News from NYU Langone Health
Microplastics found in higher levels in prostate tumor tissue: Research
The Hill
A new study released Tuesday found microplastics deep inside samples from 9 out of 10 patients with prostate cancer, with more microplastic levels inside tumors than in regular healthy tissue nearby. Researchers from the American Society of Clinical Oncology found that nylon-6 and polystyrene were the most commonly found microplastics found above certain detection limits, with polyethylene and polyethylene copolymers typically found above other detection limits. “The tumor and the benign tissue samples were from the same patient and underwent exactly the same handling, so the fact that we’re seeing a high concentration of plastics in the tumor can’t really easily be explained by a contamination,” Stacy Loeb, MD, professor in the Departments of Urology and Population Health at NYU Langone Health said.
Also reporting was: Reuters, Yahoo, Salem Radio Network News, WHTC-AM (Holland, MI), WTVB-AM (Coldwater, MI), KFGO-AM (Fargo, ND), WTAQ-AM (Green Bay, WI), The Telegraph (Macon), The State, The Charlotte Observer, Aol
2/24/2026
You can handle the truth about 'seeding' (biopsies spreading PCa)?
The Active Surveillor
The risk of cancer cells spreading during a prostate biopsy, a phenomenon known as 'seeding,' is extremely rare, according to multiple urology experts. Most of the few dozen documented cases are associated with older, large-bore transperineal biopsy techniques used decades ago on aggressive cancers. Researchers note the true incidence is difficult to estimate but remains very low with modern methods. Stacy Loeb, MD, professor in the Departments of Urology and Population Health at NYU Langone Health, emphasized that this is not a significant concern for patients undergoing biopsies today.
2/25/2026
Nearly 60% of American Women Projected to Have at Least One Kind of Heart Disease by 2050
Flow Space
A new scientific statement in the journal Circulation projects that nearly 60% of American women will have at least one type of heart disease by 2050. The report forecasts sharp increases in high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity, with nearly one-third of women aged 22 to 44 expected to be affected. 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, called the increased risk for younger women alarming but noted these are preventable predictions, not certainties.
Also reporting was: MSN India
2/25/2026
Medical schools assign students a new coach: AI
AAMC News
Medical schools, including NYU Grossman School of Medicine, are increasingly using artificial intelligence for precision education. At NYU Grossman, a tool called Communication Compass records and analyzes residents' conversations with patients to offer feedback on their clinical skills. Jesse M. Burk-Rafel, MD, MRes, assistant director at the Institute for Innovations in Medical Education (IIME) at NYU Langone Health, explains that AI helps scale assessment and coaching. He also warns of the risk of 'never skilling,' where technology can hinder learning. The article also covers AI tools at Johns Hopkins, the University of Cincinnati, and UCSF.
2/25/2026
Risk of macular degeneration: recommendations to preserve vision as we age (translation)
La Opinión
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in people over 60. Vaidehi S. Dedania, MD, associate professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at NYU Langone Health, states that proactive measures can help delay the disease's progression. The article outlines five lifestyle changes to reduce the risk and severity of AMD: quitting smoking, adopting a balanced diet rich in leafy greens, using recommended supplements like AREDS2, and regular exercise. Early detection through regular eye exams is also emphasized as crucial for managing the condition and preserving vision.
2/25/2026
Ethicist Discusses 'Slow Codes'
Medscape
In a commentary, Arthur Caplan, PhD, the Drs. William F. and Virginia Connolly Mitty Professor of Bioethics at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, discusses the ethics of 'slow codes,' where resuscitation efforts are intentionally limited. While he has historically considered the practice unethical without a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order, he recounts a case that shifted his view. The case involved a suffering, terminally ill patient whose family refused a DNR. Caplan argues that while obtaining a DNR is the standard, the principle of 'do no harm' can take precedence when resuscitation would only cause pain.
2/25/2026
