News from NYU Langone Health
Weed-killing chemical linked to premature births in humans, study says
HealthDay
A new study finds that pregnant women with higher urine levels of glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, were 35% more likely to deliver prematurely. The research, which tracked nearly 1,500 women delivering at NYU Langone-affiliated hospitals, was published in the journal Environmental Pollution. Lead researcher Teresa Herrera, MPH, a doctoral candidate in population health at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, said the findings add to evidence of glyphosate's health concerns. Senior researcher Leonardo Trasande, MD, MPP, director of the Division of Environmental Pediatrics, vice chair of pediatric research, the Jim G. Hendrick, MD Professor of Pediatrics and professor of population health at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, called for stronger regulations to protect pregnant women and infants.
Also reporting was: U.S. News and World Report, Philly Voice, Head Topics, MedicineNet, Society of Environmental Journalists
7/27/2026
9 things experts wish you’d do in midlife to increase longevity *
The New York Times
This article offers advice on healthy habits to adopt in midlife to promote longevity. Guillem Gonzalez-Lomas, MD, associate professor of orthopedic surgery at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, suggests incorporating interval training to boost cardio-respiratory fitness, a strong predictor of health in later years. He also advises resistance training with challenging weights, noting that muscle strength is as vital as aerobic fitness. Other recommendations from experts include fostering social connections, eating fermented foods, ensuring adequate protein intake, and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule.
7/28/2026
FDA approves centanafadine for ADHD in adults, children aged ≥ 6 years
HCP Live
The US Food and Drug Administration has approved centanafadine (SIMTRIYO), a first-in-class drug from Otsuka Pharmaceutical, for treating ADHD in adults and pediatric patients aged six and older. Lenard Adler, MD, director of the adult ADHD program at NYU Langone Health, vice chair for education, and the Carter A. Pottash Professor of Psychiatry at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, commented that the approval introduces a novel mechanism of action and expands the range of options for patients. The drug, a norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin reuptake inhibitor, showed significant symptom improvement in phase 3 trials. It will carry boxed warnings for suicidal ideation in certain patients and potential for abuse.
Also reporting was: GuruFocus, Pharmaceutical Executive, Medscape, MSN, Managed Healthcare Executive, MedPage Today, Fierce Pharma
7/27/2026
FDA approves SimpleScreen CRC blood test for colorectal cancer screening
Patient Care
The US Food and Drug Administration approved SimpleScreen CRC, a new blood-based screening test for colorectal cancer for adults at average risk. Freenome developed the test, and Abbott will commercialize it in the United States. The approval is based on the PREEMPT CRC study. Aasma Shaukat, MD, MPH, the Robert M. and Mary H. Glickman Professor of Medicine and director of outcomes research in the division of gastroenterology and hepatology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and a co-lead principal investigator on the study, commented that a blood-based test provides another option to reach unscreened patients. She noted this leads to earlier detection and improved outcomes for patients.
Also reporting was: Monthly Prescribing Reference, ONCOLOGY journal, GenomeWeb, 360Dx, Fierce Biotech, OncLive, MedPage Today
7/27/2026
Parents are missing these new health risks facing teens, doctor warns
New York Post
The health risks facing today's teenagers differ from those their parents experienced. In an interview, Ayala Wegman, MD, pediatrician at Hassenfeld Children's Hospital at NYU Langone, discusses surprising products that are becoming more common among children and why some may be more dangerous than they appear. Dr. Wegman also outlines subtle warning signs that parents should recognize to address these emerging health threats.
Also reporting was: Yahoo
7/27/2026
44 hospitals with lowest unplanned readmissions post-surgery
Becker's Hospital Review
According to CMS data, NYU Langone Hospitals is among 44 hospitals nationwide with the lowest ratio of unplanned hospital visits after an outpatient surgery. NYU Langone Hospitals achieved a ratio of 0.7. Other New York City hospitals on the list include NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital with a ratio of 0.6, and Hospital for Special Surgery and Maimonides Medical Center, which also had a ratio of 0.7. North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset was also included with a 0.7 ratio. The data was updated on May 13 from the Unplanned Hospital Visit dataset.
7/27/2026
NeurologyLive
At the 2026 Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers Annual Meeting, Rachel Kenney, PhD, an assistant professor in the Departments of Neurology and Population Health at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, discussed the role of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) in the updated 2024 McDonald criteria for multiple sclerosis. Kenney explained that OCT is a sensitive and cost-effective tool to detect optic nerve involvement, now a fifth lesion site in the diagnostic criteria. She noted that OCT can provide objective evidence of neuroaxonal injury but also highlighted challenges, including the need for standardized protocols and training.
7/27/2026
Most health systems have a digital front door. Almost none have an intelligent one yet.
The AI Journal
Most US health systems have digital front door components but lack the intelligent, integrated layer needed to connect them, creating a poor patient experience. Surveys indicate this friction, particularly in scheduling, drives younger patients to competitors. The article argues AI's role is to be the 'connective tissue' between services. It cites a successful example at NYU Langone Health, where a model triaging patient portal messages cut clinician read time by up to 67 percent. Building an orchestrated digital experience is presented as a key competitive advantage.
7/27/2026
What is the gut-brain connection, and how does it affect your health?
Everyday Health
The gut-brain axis is a bidirectional communication system connecting the brain and digestive tract through nerves, hormones, and microbes. According to Sameer Berry, MD, a gastroenterologist and clinical assistant professor of medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, director of Health Economics Research, this complex connection regulates digestion, hunger, stress, and pain. When functioning well, it coordinates bodily responses, but disruptions can cause digestive symptoms to flare up during stress or impact mood. The article notes that digestive symptoms can affect anxiety and sleep, while mental health can alter appetite and pain sensitivity. Recommendations for support include a plant-forward diet, sleep, and exercise.
Also reporting was: Yahoo Health
7/27/2026
Can a GLP-1 improve insulin resistance?
Everyday Health
GLP-1 agonist drugs are increasingly used as a first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes due to their ability to regulate blood sugar and promote weight loss. While these medications improve insulin resistance during use, the effects are not permanent after stopping treatment. According to Michael Weintraub, MD, a specialist in endocrinology and obesity medicine at NYU Langone Health, most individuals in clinical trials regained weight after discontinuing the medication, which caused insulin resistance to return. The article also notes lifestyle changes can help maintain some benefits after stopping the drugs.
Also reporting was: Yahoo Health
7/27/2026
NJ.com
A new environmental study of the shuttered Aeromarine landfill in Keyport, New Jersey, found that dangerous toxins, including carcinogens like benzene and vinyl chloride, persist at the site. The study was prompted by community fears of a cancer cluster. Reviewing the data, Judith Zelikoff, PhD, a professor of toxicology and environmental health in the environmental medicine division at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, stated that even lower levels of carcinogens are a concern and should not be present at all. She emphasized that the testing is only a small piece of the story and called for the community to demand more extensive environmental testing.
7/28/2026
Patients are asking about 'Ozempic penis': What should physicians say?
MDLinx
Patients are inquiring about 'Ozempic penis,' a viral claim that GLP-1 medications increase penis size. While there is no evidence the drugs enlarge penile tissue, experts say the perceived change is due to significant weight loss uncovering more of the penile shaft. Improved blood flow from weight loss can also lead to better erections. Hossein Sadeghi-Nejad, MD, a urologist specializing in male infertility and sexual dysfunction and director of Men's Health, Urology, at NYU Langone Health, explained that weight loss often improves cardiometabolic health, resulting in better erections from increased blood flow, which can be perceived as an increase in penile girth.
7/27/2026
The role of urodynamics in post-prostatectomy lower urinary tract symptoms - Benjamin Brucker
UroToday
In a UroToday discussion, Benjamin Brucker, MD, professor of Urology and Obstetrics & Gynecology, and program director of Urogynecology, NYU Langone Health, explains the role of urodynamics in assessing lower urinary tract symptoms following a prostatectomy. He states that while not necessary for every patient, urodynamics serve as a valuable diagnostic tool in selective, complex cases. The procedure is particularly helpful for patients with mixed incontinence, a history of radiation, or when considering further surgical intervention. This data informs shared decision-making, helps manage expectations, and can alter management by providing a more complete picture of bladder function.
7/27/2026
Tapinarof cream 1% demonstrates efficacy across pediatric groups with eczema
HCP Live
New findings from a post hoc analysis of phase 3 trials show that tapinarof cream 1% (VTAMA) led to consistent improvements in atopic dermatitis for pediatric and adult patients. The data, presented at the 2026 Society for Pediatric Dermatology Annual Meeting, showed disease severity improvements as early as week two. Luz Fonacier, MD, professor of medicine at NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine and section head of the Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology at NYU Langone Hospital - Long Island, and lead author, noted the robust, age-stratified data provides confidence in counseling patients. The treatment demonstrated a favorable safety profile with most adverse events being mild or moderate.
7/27/2026
