated with their lithium-based counterparts, which makes them lucrative for grid-scale energy storage. Furthermore, zinc has high capacity, low cost, ample abundance, and low toxicity. Unfortunately, current collectors utilized in zinc-ion batteries, such as graphite foil, are difficult to scale up and suffer from relatively poor mechanical properties, limiting their industrial use.

In a new breakthrough, a team of researchers from Republic of Korea, led by Associate Professor Geon-Hyoung An at the Department of Energy and Materials Engineering at Dongguk University, has proposed graphene-coated stainless steel foil as a novel alternative current collector. Their findings were published in the journal Advanced Energy Materials on April 02, 2025.

According to Prof. An, “The core innovation of the present study is the use of graphene-coated stainless-steel foil, or G@SSF-400, as a current collector for zinc-ion batteries. Unlike conventional collectors, our material can be produced through a simple graphene coating and heat treatment for surface oxide removal. This enables both industrial scalability and high electrochemical performance.”

This innovation overcomes the common challenges of corrosion and poor conductivity seen in water-based systems and operates stably even under high-mass loading conditions, which is essential for practical use. Notably, the battery exhibited high specific capacities exceeding 1 mAh cm-2, as well as retained 88.7% of its capacity after 1,500 cycles, a strong indicator of long-term durability. Furthermore, because this technology supports roll-to-roll manufacturing, it opens the door to large-scale production, bringing zinc-ion batteries closer to commercialization in the energy storage sector.

“This technology is highly suitable for grid-scale energy storage systems, especially in the context of renewable energy integration. By enabling the use of water-based zinc-ion batteries, our approach provides a non-flammable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional lithium-ion systems,” remarks Prof. An.

Consequently, this research could contribute significantly to the global shift toward clean and resilient energy systems. It addresses key barriers in energy storage, including cost, scalability, and safety, especially in underserved markets. By reducing dependence on expensive or hazardous materials, such as those used in lithium-ion batteries, this technology supports the development of a more sustainable and circular battery economy. In practical terms, it could lead to wider access to affordable energy storage. In the long run, this could play a role in mitigating climate change, enhancing energy equity, and accelerating the global energy transition.

In summary, the proposed next-generation technology furthers large-scale high-performance zinc-ion batteries as a safe and scalable energy storage solution.

 

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Reference
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/aenm.202500261

 

 

About Dongguk University
Dongguk University, founded in 1906, is located in Seoul, South Korea. It comprises 13 colleges that cover a variety of disciplines and has local campuses in Gyeongju, Goyang, and Los Angeles. The university has 1300 professors who conduct independent research and 18,000 students undertaking studies in a variety of disciplines. Interaction between disciplines is one of the strengths on which Dongguk prides itself; the university encourages researchers to work across disciplines in Information Technology, Bio Technology, CT, and Buddhism.

Website: https://www.dongguk.edu/eng/

 

About Professor Geon-Hyoung from Dongguk University
Prof. Geon-Hyoung An is an Associate Professor in the Department of Energy and Materials Engineering at Dongguk University. His research focuses on electrochemical energy storage systems, aiming to develop advanced materials and scalable battery technologies for safe, sustainable applications. He earned his Ph.D. from Seoul National University of Science and Technology in 2018 and conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Oxford. From 2019 to 2025, he served as an Associate Professor in the Department of Energy Engineering at Gyeongsang National University.

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Journal

Advanced Energy Materials

DOI

10.1002/aenm.202500261 

Method of Research

Experimental study

Subject of Research

Not applicable

Article Title

Industrial Scalability of Zinc-Ion Batteries: Enhanced Electrochemical Performance with High Mass Loading Electrodes on Graphene-Coated Metal Current Collectors

 

New research from Incheon National University reveals the key to road safety

New study demonstrates pedestrian and roadside facilities—modifiable during maintenance—reduce crashes more effectively

Incheon National University

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Researchers demonstrate the importance of pedestrian and roadside facilities in reducing crash likelihood, highlighting the dynamic interaction between road design elements and traffic conditions for safer, more effective road safety interventions.

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Credit: Dr. Wookjae Yang from Incheon National University (INU), South Korea

Road traffic crashes remain a significant global issue, with over 1.19 million fatalities and millions more injured annually. The World Health Organization (WHO) has set a target to halve these deaths and injuries by 2030, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to road safety. While road design improvements, such as pedestrian crossings, are critical in enhancing safety, understanding the complex interactions between road attributes and traffic conditions is often overlooked.

To address this gap, researchers from Incheon National University, led by Assistant Professor Wookjae Yang, conducted a study examining how different road design elements and traffic conditions interact to affect the likelihood of crashes. Using data from a 68-kilometer segment of a national highway in South Korea, the team applied principal component analysis (PCA) and piecewise structural equation modeling (PSEM) to examine both direct and indirect effects of road attributes on two major crash types: head-on and run-off crashes. This study was made available online on February 20, 2025, and published in Volume 93 of Journal of Safety Research on July 1, 2025.

The team categorized road attributes into three principal components: PC1 (pedestrian and roadside facilities), PC2 (cross-section and intersection conditions), and PC3 (road surface and curvature conditions). “Unlike prior studies that treated traffic speed and volume as static control variables, our study considered them as mediating factors—highlighting how road conditions affect crashes not just directly but also through their influence on traffic behavior,” explains Dr. Yang.

The results showed that PC1 had the most substantial direct effect on crash outcomes, particularly for run-off crashes. “Elements such as sidewalks, street lighting, and pedestrian crossings—which are comparably easier to modify during maintenance—proved more influential in reducing crashes than fixed geometric elements established at the design stage,” adds Dr. Yang. Inadequate pedestrian and roadside facilities were associated with higher vehicle speeds, indirectly increasing the likelihood of both crash types.

In contrast, PC2 and PC3, which include design features such as intersections, lane width, and curvature, did not show significant direct effects on crash frequency. Researchers suggest this may be due to the relatively uniform standards followed in national highway segments, leaving limited variation in these features across the study sample. However, both components did exert indirect effects through speed and volume, reinforcing the idea that safety outcomes are shaped by the interaction of multiple factors rather than any single design attribute.

The study offers practical implications for transportation agencies and policymakers. It suggests that road safety strategies should prioritize modifiable operational features, such as pedestrian infrastructure and roadside objects, which can be adjusted post-construction to improve safety. Furthermore, refining global road assessment tools such as International Road Assessment Programme’s (iRAP) to separate fixed geometric features from alterable operational elements may lead to more targeted and cost-effective safety interventions.

Overall, these findings contribute to a more nuanced understanding of crash dynamics and emphasize the value of context-sensitive design and maintenance approaches. “By demonstrating the mediating role of traffic volume and speed, and highlighting the stronger influence of pedestrian and roadside facilities over fixed design features, the study offers actionable insights for more effective road safety interventions,” concludes Dr. Yang.

 

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Reference

Authors: Wookjae Yang 1 and Sangjin Han 2

Title of original paper: Direct and indirect effects of road attributes on traffic safety

Journal: Journal of Safety Research

DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2025.02.017

Affiliations:        

1Urban Policy & Administration, Incheon National University, South Korea

2Transport Studies Group, SNU Environmental Planning Institute, Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea

 

About Incheon National University

Incheon National University (INU) is a comprehensive, student-focused university. It was founded in 1979 and given university status in 1988. One of the largest universities in South Korea, it houses nearly 14,000 students and 500 faculty members. In 2010, INU merged with Incheon City College to expand capacity and open more curricula. With its commitment to academic excellence and an unrelenting devotion to innovative research, INU offers its students real-world internship experiences. INU not only focuses on studying and learning but also strives to provide a supportive environment for students to follow their passion, grow, and, as their slogan says, be INspired.

Website: https://www.inu.ac.kr/sites/inuengl/index.do?epTicket=LOG

 

About Dr. Wookjae Yang from Incheon National University, South Korea

Wookjae Yang is an Assistant Professor of Urban Policy and Administration and Director of City Analytics + Planning Policy (CAPP) lab at Incheon National University. His group leverages urban data science and innovative research methodologies to address challenges cities face at the intersection of land use, transportation, and smart technology. His group constructs academic foundations for providing evidence-based policy interventions that drive meaningful change in our society while achieving smart growth. In 2023, Wookjae Yang received a PhD in Urban Planning from University of Utah.

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Journal

Journal of Safety Research

DOI

10.1016/j.jsr.2025.02.017 

Method of Research

Data/statistical analysis

Subject of Research

Not applicable

Article Title

Direct and indirect effects of road attributes on traffic safety

Article Publication Date

1-Jul-2025

 

Uncovering the evolution of Hezbollah’s political communication strategy

Analysis of coverage by Hezbollah’s news outlet reveals the party’s strategic stance towards rival parties in Lebanon

Ritsumeikan University

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Quantitative text analysis of news coverage by Al-Manar suggests Hezbollah’s stance towards rival parties in Lebanon is driven by strategic considerations.

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Credit: Prof. Kota Suechika from Ritsumeikan University, Japan

Lebanon’s consociational democracy is geared towards maintaining political stability in a society that is deeply divided along religious lines. Under this power-sharing system, seats in the parliament and top government offices are allocated to representatives of the nation’s major religious sects. However, the democratic system is characterized by severe political rivalry, which has often resulted in political vacuums. The lack of political consensus has resulted in major positions such as the seat of president laying vacant for several months and severe delays in government formation.

Hezbollah, a major political party in Lebanon, is often blamed for the dysfunction in the country’s democracy. Although Hezbollah plays a leading role in the political coalition, the March 8 Forces, and actively participates in the electoral process, the party continues to maintain its military wing, the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon. Hezbollah is also known to take hardline stances against rival parties, particularly during disputes over disarmament of its military wing.

In a recent study, Professor Kota Suechika from the College of International Relations, Ritsumeikan University, Japan, examined Hezbollah’s political communication strategy towards its rival parties from 2017 to 2023 by conducting a quantitative text analysis of news articles from Al-Manar, the party’s primary media outlet. The findings of the study were published in Nationalism and Ethnic Politics on 20 April 2025.

The analysis of tone of coverage in Hezbollah’s main media outlet revealed Hezbollah’s rational, strategic, and pragmatic political stance in its political communication. In addition, it was found that Hezbollah was increasingly critical of its rival parties during nationwide crises like the October 17 Revolution and the Beirut port blast. The party also adopted a more critical stance during confrontations with Israel. Moreover, it became more cooperative with its rival parties after the restoration of diplomatic relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, it expressed more positive views of its rivals during parliamentary election campaigns.

“This study by employing quantitative text analysis methodologically contributes to an underdeveloped area of Arabic-language political discourse in Middle Eastern studies. The findings of the study revealed that Hezbollah’s political communication is shaped by institutional constraints and strategic considerations within Lebanon’s consociational democracy, challenging the essentialist interpretations of  Hezbollah’s conduct,” explains Prof. Suechika.

Thus, the study presents a novel approach, diverging from the primary concept of Islamism or sectarianism. It further highlights that the party is strategically choosing the best option for the organization’s survival in a changing Lebanon’s internal and external political environment. This suggests that Lebanon’s socio-economic and political crises stemmed not from Hezbollah’s uncompromising political stance but from the inherent failures of the consociational democracy itself, which fosters unaccountable elite rule of Lebanon’s long-lasting sectarian oligarchy.

“This paper is a practical example of Area Studies 2.0, which can address the issues of prejudice and discrimination faced by the Middle East and more broadly, the Islamic world from other regions by promoting data-driven and evidence-based research,” concludes Prof. Suechika.

 

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Reference

DOI: 10.1080/13537113.2025.2472488

 

About Ritsumeikan University, Japan
Ritsumeikan University is one of the most prestigious private universities in Japan. Its main campus is in Kyoto, where inspiring settings await researchers. With an unwavering objective to generate social symbiotic values and emergent talents, it aims to emerge as a next-generation research-intensive university. It will enhance researcher potential by providing support best suited to the needs of young and leading researchers, according to their career stage. Ritsumeikan University also endeavors to build a global research network as a “knowledge node” and disseminate achievements internationally, thereby contributing to the resolution of social/humanistic issues through interdisciplinary research and social implementation.

Website: http://en.ritsumei.ac.jp/

Ritsumeikan University Research Report: https://www.ritsumei.ac.jp/research/radiant/eng/

 

About Professor Kota Suechika from Ritsumeikan University, Japan
Dr. Kota Suechika is a Professor at the College of International Relations, as well as the Director of the Center for Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies (CMEIS) at Ritsumeikan University, Japan. He is a scholar of Middle Eastern politics and obtained his MA degree from CMEIS at the University of Durham and his Ph.D. from Kyoto University. His research interests focus on conflict and authoritarianism, with particular attention to Islamists and non-state actors in the Middle East.

 

Funding information
This work was supported by the JSPS KAKENHI under Grant Numbers JP23H00043, JP22KK0018, and JP19H04374.

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Journal

Nationalism and Ethnic Politics

DOI

10.1080/13537113.2025.2472488 

Method of Research

Content analysis

Subject of Research

Not applicable

Article Title

Hezbollah’s Political Communication Strategy in Consociational Democracy: a Quantitative Text Analysis of Al-Manar

 

Do we need to reassess chemicals?

Chlorinated organic substances can be converted into dioxins in the atmosphere

Wiley

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Are the risks of hazardous chemicals being determined appropriately? In certain cases, apparently not–according to a study published in the journal Angewandte Chemie by a team of Chinese researchers. The study indicates that chlorinated volatile organic compounds on mineral dust particles in the atmosphere can be converted into highly toxic polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans by sunlight.

Hazardous chemicals are frequently assessed under national and international regulatory frameworks, which primarily focus on their toxic properties, environmental persistence, and accumulation in organisms. Yet, any transformations they undergo in the atmosphere are rarely or not at all taken into account, though secondary conversion products may exhibit higher toxicity and persistence. These should be investigated to adequately evaluate risks posed by commercial chemicals to the environment and human health.

In this capacity, a team led by Xiaole Weng at Zhejiang University (Hangzhou, China) has examined chlorinated volatile organic compounds (CVOC). These important commercial chemicals are widely used in industry and agriculture, including in paints and varnishes, dry cleaning, and paint stripping. Waste incineration plants and landfills are also significant CVOC emitters. Growing industrialization will increase CVOC emissions still more, especially in developing countries. CVOCs are known to be precursors to dioxin compounds in industrial combustion processes. Catalyzed by flue ash, for example, chlorobenzenes can be converted into polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs). Many compounds in this group are toxic and carcinogenic, as vividly demonstrated by the devastating chemical accident in Seveso in 1976. However, there is little data about the persistence and potential chemical conversions of CVOCs in the atmosphere.

Atmospheric particles contain substances like iron and aluminum minerals, which can be catalytically active. The team hypothesized that these catalyze the conversion of CVOCs into PCDD/Fs under solar radiation, acting as an important, overlooked source of dioxins. To test this hypothesis, the researchers carried out laboratory experiments on a variety of mineral particles and identified possible reaction pathways based on computer models. A subsequent field trial with ambient air and fallen ash in an industrial park confirmed the occurrence of these photochemical conversions in the atmosphere.

The results prove that ubiquitous CVOCs, such as monochlorobenzene, dichloromethane, and perchloroethylene could be the overlooked precursors for PCDD/Fs. Iron oxides (α-Fe2O3) in particular, play a role in the production of chlorophenols and dioxin compounds. Tests on mice also demonstrated that after these photochemical reactions, the iron oxide dust caused severe damage to lung and brain tissue.

This study underlines the need to reassess the toxicity of atmospheric precursor pollutants like commercial CVOCs, as well as their conversions.

(3129 characters)

About the Author

Dr. Xiaole Weng is a Professor at Zhejiang University and chairs the Department of Environmental Engineering. His research specializes in air pollution control and environmental catalysis.

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Journal

Angewandte Chemie International Edition

DOI

10.1002/anie.202500854 

Method of Research

Experimental study

Subject of Research

Not applicable

Article Title

Uncovering the Photochemical Conversion of Atmospheric Chlorinated Organics on Mineral Dust: In-Field Evidence of a New Source of Dioxin

 

Must-know facts for women about heart, kidney and metabolic health

Women’s life stages and social factors shape their connected heart, kidney and diabetes risks

American Heart Association

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DALLAS, May 12, 2025 — Millions of women may be unknowingly living with risk factors for heart, kidney and metabolic disease – interconnected conditions that together drive risk for cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death among women, according to experts with the American Heart Association, a global force changing the future of health for all.

The interplay of heart, kidney and metabolic health is called cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) health. CKM health factors include blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, blood glucose (sugar) and kidney function. These factors are connected, so if something goes wrong in one area, it affects the others and can lead to CKM syndrome, which is associated with a high risk of cardiovascular disease.

The American Heart Association’s new CKM health initiative, supported by founding sponsors Novo Nordisk and Boehringer Ingelheim and champion sponsor DaVita, aims to increase awareness of the interconnectivity among heart, kidney and metabolic conditions and improve treatment for CKM syndrome.

Below are five things women should know about their CKM health.

1. Know your greatest health risk.

Nearly 45% of women ages 20 and older are living with some form of cardiovascular disease, and 1 in 3 women will die from it.[1]

“Despite heart disease being the leading cause of death for women, most are not aware of their risk of heart disease,” said Sadiya S. Khan, M.D., M.Sc., FAHA, American Heart Association volunteer and Magerstadt professor of cardiovascular epidemiology, and an associate professor of cardiology and preventive medicine at Northwestern School of Medicine in Chicago.

Women may develop heart disease differently from men and experience symptoms that are uncommon in men. Women are more likely to have blockage in smaller blood vessels around the heart, and while chest pain is the most common heart attack symptom, women are more likely than men to experience pain in the arms, jaw, and neck, too.

2. Take action early.

When risk factors happen in multiples, heart risk escalates. Women with either Type 2 diabetes or chronic kidney disease are predicted to reach elevated risk for cardiovascular disease 8-9 years earlier than those without either condition.[2] Women with both conditions may reach high risk 26 years earlier. Addressing heart, kidney and metabolic health at every stage of life can improve women’s quality of life and overall health.

3. Know your connected risk factors.

Many people who have high blood pressure or diabetes, which increases the risk for kidney disease, are unaware of their kidney health due to lack of screening. Kidney health is assessed by either a urine test for protein or a blood test for the kidneys’ filtration rate. Too much protein in the urine or a low filtration rate can indicate kidney disease.

Since high blood pressure and early stages of kidney disease and diabetes often don’t have symptoms, regular screening is necessary to be aware of your risk.

“Knowing your health numbers is critical to optimize your CKM health and prioritize prevention of heart, kidney and metabolic disease,” said Khan, who is on the science advisory group for the CKM health initiative.

Appropriate levels of CKM health factors for women are:

• Blood pressure – below 120/80 mm Hg
• Cholesterol levels that are important for CKM health:
  • Triglycerides – below 135 mg/dL
  • HDL (High-density lipoprotein, a.k.a. “good” cholesterol) – above 50 mg/dL 
• Weight assessments include waist circumference and body mass index (BMI):
  • Waist circumference – less than 35 inches (31 inches for Asian women)
  • BMI – under 25 kg/m2 (under 23 kg/m2 for Asian women)
• Blood sugar level, an assessment of diabetes risk, is measured in two ways:
  • Fasting blood glucose (short-term blood sugar) – 70-99 mg/dL
  • A1C (long-term blood sugar control) – below 5.7%
• Kidney health assessments:
• UACR (urine test for protein) - under 30 mg/g
• eGFR (blood test for filtration rate) – 90 mL/min/1.73 m2 or higher

When one CKM health factor is at an abnormal level it can bring others to unhealthy levels, too. However, the efforts to improve levels in one area – whether through lifestyle changes or appropriate medication – can also bring the others back into balance.

4. Pregnancy and menopause affect women’s CKM health.

“Each pregnancy is a window into later heart, kidney and metabolic health,” said Janani Rangaswami, M.D., FAHA, professor of medicine at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences.

Pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes and gestational hypertension are risk factors for future chronic kidney disease, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, said Rangaswami, who is also co-chair of the scientific advisory group for the Association’s presidential advisory that defined CKM syndrome. “Anyone wanting to be pregnant should optimize their heart and metabolic health before pregnancy,” she added.

Changes during menopause also influence long-term heart and metabolic health. This includes declining estrogen levels, increased body fat around the organs, increased cholesterol levels and stiffening or weakening of blood vessels. In addition, early menopause, before age 45, is linked to a higher risk for kidney disease, Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

5. Social factors impact women in unique ways.

Screening for social factors is an important part of CKM health assessment. Negative financial, social and neighborhood influences are associated with low levels of physical activity and healthy eating and high levels of obesity, heart disease and diabetes.

Some factors affect women differently than men. Marriage is related to worse health for women, and a higher percentage of women than men delay medical care because of costs. Women also face unique barriers to accessing care.

“Women are historically underrepresented in clinical trials, may have lower access to health care, less likely to receive evidence-based medication, and their health concerns may often be overlooked or dismissed,” Khan said. “Because women’s heart attack symptoms may also include nausea and shortness of breath, some women are told that they are experiencing anxiety.”

The messages to women are to know your risk and advocate for your health.

“It’s important to include pregnancy history on health forms and seek appropriate treatment for menopause symptoms,” said Rangaswami.

“Sometimes being your best advocate is your best bet. We want to encourage every woman to feel empowered to advocate for themselves and their health,” said Khan. “This should include requesting thorough screenings at health care visits and talking to a health care professional about your heart, kidney and metabolic health factors.”

 Additional Resources:

• Spanish news release
• Menopause Transition and Cardiovascular Risk (Nov. 2020)
• Heart disease could hit up to 28 years sooner for people with CKM syndrome (Nov. 2024)
• Follow AHA/ASA news on X @HeartNews

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The American Heart Association receives funding primarily from individuals; foundations and corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations and fund specific Association programs and events. The Association has strict policies to prevent these relationships from influencing the science content. Revenues from pharmaceutical and biotech companies, device manufacturers and health insurance providers and the Association’s overall financial information are available here.

 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 more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.