Lacunar strokes caused by widening of arteries in brain, study suggests
The cause of a type of stroke that affects about 35,000 people across the UK each year has been uncovered by researchers and may explain why some medications are ineffective as treatment.Lacunar strokes, which account for a quarter of all strokes in the UK, had been linked to the blockage of arteries in the brain by fatty deposits.However, a study published on Wednesday suggests they are not caused by blocked arteries but by the enlargement and widening of arteries in the brain.This would help to explain why aspirin and other blood thinners, commonly used to prevent ischaemic strokes, are not as effective in preventing lacunar stroke.The research by academics at the University of Edinburgh and the UK Dementia Research Institute analysed 229 patients who had experienced either a lacunar or mild non-lacunar stroke.
Maeva May, the director of policy for the Stroke Association, said the findings “illustrate the value of research and the potential it has to change the lives of stroke patients”.“There is still so much we don’t know about stroke despite it being the leading cause of complex adult disability and the fourth leading cause of death in the UK,” May said.“Answering these questions and developing effective treatments is crucial to help ensure a good recovery for the 240 people who survive stroke every day in the UK.“Stroke research is chronically underfunded, with less than 1% of total UK research funding spent on the condition.This study – and more of its kind – need to be a national priority across the NHS, government and the wider research community with clear pathways to carry breakthrough discoveries from laboratory to patients.
”More specifically, the study found that the narrowing of large arteries was instead more commonly seen in other types of stroke.Instead, widening arteries showed strong links to lacunar disease, with patients who experienced this being more than four times more likely to have a lacunar stroke.Joanna Wardlaw, a professor of applied neuroimaging at the University of Edinburgh and group leader at the UK Dementia Research Institute, said: “This study provides strong evidence that lacunar stroke is not caused by fatty blockage of larger arteries, but by disease of the small vessels within the brain itself.“Recognising this distinction is crucial, because it explains why conventional treatments like anti-platelet drugs are not as effective for this type of stroke and highlights the urgent need to develop new therapies that target the underlying microvascular damage.”
‘The three of us are the next’: Fabio Wardley on Dubois, Itauma and boxing’s heavyweight future
Briton, who defends his WBO title against Daniel Dubois, talks Fury-Joshua, doping and his punditry sideline“The only expectation I have is that it will end in a knockout,” Fabio Wardley says cheerfully as he looks ahead to his dangerous first defence of the WBO world heavyweight title against Daniel Dubois in Manchester on Saturday night. “Don’t Blink” is the promotional tagline for a battle between two powerful yet vulnerable heavyweights and, for once, this is less boxing bluster than reasonable advice for anyone watching a fight which could be the most dramatic heavyweight contest this year.Wardley and Dubois are devastating punchers who also often look at risk of losing. Dubois has been beaten three times in 25 fights while dispatching his other opponents with brutal efficiency. Two years ago, the unbeaten Wardley came close to defeat against Frazer Clarke in their first fight, which ended up being a draw after a damaging bloodbath for both men
Change in Sportsbet policy engulfs AFL identities amid scrutiny of gambling links
A subtle tweak of policy by Sportsbet has sent shockwaves through the AFL, and embroiled a three-time premiership captain and an emerging female voice who judged last year’s Norm Smith medal.Sportsbet, Australia’s largest sports betting company and one of the AFL’s major partners, changed its rules this week in response to growing public anger of the work with the wagering firm by AFL umpire Nick Foot. Although there is no suggestion he has ever been compromised, Foot was forced to step down from his role offering horse racing analysis.“Nick has appeared on our ‘Get On’ racing coverage in a racing‑only capacity,” a Sportsbet spokesperson said on Monday. “Following feedback, we’ve decided to no longer feature any serving sports administrators or officials in our programming, to ensure clear separation from their official roles
Cornish Pirates boosted by ‘milestone’ seven-figure deal with US private equity firm
Cornish Pirates have stolen a march on some bigger sides in the Prem by becoming the first English rugby union club to complete a significant deal with wealthy American-based backers. The Champ club have joined forces with the Pittsburgh-based private equity firm Stonewood Capital with the aim of revitalising the prospects of the Penzance side.The long-term arrangement would give Stonewood a substantial minority stake in the club for what is understood to be an initial seven-figure sum. Pirates officials are calling it a “landmark” deal and a “major milestone in the club’s evolution”.Sally Pettipher, the Pirates’ chief executive, also hopes it could lead to a Cornish team competing in the Prem, with the top tier of English club rugby due to shift to a franchise model in 2029-30
Runner dies after medical emergency during 253-mile ultramarathon in Arizona
A runner at the Cocodona 250 ultramarathon in Arizona has died after a medical emergency, organizers said on Tuesday.According to a statement posted on Instagram, a participant experienced a “serious medical emergency” during the 253-mile endurance race, which began Monday and continues through Saturday.“Out of respect for the runner’s family and loved ones, we are not sharing additional personal details at this time,” the statement said. “Our team is supporting those directly involved and will share more only when appropriate.“Please keep the runner’s family, friends, fellow runners, volunteers, and first responders in your thoughts
A UConn reunion and Caitlin Clark’s return: WNBA storylines to follow in season 30 | Jordan Robinson
From the Dallas Wings’ big moves to the most valuable team, here’s what we’ll be watching as the 2026 campaign begins on FridaySign up to get WNBA 30 in your inbox every TuesdayI’ve been obsessed with basketball for as long as I can remember (and have played it since I was five). Now, I cover the sport full-time. I co-wrote a book on the history of women’s hoops, Court Queens, and host the Audacy podcast The Women’s Hoops Show. I grew up a Sacramento Monarchs fan, and proudly own the signature sneakers of Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and A’ja Wilson. (Angel Reese, you’re next
Raducanu’s road leads from Rome to a French Open fitness race and questions beyond
In the end Emma Raducanu was one of the first in and out the grandiose gates of the Foro Italico this year. She had arrived in Rome early, eager to test her health and readiness for top-level competition through a series of training sessions on the heavy red clay courts of the Italian Open. As the hours on court piled up, and her planned opening match on Thursday drew closer, it seemed reasonable to conclude that she would make her first appearance in two months. Instead, her absence from the courts will extend to more than two months.Things are rarely straightforward with Raducanu, demonstrated by the nature of her withdrawal in Rome, which occurred just 30 minutes after she gave little indication of her intention during a press conference
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