News from NYU Langone Health
WCBS-TV (New York, NY)
A two-year-old Wyatt Lopez finally out of the hospital after spending nearly a year there waiting for a new heart. The day he was finally discharged staff lined the hallways as Wyatt was paraded out in a tiny tuxedo. The toddler was in the Hassenfeld Children's Hospital at NYU Langone for 351 days. Doctors are calling his recovery remarkable.
3/26/2026
Spectrum News NY1
Lisa Ganjhu, DO, a gastroenterologist at NYU Langone Health, discussed the health impacts of high-fiber diets. She emphasized that moderation is crucial, as too much fiber can lead to side effects like bloating, gassiness, and distension, while too little means missing health benefits. The National Academy of Medicine recommends that women under 50 consume 25 grams of fiber daily, and men under 50 should have 38 grams daily to avoid adverse effects.
3/25/2026
FOX Weather
A new study suggests that elderly people are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses at lower temperatures than previously thought. Alexander Azan, MD, a senior researcher on the study and assistant professor in the Departments of Population Health and Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, explained that in New York City, hospitals see an influx of older adults with heat-related conditions when the heat index is as low as 90 degrees. This is below the National Weather Service's 95-degree threshold for issuing heat advisories. Dr. Azan noted that the findings highlight how healthcare data can help identify vulnerable populations and refine public health policies for heat adaptation.
3/25/2026
Orthopedics Today
Bridge-enhanced ACL repair (BEAR) may have significantly higher failure rates compared to traditional ACL reconstruction, according to research presented at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Annual Meeting. Laith M. Jazrawi, MD, the Neil B. Hamburger Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and chief of the Division of Sports Medicine in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at NYU Langone Health, and colleagues retrospectively reviewed data from 106 patients. They found that while the BEAR group had a lower postoperative complication rate, its failure rate trended nearly two times higher than reconstruction. Dr. Jazrawi stated these results suggest a more tempered approach to using the BEAR implant.
3/25/2026
Fox News
A large-scale review published in The Lancet Psychiatry found little evidence that medicinal cannabinoids are effective for mental health or substance-use disorders. The research, which analyzed 54 trials, indicated that cannabinoid users had a 75% higher chance of side effects. Commenting on the findings, Thea Gallagher, PsyD, clinical associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and director of Wellness Programs at NYU Langone Health, noted this review is more comprehensive than prior studies. She stated that while cannabis has legitimate medical uses, mental health conditions are not currently among them, and its use could delay access to proven treatments.
3/25/2026
Everyday Health
The Environmental Working Group has released its 2026 "Dirty Dozen" and "Clean Fifteen" lists, ranking produce based on pesticide residue. This year's "Clean Fifteen," which includes items like avocados and pineapples, features produce with built-in protection. Linda G. Kahn, PhD, MPH, an assistant professor of population health at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, noted, "This list includes a lot of food items that have outer coverings that we don’t eat. That means the edible portion is better protected from pesticide exposure." Dr. Kahn also emphasized that a spot on the "Dirty Dozen" list shouldn't deter people from eating those fruits and vegetables, as many are nutritionally valuable. She advises choosing organic when possible for items that can't be peeled, but stresses that washing conventional produce thoroughly is a good alternative.
3/25/2026
Photonics Spectra
Researchers at NYU Langone Health have optimized a technique called interferometric diffusing wave spectroscopy (iDWS) to improve the monitoring of cerebral blood flow. The new approach enhances the optical signal from the brain and improves the signal-to-noise ratio by more than 20 times. According to research lead Mingjun Zhao, PhD, a research scientist in the Department of Neurology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, the method uses interferometry to amplify weak light signals. The team has developed a mobile, cart-based iDWS system for clinical use, which is more cost-effective than current technologies and is being tested for diagnosing and monitoring neurological disorders.
3/25/2026
Top Doctor Magazine
Sports medicine doctors possess evidence-based exercise prescriptions that can prevent chronic disease and slow brain aging, yet a significant gap exists in delivering this advice to patients. The article outlines key recommendations for 2026, including 150 minutes of weekly aerobic activity and strength training. It highlights NYU Langone Health’s approach to primary care sports medicine, which focuses on keeping patients active while managing injuries. The piece also explores the “exercise as medicine” framework, the clinical use of AI-powered wearables, and the importance of personalized recovery protocols to improve patient outcomes and longevity.
3/25/2026
Everyday Health
An article offering guidance for parents preparing for a child's hospital stay for pediatric low-grade glioma treatment cites a resource from Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone. The piece provides tips on what to expect before admission, what to pack for the child and parent, and strategies for a successful stay. Experts quoted in the article, including from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, emphasize getting information from the care team and making arrangements at home to reduce stress during the hospitalization.
3/25/2026
Vogue
An article lists 13 high-protein foods to help meet daily nutritional goals, including fish, eggs, quinoa, and Greek yogurt. Heather Hodson, RDN, CDCES, clinical nutritionist at NYU Langone Health, notes that Greek yogurt typically contains significantly more protein, often twice as much, and fewer carbohydrates than regular yogurt. She also highlights it as a fantastic source of calcium for maintaining strong bones and teeth. Other recommended foods include hemp seeds, cottage cheese, and lean beef.
3/25/2026
WCBS-TV (New York, NY)
A potential vaccine for Lyme disease is showing promising results in clinical trials, with pharmaceutical companies Pfizer and Valneva reporting nearly 75% effectiveness. Martin Backer, MD, an infectious disease specialist at NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island, called the news "very encouraging," noting that Lyme disease is increasing in frequency and expanding its geographic range. While he stated that the study needs to be peer-reviewed, the development of a human vaccine is a significant step forward in combating the tick-borne illness. Until a vaccine is approved, prevention methods like regular tick checks remain crucial.
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3/25/2026
NJ Spotlight News
Under a pending legal agreement, Ford Motor Co. would pay the estimated $3.4 million in remaining cleanup costs for the Ringwood Mines Superfund site in Passaic County. The deal requires court approval. While the EPA found the site safe, a study from NYU Langone Health published last year concluded it remains dangerous to public health. Judith T. Zelikoff, PhD, an environmental toxicologist at NYU Langone Health, who worked on the study, stated that they found lead and arsenic at levels significantly higher than safety standards.
3/26/2026
Medscape
A small clinical trial published in the Annals of Internal Medicine suggests that delaying pegfilgrastim administration by an extra day after chemotherapy can reduce severe bone pain for breast cancer patients. The study found that starting the drug on day three lowered the incidence of severe pain without increasing neutropenia risk. Commenting on the findings, Douglas K. Marks, MD, breast oncologist at NYU Langone Health and medical director of Clinical Trials Office at Perlmutter 鶹Ƶapp Center - Long Island, noted that this could be a meaningful improvement in patient experience but cautioned that larger studies are needed before it can be strongly recommended.
3/25/2026
HMP Global Learning Network
In a podcast reviewing highlights from the European Crohn's and Colitis Organization meeting, Jordan Axelrad, MD, MPH, associate professor of medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and codirector of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center at NYU Langone Health, discusses key IBD research. He highlights studies showing corticosteroid use is associated with the highest risk of serious infection, exceeding advanced therapies alone. Dr. Axelrad also reviews 5-year follow-up data from the PROFILE trial, which found that early top-down therapy for Crohn’s disease significantly reduced hospitalizations, surgeries, and disease progression compared to conventional step-up care. [Note: Staff credentials require verification]
3/25/2026
Parade Magazine
Four neurologists agree that a daily walk is the best habit for memory, with one expert from NYU Langone Health explaining the science behind it. Joel Salinas, MD, MBA, cognitive-behavioral neurologist at NYU Langone Health, states that aerobic activity like walking supports the creation of new neurons, particularly in the brain's memory center. He explains that walking increases levels of a molecule that acts like 'fertilizer' for brain cells, helping them grow and strengthen connections. Dr. Salinas adds that walking also reduces stress and can lead to immediate benefits like improved attention and clearer thinking.
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3/25/2026
