Researchers may be on the verge of a breakthrough in the ability to reduce high blood pressure. After three years of study, food scientists at Chr. Hansen have discovered lactic acid bacteria that have been shown to reduce blood pressure in animal studies. The company has filed for a patent on the culture, called Cardio-4, but emphasizes that it is still too soon to draw final conclusions on the effects of the culture. However, if things go as planned, the first products with Cardio-4 should reach supermarket shelves in a couple of years. Chr. Hansen Inc., Mary Arens, 800-558-0802, marens@chr-hansen-us.com