News from NYU Langone Health
Beyond detection: In the age of clinical AI, what counts as an FDA ‘breakthrough’ medical device?
STAT
An analysis shows the FDA's 'breakthrough' designation for medical devices is prioritizing AI tools that solve complex problems physicians cannot, such as detecting multiple cancers or predicting mortality risk. Cancer and cardiovascular devices represent the largest categories for these AI designations. According to Eric Oermann, MD, director of the Health AI Research Lab at NYU Langone, the designation enables technology to perform new functions. However, Oermann cautions that the label does not guarantee a device's effectiveness and that the science does not always keep up with the designation, requiring further evidence for hospital adoption.
4/02/2026
The subtle warning signs of a ‘mini stroke’ — and who’s most at risk
New York Post
A transient ischemic attack (TIA), or 'mini stroke', is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain that can signal a future, potentially disabling stroke. Symptoms are often sudden and can be identified using the 'BE FAST' acronym: Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech, and Time. Brandon Giglio, MD, director of vascular neurology at NYU Langone Hospital—Brooklyn, advises anyone experiencing abrupt onset of these signs to go to the nearest emergency room. Major risk factors for a TIA include high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol.
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4/01/2026
F.D.A. Approves New Obesity Pill
The New York Times
The Food and Drug Administration approved Eli Lilly's new daily weight-loss pill, orforglipron, which will be sold as Foundayo. In clinical trials, patients lost an average of 12 percent of their body weight. The pill is a more convenient alternative to injections and is comparable to Novo Nordisk's Wegovy pill. Melanie Jay, MD, director of the NYU Langone Comprehensive Program on Obesity, noted that the flexibility of taking orforglipron with or without food at any time makes it much more convenient for patients. The lowest dose will cost $149 without insurance.
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4/01/2026
Chemicals in plastics linked to newborn deaths, premature births: Research
The Hill
A study led by researchers at NYU Langone Health and NYU Grossman School of Medicine found that exposure to the plastic additive di-2-ethylhexylphthalate (DEHP) may have contributed to nearly 2 million preterm births globally in 2018. The analysis also linked DEHP exposure to approximately 74,000 newborn deaths. According to lead author Sara Hyman, the findings highlight that reducing exposure could prevent early births. Senior author Leonardo Trasande, MD, the Jim G. Hendrick, M.D., Professor of Pediatrics at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and director of the Division of Environmental Pediatrics at NYU Langone Health, warned against regulating phthalates individually and called for stronger oversight of plastic additives.
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3/31/2026
AI Advances in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis
MedCentral
The US Food and Drug Administration has validated AIM-NASH, the first AI-enabled drug development tool for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). The system is designed for clinical trial use to standardize the scoring of liver biopsy features. While AI tools can enhance diagnosis and research by detecting patterns clinicians may miss, their real-world impact is still developing. According to David E. Bernstein, MD, a gastroenterologist specializing in liver diseases at NYU Langone Health and a professor at the NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine, there are currently no AI tools in routine clinical use for MASH, and the impact of AIM-NASH remains to be measured.
4/01/2026
8 Sneaky Signs You’re Being Emotionally Manipulated
HuffPost
An article outlines eight signs of emotional manipulation, such as gaslighting, love bombing, and making someone feel guilty for things that are not their responsibility. According to Sue Varma, MD, clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, manipulation is not always calculated and may result from immature communication. She explains that love bombing can create emotional dependency, where a person's self-worth becomes tied to the manipulator's approval, and notes that victims may feel they have to walk on eggshells to avoid confrontation.
Also reporting was: Yahoo Life
4/01/2026
Experts critique the new skincare trend
The Guardian
A social media trend suggests using vaginal estrogen cream on the face for anti-aging, a practice not approved by the FDA. Ellen Gendler, MD, a cosmetic dermatologist and clinical associate professor of dermatology at NYU Langone Health, states that using a small amount around the eyes is likely harmless for post-menopausal women and that she uses it herself. However, she does not recommend it for the entire face or for pre-menopausal women. Other experts urge caution, citing a lack of long-term studies, potential for systemic absorption, and the availability of proven alternatives like retinoids and sunscreen.
Also reporting was: Time.News
4/01/2026
Dual Imaging Helps ID Heart Attack Cause
Diagnostic and Interventional Cardiology
New research led by clinicians at NYU Grossman School of Medicine shows that combining two heart imaging tests can identify the cause of heart attacks in most patients without coronary artery narrowing. The study on MINOCA, a condition more common in women, found that coronary optical coherence tomography and cardiac MRI identified the underlying cause in 79 percent of participants. According to lead author Harmony R. Reynolds, MD, director of the Cardiovascular Clinical Research Center in the Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology at NYU Langone Health, the findings support using specialized imaging for all MINOCA patients. The results were presented at the American College of Cardiology's 2026 Annual Scientific Session and published in *Circulation* on 28 March.
4/01/2026
21 Easy Ways to Lose Weight After 50, According to Nutrition Experts
Men's Health
An article offers 21 strategies for weight loss after age 50, addressing challenges like a slowing metabolism and muscle loss. Among the experts cited, Holly F. Lofton, MD, an obesity medicine doctor and director of the Medical Weight Management Program at NYU Langone Health, recommends making vegetable consumption easier by choosing options that are simple to prepare, such as asparagus and broccoli. She also advises maintaining a structured diet while traveling by packing a standard daily meal to retain control over food choices.
4/01/2026
Neurology Advisor
Brain injuries, including traumatic and acquired types, represent a significant health issue, with about 586 people hospitalized and 190 dying daily in the US from traumatic brain injuries. The article details various causes, such as falls, motor vehicle collisions, strokes, and tumors. It also discusses risk factors in sports, noting tackle football has the highest concussion rate. The piece cites NYU Langone Health regarding the finding that a hypoxic-ischemic brain injury is the most common neurological consequence for patients who survive cardiac arrest. March is recognized as Brain Injury Awareness Month to promote education and prevention.
4/01/2026
How to Tell If You're Overwhelmed or Overstimulated—and How Getting Outside Can Help
Outside Magazine
The article distinguishes between feeling overwhelmed and overstimulated, noting that while they can overlap, their causes differ. Overstimulation is a sensory experience, while being overwhelmed relates to a perceived inability to manage life's demands. Thea Gallagher, PsyD, clinical associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and director of Wellness Programs at NYU Langone Health, explains that overstimulation can lead to feeling overwhelmed. The piece suggests coping strategies such as writing down tasks to gain perspective, taking breaks in nature to reduce stress, and practicing 'planned worrying' to manage anxiety. For persistent feelings, consulting a mental health professional is recommended.
4/01/2026
How healthy is your town? Dashboard shows how your city measures up
LiveNOW from FOX
The City Health Dashboard, housed at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, has incorporated new public health data for 1,000 U.S. cities, with breakdowns by race, ethnicity, and sex. According to Lorna E. Thorpe, PhD, MPH, chair of the Department of Population Health at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, the dashboard is a tool for civic engagement. Ben Spoer, program director for City Health Dashboard, noted it was initially for city leaders. The dashboard measures metrics like life expectancy, children in poverty, and cardiovascular mortality to help improve community health.
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4/01/2026
Integrating multifamily real estate syndications into a physician’s financial portfolio
Healio
In an opinion piece, Kirk A. Campbell, MD, associate professor in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at NYU Langone Health, advocates for physicians to integrate multifamily real estate syndications into their financial portfolios. He argues that as more physicians move to employed models, these investments can recreate the ownership benefits historically found in private practice. Dr. Campbell shares his personal experience, explaining that syndications offer passive income, tax advantages, and diversification. He suggests that this approach can provide physicians with greater financial optionality and long-term resilience, complementing their clinical income.
4/01/2026