Diet and obesity are key factors in atherosclerosis, also referred to as hardening of the arteries. But it’s well known that high cholesterol, cigarette smoking, high blood pressure and diabetes can also contribute to it. This disease can cause heart attack, stroke, difficulty walking, gangrene or loss of a limb. Now, cardiovascular researchers at the University of Virginia’s Health System have discovered evidence that lymphoid structures may contribute to the development of atherosclerosis because they attract a response from the body’s immune system. Full story.

U.Va. Health System

Steve Thompson (left) of Rivanna Archaeological Services LLC and Mark Stephen Kutney (right), an architectural conservator with the University Architects Office at the University of Virginia, examine a cistern found near Pavilion III after workers replaced Central Grounds water pipes last fall. An investigation shows that the underground brick tank would have been used until around the 1890s to collect rainwater from three of the Lawn buildings. After no longer being used, the cistern was apparently filled all at once sometime after 1887. Other than a Florida Water bottle and a pavilion decoration, the cistern held little else of interest. Full story.

Inside UVA/Photo: Dan Addison