News from NYU Langone Health
Endocrinologists Warn Against This Popular Breakfast Combo if You’re Trying To Balance Blood Sugar
Parade Magazine
Endocrinologists warn that pairing a pastry with fruit juice for breakfast can cause significant blood sugar spikes. Rachel Pessah-Pollack, MD, clinical associate professor in the Department of Medicine, the Holman Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, & Metabolism at NYU Langone Health, explains that both items are fast-acting carbohydrates that significantly increase glucose levels, especially for those with underlying type 2 diabetes. She notes that long-term unstable blood sugar can lead to complications including an increased risk for heart attacks, kidney and nerve damage, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Dr. Pessah-Pollack recommends consuming whole fruit instead of juice because its fiber slows digestion and sugar absorption.
Also reporting was: Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fresno Bee, Idaho Statesman, The State, Miami Herald, The Charlotte Observer, The Modesto Bee, Belleville News-Democrat, Lexington Herald-Leader, The Sacramento Bee
12/24/2025
New study reveals why exercise is vital for Parkinson's brain health
Parkinson's News Today
A new study in mice led by Margaret E. Rice, PhD, a professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and vice chair, Research, Department of Neurosurgery, found that voluntary aerobic exercise increases dopamine release in the brain, improving motor performance in aging. Published in *npj Parkinson’s Disease*, the research offers a neurochemical explanation for how exercise enhances memory, movement, and mood, which are all impacted by Parkinson’s disease. The findings suggest the aging brain can still respond strongly to physical activity, potentially counteracting age-related mobility declines. The research team intends to further investigate these findings.
12/24/2025
Oncology On the Go Wrapped: The Top 10 Podcast Episodes of 2025
ONCOLOGY journal
CancerNetwork® released its list of the top 10 'Oncology On the Go' podcast episodes for 2025. The second-ranked episode featured a recap of practice-changing lung cancer data from the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting. In the episode, Joshua Sabari, MD, an assistant professor in the Department of Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and the director of High Reliability Organisation Initiatives at Perlmutter Cancer Center, and Stephen Liu, MD, of Georgetown University, discussed key study results, including findings from the phase 3 DeLLphi-304 trial.
12/25/2025
The Ins and Outs of Respiratory Virus Vaccines for Immunocompromised Patients
MedPage Today
A panel of infectious disease experts outlined guidelines on COVID-19, influenza, and RSV vaccination for immunocompromised patients. Anoma Nellore, MD, associate director of translational research at the NYU Langone Health Vaccine Center, strongly recommended age-appropriate 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccinations for this population, noting a second dose may extend protection and that household members should also be vaccinated. The panel, which included experts from the Infectious Diseases Society of America, also advised shared decision-making and ongoing risk assessment. Other recommendations included strong support for flu shots and guidance on RSV vaccination timing.
12/24/2025
AI Innovations That Could Change the Game
HealthCentral
Artificial intelligence may improve early detection and diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a heart disease characterized by a thickening heart muscle. According to Daniele Massera, MD, associate director of the hypertrophic cardiomyopathy program at NYU Langone, HCM is challenging to diagnose because obstruction is often absent on imaging tests when a patient is at rest. AI algorithms applied to ECGs and cardiac MRIs could detect subtle signs of the condition sooner. While AI could also advance risk stratification and personalize treatment, experts note barriers such as a need for more real-world data and regulatory challenges.
12/24/2025
Cardiologists Share the Number-1 Way to Survive ‘Heart Attack Season’—Which Is Right Now
Prevention
The American Heart Association warns of a spike in heart attack deaths during the last week of December, a phenomenon known as 'heart attack season.' Experts cite several reasons, including colder weather, overindulgence, and delaying medical care. Doris Chan, DO, general and interventional cardiologist at NYU Langone Hospital—Brooklyn, highlights that end-of-year financial, emotional, or psychological stressors can also be triggers. She urges people to seek immediate medical attention for symptoms like chest pressure or shortness of breath, as early detection improves outcomes. An expert from Northwell Health also provided commentary.
12/24/2025
Why Jigsaw Puzzles Are Good for Your Brain and Mood, Experts Explain
Martha Stewart Living
Engaging in mentally stimulating activities like jigsaw puzzles can help build 'cognitive reserve,' which allows the brain to better compensate for age-related changes, according to Joel Salinas, MD, MBA, Alzheimer's and dementia specialist at NYU Langone Health. The article explains that puzzles exercise multiple brain areas, including visual processing, problem-solving, and memory retrieval. Dr. Salinas also notes that puzzles can benefit mental health by shifting focus away from stressors, reducing anxiety, and promoting relaxation. He adds that the greatest benefits come from challenging oneself with new or more difficult puzzles.
12/24/2025
Uncles Tremble as Man Invents Vaccine Delivered by Beer
Futurism
Virologist Chris Buck has developed an ingestible polyomavirus vaccine administered through beer, using engineered yeast. Buck, who runs a private company for the experiments, has tested the brew on himself and family members, reporting an increase in antibodies. The method has drawn controversy, with some experts concerned about its cavalier nature. Commenting on the approach, Arthur Caplan, PhD, the Drs. William F. and Virginia Connolly Mitty Professor of Bioethics and former head of medical ethics at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, noted that while new vaccine delivery methods are needed, Buck's homebrew experiment could undermine a potentially useful idea and increase vaccine hesitancy.
Also reporting was: Dnyuz, Yahoo, Head Topics
12/24/2025
Dyker Beach Golf Course hosts 2025 Gift of Giving Holiday Celebration
Brooklyn Paper
The 16th annual “Gift of Giving Holiday Celebration” was held on December 19 at Dyker Beach Golf Course in Brooklyn. Organized by Gift of Giving LLC and the Brooklyn Sunset Park Lions Club, the event distributed over 900 toys to children and families. Students from the High School of Telecommunications Arts & Technology collected and wrapped the gifts. Following the event, additional donations were distributed to local family shelters, the NYU Langone–Brooklyn Family Health Centers, and for the community’s Three Kings Celebration. The event was supported by numerous community partners.
12/24/2025
Faith, science and doctors’ struggle with end of life care
The Hill
In an opinion piece, Marc Siegel, MD, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health, discusses the complexities of end-of-life care. He contrasts aggressive, low-value procedures with his personal experience, advocating for prolonging quality of life. Dr. Siegel argues against physician-assisted suicide, stating it contradicts his medical philosophy and faith. He expresses opposition to New York's Medical Aid in Dying Act, which Gov. Kathy Hochul plans to sign. He concludes by emphasizing the importance of faith, medical miracles, and the physician's role in honoring the preciousness of each life.
12/25/2025
Dr Marc Siegel on his book, The Miracles Among Us
WHAM-AM (Rochester, NY)
Discussing his book "The Miracles Among Us," Marc Siegel, MD, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health, emphasizes the role of faith and prayer in healing. He believes everyone has a miracle story and views artificial intelligence as a tool of "science and faith together." He specifically mentions a program at NYU Langone called "opportunistic scanning," where AI is used to analyze a lung scan to also look at the liver and bones, calling it "an incredible advance in terms of tools for health care."
12/24/2025
