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NYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine


Single dose of hallucinogenic drug psilocybin relieves anxiety and depression in patients with advanced cancer

A clinical trial led by NYU Langone Health found that psilocybin significantly reduces mental anguish in distressed cancer patients for months. The study showed that one-time treatment with psilocybin quickly brought relief from distress that then lasted for over six months in 80% of the participants.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Psychopharmacology·DateDec 1, 2016

Making sense of the seneses: 'Context' matters when the brain interprets sounds

A study published in Nature Neuroscience found that nerve cells dedicated to hearing rely on surrounding context to properly interpret and react to familiar sounds. Researchers observed patterns based on a basic divide in the nature of nerve cells, with excitatory and inhibitory neurons working together to balance brain activity.

More American men with early-stage prostate cancer could opt out of immediate treatment

A new report suggests that well over half of American men with non-aggressive prostate cancer could choose to monitor their disease instead of seeking immediate radiation treatment or surgery. Active surveillance relies on regular blood tests, physical exams, and periodic biopsies to screen for tumor growth before therapy is considered.

Yearly exposure to chemicals dangerous to hormone function burdens Americans with hundreds of billions in health care costs and lost earnings

Annual exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals has a significant impact on the US healthcare system, causing over 2.3% of the country's GDP to be lost. The estimated disease burden from these chemicals is valued at $340 billion annually, with specific effects including neurological damage, infertility, and certain cancers.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateOct 17, 2016

Compound shown to reduce brain damage caused by anesthesia in early study

A new study published in Science Translational Medicine found that the experimental drug CX546 counters the negative effects of general anesthesia on nerve signaling and learning ability in young mice. This research holds promise for preventing long-term neurocognitive deficits in children who undergo multiple surgeries requiring anest...

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 22, 2016

Breast cancer cells use newfound pathway to survive low oxygen levels in tumors

Researchers discovered a new signaling pathway that helps cancer cells cope with hypoxia, allowing them to thrive in low-oxygen environments. The study found that the enzyme protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) regulates tumor response to hypoxia by controlling oxygen consumption, potentially leading to novel treatments.

Study shows why immune-boosting therapy doesn't work for everyone with widespread melanoma

A recent study published at ASCO found that gene dysregulation causes immune T cells to turn back to an immature state, making them less effective against metastatic melanoma. The researchers discovered over 60 epigenetic changes and 10 changes in gene activity that were most common among patients who didn't respond to immunotherapy.

Calcium signals balance the body's response to infection against potential for self-attack

Researchers found that a specific type of calcium-based signal regulates the production of immune cells that drive and ramp down the body's massive reaction to invading organisms. The study suggests that fine-tuning calcium signals may enhance immune responses to influenza vaccines and treat chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

Factor preserves DNA integrity in bacteria despite assault from antibiotics

A study published in Science reveals that a molecule called ppGpp enables bacteria to repair damage to their DNA, including that caused by antibiotics. Adjusting the action of ppGpp may make bacteria more vulnerable to existing antibiotics, potentially yielding future solutions for antibiotic resistance and degenerative diseases.

Brain images reveal first physical evidence that AA prayers reduce cravings

Long-term AA members who recited AA prayers after viewing drinking-related images reported less craving for alcohol than those who just read a newspaper. Brain activity increased in areas responsible for attention and emotion, suggesting an innate ability to minimize the effect of alcohol triggers.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalThe American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse·DateMay 12, 2016

Opioid relapse rates fall with use of medication for adults in criminal justice system

A randomized controlled clinical trial found that extended-release naltrexone significantly prevented relapses in men with previous criminal justice system involvement. The study showed a significant reduction in heroin and opioid use, as well as no overdoses during the six-month treatment period.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 30, 2016