News from NYU Langone Health
TODAY
A new, highly mutated COVID-19 variant, BA.3.2 or 'Cicada,' is spreading in the US and has been detected in at least 25 states. The World Health Organization has classified it as a 'variant under monitoring.' According to experts, the strain has numerous mutations that may allow it to evade immunity from vaccines or prior infection. Dana Mazo, MD, an infectious diseases physician at NYU Langone Health and director of the Antibiotic Stewardship Program, notes that while the immune system may not recognize it, some mutations might also make the virus bind less effectively to human cells. Experts state there is no evidence BA.3.2 causes more severe disease.
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3/26/2026
FOX 5 – Health News
Purvi Parikh, MD, clinical assistant professor in the Department of Infectious Disease and Immunology at NYU Langone Health, discussed the new, highly mutated "Cicada" COVID variant. She explained that its nickname comes from its re-emergence after a period of dormancy. The primary concern is that its significant mutations, particularly on the spike protein, could make it more contagious and better at evading the immune system, though vaccines still appear to protect against severe disease. Dr. Parikh also commented on a study suggesting wine may have lower health risks than beer or hard liquor. She cautioned that it was an observational study and emphasized that only moderate consumption was linked to better outcomes, reminding viewers that all alcohol carries risks, such as an increased chance of cancer.
3/26/2026
New York Post
A new COVID-19 variant, BA.3.2, nicknamed 'Cicada,' is spreading globally and has been detected in 25 US states, including New York. The strain has numerous mutations, raising concerns about its contagiousness and ability to evade protection from vaccines or prior infections. While its prevalence is currently low, experts are monitoring its potential to drive a summer surge. Marc Siegel, MD, an internal medicine doctor at NYU Langone Health, commented that while there is concern it could pose a significant public health risk, it is too soon to predict its community-wide impact.
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3/26/2026
Long Island Business News
After months of waiting and hoping, 25 medical students at NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine learned where they will train for residency after graduation. Aspiring doctors at the Mineola medical school anticipated in a nationwide ceremony known as Match Day, in which students open envelopes at the same time to learn the location of their residency training. The class of 2026 will be the fifth graduating class of the medical school, which offers a three-year, tuition-free degree focused on primary care. Its mission is to help address the shortage of primary care physicians in communities across the country.
3/27/2026
WETM-TV 18 News at 5
A new vaccine for Lyme disease is showing promising results, offering significant relief for those who spend time outdoors. Martin Backer, MD, an infectious disease specialist at NYU Langone Health, who participated in early trials, called the development "very encouraging." He explained that the vaccine, which showed 70% protection in studies including adults and children, would remove the fear of contracting the disease. In the meantime, Dr. Backer advises preventive measures like wearing long sleeves, checking for ticks after being outdoors, and properly removing any attached ticks, noting they must be attached for more than 24 hours to transmit the bacteria.
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3/26/2026
TODAY
Nieca Goldberg, MD, clinical associate professor in the Department of Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, shares her favorite high-protein foods for cardiovascular health. She recommends peanut butter and nuts, particularly almonds, for their favorable balance of good fats and protein. Fish is another preferred source due to its richness in omega-3 fatty acids, and she advises baking or broiling it. The article also notes the American Heart Association's recommendation to choose protein mostly from plant sources, regularly eat fish and seafood, and select lean, unprocessed meats.
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3/26/2026
CURE Magazine
In an interview, Stacy Loeb, MD, a urologic oncologist at NYU Langone Health and professor in the Departments of Urology and Population Health at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, discussed a recent study on microplastics in prostate tumors. The small, single-center study found microplastic particles in most prostate tumor samples, with higher concentrations in malignant tissue compared to benign tissue. Loeb noted that while the findings are preliminary, they contribute to evidence on how environmental exposures may influence cancer risk. Her team has a Department of Defense grant to continue this research with a larger sample size, exploring inflammation as a potential mechanism.
3/26/2026
Medscape
A new electronic health record-based model called PRIME can identify individuals with a sevenfold higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer. The study was led by Lucas A. Mavromatis, ScB, and Morgan E. Grams, MD, PhD, the Susan and Morris Mark Professor of Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. Validated across more than 11 million individuals, the model uses 19 common risk factors from EHR data. The authors suggest it could be used in a multistage screening process to select high-risk patients for further biomarker testing and imaging, similar to surveillance for genetic carriers.
3/26/2026
SCIENMAG
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has named four New York University faculty members as 2025 AAAS Fellows, recognizing their exceptional contributions to science. Among the honorees is Anirban Maitra, MD, director of the Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Â鶹ÊÓƵapp Center and associate dean for cancer research at NYU Langone Health, for his impactful research in pancreatic cancer, including early detection and innovative interception strategies. The other NYU professors recognized are Eray Aydil for chemical engineering, André Fenton for neuroscience, and Liina Pylkkänen for linguistics. The AAAS Fellowship is a prestigious honor conferred annually for distinguished scientific accomplishments.
3/26/2026
Good Housekeeping
Chia seeds and flax seeds are both nutrient-dense foods, though they have key differences in fiber, protein, and healthy fats. According to Sophie M. Balzora, MD, a gastroenterologist at NYU Langone Health, fiber is crucial for heart and colon health, and both seeds are excellent sources. The article notes that chia seeds are higher in fiber, while flax seeds contain more protein and ALA omega-3 fatty acids. Dr. Balzora advises that flax seeds have a nuttier flavor and grinding them is most beneficial for accessing their omega-3s.
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3/26/2026
Diagnostic Imaging
A study in *Alzheimer’s and Dementia* found that 27 percent of people with Long Covid developed mild cognitive impairment (MCI), compared to 5 percent of those who recovered from COVID-19. The research showed that individuals with Long Covid were nearly four times more likely to develop MCI. Lead study author Jennifer A Frontera, MD, professor in the Department of Neurology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, noted that this higher risk was independent of whether a patient had been hospitalized for their initial COVID-19 infection, suggesting the cognitive effects are not solely due to severe systemic illness.
3/26/2026
The Independent (US)
Red light therapy, a non-invasive treatment using near-infrared light to stimulate cell energy, is gaining popularity for its purported health benefits. The therapy is used to increase collagen, improve skin conditions, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. While the FDA has cleared some devices for skin treatment and hair loss, experts note that more research is needed to support other claims, such as improving cognition or athletic performance. For those trying the treatment, Mary L. Stevenson, MD, a dermatologist and skin cancer surgeon at NYU Langone Health, advises starting with a few minutes and gradually increasing usage to about three times per week.
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3/26/2026
SHEfinds
Gillian M. Goddard, MD, an endocrinologist and adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, discusses supplements for women over 40 experiencing hormonal shifts. She notes that while some small, short-term studies suggest ashwagandha may lower cortisol levels, the clinical benefit is unclear. Dr. Goddard often recommends magnesium, citing evidence that it can improve sleep quality and reduce the time needed to fall asleep. She also advises caution with supplements in general, highlighting the lack of regulatory oversight and evidence-based marketing claims compared to prescription medications.
3/27/2026
RegisteredNursing.org
An article reviewing top Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) programs in New York highlights the state's role as a leader in psychiatric training. It notes that major employers, including NYU Langone Health, NewYork-Presbyterian, and Northwell Health, increasingly prefer DNP-prepared PMHNPs for leadership roles. The piece also lists NYU Langone Psychiatry as a common clinical training site for students, alongside competitors like NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell and Montefiore Medical Center. The analysis also points to New York's 2023 legislation granting full practice authority to Advanced Practice Registered Nurses.
3/27/2026
Insider Monkey
In its Q4 2025 earnings call, Edap Tms S.a. reported strong performance, with 39% revenue growth in its core HIFU business driven by its Focal One system. The company noted accelerated adoption in the U.S. among leading academic centers. CEO Ryan Rhodes announced that the urology team at NYU Langone Health in New York City will host the first international symposium on robotic focal therapy. The event, dedicated to the Focal One system, will offer attendees lectures, hands-on training, and case reviews led by U.S. and international experts. The company also received FDA clearance for its latest technology.
3/26/2026
