News from NYU Langone Health
Pig organ transplants could one day be superior to human ones, says expert
The Guardian
Robert Montgomery, MD, PhD, chair of the Department of Surgery and director of the NYU Langone Transplant Institute, stated that pig organ transplants could one day be superior to those from human donors. He is leading a clinical trial that has already performed its first transplant of a gene-edited pig kidney into a living human, with another scheduled for January. The approach, known as xenotransplantation, aims to address the critical shortage of human organs. Dr Montgomery, who performed the world's first gene-edited pig-to-human organ transplant in 2021, believes pig organs could be constantly modified to make them better.
Also reporting was: Time.News
12/26/2025
‘Super flu’ sends NYC flu cases to highest level in a decade
New York Post
New York City is experiencing its highest number of emergency room visits for flu symptoms in a decade, with cases spiking across all boroughs in December. This season's 'super flu' is attributed to an early start and a vaccine that is less effective against the dominant H3N2 subclade K strain. In the article, Mark J. Mulligan, MD, the former Thomas S. Murphy, Sr. Professor of Medicine in NYU Langone's Department of Medicine, director of the Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, and director of The Vaccine Center at NYU Langone Health, advises those who are sick to drink plenty of fluids, get rest, and take Tylenol or Advil to manage symptoms.
Also reporting was: Aol, Hoodline
12/26/2025
Combining This Medication With Coffee Can Actually Boost Its Effects
Parade Magazine
Taking ibuprofen with coffee can boost the medication's pain-relieving effects, according to medical experts. Caffeine works synergistically with ibuprofen by blocking adenosine, a chemical involved in pain, while ibuprofen blocks prostaglandins. Research indicates that about 100 milligrams of caffeine with ibuprofen can provide 50% more pain reduction than the medication alone. Sarah Bobker, MD, clinical associate professor in the NYU Grossman School of Medicine's Division of Headache Medicine, director, Headache Fellowship Program, notes that any caffeinated beverage can have this effect, though coffee is more potent than tea. Experts also warn against taking ibuprofen with alcohol due to an increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
Also reporting was: Fort Worth Star-Telegram, The Charlotte Observer, The State, Idaho Statesman, The Sacramento Bee, Miami Herald, Fresno Bee, Belleville News-Democrat, Lexington Herald-Leader, Wichita Eagle
12/28/2025
Neurologists Share The 1 Food They Never (Or Rarely) Eat
HuffPost
Neurologists and neuroscientists are advising which foods to avoid for optimal brain health, including soda, beer, and certain protein powders. Shae Datta, MD, co-director of the Concussion Center in the Department of Neurology at NYU Langone Health, specifically recommends avoiding margarine due to its trans fats. She explains that just as trans fats harm heart and blood vessels, they also damage the brain's vessels. Dr. Datta references a study which found that older adults with high levels of a common trans fat were more likely to develop dementia.
Also reporting was: Yahoo Life
12/28/2025
Foods with healthy-sounding buzzwords could be hiding added sugar in plain sight
Associated Press
Many foods marketed as healthy contain significant amounts of hidden added sugars. Collin E. Popp, PhD, RD, assistant professor in the Department of Medicine at NYU Langone Health, advises that the current FDA recommendation for added sugar intake may be too flexible. He suggests a target of less than 5% of daily calories from added sugar, and near zero for individuals with diabetes or prediabetes. Popp recommends consumers be mindful of ingredients in all products, even those labeled organic, and take control by adding their own sweeteners to plain foods like yogurt.
Also reporting was: ABC News, WBAL-TV (Baltimore, MD), KSBW-TV (Salinas, CA), KMBC-TV (Kansas City, MO), WLWT-TV (Cincinnati, OH), Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, NBC News, Texarkana Gazette, The Seattle Times
12/27/2025
4 Expert Doctors Told Us This Is the One Body Part That Impacts Healthy Aging the Most
The Healthy
A growing body of research suggests that gut health is a key factor in healthy aging and longevity. According to experts, a diverse gut microbiome is associated with lower cholesterol and a longer healthspan. Hau Liu, MD, clinical assistant professor in the Department of Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, defines gut health as the overall function of the gastrointestinal system, including digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune response regulation. The article emphasizes that habits supporting a healthy gut, such as a fiber-rich diet, regular exercise, and stress management, are proven behaviors for improving long-term health.
12/26/2025
Melatonin & Heart Health: Risks & Expert Warnings
Time.News
Emerging research suggests a complex relationship between melatonin supplementation and cardiovascular health, with some studies indicating potential risks. A cardiologist at NYU Langone Hospital warned that science still faces difficulties in clarifying the complexities surrounding the supplement. Another cardiologist at NYU Langone Hospital noted that melatonin acts as a signaling molecule with direct and indirect effects on the cardiovascular system. While some studies show benefits like modest blood pressure reduction, others link long-term use to a higher risk of heart failure. Experts recommend caution and consulting a physician before using melatonin, especially for individuals with pre-existing heart conditions.
12/29/2025
3 Things to Do When Traveler’s Diarrhea Is Ruining Your Life
SELF Magazine
Traveler's diarrhea affects up to 50% of international travelers, often caused by pathogens in contaminated food or water. Theresa Fiorito, MD, director of the family travel medicine center at NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island, explains that exposure to germs uncommon in one's home country can lead to infection. For mild, viral cases, OTC antidiarrheals can be helpful. However, for more severe bacterial infections, it's better to let the body expel the germs. Dr. Fiorito advises staying hydrated by taking small sips of water and warns that NSAIDs like ibuprofen can irritate the stomach, making acetaminophen a safer option for pain.
Also reporting was: Yahoo Health
12/26/2025
Science Still Made Incredible Breakthroughs While Under Attack
Bloomberg Opinion
A Bloomberg Opinion column highlights significant scientific findings from 2025, including experiments on recently deceased individuals. The article discusses an experiment where a kidney was transplanted into a brain-dead man to test a new method for avoiding organ rejection. Art Caplan, PhD, the Drs. William F. and Virginia Connolly Mitty Professor of Bioethics in the Department of Population Health at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, commented on the ethics of such research. He advocated for using brain-dead individuals as test subjects, noting they are legally considered dead and that such experiments could provide significant benefits to humanity.
12/27/2025
