News from NYU Langone Health
New York Post
A patient who ruptured her ACL and tore her meniscus while skiing when pregnant struggled to find a doctor willing to perform surgery. She was eventually treated at the NYU Langone Center for Women’s Sports Medicine by Abigail A Campbell, MD, assistant professor in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at NYU Langone Health. Dr. Campbell performed the surgery during the patient's second trimester, noting that recent studies support the safety of orthopedic surgery for pregnant individuals. The procedure was successful, and the patient later gave birth to a healthy baby. Dr. Campbell, who was also pregnant, highlighted that the benefits outweighed the risks in cases where waiting could cause irreversible joint damage.
2/23/2026
How safe is America from polio?
CBS News
On CBS Sunday Morning, a report on the history of polio and the current risks in the U.S. features commentary from David Oshinsky, PhD, Professor, Department of Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and a Director of the Division of Medical Humanities. Oshinsky, author of a Pulitzer Prize-winning book on the disease, explains the fear that existed before the vaccine and warns that with lower vaccination rates, polio is 'only a plane ride away.' The story, which also interviews violinist Itzhak Perlman who contracted polio as a child, highlights a recent case of paralysis in New York State and discusses the importance of herd immunity.
Also reporting was: KTSA-AM (San Antonio, TX), Sandhills Express, Yahoo Entertainment, Aol, MSN
2/22/2026
How Musculoskeletal leaders are navigating the multipayer alignment push
Becker's Spine Review
Orthopedic and spine leaders are navigating a push by major insurers to align with CMS's new chronic care outcomes model, which ties payment to clinical outcomes for conditions like musculoskeletal pain. While the shift offers opportunities to standardize care and strengthen negotiating leverage, physicians also anticipate challenges such as increased administrative burdens and greater financial risk. According to Joseph D. Zuckerman, MD, Chair, Department of Orthopedic Surgery at NYU Langone Health, the emphasis on patient-reported outcomes is permanent. He advises that every orthopedic surgeon should be part of a system that tracks outcomes to avoid being disadvantaged in the move toward value-based care.
2/20/2026
Playing Today, Learning Tomorrow: From First Words to First Grade
Unknown Focus
Researchers wanted to understand how early support for parents can impact a child’s long-term development, especially in families facing economic hardship. The research team enrolled 403 mother–infant pairs in the study. These pairs were randomly assigned at birth: one group received standard pediatric care, while the other participated in the Smart Beginnings (SB) program. The study was conducted at two sites, in New York City and Pittsburgh. Elizabeth B. Miller, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Population Health at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, Caitlin F. Canfield, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, Erin Roby, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, and Alan L. Mendelsohn, MD, Professor, Department of Pediatrics at NYU Grossman School of Medicine are among the authors.
2/19/2026
What Happens to Your Body When You Cut Back on Ultra-Processed Foods
Health
Reducing consumption of ultra-processed foods can lead to significant health benefits, including weight loss, increased energy, and a lower risk of chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes. A recent study found participants who cut their intake in half ate 600 fewer calories daily and lost an average of 7.7 pounds. Sapana R. Shah, MD, MPH, clinical associate professor in the Department of Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, noted that these foods are often calorie-dense and low in fiber and other important nutrients, and reducing them can lower the risk of cardiometabolic disease.
Also reporting was: MSN
2/20/2026
Do Scalp Massagers Actually Help With Hair Growth? Scalp Experts Explain
NBC Select
Scalp massagers can support a healthier scalp and hair growth by stimulating blood flow and removing buildup, though experts note they are part of a broader treatment plan. A small 2016 study found daily scalp massage increased hair thickness in men. For a budget-friendly option, Navin S. Arora, MD, clinical assistant professor at The Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, recommends the Maxsoft Hair Scalp Massager and Shampoo Brush, which can be used with shampoo or scalp oil to lift flakes and promote circulation.
2/20/2026
Your 7 worst heart mistakes could be fatal, doctors warn
Rolling Out
In an article about common mistakes that harm heart health, Harmony R. Reynolds, MD, the Joel E. and Joan L. Smilow Professor of Cardiology in the Department of Medicine and director of NYU Langone’s Center for Women’s Cardiovascular Health at NYU Langone Health, identifies several key risk factors. She warns that insufficient sleep is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease and advises against unhealthy snacking, which can drive weight gain and raise blood pressure. Dr. Reynolds also stresses the critical importance of seeking immediate medical attention for heart-related symptoms like chest pain rather than dismissing them.
2/21/2026
Long Covid changes the brain like Alzheimer's, the discovery (translation)
Head Topics
A study led by researchers at NYU Langone Health suggests that Long Covid can cause brain changes similar to those seen in Alzheimer's disease. Published in *Alzheimer's & Dementia*, the research found that the choroid plexus, a critical brain barrier, was 10% larger in patients with Long Covid. This enlargement was linked to higher levels of proteins associated with Alzheimer's and poorer performance on cognitive tests. Lead author Yulin Ge, MD, professor in the Department of Radiology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, said the findings suggest long-term immune reactions can damage the brain. Senior author Thomas Wisniewski, MD, the Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman Professor in the Department of Neurology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, added that future research will track if these changes predict cognitive decline.
2/22/2026
Berries for Longevity: The #1 Fruit for Healthy Aging | TODAY – Archyde
Archyde
A focus on 'healthspan,' or years spent in good health, is growing as many Americans live with chronic diseases. According to Emily Johnston, PhD, research assistant professor at NYU Langone, specializing in longevity and nutrition, fresh fruits and vegetables are non-negotiable for a healthier life, with berries being a top priority. Berries are highlighted for their high content of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which can aid digestion, stabilize blood sugar, and lower the risk of heart disease and dementia.
2/21/2026
MCL Workshop Proves Essential for Moving the Needle Forward in Research
ONCOLOGY journal
In an interview, Peter Martin, MD, Co-Director, Hematology Program at NYU Langone Health, discussed the 2025 Mantle Cell Lymphoma Workshop. He highlighted key sessions on drug resistance to BTK inhibitors, the role of minimal residual disease in patient assessment, and strategies for treating high-risk mantle cell lymphoma. Martin emphasized the importance of the workshop's collaborative format for advancing research and noted that future clinical trials will address unmet needs, including developing less intensive therapies and determining the role of chemotherapy.
2/20/2026
Is jerky good for you? Experts point out the pros and cons of excessive consumption (translation)
Head Topics
Dried meat can be a tempting high-protein snack, but experts advise on its pros and cons. Nicole Lund, MS, RD, CDN, clinical nutritionist at NYU Langone’s Sports Performance Center, notes that nutritional labels provide key insights. She explains that dried meat can be a good source of protein for its calorie count, which is beneficial for older adults or those building muscle. However, she also cautions that consumers should be mindful of the high sodium content. The article also points out that as a processed meat, it can increase the risk of certain cancers and type 2 diabetes.
2/23/2026
New treatment for inoperable pancreatic cancer form offers hope. Here's what Optune Pax does.
WCBS-TV (New York, NY)
The US Food and Drug Administration has approved Optune Pax, a new wearable, at-home device for an inoperable type of pancreatic cancer that delivers electric fields to disrupt cancer cells. In a clinical trial, the device extended patients' lives by about two months on average and significantly delayed pain. Arthur 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 that patients may face complex decisions regarding the treatment, noting it offers small advances for a high cost with no guaranteed insurance coverage yet.
Also reporting was: Head Topics
2/20/2026
Promoting Whole-Body Imaging: Not There Yet
Medscape
In a commentary, Arthur L. 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, argues that promoting whole-body MRI scanning is not ethically appropriate at this time. He explains that these scans detect more incidentalomas, or findings of ambiguous concern, than they do early-stage diseases. Caplan notes that these services are often offered by profitable private equity-backed clinics and can cause patients significant emotional distress for what are likely benign findings. He concludes that while the technology may be useful someday, it is not yet ready for widespread use.
2/20/2026
New Documents Reveal a Controversial Vaccine Study’s Unusual Path to CDC Approval
Yahoo
A controversial Centers for Disease Control and Prevention grant for a hepatitis B vaccine study in Guinea-Bissau is facing international criticism. The study was reportedly fast-tracked by political appointees, bypassing standard scientific and ethical reviews. Critics, including the World Health Organization, argue the study is unethical for withholding a proven vaccine from infants. The local ethics committee's approval process also had significant irregularities. Arthur Caplan, PhD, founding director of the Division of Medical Ethics at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, stated that U.S. health officials are responsible for ensuring competent review and that the procedural issues show the review was inadequate.
2/20/2026
The Eerie Words People Hear After Death, According to an ICU Doctor
VICE
Research from NYU Langone Health, led by Sam Parnia, MD, PhD, Professor, Department of Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, explores consciousness in cardiac arrest survivors. The study found that some patients can accurately recall events in the room, including the declaration of 'time of death,' even after losing a heartbeat. Researchers noted that these experiences differ from hallucinations or dreams. The study also identified spikes in brain activity, including gamma and beta waves, up to an hour into resuscitation, which may be linked to awareness and memory processes during so-called near-death experiences.
Also reporting was: Dnyuz, Inquisitr
2/21/2026
