The Cornell Health Policy Center aims to develop effective, evidence-based health policies to ensure quality, comprehensive, and affordable care for all patients. The center will connect health policy researchers across Cornell's campuses to inform policymaking processes that improve health outcomes.
A recent study published in JAMA found that for-profit hospices, which care for nearly 75% of Medicare patients, performed substantially worse than not-for-profit hospices. The study highlights the need for policy interventions to increase transparency and accountability in hospice ownership.
Researchers will develop a high-resolution PET scanner that can accurately detect amyloid plaques and tau tangles, enabling earlier diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. The portable scanner aims to improve accessibility and portability for underserved communities.
A large-scale clinical trial will enroll 644 children across the US to determine if adding acetaminophen or ketorolac to opioid-based pain control reduces pain in critically ill children. The study aims to improve pediatric intensive care worldwide by reducing side effects and increasing long-term patient outcomes.
Weill Cornell Medicine researchers have received $10 million in grants from the Starr Cancer Consortium to fund research on common cancers and related treatment strategies. The grants will support three teams led by Weill Cornell Medicine scientists, who plan to develop new methods for detecting and treating cancer.
Researchers discovered a mechanism used by ovarian tumors to cripple immune cells by blocking the energy supply T cells depend on. The discovery points toward a promising new immunotherapy approach for treating ovarian cancer.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine identified a unique enzyme called FTSJ1 that enables melanoma cells to escape oxidative stress and spread. By targeting this enzyme, therapies may prevent or treat metastasis with minimal side effects.
A new AI-based system, BELA, accurately assesses IVF embryo quality by analyzing time-lapse video images and maternal age. The system generates a predictive score for euploidy or aneuploidy, offering an objective measure of embryo quality.
A recent study published in eClinicalMedicine found that a combination of amubarvimab and romlusevimab did not reduce the occurrence of long COVID symptoms. The researchers assessed symptom diaries and health-related quality of life questionnaires, but saw no significant difference between treatment and placebo groups.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have discovered a biomarker that can predict which patients with liver cancer are likely to benefit from immunotherapy. The study found that high levels of the immune-suppressing protein NBR1 may identify patients who will not respond to treatment, while lowering NBR1 levels may help shrink tumors.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have developed a virtual screening approach to identify small molecule drug candidates targeting cancer checkpoints. The method successfully identified two compounds with potential therapeutic activity against TIM-3 and VISTA inhibitory checkpoints.
A new magnetic gene therapy technology allows for precise control of specific brain circuits non-invasively with magnetic fields. The technology has shown promise in reducing abnormal movements in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease, and may have potential applications for treating psychiatric disorders and chronic pain.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine discovered that antiviral enzymes and chemotherapy can cause early mutations in bladder cancer, leading to resistance to treatment. Complex circular DNA structures also play a key role in driving the progression of urothelial carcinoma, a common type of bladder cancer.
Removing protected class regulation from Medicare Part D policies could reduce US prescription drug spending, potentially saving $47 billion between 2011-2019. The study found that rebates for protected classes of drugs grew at a slower pace than non-protected classes.
A multicenter study found that specific KRAS mutations in pancreatic cancer can affect patient outcomes, with some variants associated with better overall survival. The research suggests revising clinical guidelines to recommend routine molecular testing in all patients with pancreatic cancer.
Researchers found that combining APOE4 and TREM2 variants triggers inflammatory response in female brains, damaging brain regions involved in thinking and memory. This study emphasizes the need for tailored approaches to treat Alzheimer's disease differently in men and women.
Researchers discovered that activating the pentose phosphate pathway makes antitumor CD8 T cells more likely to stay in an immature state, leading to better results in animal models and human organoids. This metabolic reprogramming strategy may enhance checkpoint inhibitor therapy by boosting a long-term supply of active cytotoxic T ce...
A new analytical tool called PATH can quantify tumor cell plasticity, which is a key characteristic of cancer that leads to treatment resistance and metastatic spread. Researchers used PATH to analyze tumor samples from animal models and human patients, revealing new details of how tumors exploit plasticity to spread.
Researchers developed a new mouse model to study prostate cancer spread, using CRISPR technology. The model revealed the routes of metastasis and patterns in cell seeding, providing valuable insights for better treatments.
Researchers found that border-associated macrophages (BAMs) with ApoE4 protein produce inflammatory oxygen free radicals, damaging blood vessels. Removing BAMs or reducing ApoE4 expression eliminated the harmful vascular effects. The study may help identify new approaches to preventing or treating Alzheimer's disease.
A new prostate biopsy technique, transperineal biopsy, has been shown to lower the risk of infection compared to traditional biopsies. The PREVENT trial found no infections among men who underwent the transperineal procedure, while those with traditional transrectal biopsies had a 1.6% infection rate despite receiving antibiotics.
Researchers isolated drug-resistant strains of SARS-CoV-2 from immunocompromised individuals who received antiviral treatments. The virus variants showed resistance to Paxlovid and remdesivir, highlighting the need for combination therapy to treat COVID-19 in highly vulnerable patients.
The CheckMate 067 trial showed that combining nivolumab and ipilimumab improved outcomes for metastatic melanoma patients, with a median survival time over six years. Long-term follow-up found no new safety signals for the treatment, and metastatic melanoma survivors become increasingly likely to die of other causes as they age.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have created a powerful interactive tool called Connecting Omics (COmics) to investigate the complex molecular make-up of humans. The study identifies associations between genetic characteristics, proteins, metabolic processes, and diseases, shedding light on different ways type 2 diabetes manifests.
A new study published in Cell Systems uses artificial intelligence to map regulatory networks in patient tumors and identifies four drug candidates for neuroendocrine, liver, and renal cancers. The researchers validated these candidates in cells, showing that inhibiting them significantly affected cancer cell growth.
A new 'deep scanning' approach reveals that individuals with depression have a larger salience network in the frontal cortex and striatum, increasing their risk for depression. This finding suggests that people may be pre-wired for depression if they have this brain feature in childhood.
A machine-learning tool can effectively and efficiently subtype pathology samples from patients with RA. This may help scientists find ways to improve care for the complex condition by distinguishing between three subtypes of RA. The tool has also yielded new insights into treatment effects in mice, such as reduced cartilage degradation.
A preclinical study found that enhancing PGK1 activity can restore neuronal energy supply in low-fuel conditions, preventing axon dysfunction and degeneration. The researchers also discovered the unexpected role of DJ-1 as an energy-supplying partner of PGK1.
A self-guided CBT app, Maya, significantly reduced anxiety in young adults, with improvement levels similar to anxiety medication studies. The study found that the app's interactive platform and real-time feedback helped users learn new skills and coping mechanisms.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have discovered a connection between DNA markers and the aging process. The study found that specific retroelements in the human genome can act as epigenetic clocks predicting chronological age and may be involved in aging.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that one-fourth of patients in a coma or vegetative state showed clear signs of cognitive function on brain scans despite being unable to move or speak. This significant frequency of undetected responsiveness suggests that many seemingly unconscious patients may be a...
A study published in Nature found that propofol can restore the function of mutated HCN1 ion channels, which are associated with certain types of epilepsy. The researchers suggest using propofol to treat these conditions or designing new compounds with similar effects but reduced side effects.
A recent study by Weill Cornell Medicine found that many Medicaid enrollees face significant barriers to accessing psychiatric care, with wait times often extending up to six months. In four major US cities, only 18% of listed psychiatrists and mental health professionals were reachable and offered appointments.
A dual-chamber wireless pacemaker demonstrates reliable performance over three months, synchronizing contraction of the upper and lower heart chambers 98% of the time. The device continues to work well even when patients engage in activities or have elevated heart rates.
A preclinical study led by Weill Cornell Medicine researchers found that the iron-chelating drug deferiprone can selectively target and kill ovarian cancer cells. By starving cancer cells of iron, deferiprone triggers a cellular stress response, prompting the immune system to attack them.
A new study found that two Medicaid policies can interact to increase oncology clinical trial enrollment among Black and Hispanic patients. Medicaid expansion under the ACA alone did not improve diversity, but states with pre-existing mandates requiring coverage of clinical trial costs saw a significant increase.
A blood test measures lymphocyte count to predict treatment response in relapsed multiple myeloma. Patients with higher lymphocyte counts experience better cancer control for longer periods.
Researchers developed a preclinical model that shows knocking out VPS35 leads to alpha-synuclein aggregate accumulation, similar to human Parkinson's. The study also discovered a potential new strategy for detecting the disease using autofluorescence technology.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine used machine learning to define three subtypes of Parkinson’s disease, each with distinct driver genes and molecular mechanisms. These subtypes may suggest customized treatment strategies for patients, potentially targeting specific drugs such as metformin to slow down progression.
Scientists developed customized AI tools, including ChatGPT, to provide accurate responses on digital pathology. The tools help pathologists without extensive coding experience analyze tissue samples, bridging the gap between pathology and digital pathology skills.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found no association between RSV vaccination during late pregnancy and increased risk of preterm birth or poor outcomes. The research provides real-world evidence supporting the safety of Pfizer's Abrysvo vaccine, offering reassurance to patients and clinicians.
A new lab test developed by Weill Cornell Medicine can detect persistent HIV strains in Africa, a vital tool in the search for an HIV cure. The test helps measure the persistence of HIV in people affected by viral strains found predominantly in Africa, where women are disproportionately affected.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have identified cellular and molecular markers that can predict when pancreatic cancer will spread to the liver or other organs. The study found that patients with early-stage pancreatic cancer who showed signs of immune exhaustion were more likely to develop liver metastases.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine discovered that before committing to cell division, cells may stay in a reversible intermediate state for many hours, potentially up to a day. This pre-commitment state allows cells to sense and integrate fluctuating input signals, reducing the chance of inappropriate division.
A new brain imaging study led by Weill Cornell Medicine researchers found that estrogen receptors in the brain increase with age during menopause, affecting cognitive and mood symptoms. The study pioneers PET imaging as a tool to track estrogen activity in the brain, revealing potential predictors of common menopause-related issues.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine developed an artificial intelligence-powered method for detecting tumor DNA in blood, showing high sensitivity and accuracy in predicting cancer recurrence. The technology, called MRD-EDGE, can detect subtle patterns in sequencing data to distinguish between cancer and non-cancerous signals.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine discovered that interleukin-23 acts on group 3 innate lymphoid cells to balance pro-inflammatory effects and maintain gut health. This interaction is impaired in chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, providing new insights into the disease and potential therapeutic targets.
Researchers compiled over 100 investigators' data from more than two dozen countries, increasing human spaceflight data by 10-fold. The results revealed longer-lasting molecular and physiologic changes distinct between crew members, targeting new areas for aerospace medicine.
Home health aides struggle with mental health due to job demands, stigma and lack of support, impacting their own well-being and patients' desire to age in place. Researchers suggest interventions like peer coaching, improved salaries and benefits, and workplace safety to address these challenges.
Researchers found that adding BRCA1 testing to prenatal carrier screening is cost-effective and can identify at-risk individuals before they develop cancer. The study simulated a cohort of pregnant patients and found that this approach could prevent 1,394 breast and ovarian cancer cases and 1,084 fewer deaths.