Columbia University Irving Medical Center

08/28/2025

Columbia researchers have engineered a new cancer therapy that teams up bacteria and viruses. Their system hides a virus inside a tumor-homing bacterium, slips it past the immune system, and releases it directly into cancerous tumors.

The bioengineered platform enables a cancer-killing virus to evade the patient’s immune system — and prevents it from spreading throughout the body.

08/27/2025

A new study reports evidence of a link between prenatal exposure to the widely used insecticide chlorpyrifos (CPF) and structural brain abnormalities, as well as poorer motor function, in New York City children and adolescents.

Prenatal exposure to the widely used insecticide chlorpyrifos is linked to structural abnormalities in the brain and poorer motor function in children and adolescents.

08/26/2025

“Head lice are annoying, but they aren’t harmful because they don’t transmit any diseases.” Dr. Candace Johnson answers top questions about head lice, including how they spread, what symptoms they cause, and which treatments work best.

Head lice spread mostly through head-to-head contact, not poor hygiene. Our expert explains how to treat head lice using medicated shampoo, combing, and cleaning items.

08/26/2025

With so much conflicting nutrition advice online—go plant-based, try this miracle cure, drink green juice—it’s hard to know what really impacts your health.
 
When it comes to cancer risk, the science is clear: about 42% of cancer cases and 45% of cancer deaths in the U.S. are linked to risk factors that we can control, including our diet.
 
To help separate fact from fad, dietitian Sabrina Oliver, MS, RD, CSO, CDN shares 5 things to avoid to lower your cancer risk.
 
Visit the link in ’s bio for her full list of dietitian-approved tips to protect yourself against cancer.

08/22/2025

When Dr. Hynek Wichterle proposed “rejuvenating” neurons to slow ALS, even his own postdoc, Dr. Emily Lowry, doubted it would work.

Years later, their Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons-led team has shown that a revitalizing gene therapy can return neurons to a youthful state, protect them from ALS damage, and delay symptoms—turning an unlikely idea into a promising path forward.

Returning adult neurons to a more youthful state has the potential to slow ALS and other age-related neurological diseases, new Columbia research finds.

08/21/2025

Chef Rocco DiSpirito visited the medical center campus on Aug. 6 to cook and talk with nearly a dozen NYC high school students participating in a pre-college program aimed at increasing student interest in health care professions.

The program, Columbia University Health Science Exploration and Research (CU-HERE), aims to help young people who may not have imagined themselves as health care professionals discover the wide variety of available careers.

Celebrity chef Rocco DiSpirito visited Columbia’s medical center campus in support of a pre-college program that introduces local NYC high school students to a wide range of health care professions.

08/20/2025

Research means predicting cancer trends. The expected rise in uterine cancer cases and deaths—which will disproportionately impact Black women—reinforces the need to develop a screening tool that could detect the cancers earlier when they are easier to treat.

Research Means .

Learn more: https://columbiamed.link/4eDYI8H

08/19/2025

Inspired by a rare genetic mutation that shields people from viral infections, a Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons immunologist is working on a therapy that could give the rest of us the same protection.

Taking inspiration from a rare mutation that makes people impervious to viral diseases, a Columbia researcher is developing a therapy that could bestow this superpower on the rest of us.

08/18/2025

You look fine on the outside, but inside, it’s a different story. If you meet all your daily obligations yet still feel weighed down by a constant low mood, you might be experiencing high-functioning depression.

Dr. Adrian Jacques H. Ambrose breaks down what it is, who it impacts most, and how to take steps toward relief.

Many people may be depressed without knowing it because they’re able to keep up with daily activities. Our psychiatrist explains the signs of high-functioning depression and how to get relief.

08/18/2025

Research means innovative joint replacements: If a joint develops osteoarthritis and needs to be replaced, implants made of plastic and metal often don’t last as long as needed. researchers are creating replacement knee joints from biomaterials, including the patient’s own cells, that integrate seamlessly with the body. This “living implant” could reduce complications and become a permanent solution for joint disease.

Research Means .

👉 Learn more: https://www.engineering.columbia.edu/about/news/arpa-h-awards-columbia-researchers-nearly-39m-develop-living-knee-replacement

08/15/2025

A new study led by researchers at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons reveals that cannabis products sold in unlicensed retail shops in New York state often lack required health and safety labels and many feature colorful, cartoon-like packaging attractive to youth.

Researchers at Columbia University find that many cannabis products sold in unlicensed shops in New York state lack required health and safety labels and feature cartoon graphics attractive to youth.

08/14/2025

With nearly 60 cases of Legionnaires’ disease recently diagnosed in and around Central Harlem, including three deaths, The NYC Health Department has declared the affected neighborhoods a disease “cluster.”

Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons infectious disease specialist Dr. Daniel Griffin explains the symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease, whether it’s contagious, and how to reduce your risk.

Our infectious disease specialist explains what causes Legionnaires’ disease, whether it’s contagious, and how to reduce your risk.