News from NYU Langone Health
HuffPost
An article defines 'conversational narcissism' as the tendency for an individual to consistently steer conversations back to themselves. Sue Varma, MD, clinical assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, explains that a healthy conversation is like a game of catch, but a conversational narcissist 'runs away with the ball.' Dr. Varma suggests this behavior can stem from insecurity or social anxiety rather than self-absorption. Common signs include the 'shift response,' where a person pivots the focus to themselves, and a 'wait-to-speak' stare, indicating they are not listening but waiting to interject.
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3/24/2026
Flow Space
An article outlines eight major risk factors for heart disease in women, particularly during menopause, including hormonal changes, stress, and family history. Harmony R. Reynolds, MD, cardiologist, the Joel E. and Joan L. Smilow Professor of Cardiology in the Department of Medicine, the Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology, and director of the Sarah Ross Soter Center for Women's Cardiovascular Research at NYU Langone Health, explains that chronic stress can lead to high blood pressure and encourage unhealthy habits. She notes stress can also provoke changes in blood flow to the heart. The piece also mentions pregnancy complications, high cholesterol, and circadian disruption as significant risk factors.
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3/24/2026
Men's Health
A small study led by Stacy Loeb, MD, professor in the Departments of Urology and Population Health at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, found microplastics in 90 percent of cancerous prostate tumor samples. The research, which collected tissue from 10 individuals, revealed that cancerous tissues had 2.5 times the concentration of plastic compared to healthy prostate tissue. While the findings suggest a relationship between environmental factors and prostate cancer, researchers caution that it is too soon to determine if microplastics cause the disease or if tumors attract them. The study was presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s Genitourinary Â鶹ÊÓƵapps Symposium.
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3/24/2026
Runner's World UK
Yoga and Pilates are effective cross-training options for runners, offering low-impact ways to build strength and flexibility. The article highlights research-backed health benefits, citing a study from researchers at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine which found that yoga has the potential to reduce anxiety. Pilates is noted for building core stability and full-body strength, while yoga helps lengthen tight muscles, improve breathing techniques, and encourage mindfulness. Both practices can aid in injury prevention and improve overall athletic performance for runners.
3/24/2026
Verywell Health
In an interview, Rachel Pessah-Pollack, MD, an endocrinologist and clinical professor in the Department of Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, explains why women are prone to calcium deficiencies. She notes that women tend to consume less dietary calcium and their requirements increase to 1,200 milligrams daily after age 51. Dr. Pessah-Pollack clarifies that blood tests do not reflect daily intake, as the body pulls calcium from bones to maintain blood levels. Menopause accelerates bone loss due to lower estrogen, which impairs calcium absorption. She recommends dairy and leafy greens, and suggests supplements if dietary goals are not met.
3/24/2026
MedPage Today
Physicians are expressing growing concern that Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib), a potentially lethal childhood bacterial infection, is re-emerging due to rising vaccine hesitancy. The article highlights recent severe cases in states like California, New York, and Florida. Adam Ratner, MD, a pediatric infectious diseases physician and director of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone Health, is cited for treating one child with Hib meningitis in 2022 and two more in 2023, all of whom were unvaccinated. Experts worry that the CDC is not adequately tracking the disease's resurgence and that younger physicians may not recognize its symptoms.
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3/24/2026
Gizmodo
Pharmaceutical companies Pfizer and Valneva announced their jointly developed Lyme disease vaccine, PF-07307405, was over 70% effective in a late-stage clinical trial. Despite the data not being as statistically robust as expected, the companies plan to seek FDA approval. Martin J. Backer, MD, an infectious disease specialist at NYU Langone Health, who was not affiliated with the trial, commented that a safe and effective vaccine is great news for preventing Lyme disease, which is becoming more common and can cause prolonged symptoms despite treatment.
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3/24/2026
Spectrum News
New research by Jordan E. Axelrad, MD, MPH, a gastroenterologist and director of Clinical and Translational Research, IBD Center at NYU Langone Health, clarifies the risk of colorectal cancer among people with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. The study found that patients with low-grade lesions are 3.5 times more likely to develop colorectal cancer. Those with high-grade dysplastic lesions face the highest risk, with over 40% progressing to cancer within a short timeframe. Dr. Axelrad urges young adults not to ignore symptoms like rectal bleeding and weight loss, hoping the findings will improve cancer screening protocols.
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3/23/2026
U.S. News and World Report
The article details ways for patients to afford GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy when insurance coverage is denied, highlighting direct-to-consumer cash pay programs. Gillian M. Goddard, MD, an endocrinologist and adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, explains that patients still need a prescription and pricing is based on the dose. The piece also covers patient assistance programs for low-income individuals, the upcoming Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program, and other cost-saving tips, while cautioning against non-FDA-reviewed compounded versions of these drugs.
3/24/2026
Becker's Hospital Review
According to data from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, approximately 2% of US hospitals have achieved Magnet designation for nursing excellence at least five times. NYU Langone Health is among the 136 hospitals recognized, having received the designation five times. Other New York City institutions on the list include Hospital for Special Surgery with six designations and Mount Sinai Hospital with five. Northwell Health's Huntington Hospital and NewYork-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital also received five designations each.
3/24/2026
NYIT Magazine
Arianna Falletta, a third-year Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine student, is involved in research with the dermatology department at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. Her work focuses on systematic reviews of skin-related side effects from in vitro fertilization and whether common hair loss treatments could affect fertility or cause birth defects. These projects aim to support evidence-based decision-making and improve quality of life. The article also notes Falletta's previous experience on a published case report with physicians affiliated with the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
3/24/2026
Hartford Courant
In an opinion piece, Roxanne Dupuis, PhD, senior research scientist in the Department of Population Health at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, Marie Bragg, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Population Health and director of Research Community Development at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, and Arthur Caplan, PhD, the Drs. William F. and Virginia Connolly Mitty Professor of Bioethics at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, argue for a fair national nutrition standard. They contend that instead of solely restricting what SNAP recipients can purchase, such as soda and candy, the federal government should implement unified nutrition policies across all programs that receive tax dollars. This approach would be more just and effective in building a healthier nation.
3/25/2026
