News from NYU Langone Health

More organs are being donated after the heart stops, not brain death. Policies are changing too

ABC News

An analysis of national data showed that organ donations after circulatory death (DCD) rose from 2% of all deceased donors in the U.S. in 2000 to 49% in 2025. The research, published in JAMA, was led by Dorry L. Segev, MD, PhD, Professor in the Departments of Surgery and Population Health at NYU Langone Health. Co-author Macey L. Levan, JD, PhD, associate professor in the Departments of Surgery and Population Health at NYU Langone Health, stated the increase is a response to organ shortages and has been enabled by improved organ recovery and preservation technologies.

Also reporting was: CNN, MedPage Today, Longmont Times-Call, Times Argus, Boston Herald, SCIENMAG, Newsday, Associated Press, The Independent (UK), The Sun (San Bernardino, CA), Oneida Daily Dispatch, The Mercury (Pottstown, PA), Fort Morgan Times, Yahoo, Dayton Daily News, The Seattle Times, Santa Cruz Sentinel, The San Diego Union-Tribune, The Trentonian, Oakland Press, The Press Democrat, Macomb Daily, Chico Enterprise-Record, Paradise Post, Canon City Daily Record, Marin Independent Journal, Baltimore Sun, The Lowell Sun, Daily Democrat, Redlands Daily Facts, The News-Herald (Willoughby, OH), Daily Mail, The Virginian-Pilot, Los Angeles Daily News, The Beaumont Enterprise, The Republic

2/26/2026

Microplastics Found in Men’s Reproductive System

Men's Journal

In a study out of NYU Langone Health, researchers looked at the role of microplastics in prostate cancer tumors. The researchers evaluated men with prostate cancer who were undergoing surgery to remove the entire prostate. They found 2.5 times the amount of plastic in prostate cancer tumors than in healthy prostate tissue. Stacy Loeb, MD, professor in the Departments of Urology and Population Health at NYU Langone Health, the study’s lead author, said that “Our pilot study provides important evidence that microplastic exposure may be a risk factor for prostate cancer,” in a news release.

Also reporting: Independent (UK)

2/25/2026

Lindsey Vonn almost had to have her leg amputated. Here’s why

The Washington Post

Following American Alpine skier Lindsey Vonn's recent tibia fracture and subsequent development of compartment syndrome, the article explains the rare but serious complication. Compartment syndrome occurs when pressure builds within a muscle compartment, impeding blood flow. Sanjit R. Konda, MD, an orthopedic trauma surgeon at NYU Langone Health, explains that tibia fractures can result from direct trauma and that swift treatment is critical. He notes that if the condition goes untreated for about two hours, it can cause irreversible tissue damage, potentially leading to amputation.

2/26/2026

AHA: Threat of heart disease & stroke among women is expected to raise sharply

FOX 5

Devi E. Nampiaparampil, MD, clinical associate professor at the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, raises concerns over a study from the American Heart Association, which says that the majority of women could have high blood pressure by 2050. Although high blood pressure can be a silent issue, the problem is that people have symptoms when they have complications, which are heart attack, stroke, and sometimes arrhythmias, which is an abnormal heart rhythm. "If the majority of women end up having high blood pressure in a period of time, that's not too far away, that's really very concerning," Nampiaparampil points out.

2/26/2026

7 Natural Remedies for Seasonal Allergies

Everyday Health

High-impact workouts can worsen seasonal allergy symptoms by increasing inflammation and blood flow, advises Purvi S. Parikh, MD, a clinical assistant professor in the departments of medicine and pediatrics at NYU Langone Health. She recommends low-impact exercises like swimming or yoga, preferably indoors. The article also suggests other natural remedies, including limiting allergen exposure by staying indoors when pollen counts are high, wearing sunglasses and hats, and showering after being outside. Additionally, keeping home air clean with filters and using saline nasal rinses can provide relief. Acupuncture may also be effective for some individuals.

2/26/2026

8 Reasons You’re Still Drowsy After Sleep Apnea Treatment

Everyday Health

Persistent drowsiness after obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) treatment can stem from several factors, including an improperly adjusted CPAP machine, coexisting sleep disorders, or underlying mental health conditions. Poor sleep hygiene is another significant contributor. Priya Jaisinghani, MD, who specializes in endocrinology, obesity medicine, and diabetes at NYU Langone Health, emphasizes that optimizing sleep habits is essential. She recommends limiting late caffeine and alcohol, maintaining consistent sleep schedules, and getting morning light exposure to improve sleep quality. Other potential causes for continued fatigue include accumulated sleep debt, treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, or the adjustment period for weight management medications.

2/26/2026

8 everyday habits cardiologists say are quietly damaging your heart

MSN

Cardiologists are highlighting several everyday habits that can quietly damage heart health, including consuming too much salt, leading a sedentary lifestyle, and social isolation. Harmony R. Reynolds, MD, the Joel E. and Joan L. Smilow Professor of Cardiology and director of NYU Langone’s Center for Women’s Cardiovascular Health, notes that inadequate sleep keeps blood pressure elevated longer, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Reynolds also advises against keeping ultra-processed snacks at home to avoid unhealthy eating habits. Experts from Northwestern Medicine and Tufts Medical Center also contributed, emphasizing that small, consistent changes can significantly lower cardiovascular risk.

2/26/2026

Mark Cuban calls for free medical school

Becker's Hospital Review

Mark Cuban called for free medical school at the American Medical Association’s National Advocacy Conference, arguing it would address physician shortages. The article highlights NYU Grossman School of Medicine's tuition-free program, established in 2018. School leaders noted the program significantly reduced student debt, with 83% of its 2024 three-year pathway graduates having zero medical debt, compared to the national average of 37%.

2/26/2026