Weill Cornell Medicine

Have you ever considered whether a clinical trial might be suitable for you or a loved one? Clinical trials use patient volunteers to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of treatments, devices, or procedures—such as vaccines or medications. The primary aim is to understand how these interventions affect health. In some cases, participating in a clinical trial is the only way for a patient to access a new treatment, drug, or device. Dr. Mario Gaudino, a cardiothoracic surgeon at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, is the director of the Joint Clinical Trials Office at Weill Cornell Medicine and can provide valuable insights. Click the link in our bio to learn more about clinical trials and how to determine if one is right for you. News article via U.S. News & World Report: https://bit.ly/4k76MBu

Scientists have discovered a link between how effectively an individual's brain cells use energy and the risk of developing Alzheimer's. The new findings, led by Weill Cornell Medicine's Dr. Jan Krumsiek, suggest that lower levels of acylcarnitines—substances associated with declining cognitive function—may be crucial in preventing symptoms of Alzheimer's. Researchers believe that reducing levels of acylcarnitines through a healthy diet and regular exercise may be possible. Full story: https://bit.ly/3Fqf4Eq

A single molecular switch is flipped in order for blood stem cells to produce new blood cells, a discovery that could lead to more effective bone marrow transplants and gene therapies. In a new preclinical study, researchers led by Weill Cornell Medicine's Dr. Shahin Rafii, found that a DNA transcription-regulating protein called FLI-1 has a critical role in this regenerative process for blood stem cells, which are mostly resident in the bone marrow until they are stimulated or “mobilized” to move into the bloodstream. They showed that transiently producing FLI-1 in quiescent adult mobilized bone marrow stem cells activates them so that they swiftly expand their numbers and have a better chance of being transplanted successfully into a new host. “The approach we outlined in this study could substantially improve the efficiency of marrow transplants and marrow-cell-targeted gene therapies, especially in cases where the donor has a very limited supply of viable blood stem cells,” said Dr. Rafii. Full story: https://bit.ly/3R1V0uw

When people infected with tuberculosis cough or sneeze, they release bacteria-laden droplets into the air that can infect others. Now, for the first time, researchers have identified hundreds of genes that tuberculosis bacteria activate to adapt and survive changes in temperature, oxygen levels, humidity and chemical composition when they are released into the air. Many identified genes were previously considered unimportant since they appear not to play a role in disease progression when a person is infected. Instead, the new study, led by Weill Cornell Medicine's Dr. Carl Nathan and Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Dr. Lydia Bourouiba, suggests that these genes are essential for successful transmission from person to person. “If a drug were to target these same genes, it could effectively treat an individual, and even before that person is cured, keep the infection from spreading to others,” said Dr. Nathan. Full story: https://bit.ly/4iyUkIW

After losing a close friend as a teenager, Jordan Dragon found a clear direction for her life. "His death made me realize that you don't know how long you have, and you should take all your opportunities," says Jordan, a physician assistant in emergency medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. "It put a drive in me and helped me unlock my potential." Growing up in Tempe, Ariz., Jordan was a talented choir singer who initially thought she would pursue a career in music and education. However, she was also drawn to the sciences, even though they were challenging for her. She enrolled in pre-med studies in college and was determined to excel academically. "I wanted to do things in a way Wade would have done them," Jordan says of her friend, Wade Young, who died after being struck by lightning. "He definitely still inspires me to push myself." She worked in a student-run health clinic and as a medical scribe, where she met physician assistants who became mentors. "Every PA I worked with was passionate about their job and happy with their life outside of work," says Jordan, adding that she liked the idea of working in different areas of medicine. She was accepted to Weill Cornell Medicine's physician assistant program in 2020 and moved to NYC in 2021. She was immediately drawn to the fast pace of the emergency department, where she thrived. When faced with intense situations with patients and families, Jordan approaches them with empathy and kindness, remembering her own tragic loss. "Patients are having the worst day of their life, and it's about saying, 'I'm going to do whatever I can to help you and care for you,'" she says. After graduating in 2023, Jordan stayed for her one-year residency with rotations in many specialties. She chose to continue her career here, joining as a staff physician assistant in emergency medicine in 2024. In addition, she serves as an adjunct instructor and recently spoke at the Class of 2027's White Coat Ceremony. "I love being involved in education, and I feel like I continue to learn through teaching," she says.

What would federal funding cuts mean for progress in biomedical research? Weill Cornell Medicine's Dean Robert A. Harrington and Johns Hopkins Medicine's Dean and CEO Theodore L. DeWeese explain the vital importance of federal support to keep the United States at the forefront of scientific discoveries that improve health and save lives. "An interruption of these funds would mean clinical trials halted, experiments stopped, labs closed and staff lost. It would directly affect the lives of patients currently enrolled in clinical trials of new therapies for hypertension and heart disease, Alzheimer’s and cancer — setting progress back by years in some cases," they wrote in a Fox News Media opinion piece. "For many of these clinical trials, it would mean sending patients home with no other options and no remaining hope." Read the Op-Ed: https://fxn.ws/4kEkbkz

More than 100 public school students from New York City joined us for our 10th annual Big Red STEM Day! From hands-on activities such as extracting DNA from a strawberry, to a tour of a research lab and talks with our professionals in areas like government relations and communications, students in middle and high school learned about a wide range of careers at an academic medical center. We hope they were inspired by what they learned and who they met and that one day they will join us in medicine! Thank you to our event partners: Cornell Tech, Cornell University Cooperative Extension - New York City, Student Leadership Network and our contributors from across Weill Cornell Medicine. #BigRedSTEM

Strengthening a weak heart is a journey, but every step counts! Watch Dr. Diala Steitieh of Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital share tips to help you on your way. Regular visits to your doctor can help monitor your heart health and catch any issues early on. #HeartHealth #HeartMonth

Researchers have identified a potential biomarker in the gut of people with a particular type of Crohn's disease. A new study led by Weill Cornell Medicine's Dr. Randy Longman and Dr. Grace Maldarelli showed that people with people with Crohn’s disease and related joint inflammation had distinct gut microbiota marked by the bacterium Mediterraneibacter gnavus (M. gnavus). Researchers also found a difference in the gut microbiota of people with Crohn’s and axial spondyloarthritis, which is joint inflammation of the spine and lower back, and individuals with Crohn’s and peripheral spondyloarthritis, which affects other parts of the body like the knees, hips and shoulders. “While joint inflammation is one of the most common extraintestinal manifestations of Crohn's disease, clinicians don't have a good handle on why this happens and how to treat it,” said Dr. Longman. Based on the new research, M. gnavus could serve as a biomarker for joint inflammation in Crohn’s disease patients, he said. Full story: https://bit.ly/3F4kx3I

If you’ve ever experienced the agony of passing a kidney stone, you know it’s no joke. These small, hard deposits can cause intense pain and discomfort, but there are ways to prevent them. Watch urologist Dr. Joseph Del Pizzo of Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital share tips on keeping your kidneys healthy. #KidneyHealth #KidneyStones