News from NYU Langone Health
How these chemicals went everywhere and threatened our health
The Washington Post
Working for the Environmental Protection Agency in the early 1980s, Earl Gray was evaluating how toxic substances damage the reproductive system and tested dibutyl phthalate after reading some early papers suggesting it posed a risk to human health. Gray and other scientists were awakening to the potential dangers of phthalates, which were making their way into nearly every human being on the planet as plastics became a way of life in the 20th century. A 2024 NYU-led study that catalogued health effects from phthalates exposure in the United States — including contributions to diabetes levels and infertility — estimated that dealing with phthalate-related diseases cost $66.7 billion in a single year. The study was conducted by Leonardo Trasande, MD, Director, Division of Environmental Pediatrics at NYU Grossman School of Medicine.
12/02/2025
Shingles vaccine may slow progression of dementia, new study suggests
CNN
A new study suggests the shingles vaccine may slow the progression of dementia. Research analyzing health records in Wales found that vaccinated older adults had a reduced risk of being diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment. Among those with existing dementia, vaccination was linked to a lower risk of dying from the disease. While the findings are promising, Joel Salinas, MD, MBA, Lulu P. and David J. Levidow Assistant Professor of Neurology in the Department of Neurology at NYU Langone Health, noted that the results are not yet definitive proof and require further study, cautioning that they may not apply to newer vaccines.
Also reporting was: Aol
12/02/2025
Study: Tweens and smartphones don't mix
WNYW-TV (New York, NY) - THE 5 O'CLOCK NEWS
Researchers found that access to devices at an early age is linked to poor health outcomes. Devi E. Nampiaparampil, MD, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, says that according to a growing body of evidence, depression, obesity and sleeplessness are tied to the excessive usage of smartphones. There is a 30% increase in the potential risk for depression, 40% in terms of obesity and 60% for sleeplessness or problems with sleep. However, it is not necessarily a cause. The younger the age people get smartphones, the greater the risks.
12/02/2025
As more immune systems go haywire, researchers dig deep for new treatments
The San Diego Union-Tribune
New research into autoimmune diseases is exploring treatments that reprogram the immune system, with CAR-T therapy showing early promise against lupus and other illnesses. The article discusses the rise of these conditions, the difficulty in diagnosis, and potential triggers. Highlighting the optimism in the field, Amit Saxena, MD, Director, Rheumatology Clinical Research Program at NYU Langone Health, stated, “This is probably the most exciting time that we’ve ever had to be in autoimmunity.” The global market for these treatments is estimated at $100 billion annually.
12/02/2025
Excess protein: is more really better for health? (translation)
Head Topics
An analysis of high-protein diets warns that excessive consumption is not always beneficial. Lisa Ganjhu, DO, associate professor in the Department of Medicine at NYU Langone Health, states that while protein is currently popular, most people do not need to significantly increase their intake as the average Western diet already provides an adequate amount. The article details potential health risks from overconsumption, including the metabolic state of ketosis, digestive issues, and increased strain on the kidneys. It also notes that unused protein calories are converted to fat, emphasizing the need for balanced nutrition and physical activity.
12/02/2025
Dig Deeper for Patient Motivations, Says Ethicist
Medscape
In an opinion piece, Art Caplan, PhD, Director, Division of Medical Ethics at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, recounts a case where he initially misjudged a patient. A farmer who lost a transplanted kidney was thought to be non-compliant. However, after speaking with the patient, Caplan learned the man's actions stemmed from feeling like a financial and personal burden to his family, leading him to neglect his care. This revelation changed Caplan's mind, and he advocated for the patient to be re-listed for another kidney, highlighting the ethical importance of understanding a patient's full circumstances.
12/02/2025
Neuro Event Labs receives FDA clearance for Nelli Seizure Monitoring System
The MedTalk Podcast
Neuro Event Labs received U.S. Food and Drug Administration clearance for its Nelli Seizure Monitoring System for clinical use in hospitals. The system is a non-contact, AI-driven video and audio platform designed to identify and prioritize motor seizure events. Jacqueline French, MD, Division Director, Epilepsy, at NYU Langone Health’s Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, stated that the epilepsy field welcomes technologies that enhance patient care and allow more efficient use of resources. The company plans a commercial rollout in early 2026, targeting major academic hospitals and high-volume epilepsy centers.
12/02/2025
DR MARC SIEGEL: Medical miracle may be unfolding for shot National Guardsman Wolfe
Fox News
In an opinion piece, Marc Siegel, MD, professor of medicine and medical director of Doctor Radio at NYU Langone Medical Center and Clinical Coordinator, NYU Langone Health Sirius Radio Project, discusses the potential for a medical miracle in the recovery of National Guardsman Andrew Wolfe, who was shot in the head. Dr. Siegel explores the role of faith and community prayer in healing, referencing stories of survival, including that of House Majority Leader Steve Scalise. He argues that healing is a combination of the physical and the spiritual, noting that many physicians believe in medical miracles after witnessing them firsthand.
12/03/2025
