News from NYU Langone Health
Toddler born with rare defect gets lifesaving heart transplant
CBS News
Wyatt Lopez, a toddler born with a rare heart defect, is now thriving six months after receiving a heart transplant and being discharged from Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone. After spending nearly a year in the hospital, Wyatt is now living a full life, enjoying activities like jumping on a trampoline, visiting the zoo, and taking a family vacation to Florida. His story highlights the successful outcome following his long hospital stay and life-saving transplant.
3/31/2026
Nearly 2 million preterm births in a single year tied to one toxin: study
New York Post
A new study from NYU Langone Health attributed nearly 2 million preterm births in 2018 to exposure to the chemical di-2-ethylhexylphthalate (DEHP). The research also linked the toxin, found in common plastics, to 74,000 newborn deaths. Sara Hyman, an associate research scientist at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, emphasized the need to reduce exposure to prevent early births. The study's 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 argued for stronger, class-wide oversight of plastic additives.
Also reporting was: The Daily Caller, Aol, Philly Voice, Democratic Underground, SCIENMAG, Time Bulletin USA, USTimes Mirror, CBS
3/30/2026
Irregular astigmatism: what we’re missing—and how to find it
EyeWorld
An article on detecting irregular astigmatism highlights the importance of early identification, particularly before cataract surgery, to ensure patient satisfaction. Marguerite B. McDonald, MD, clinical professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at NYU Langone Health, and Stephen D. Klyce, PhD, state that Placido-based devices are significantly more sensitive than tomography-based ones for detecting subtle irregularities and early pathologies like keratoconus. They also discuss how higher-order aberrations are characterized and provide a rule of thumb for intraocular lens selection in patients with these conditions, suggesting a preference for monofocal lenses when aberrations are high.
3/31/2026
We Asked 7 Experts About Healthy Brain Aging—and They All Said This One Habit Matters Most
The Healthy
Neurologists and neuropsychologists widely agree that aerobic exercise is the most impactful habit for protecting brain health. Jordan Weiss, PhD, assistant professor in the Division of Precision Medicine and Optimal Aging Institute at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, notes that exercise boosts brain-derived neurotrophic factor, a key signal for neuron repair. He also highlights that resistance training reduces brain inflammation, untreated hearing loss is a major modifiable risk factor for dementia, and maintaining a regular sleep schedule is crucial. Dr. Weiss adds that avoiding ultra-processed foods is important for protecting the gut-brain connection.
3/31/2026
58 hospital and health system chief digital officers to know | 2026
Becker's Hospital Review
Becker's Healthcare has named Nader Mherabi, executive vice president and vice dean, chief digital and information officer of NYU Langone Health, to its 2026 list of '58 hospital and health system chief digital officers to know.' The profile recognizes Mr. Mherabi for leading the organization’s digital transformation and creating a singular IT department with a centralized electronic medical record. The list also notes that Michael Mainiero of Catholic Health previously held leadership roles at NYU Langone for 20 years. Other New York-based executives from Montefiore Einstein, Hospital for Special Surgery, Northwell Health, and Mount Sinai Health System were also featured.
3/31/2026
Neuroscientists Say These Hobbies Help Keep Your Brain Sharp
Good Housekeeping
An article on hobbies that help maintain brain health features expert commentary from Margaret Rice, PhD, professor in the departments of neurosurgery and neuroscience, and vice chair of research in the Department of Neurosurgery at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. She explains that learning new things is rewarding and promotes the release of dopamine. The article lists several beneficial activities, including aerobic exercise, dancing, music, and reading. Rice notes that the best exercise is one that is done regularly and that reading keeps language centers activated. She also mentions that word puzzles can enhance language skills and strategic thinking.
Also reporting was: Aol, Yahoo Health
3/31/2026
New Study Shows Integrating Lifestyle Medicine into Primary Care Enables
SCIENMAG
A study in the Journal of Clinical Medicine found that deprescribing glucose-lowering medications for patients with type 2 diabetes is feasible and safe within primary care settings that integrate lifestyle medicine. The retrospective review of 650 patient records showed that 6.3% had medications safely reduced or discontinued during routine care. Commenting on the results, Gia Merlo, MD, clinical professor in the Department of Psychiatry at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, stated that the study advances the understanding of how deprescribing can be effectively and safely conducted in primary care.
3/31/2026
Most Protein Powders Tested Contain Lead. Your Grocery Store Has Better Options.
Kansas City Star
A Consumer Reports investigation found lead in over two-thirds of protein powders tested, suggesting whole foods like tuna, eggs, and lentils as better protein sources. Collin Popp, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Population Health at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, notes that purifying protein for powders removes vitamins and minerals found in whole meals. The piece also advises that supporting the body's natural collagen production through a balanced diet is more effective than taking collagen supplements, which the body breaks down into amino acids regardless of the source.
3/31/2026
Is It Too Early to Start Taking Statins in Your 30s?
Verywell Health
New medical guidelines recommend a new heart disease risk calculator, PREVENT, for people as young as 30 to estimate long-term risk. This may lead to some adults in their 30s with high LDL cholesterol being prescribed statins. According to Sean P. Heffron, MD, a preventive cardiologist and director of cardiovascular fitness and nutrition at the Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease at NYU Langone Heart, the key factors affecting cholesterol are genes and diet, and diet alone is often inadequate for high-risk individuals. He emphasized that the earlier a person intervenes to lower exposure to high cholesterol, the better their outcome will be.
3/31/2026
Becker's ASC Review
A report details 17 new ambulatory surgery center (ASC) projects that were announced or completed in March. Among the developments, New York City-based NYU Langone Health opened a new ambulatory and radiology practice location in Riverhead, N.Y. The list also includes projects from other health systems across the country, such as Kootenai Health and MultiCare breaking ground on a medical campus with an ASC, and Duke University Health System submitting a certificate of need application for a new facility. Other organizations mentioned include Intermountain Health and Novant Health.
3/31/2026
These Northeast Startups Are Transforming Health Care With AI
Inc.
A new batch of healthcare startups in the Northeast are utilizing AI to monitor patients and improve clinical decisions. The region has become a hub for AI medical research, supported by leading institutions including Harvard Medical School, Columbia University, and NYU Grossman School of Medicine. The article highlights CoachCare, a New York City-based company offering an AI platform for remote patient monitoring. New York and Massachusetts are identified as leaders in funding for medical research, fostering an environment where AI tools are being adopted on a massive scale by practicing physicians.
3/31/2026
Climate change is impacting Pennsylvania’s allergy season.
Ex Bulletin
Climate change is causing allergy season to start earlier and become more severe due to changes in temperature and precipitation patterns that lead to more pollen production. Neelima Tummala, MD, an ear, nose and throat physician at at NYU Langone Health, advises that it is important to recognize that these atmospheric changes affect public health. He recommends that patients start allergy medication before symptoms appear, which may be earlier than in previous years, and notes that they may need to adjust medications that were effective in the past.
Also reporting was: The Allegheny Front
3/31/2026
