Researchers show that different patient responses to statins can be explained by the variation in the human microbiome. The findings suggest that microbiome monitoring could be used to help optimize personalized statin treatments.

It's always rewarding when what started out as largely an academic endeavor turns out to impact a lot of people -- in this case women. Women suffering from endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and preeclampsia may be protected from future heart disease if they carry a specific common genetic variant on the surface of cells (insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor, or IGF1R). The research suggests new options for personalized screening and surveillance for cardiovascular disease.

Women who experienced complications related to developing high blood pressure, or hypertension, during pregnancy had a 63% increased risk for developing cardiovascular disease later in life, according to new research.

Shincheonji Church's "Life ON" blood drive has gathered tens of thousands of donors to aid in the South Korean national blood supply crisis, allowing the supply to go from 3 days to a life-saving nearly 6.

Ms. Ford serves as an expert in laboratory science and quality assurance

Dr. Butina specializes in medical laboratory science in her roles with West Virginia University