News from NYU Langone Health
People
A Long Island father donated part of his liver to save his infant son, Benjamin, who was diagnosed with a life-threatening genetic disorder called ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency. After the diagnosis, the family was referred to Hassenfeld Children's Hospital at NYU Langone for the transplant, which was the only cure. The living donor transplant surgery took place on the father's birthday. Nine months later, both father and son are healthy and thriving. The family expressed their gratitude to the transplant team at Hassenfeld Children's Hospital at NYU Langone and hopes their story inspires others to consider living organ donation.
Also reporting was: Aol
6/28/2026
Inspired by the World Cup? Here’s how to avoid an injury that could sideline you
New York Post
Julia Iafrate, DO, sports medicine specialist at NYU Langone Health, offers advice for amateur soccer players inspired by the World Cup. She discusses the most significant mistakes 'weekend warriors' make when they return to playing soccer after a break. Iafrate also breaks down surprising injury risks and shares simple strategies that can help individuals stay in the game and avoid getting sidelined.
6/29/2026
Patient portals now routine part of health care
Endocrinology Advisor
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that online patient portal messaging more than doubled from 2020 to 2025, increasing by 153 percent. The research, led by Jane J. Long, MD, surgical resident and researcher in the Department of Surgery and the Center for Surgical and Transplant Applied Research (CSTAR), analyzed 140 million patient records. During the same period, telephone encounters decreased by 6 percent while office visits rose by 17 percent. Co-author Dorry Segev, MD, PhD, vice chair for research in the Department of Surgery and director of the Center for Surgical and Transplant Applied Research (CSTAR) at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, noted that providers must balance their digital and traditional clinical workloads.
6/26/2026
Millions take glucosamine for joint health—but does it work?
Health
The effectiveness of glucosamine supplements for joint pain relief is debated, with scientific studies showing mixed results. While generally considered safe, a recent study found a potential link between glucosamine use and accelerated cognitive decline, though the connection is not causal. Claudette Lajam, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at NYU Langone Orthopedic Center, director for Quality and Patient Safety, Division of Adult Reconstruction, and professor of orthopedic surgery at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, observed that the combination of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate seems to help some people with arthritis. She also noted that reduced mobility, common in this population, may be driving the association with dementia rather than the supplement itself.
Also reporting was: Aol
6/26/2026
Emergency department visits due to tick bites are on the rise. Here’s how to protect yourself
Ex Bulletin
Emergency department visits for tick bites in the US have surged this spring to the highest level in nearly a decade, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Northeast and Midwest have been particularly hard-hit, signaling a potentially severe season ahead. Reed Caldwell, MD, an emergency medicine physician at NYU Langone Health, and chief of service at the Ronald O. Perelman Center for Emergency Services, Tisch Hospital, confirmed an uptick in patients with tick exposure. Experts attribute the rise to factors like milder winters and expanding tick ranges. The article also provides guidance on preventing and removing ticks.
6/26/2026
What happens to your blood sugar when you skip breakfast?
Health
Skipping breakfast can affect blood sugar regulation, as the body must work harder to maintain normal levels, potentially leading to higher glucose spikes and increased hunger later in the day. Gillian Goddard, MD, endocrinologist at NYU Langone’s Holman Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism and adjunct assistant professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, explains that because the brain runs on glucose, going too long without eating can cause some people to experience brain fog. Dr. Goddard also notes that metabolism follows a circadian rhythm, with the body being more sensitive to insulin earlier in the day, a pattern which skipping breakfast may disrupt.
6/26/2026
Navigating immunotherapy options and referral dynamics for advanced CSCC
Dermatology Times
Darrell Rigel, MD, clinical professor in NYU Langone's Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, recently moderated a discussion on systemic immunotherapy options for advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC). The event covered the efficacy and safety of three approved PD-(L)1 inhibitors: cemiplimab, pembrolizumab, and cosibelimab. Dr. Rigel highlighted differences in trial data and safety profiles, noting cosibelimab's lower rate of severe immune-related adverse events. The discussion also addressed referral dynamics between dermatologists and oncologists, with dermatologists emphasizing their role in continued patient counseling and skin checks after referral.
6/26/2026
Are custom treatments and ‘nanovaccines’ the future of fighting cancer?
GMToday.com
A study from NYU Langone Health researchers, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, analyzed the five-year results of a melanoma trial. The findings show that a personalized cancer vaccine, when used with standard immunotherapy, resulted in a 49% reduction in cancer recurrence. According to senior investigator Janice Mehnert, MD, director of melanoma and cutaneous medical oncology at NYU Langone Health and associate director of clinical research at Perlmutter Cancer Center, the approach creates one unique vaccine per patient. After five years, 68.8% of patients receiving the combination therapy remained cancer-free, compared to 49.1% who received only immunotherapy. The research will soon enter Phase 3 clinical trials.
6/26/2026
The 8 gym exercises you need to master to significantly boost your bedroom performance
Men's Journal
Regular exercise is one of the most effective non-medication ways to improve men's sexual health, according to Seth Cohen, MD, MPH, urologist at NYU Langone Health, and director, Sexual Dysfunction Program. He explains that exercise improves erectile function, cardiovascular fitness, libido, and psychological well-being. Dr. Cohen notes that an erection is a vascular event dependent on healthy arteries. He adds that sexual activity is physically demanding, similar to climbing several flights of stairs, making endurance important. He recommends strength training that targets the core, hips, glutes, and pelvic floor to improve stamina and confidence.
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6/26/2026
'Wait a minute. Isn’t this the same drug?': What we heard this week
MedPage Today
Michal Mankowski, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Population Health at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, highlighted a post-2020 surge in patient portal messages. He noted that messages increased by more than 150% over the last six years, which has significant implications for healthcare. The article also features quotes from other experts on topics such as a potential cure for lymphoma, the real-world performance of transcatheter aortic valve replacements, and the safety of delaying treatment for certain cervical conditions.
Also reporting was: News Health, MSN France
6/28/2026
This rare tick-borne disease is on the rise in the U.S.
The Washington Post
Cases of Powassan virus, a rare but serious tick-borne disease, are increasing in the U.S., primarily in the Northeast and Upper Midwest. According to Catherine Valentine, MD, clinical assistant professor in the Department of Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, the virus can be transmitted from a tick to a human in as little as 15 minutes. While many infected individuals are asymptomatic, some develop severe neurological problems like encephalitis or meningitis. The fatality rate among symptomatic patients is as high as 15 percent, with many survivors facing long-term neurological issues. Climate change is considered a primary factor for the rise in cases.
Also reporting was: MSN France, Detroit News
6/28/2026
Americans now live longer in Democratic-held House districts. Here’s why
CNN
An analysis using data from the Congressional District Health Dashboard, a partnership between NYU Grossman School of Medicine and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, reveals significant health disparities between Democratic and Republican-held House districts. The data show Republican districts have lower life expectancies and higher rates of chronic conditions. Marc Gourevitch, MD, MPH, the Muriel G. and George W. Singer Professor of Population Health at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, noted the dire implications of greater chronic conditions in places with lower insurance coverage. Ben Spoer, program director of the Congressional District Health Dashboard, stated that improving life expectancy signifies progress on other national health challenges.
6/28/2026
Does pickle juice really help muscle cramps?
TIME
Pickle juice can be an immediate remedy for muscle cramps, according to Nicole Lund, MPH, RDN, sports nutritionist at NYU Langone Health. She explains the acidic taste is thought to send signals to the nervous system that stop the cramp by calming overexcited nerves. The effect is neurological rather than a result of rehydration, meaning an athlete could just swish the juice in their mouth. Experts note it is best used to treat, not prevent, cramps and caution that its high sodium content makes it unsuitable for regular consumption by non-athletes.
Also reporting was: Yahoo Health, Head Topics, MSN France, Aol
6/26/2026
Exclusive: Psychologist breaks down Demi Moore's past ‘self-punishing' fitness routine
MSN
In response to actress Demi Moore's comments on her past extreme fitness routines, Rachel Goldman, PhD, psychologist and clinical assistant professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, explains the negative cycle of self-punishing exercise. She notes that when movement is driven by thoughts of punishment or earning food, it leads to shame, guilt, and anxiety. This creates an unhealthy relationship where exercise is about avoiding guilt rather than promoting health. Dr. Goldman warns this can increase anxiety, worsen body image, and lead to overtraining and burnout, advising a shift toward caring for the body's needs.
6/26/2026
Ketamine is booming in America. The reasons go beyond drugs
Straight Arrow News
Unpublished data from NYU Langone Health indicates that the proportion of New York City nightclub attendees who used ketamine in the previous year doubled from 20% in 2022 to 40% in 2025. Research from NYU Langone also found ketamine was more prevalent than MDMA on surfaces at local electronic dance music clubs. Joseph Palamar, PhD, MPH, professor in the Department of Population Health at NYU Langone Health, commented that ketamine use has 'skyrocketed' in New York's nightclub population and now appears to be more common than MDMA, a drug long associated with rave culture.
6/27/2026
Why is Mamdani protecting deadly-reckless e-bike riders?
New York Post
An opinion piece argues against New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's decision to end criminal enforcement against e-bike riders, citing public safety concerns. The article references a recent study from NYU Langone Health, which used data from the Bellevue emergency room. The study found that from 2018 to 2023, e-bike crashes as a share of bike and scooter trauma more than quintupled. These crashes now represent nearly 7% of all trauma admissions, with one-third of patients suffering traumatic brain injuries. The piece advocates for legislation requiring licensing and registration for e-bikes.
6/28/2026
When the ability to smell goes away
Popular Science
Research is increasingly showing a link between the loss of smell and brain health, with smell impairment sometimes being an early indicator of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. The COVID-19 pandemic has spurred new interest and research into olfaction. Scientists are still working to understand how the brain processes smells. Dmitry Rinberg, PhD, a neuroscientist at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, notes that researchers have not yet fully 'cracked the code of how the brain turns them into perception.' The article also discusses olfactory training as a potential therapy to restore the sense of smell.
Also reporting was: Head Topics
6/28/2026
Dr. Camile Gooden-Bost honored as District 16 Healthcare Hero
TBR News Media
Suffolk County Legislator Rebecca Sanin recognized Camile Gooden-Bost, MD, physician advisor at NYU Langone Hospital–Suffolk, as District 16’s Healthcare Hero. Dr. Gooden-Bost was honored for her commitment to advancing health equity and improving patient outcomes. At NYU Langone Hospital–Suffolk, she co-chairs the Health Equity Subcommittee. Her leadership also includes roles with the New York Chapter of the American College of Physicians, the Suffolk County Medical Society, and the Suffolk County Legislature’s Maternal Morbidity and Mortality Task Force.
6/28/2026
Seniors in Medicare are about to get landmark obesity drug coverage — but many may not know it yet
CNBC
Millions of seniors on Medicare will gain access to obesity drugs through the new Bridge demonstration program starting July 1, though a survey found 82% are unaware of the coverage. The limited public outreach from CMS, Novo Nordisk, and Eli Lilly may be intentional to ensure providers and pharmacies are prepared for demand. Holly Lofton, MD, director of the medical weight management program at NYU Langone Health, suggested the slower rollout could be a strategy to test the system and make corrections before a potential surge in interest from beneficiaries.
Also reporting was: MSN France
6/28/2026
Above & Beyond: Protecting New York
City & State NY
An article profiling individuals protecting New York highlights the work of Jason Graham, MD, chief medical examiner for the City of New York and chair of the Department of Forensic Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. Appointed chief medical examiner in 2022, he oversees forensics investigations and the country’s largest public DNA crime laboratory. In 2016, Graham established the city's Drug Intelligence and Intervention Group, which shares real-time drug overdose data with public health organizations.
6/29/2026
The tick that hunts down its hosts—including us
The New Yorker
An in-depth report examines the rise of alpha-gal syndrome, a tick-borne illness causing a red meat allergy, which has spread across the US and globally. The article details the syndrome's discovery, its transmission by the lone-star tick, and its impact on individuals and communities. It also explores potential solutions, including genetically engineered pigs free of the alpha-gal molecule. A kidney from one of these pigs was the first to be transplanted into a human at NYU Langone Health in 2021, a key development in xenotransplantation research.
6/29/2026
AAD Gold Medal recipient Henry W. Lim’s legacy of inclusion and innovation
Dermatology Times
Henry W. Lim, MD, former president of the International League of Dermatological Societies, discussed his career after receiving the American Academy of Dermatology’s Gold Medal. Lim highlighted his training at New York University and credited several mentors from the institution. He mentioned Rudolf L. Baer, MD, former chairman of dermatology at NYU; Irma Gigli, MD, PhD, a former professor of dermatology at NYU; and Irwin M. Freedberg, MD, former chair of the Department of Dermatology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, for their guidance in his professional journey.
6/26/2026
