News from NYU Langone Health
Dr. Madeline DiLorenzo on hantavirus risks and the Andes strain outbreak
FOX New York Newsroom Live
Madeline A. DiLorenzo, MD, an infectious disease physician at NYU Langone Infectious Disease Associates, clinical assistant professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, clinical coordinator of Infectious Diseases Operations, and associate hospital epidemiologist at NYU Langone Hospital – Tisch, discusses the hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship. Although 41 people in the United States are being monitored—including New York residents quarantined in Nebraska—she reassures that the public risk is very low. The Andes strain is unique for its potential person-to-person transmission, yet it requires prolonged close contact to spread, unlike COVID-19. Dr. DiLorenzo highlights that rigorous contact tracing and strict quarantines are currently managing the situation, noting that there are no confirmed positive cases among those being monitored in the U.S.
5/20/2026
Three-minute video game can help identify patients with depression
Medical Xpress
A new study led by NYU Langone Health researchers found that an experimental computer game can quickly identify patients with depression based on anhedonia. Published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the study shows the game identifies major depressive disorder in as little as three minutes. Researchers found that participants with depression stopped engaging in the game's reward-seeking activity about 50% sooner than healthy subjects. According to Paul W. Glimcher, PhD, chair of the Department of Neuroscience, director of the Institute for Translational Neuroscience, and professor of neuroscience and psychiatry at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, the game provides clues about brain function in depression. Dan Iosifescu, MD, professor in the Department of Psychiatry at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, added that measuring these decisional reference points could help identify specific depression subtypes and tailor treatments.
Also reporting was: MSN
5/19/2026
7 traits of people who talk to their pets like humans, according to psychologists
Parade Magazine
Psychologists explain that talking to pets like humans is a healthy behavior that helps people bond, feel connected, and express thoughts without judgment. Joseph D. Laino, PsyD, psychologist and assistant director at the Sunset Terrace Family Health Center at NYU Langone, notes that this practice helps individuals relate to and empathize with their pets. He adds that it can also help people feel less lonely, work through emotions, and relieve stress. Traits of people who do this include being empathetic, caring, expressive, and affectionate.
Also reporting was: Aol, Yahoo Life
5/19/2026
Is rapid weight loss more effective than gradual loss?
Medscape
A real-world, randomized controlled trial found that rapid weight loss resulted in greater and more sustainable weight loss over one year compared to a gradual approach. The study showed that participants in the rapid weight loss group lost an average of 14.4% of their total body weight, versus 10.5% in the gradual loss group. Commenting on the findings, Priya Jaisinghani, MD, an endocrinologist and obesity medicine specialist at NYU Langone Medical Associates—Penn District and clinical assistant professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, advised that clinicians should individualize treatment and focus on quality metrics beyond speed, such as body composition changes and nutritional adequacy.
5/19/2026
A de-extinction company has hatched live chicks from an artificial eggshell
Associated Press
Biotech company Colossal Biosciences announced it has hatched live chicks in an artificial environment, a step toward its goal of de-extinction. The company used a 3D-printed lattice structure that mimics an eggshell. While some scientists are skeptical, others raise ethical concerns about the effort. Arthur L. Caplan, PhD, the Drs. William F. and Virginia Connolly Mitty Professor of Bioethics and founding head of the Division of Medical Ethics at NYU Grossman School of Medicine’s Department of Population Health, questioned what environment a resurrected animal would live in, highlighting the significant challenges that would exist after its creation.
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5/19/2026
You love to strength train. Do you really need cardio, too?
The San Diego Union-Tribune - The New York Times News Service Syndicate
The article explores the necessity of incorporating aerobic exercise alongside strength training for optimal health benefits. Julia Iafrate, DO, a sports, physical, and rehabilitation medicine physician at NYU Langone Health, and clinical assistant professor at the Departments of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, observes a recent trend prioritizing strength training. While muscle-building workouts offer significant advantages, including a 15% lower risk of death, experts stress that cardio is crucial for long-term health. The piece, which also quotes experts from Northwell Health and the Hospital for Special Surgery, highlights that combining both types of exercise can reduce the risk of death from any cause by at least 40%.
5/19/2026
Hidden ‘master switch’ driving skin cancer growth, survival exposed
Tribune News Service/The Baltimore Sun (TNS)
Scientists have discovered that the protein HOXD13 acts as a 'master switch' for melanoma, helping tumors grow a blood supply and evade the immune system. According to a study from NYU Grossman School of Medicine published in Cancer Discovery, disabling this protein shrinks tumors and reactivates the immune response. Lead investigator Pietro Berico, PhD, a postdoctoral research fellow at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and Perlmutter Cancer Center, stated that the findings provide new evidence that HOXD13 is a potent driver of melanoma growth and suppresses the T cell activity needed to fight the disease.
Also reporting was: The Columbian
5/19/2026
Investigational radioenhancer shows feasibility in stage III NSCLC
ONCOLOGY journal
A phase 2 trial found that the investigational radioenhancer JNJ-1900 is feasible and safe for patients with stage III unresectable non-small cell lung cancer. The treatment regimen achieved an 85.7% overall response rate and a 100% disease control rate. Study investigator Benjamin Cooper, MD, associate professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, site director of Radiation Oncology at Perlmutter Cancer Center 34th campus, and director of Proton Therapy Services Radiation Oncology, commented on the findings. He noted that the treatment has the advantage of being directed into the tumor with only a local effect and represents a fantastic opportunity to improve a standard of care.
5/19/2026
More young people are getting colorectal cancer — here's what scientists think might be happening
Live Science
Colorectal cancer cases are declining in people over 65 but rising in those under 50. Aasma Shaukat, MD, MPH, gastroenterologist at NYU Langone, the Robert M. and Mary H. Glickman Professor of Medicine, co-director of Translational Research Education and Careers (TREC), and director of Outcomes Research for Gastroenterology and Hepatology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, attributes the decline in older adults to successful screening via colonoscopies that remove precancerous polyps. Researchers suspect environmental or lifestyle changes since the 1960s are driving the increase in younger patients, particularly in left-sided cancers. Potential factors include sedentary lifestyles, obesity, antibiotic use, and diets high in processed foods. Experts urge younger people with symptoms to advocate for early screening.
5/20/2026
Calcium modification techniques abound, with lesion prep key to success
TCTMD
At the EuroPCR 2026 conference, researchers presented several studies on technologies for treating calcified coronary lesions, comparing techniques like rotational atherectomy, orbital atherectomy, and intravascular lithotripsy. One analysis found that orbital atherectomy is linked to less acute microvascular injury compared to rotational atherectomy. Discussing the findings, Binita Shah, MD, director of Research for NYU Langone’s Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, director of the Department of Medicine Clinical Investigator Track and associate professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, commented that it is reassuring to know the parameters normalize post-procedure. The presentations emphasized that optimal lesion preparation is more critical than the specific device selected for achieving successful outcomes in contemporary PCI.
5/19/2026
Prithvinath Garigapuram on healthcare’s real AI problem
International Business Times (U.S.)
Prithvinath Garigapuram, CEO of CARA Systems Inc., an NYU spinout, argues that the primary challenge for AI in healthcare is not developing autonomous diagnostic tools but creating 'clinical co-pilots.' These systems should integrate complex, patient-specific data to support physicians' real-time decision-making. Garigapuram's perspective is informed by his collaboration with neurospecialists at NYU Langone during his work in medical robotics at NYU. His company is developing an AI decision-support tool for neurovascular care designed to enhance clinical insight, reduce uncertainty, and improve patient outcomes by integrating directly into physician workflows.
5/20/2026
Yes, you can change your poop schedule—here’s how
EatingWell
Anju Malieckal, MD, a gastroenterologist at NYU Langone Hospital—Brooklyn and leader of perioperative triad at Joseph S. and Diane H. Steinberg Ambulatory Care Center - Cobble Hill, explains that shifting your bowel schedule is possible by leveraging biology. She highlights the gastrocolic reflex—signals sent from the stomach to the colon—and circadian rhythms as key drivers of gut motility. To establish a predictable routine, Dr. Malieckal suggests "bowel retraining," which involves eating at consistent times and sitting on the toilet after meals to capitalize on natural muscular waves. Other recommended strategies include drinking caffeinated coffee as a physiological stimulant, increasing soluble fiber, and staying hydrated. By consistently presenting the body with the same stimuli, individuals can retrain their systems for more convenient timing.
5/19/2026
Advance directives when suicide is involved: Ethicist
Medscape
In a commentary, Arthur L. Caplan, PhD, the Drs. William F. and Virginia Connolly Mitty Professor of Bioethics and founding head of the Division of Medical Ethics at NYU Grossman School of Medicine’s Department of Population Health, discusses an ethics case involving a doctor who attempted suicide and had an advance directive against resuscitation. The directive was presented by his estranged wife, raising questions about its validity. Caplan explains that treatment was continued due to the circumstances of self-harm and uncertainty about the patient's true wishes. He concludes that healthcare providers must make a sincere effort to establish the validity of advance directives and the authority of decision-makers, especially in complex situations.
5/19/2026
