News from NYU Langone Health
The way you use weed could be a red flag for addiction, study finds
HealthDay
A new study finds that individuals who use cannabis in multiple forms are nearly three times more likely to use it daily or develop a substance use disorder. Research led by Omar El-Shahawy, MD, PhD, MPH, assistant professor in the Department of Population Health at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, analyzed data from over 17,700 adults. The findings suggest that clinicians should inquire about the methods of cannabis use to identify patients who may be at higher risk for addiction. Conversely, the study noted that people who primarily use edibles have a significantly lower risk of daily use and addiction.
Also reporting was: U.S. News and World Report, MedicineNet, ScienceDirect
8/24/2026
Researchers find no connection between pesticide exposure and social difficulties common in autism
Medical Xpress
A new study led by NYU Langone Health researchers suggests that prenatal exposure to certain agricultural insecticides is not linked to autism-related traits. Published in JAMA Pediatrics, the analysis of 3,339 mother-child pairs found no significant connection between organophosphate pesticide exposure during pregnancy and social communication problems in children. Lead author Haleigh Cavalier, MPH, PhD, a former doctoral student at NYU Langone Health, noted the findings apply to low exposure levels. Senior author Akhgar Ghassabian, MD, PhD, associate professor in the Departments of Pediatrics and Population Health at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, stated more research is needed.
Also reporting was: Medical Xpress, MSN, SCIENMAG, MedPage Today, MSN, HealthDay
8/24/2026
Are microplastics feeding cancer risk?
Medscape
Research is exploring the potential link between microplastics and cancer, though no causal relationship has been proven. Experts note that while microplastics can trigger processes like chronic inflammation, direct evidence of them causing cancer is lacking. A pilot study found higher microplastic concentrations in prostate cancer tumors than in normal tissue. Lead investigator Stacy Loeb, MD, professor of urology and population health at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, cautioned that this does not prove causality, as it is possible tumors simply accumulate particles more readily. The research field is still in its early stages.
8/24/2026
The women’s health diagnostics gap isn’t missing tests, it’s missing answers
Forbes
The article explores the women’s health diagnostics gap, arguing it stems from misinterpretation of test results rather than a lack of testing. It highlights the company Function, which provides comprehensive lab tests. Function has announced a research partnership with NYU Grossman School of Medicine to analyze its longitudinal data and build early-detection models for cancer, brain health, and cardiometabolic risk. The collaboration aims to produce peer-reviewed publications based on the findings, addressing gaps in medical research that historically excluded women.
Also reporting was: Yahoo Finance
8/24/2026
How to help your teen handle conflict without making things worse
Parents
Conflict is a normal part of adolescence, and learning resolution skills can help teens navigate this period. Joseph Laino, PsyD, clinical psychologist at NYU Langone Health, explains that the many intense changes teens experience make conflict a universal part of their lives. The article offers expert advice for parents, including giving teens space, using “I” statements to avoid blame, and practicing active listening. It also details self-regulation strategies for teens, such as identifying emotional triggers and using calming techniques before responding to a situation.
Also reporting was: Yahoo Health
8/24/2026
The 20 highest-ranked hospitals in America in 2026
Money Talks News
According to U.S. News & World Report’s latest Best Hospitals rankings, NYU Langone Hospitals was named to the ‘Best Hospitals Honor Roll.’ The health system also ranked number one in the nation for two specialties: Cardiology, heart and vascular surgery, and Neurology and neurosurgery. The analysis evaluated nearly 4,500 hospitals on patient outcomes and experience. Other New York City hospitals on the honor roll include Mount Sinai Hospital and New York-Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia and Cornell. Hospital for Special Surgery and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center were also recognized for specialty care.
8/24/2026
APAO 2026: Oncology PAs convene for 29th annual symposium
Oncology Nursing News
The 29th Annual Oncology Symposium, presented by the Association of PAs in Oncology, convened over 200 healthcare professionals in New York from August 13 to 16, 2026. During the event, Jennifer Fisher, physician assistant at NYU Langone Health, discussed the pivotal role advanced practice providers (APPs) play in direct patient care. Fisher highlighted that APPs and nurses are critical, front-facing elements of the healthcare system who manage the daily realities of cancer therapy. She noted that APPs often become the primary point of contact for patients on the multidisciplinary cancer care team.
8/24/2026
Jesse Eisenberg gave a kidney to someone he’ll never meet. He still can’t get over how easy it was.
Upworthy
Actor Jesse Eisenberg underwent a non-directed kidney donation at NYU Langone Health in Manhattan on December 30. The procedure, where a kidney is given to a stranger, was highlighted on ‘The Checkup with Doctor Mike’ podcast. Eisenberg reported no lifestyle changes or regrets post-surgery and wished he could donate more. According to NYU Langone Health, nearly 95,000 people are on the kidney transplant waiting list. Eisenberg’s altruistic donation can initiate a chain, enabling multiple transplants. He also utilized a program to prioritize his family members for future living donations if needed.
Also reporting was: Yahoo Entertainment
8/24/2026
NYU’s DeciphEHR initiative seeks insights from Genome-EHR integration
GenomeWeb
A new NYU Langone Health initiative, DeciphEHR, aims to sequence patient genomes and link them to electronic health records for affiliated researchers and clinicians. The program, led by Aravinda Chakravarti, director of the Center for Human Genetics and Genomics at NYU Langone, launched in 2024 and has sequenced 20,000 genomes, with a pilot phase goal of 100,000. Data are currently accessible only to researchers at NYU Langone and the NYU Grossman School of Medicine. A team led by Yiqiu Shen, an assistant professor of radiology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, recently used the data to build more accurate polygenic risk scores.
8/23/2026
How to use the bump Chinese gender predictor to “guess” baby’s sex
The Bump
This article discusses the Chinese gender predictor calendar, a non-scientific method for guessing a baby’s sex. Research indicates the chart is only about 50% accurate, comparable to a coin flip. While unreliable, the piece notes that many families find it an enjoyable way to connect during pregnancy. Meleen Chuang, MD, chief of obstetrics and gynecology at NYU Langone Hospital—Brooklyn and a clinical associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, is quoted saying that it can be a fun way for different generations to connect.
8/24/2026
Is your headache actually serious? Doctor reveals the red flags to watch for
New York Post
Shae Datta, MD, division director of Concussions at NYU Langone Hospital–Long Island, explains the red flags to watch for in a headache. In an interview, Dr. Datta outlines which symptoms should raise concern, which may be more routine, and clarifies when it is appropriate to see a doctor. The discussion also covers the topic of headache frequency.
8/24/2026
Consumer interest in MCED tests grows despite questions around utility, patient education
GenomeWeb
Consumer interest in multicancer early detection (MCED) tests is growing, with companies like Grail and Exact Sciences marketing directly to patients despite questions about clinical utility. The article discusses patient education, test performance, and insurance coverage for follow-up procedures. Marleen Meyers, MD, director of the Perlmutter Cancer Center Survivorship Program at NYU Langone Health, notes that patients often misunderstand what the tests can and cannot do. She also raises concerns that payers might decline to cover necessary follow-up testing, such as PET scans, if the initial MCED results are not specific enough.
Also reporting was: 360Dx
8/23/2026
NUMC boss says repairing hospital could cost more than building new facility
Newsday
Officials at Nassau University Medical Center are considering building a new hospital due to the high cost of repairing the aging and financially distressed facility. A proposal will be sent to state officials by December. The article notes that NYU Langone announced plans in June to build a new 500-bed hospital in Melville. Alec Kimmelman, MD, PhD, dean of NYU Grossman School of Medicine and CEO of NYU Langone Health, stated in a June interview there were no partnership conversations between the organizations. Competitors Mount Sinai and Northwell Health did not comment.
8/25/2026
Fixed-duration combo shows promise for relapsed MCL
Medscape
A phase 2 trial found that a fixed-duration combination of mosunetuzumab plus polatuzumab vedotin led to high response rates for patients with relapsed/refractory mantle cell lymphoma. The study of 42 patients showed an objective response rate of 88.1% and a complete response rate of 78.6%. In an accompanying editorial, Peter Martin, MD, co-director of the Hematology Program at NYU Langone Health, commented that if confirmed, this combination could represent a needed therapeutic strategy for patients with few approved options. The median follow-up was 15.9 months, and grade 3 or 4 adverse events were common.
8/25/2026
