Researchers developed a noninvasive brain-computer interface that allows unresponsive ICU patients to raise and lower the frequency of a beeping tone using their brainwaves. The technology has promising potential to enable hidden consciousness patients to communicate with doctors and family members.
A Columbia University School of Nursing study found that 63% of patients would not endorse AI-generated medical responses without a clinician's review. Patients prefer fast AI-generated responses for logistical tasks, but wait up to 48 hours for a doctor's review on medical questions.
Researchers uncover DRT10, a bacterial defense system that protects against viruses by manufacturing DNA within cells. The discovery reveals an unexpected connection to telomerase, an enzyme needed to replenish telomeres and may hold promise for slowing down aging and improving cancer therapies.
A new study found that a rare mutation in the fibronectin gene limits the accumulation of fibronectin in the blood-brain barrier, protecting against Alzheimer's disease. High levels of fibronectin were associated with vascular damage, inflammation, and disrupted communication between astrocytes and blood vessel cells.
Researchers identified a way to predict Alzheimer’s symptoms years before onset by combining a blood test and genetic test. Combining p-tau217 and APOE gene tests can predict symptom onset in people at high risk, with those having the APOE4 gene likely to develop symptoms in 3-4 years.
Researchers have successfully edited genes in human embryos using base editing, but the technique also causes unpredictable changes and is not safe for clinical use. The study's findings highlight the need for caution when applying gene editing technologies to human embryos.
A new study challenges decades-old assumptions about Alzheimer's disease pathology by identifying tau proteins' birthplace in dendrites. The research proposes that misfolded tau proteins are created locally in dendrites and eliminated by the neuroproteasome, shedding light on the early stages of tau pathology.
Adrian Bird and Huda Zoghbi's groundbreaking work on epigenetics in neurological diseases has reshaped scientists' understanding of brain disease. Their discoveries have inspired international efforts to develop genetic therapies for devastating conditions like Rett syndrome.
Researchers at Columbia University have discovered a new type of cell that protects lung cancers from attacks by the immune system. The new cells, called CHL1 fibroblasts, promote lung cancer by recruiting regulatory T cells to the border of the tumor.
Patients with heart failure, caregivers, and providers are open to mobile health (MIH) adoption, but financial and regulatory challenges hinder its reach and sustainability. MIH programs can reduce ED transports, but their financial viability is constrained by Medicare's transport-based EMS reimbursement structure.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that depression stalls neurogenesis in the adult brain's hippocampus, impairing pattern separation and memory recall. The study identified molecular programs controlling neurogenesis, which may lead to new therapies for depression.
New Columbia University School of Nursing research reveals nurse practitioner workforce growth at 10% annual rate, surpassing projections for physicians and PAs. The growing NP workforce is expected to help fill critical health care gaps as the US population ages.
Research at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that people who got 5-6 hours of sleep a night gained an average of one pound over six weeks, with increased sedentary time. This study suggests that getting adequate sleep may help reduce the risk of weight gain and obesity-related conditions.
Access to fertility preservation (FP) care is restricted among female adolescents and young adults with cancer due to costly and invasive interventions. The review highlights disparities in FP delivery and access based on age, socioeconomic status, and cancer type.
A comprehensive analysis of 173,303 Pakistani genomes reveals the presence of 34,000 people with complete loss of function of at least one gene, known as 'human knockouts'. This study provides valuable information needed to develop new treatments for human diseases and sheds light on why drugs developed in mice often fail in humans.
The Columbia University Irving Medical Center has received a $75 million Clinical and Translational Science Award from the National Institutes of Health. This funding will support translational science at CUIMC, advancing biomedical research from bench to bedside.
Researchers at Columbia University have discovered a key mechanism in the formation of toxic tau filaments that contribute to Alzheimer's disease. The findings suggest that disrupting neuroproteasomes can trigger misfolding of tau into highly similar filaments, and that APOE variants may play a role in modulating this process.
A new open-source framework called MEDS has been developed by a Columbia-led team to streamline and accelerate artificial intelligence research using health data. The framework standardizes data format and provides interoperable tools to support machine learning model development, reducing technical barriers and promoting reproducibility.
A U-shaped pattern shows that both short and long sleep durations are associated with faster aging, while optimal sleep duration (6.4-7.8 hours) is linked to better health. The study suggests a broader connection between sleep and disease, impacting organs beyond the brain.
A Columbia University School of Nursing AI-assisted audit found nearly 3,000 biomedical papers with fake citations, highlighting an alarming trend in academic publishing. The study recommends publishers verify references and indexing services add metadata for accurate reference assessment.
The Columbia University Fertility Center has been ranked #1 on Newsweek's list of America's Best Fertility Clinics for the second consecutive year. The center offers cutting-edge innovations such as HELIOS near-infrared light technology to enhance embryo development, and STAR AI-assisted method to retrieve sperm in men with azoospermia.
A new study from Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons has found that analyzing the APOL1 gene in Black patients with kidney disease can provide more accurate diagnoses. The study suggests that incorporating M1 into routine APOL1 genetic testing could help doctors determine the true cause of a patient's kidney ...
Researchers have developed a new type of cell therapy called HIT cells that can detect and eliminate cancer cells in mice with pancreatic, kidney and ovarian cancers. The treatment shows promise for nearly 20 other types of cancers, including glioblastoma and pancreaticadenocarcinoma.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center will create genetic tests to diagnose congenital lymphatic disorders, aiming to improve treatments and save lives. The CLARUM project aims to identify new genetic mutations and increase the predictive value of genetic testing for these diseases.
A recent study by Columbia University researchers found that accidental drug overdose, homicide, and suicide are the top causes of maternal death in the US. These unexpected findings suggest a need for increased awareness and multidisciplinary care to prevent these deaths.
A large national study found that even occasional cannabis use among teens can lead to worse school performance and emotional distress. The more frequently teens used cannabis, the greater the risk of these problems. Experts recommend frank conversations with teens about cannabis risks.
Researchers at Columbia University found that a lack of dietary iron early in life can prevent immune cells in the lung from making a key protein that helps fight viral infections. Iron deficiency impairs the function of memory T cells in the lungs, even after iron levels are restored.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have successfully used focused ultrasound to open the blood-brain barrier in three children with diffuse midline glioma, a rare and aggressive brain cancer. The technique allowed chemotherapy drugs to reach tumors, leading to some improvement in patient mobility.
A study at Columbia University found that a pig kidney functioned normally for two months in a brain-dead recipient after receiving a xenotransplant protocol developed by immunologists. The study showed promise for preventing long-term rejection of xenotransplants.
A new modeling study suggests that universal screening programs could make intensive monitoring and lifestyle changes in all children and young adults with high cholesterol cost-effective. Early recognition and management of high cholesterol can prevent or delay heart attacks, strokes, and dementia later in life.
A new study found that vaccinated adolescents had a 13% risk of long COVID, compared to 20% among unvaccinated peers. The research suggests that COVID vaccination can help mitigate the risk of long COVID in adolescents and allow them to live their lives normally after infection.
Researchers at Columbia University have successfully used an AI-guided sperm recovery method to help a man with azoospermia become pregnant. The STAR method combines advanced imaging technology and microfluidics to identify and isolate rare sperm cells, overcoming long-standing barriers in treating men with infertility. Larger clinical...
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have discovered new vulnerabilities in the malaria parasite's PfATP4 sodium pump, which could lead to more effective treatments. The study also identified a previously unknown binding partner essential for parasite survival.
A study by Columbia University researchers found that soccer heading causes damage to the brain's cerebral cortex, leading to cognitive deficits. The study used a new imaging technique to identify areas most damaged by repeated impacts from heading a soccer ball.
Mobile integrated health showed promise in improving outcomes for women and younger patients hospitalized for heart failure, particularly reducing hospital readmissions. Younger patients (<70) and women had better health status, with MIH associated with lower risk of readmission and heart failure admission.
Researchers Kevin Campbell, Louis Kunkel, and Eric Olson are honored for their discoveries revealing the biological causes of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, providing a foundation for new treatments. Their work has advanced scientific understanding and brings hope to families affected by this devastating disease.
A new intervention, HABIT, shows promising results in improving the quality of life for adolescents with sickle cell disease by increasing hydroxyurea uptake and reducing pain and hospitalizations. However, effects were not sustained at the end of the trial, highlighting the need for further research to develop more effective methods.
Researchers at Columbia University have discovered a potential universal antiviral therapy inspired by a rare immune condition that grants individuals resistance to all viruses. The therapy mimics the immune superpowers of people with ISG15 deficiency, which causes mild but persistent systemic inflammation.
A study by Columbia University researchers found that unlicensed cannabis products often lack required health warnings and safety features, while also using appealing packaging to attract minors. The study highlights a need for coordinated regulation to ensure product safety and prevent misleading marketing.
A clinical trial led by Columbia University researchers found that valacyclovir, a common antiviral for herpes simplex infections, does not change the course of early Alzheimer's disease. Patients treated with valacyclovir showed no significant improvement in memory functions or brain structure compared to those receiving a placebo.
Researchers developed an AI-powered screening tool, EchoNext, to identify patients at risk of structural heart disease from ordinary ECG readings. The tool accurately detected over 7,500 individuals with high-risk heart disease, leading to nearly three-quarters being diagnosed with the condition.
Researchers predict a substantial rise in uterine cancer incidence and deaths in the US, with a disproportionate impact on Black women. The study found that current trends will continue, with uterine cancer cases expected to increase by 50% in Black women versus 29% in white women.
Researchers developed a new laboratory method that helps diagnose patients with suspected immune system disorders like activated-PI3Kδ syndrome (APDS). The method identified dozens of additional genetic variations associated with the condition, enabling rapid diagnosis and treatment. This breakthrough may also help identify more patien...
A new study has found that addictive use of social media, but not total screen time, is associated with worse mental health among preteens. The study analyzed data from nearly 4,300 children and found that high or increasingly addictive screen use was linked to increased risk of anxiety, depression, aggression, and suicidal behaviors.
A novel therapy developed by Columbia University scientist Neil Shneider has shown unprecedented functional recovery in patients with a rare form of ALS caused by a genetic mutation in the FUS gene. After six months of treatment, patients experienced up to an 83% decrease in neurofilament light, a biomarker of nerve damage.
The evoCAST system enables precise insertion of entire genes into the human genome, overcoming a major challenge in gene therapy. This breakthrough could lead to more reliable treatments for diseases like cystic fibrosis and hemophilia.
A study analyzing clinical notes found stigmatizing language was more common in Black patients' charts, with 54.9% experiencing bias. Hispanic and Asian/Pacific Islander patients also showed disparities in documentation, highlighting the need for culturally sensitive practices in perinatal care.
The Columbia University Fertility Center has been ranked #1 on Newsweek's list of America's Best Fertility Clinics for 2025. The center offers cutting-edge technologies, including an at-home blood collection kit and the STAR System, to help patients achieve their fertility goals.
A new AI tool called CONCERN Early Warning System analyzes nursing documentation patterns to predict when patients are deteriorating. The system shortened average hospital stay by over half a day and led to a 7.5% decrease in risk of sepsis.
Researchers created an atlas of the brain's mitochondria, revealing that younger brain regions have more specialized mitochondria for efficient energy production. The study provides a new perspective on the role of energy in brain health and may lead to new approaches for treating neurological and psychiatric disorders.