Latest news with #FeinsteinInstitutes
Business Wire
17-07-2025
- Health
- Business Wire
Feinstein Institutes Researchers Find COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters Offer Significant Protection for Cancer Patients
BUSINESS WIRE)--Approximately 81 percent of the U.S. population received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and now, researchers from Northwell Health's Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research found that COVID-19 vaccine booster shots provide important protection against severe COVID-19 illness with hospitalization for people living with cancer. The retrospective cohort study, published today in JAMA Oncology, observed over 70,000 patients across four U.S. health systems — including Northwell — and examined the effectiveness of both the monovalent (original) and bivalent (updated) COVID-19 boosters. They found that both boosters significantly reduced COVID-19 hospitalizations. 'COVID-19 vaccines can offer another layer of protection for individuals navigating cancer treatment,' said James M. Crawford, MD, PhD, professor in the Institute of Health System Sciences at the Feinstein Institutes and co-PI of the study. 'This research provides critical information for doctors and patients making decisions about COVID-19 vaccination, especially for vulnerable groups.' The study showed that the both the monovalent and bivalent boosters reduced hospitalizations for whom by nearly 30 percent. While these boosters were effective, the study also revealed a concerning trend: booster uptake among cancer patients was lower than expected, with 69 percent receiving the monovalent booster and only 38 percent receiving the bivalent booster. 'Dr. Crawford and his team's research provides vital knowledge that could help protect the health and well-being of immunocompromised people, like those living with cancer,' said Ping Wang, MD, professor and chief scientific officer and senior vice president at the Feinstein Institutes. 'This study highlights the value of vaccination, particularly for those most vulnerable to serious illnesses.' The study also compared the effectiveness of the boosters in cancer patients to their effectiveness in people without compromised immune systems. While the percentage reduction in hospitalizations was similar between the two groups, the number of people who needed to be vaccinated to prevent a single hospitalization was much smaller for cancer patients. About the Feinstein Institutes The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research is the home of the research institutes of Northwell Health, the largest health care provider and private employer in New York State. Encompassing 50+ research labs, 3,000 clinical research studies and 5,000 researchers and staff, the Feinstein Institutes raises the standard of medical innovation through its six institutes of behavioral science, bioelectronic medicine, cancer, health system science, molecular medicine, and translational research. We are the global scientific leader in bioelectronic medicine – an innovative field of science that has the potential to revolutionize medicine. The Feinstein Institutes publishes two open-access, international peer-reviewed journals Molecular Medicine and Bioelectronic Medicine. Through the Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, we offer an accelerated PhD program. For more information about how we produce knowledge to cure disease, visit and follow us on LinkedIn.
Business Wire
09-07-2025
- Health
- Business Wire
Feinstein Institutes Explores Noninvasive Bioelectronic Medicine to Manage Insulin, Blood Sugar After Surgery
MANHASSET, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Scientists and engineers at Northwell Health's Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research conduct bioelectronic medicine research to treat disease and injury, and recently found that focused ultrasound (FUS) has potential to manage high blood sugar after surgery. Published recently in Bioelectronic Medicine, an open-access journal distributed by the Feinstein Institutes and BMC, part of Springer Nature, used FUS to target a bundle of nerves – including branches from the vagus nerve – that communicate with organs like the liver and pancreas, essential for regulating glucose levels. The high-frequency sound waves of FUS activate neurons in the abdomen and alter neuronal signals that regulate production of insulin and other hormones. 'Managing disorders associated with high blood sugar, including hyperglycemia after surgery, is a critical challenge and current methods often fall short,' said Stavros Zanos, MD, PhD, professor in the Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine at the Feinstein Institutes and corresponding author of the paper. 'This research explores FUS, a new method for non-invasive neuromodulation, that may offer a potential pathway towards safer and more effective blood sugar control without the use of medications.' Using animal models, researchers targeted a nerve bundle called the superior mesenteric plexus (SMP) with FUS and measured its effects on insulin sensitivity, a key factor in how the body processes sugar. They found that FUS initially improved insulin sensitivity during surgery, however, when they checked the animals' blood sugar the day after, it was unexpectedly higher in the group that received FUS compared to the group that didn't. This suggests that while FUS can have immediate positive effects on insulin sensitivity, it might interfere with the body's natural ability to manage blood sugar in the hours following the stress of surgery. Next steps in this research will optimize the FUS treatment to attain long-lasting and beneficial effects on glucose metabolism after surgery and to better understand the biological mechanisms behind these effects. 'Dr. Zanos use of focused ultrasound is paving the way for new methods to stimulate the vagus nerve,' said Kevin J. Tracey, MD, president and CEO of the Feinstein Institutes and Karches Family Distinguished Chair in Medical Research. 'Since vagus nerve reflexes control blood glucose and insulin levels, I expect these results will generate widespread interest from scientists, physicians, and future patients.' Built on years of research in molecular mechanisms of disease and the link between the nervous and immune systems, researchers at the Feinstein Institutes discovered neural targets that can be activated or inhibited with neuromodulation devices, like vagus nerve implants, to control the body's immune response and inflammation. If inflammation is successfully controlled, diseases – such as arthritis, pulmonary hypertension, Crohn's disease, inflammatory bowel diseases, diabetes, cancer and autoimmune diseases – can be treated more effectively. Beyond inflammation, using novel brain-computer interfaces, Feinstein Institutes researchers developed techniques to bypass injuries of the nervous system so that people living with paralysis can regain sensation and use their limbs. By producing bioelectronic medicine knowledge, disease and injury, could one day be treated with our own nerves without costly and potentially harmful pharmaceuticals. Dr. Zanos, along with Sangeeta S. Chavan, PhD, professor in the Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine at the Feinstein Institutes, also led a successful first-in-human trial using FUS to reduce inflammation, targeting at the spleen in healthy participants and found it lowered levels of an inflammatory protein in the blood for over two hours About the Feinstein Institutes The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research is the home of the research institutes of Northwell Health, the largest health care provider and private employer in New York State. Encompassing 50+ research labs, 3,000 clinical research studies and 5,000 researchers and staff, the Feinstein Institutes raises the standard of medical innovation through its six institutes of behavioral science, bioelectronic medicine, cancer, health system science, molecular medicine, and translational research. We are the global scientific leader in bioelectronic medicine – an innovative field of science that has the potential to revolutionize medicine. The Feinstein Institutes publishes two open-access, international peer-reviewed journals Molecular Medicine and Bioelectronic Medicine. Through the Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, we offer an accelerated PhD program. For more information about how we produce knowledge to cure disease, visit and follow us on LinkedIn.
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Feinstein Institutes Awarded $2.3M, Joins Global Bipolar Disorder Research Network
MANHASSET, N.Y., June 16, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--To continue its groundbreaking bipolar disorder research, Northwell Health's The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research has been awarded $2.3 million and joined the Breakthrough Discoveries for Thriving with Bipolar Disorder (BD²) Integrated Network, a national collaborative research and clinical care initiative aimed at transforming treatment and care for people living with bipolar disorder. Led by Caitlin Millett, PhD, assistant professor in the Feinstein Institutes' Institute of Behavioral Science, the site is located at Northwell Health's Zucker Hillside Hospital in Glen Oaks. The BD² Integrated Network's novel approach is a collaborative effort to drive scientific advancements by focusing on improving patient care in near-real time through cutting-edge biotechnology, big data analytics and an unprecedented data ecosystem to address bipolar disorder. The Feinstein Institutes joins nine other institutions, including the University of Cincinnati/Lindner Center of HOPE, University of California San Diego and The University of Texas at Austin as part of this national research collaboration. "With this grant, we will contribute to a deeper understanding about bipolar disorder, with a focus on addressing the challenges of diagnosis and treatment.," said Dr. Millett. "We also hope to expand access to effective care for our patients." Bipolar disorder is a complex and heterogeneous disorder, and more than 70% of people with bipolar disorder are misdiagnosed at least once. It takes seven years on average to diagnose bipolar disorder, and less than 50% of those who are diagnosed find an effective treatment. The research from each of these sites will involve both a large-scale longitudinal study and a learning health network model, allowing for continuous feedback between research findings and clinical practice. This approach aims to translate research discoveries into improved patient care more efficiently, and will focus on in-depth patient characterization, adherence to clinical guidelines and integration of research and clinical activities. "Bipolar disorder is often misdiagnosed and effective treatments remain elusive for many living with it," said Anil K. Malhotra, MD, co-director and professor of the Feinstein Institutes' Institute of Behavioral Science and vice chair for research with the Department of Psychiatry at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. "This funding allows us to contribute to a national effort to improve diagnosis, treatment, and ultimately, the lives of those affected by this complex disorder." About the Feinstein Institutes The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research is the home of the research institutes of Northwell Health, the largest health care provider and private employer in New York State. Encompassing 50+ research labs, 3,000 clinical research studies and 5,000 researchers and staff, the Feinstein Institutes raises the standard of medical innovation through its six institutes of behavioral science, bioelectronic medicine, cancer, health system science, molecular medicine, and translational research. We are the global scientific leader in bioelectronic medicine – an innovative field of science that has the potential to revolutionize medicine. The Feinstein Institutes publishes two open-access, international peer-reviewed journals Molecular Medicine and Bioelectronic Medicine. Through the Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, we offer an accelerated PhD program. For more information about how we produce knowledge to cure disease, visit and follow us on LinkedIn. View source version on Contacts Julianne Mosher Allen516-880-4824jmosherallen@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
16-06-2025
- Health
- Business Wire
Feinstein Institutes Awarded $2.3M, Joins Global Bipolar Disorder Research Network
MANHASSET, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--To continue its groundbreaking bipolar disorder research, Northwell Health's The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research has been awarded $2.3 million and joined the Breakthrough Discoveries for Thriving with Bipolar Disorder (BD²) Integrated Network, a national collaborative research and clinical care initiative aimed at transforming treatment and care for people living with bipolar disorder. Led by Caitlin Millett, PhD, assistant professor in the Feinstein Institutes' Institute of Behavioral Science, the site is located at Northwell Health's Zucker Hillside Hospital in Glen Oaks. The BD² Integrated Network's novel approach is a collaborative effort to drive scientific advancements by focusing on improving patient care in near-real time through cutting-edge biotechnology, big data analytics and an unprecedented data ecosystem to address bipolar disorder. The Feinstein Institutes joins nine other institutions, including the University of Cincinnati/Lindner Center of HOPE, University of California San Diego and The University of Texas at Austin as part of this national research collaboration. 'With this grant, we will contribute to a deeper understanding about bipolar disorder, with a focus on addressing the challenges of diagnosis and treatment.,' said Dr. Millett. 'We also hope to expand access to effective care for our patients.' Bipolar disorder is a complex and heterogeneous disorder, and more than 70% of people with bipolar disorder are misdiagnosed at least once. It takes seven years on average to diagnose bipolar disorder, and less than 50% of those who are diagnosed find an effective treatment. The research from each of these sites will involve both a large-scale longitudinal study and a learning health network model, allowing for continuous feedback between research findings and clinical practice. This approach aims to translate research discoveries into improved patient care more efficiently, and will focus on in-depth patient characterization, adherence to clinical guidelines and integration of research and clinical activities. 'Bipolar disorder is often misdiagnosed and effective treatments remain elusive for many living with it,' said Anil K. Malhotra, MD, co-director and professor of the Feinstein Institutes' Institute of Behavioral Science and vice chair for research with the Department of Psychiatry at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. 'This funding allows us to contribute to a national effort to improve diagnosis, treatment, and ultimately, the lives of those affected by this complex disorder.' About the Feinstein Institutes The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research is the home of the research institutes of Northwell Health, the largest health care provider and private employer in New York State. Encompassing 50+ research labs, 3,000 clinical research studies and 5,000 researchers and staff, the Feinstein Institutes raises the standard of medical innovation through its six institutes of behavioral science, bioelectronic medicine, cancer, health system science, molecular medicine, and translational research. We are the global scientific leader in bioelectronic medicine – an innovative field of science that has the potential to revolutionize medicine. The Feinstein Institutes publishes two open-access, international peer-reviewed journals Molecular Medicine and Bioelectronic Medicine. Through the Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, we offer an accelerated PhD program. For more information about how we produce knowledge to cure disease, visit and follow us on LinkedIn.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Leaders in Medicine and Science Celebrate Innovation at the Feinstein Institutes During Two Annual Academic Events
The Academy of Scholars Symposium and Elmezzi Graduate School Commencement celebrate and spotlight the importance of translational biomedical research MANHASSET, N.Y., June 03, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Top physician-scientists gathered on Long Island for a two-day celebration of medical research and achievement hosted by Northwell Health's Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research. On May 21, the Feinstein Academy of Scholars Symposium, an integrated network of researchers and scholars who share a passion for revolutionizing translational research, hosted its 8th annual symposium at the Oheka Castle, Huntington, NY. The next day, at the Feinstein Institutes in Manhasset, NY, the 2025 commencement ceremony of the Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine took place, where two new PhDs were conferred along with two honorary degrees given to Akiko Iwasaki, PhD, Sterling Professor of Immunology at Yale University School of Medicine and Martine Rothblatt, PhD, JD, CEO of United Therapeutics Corporation. "The Feinstein Institutes' commitment to translational research was evident throughout this two-day celebration," said Bettie M. Steinberg, PhD, interim dean of the Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine and professor in the Feinstein Institutes Institute of Molecular Medicine. "The symposium highlighted cutting-edge discoveries poised to move from the lab to the clinic, while the Elmezzi graduates represent the next generation of scientists dedicated to turning scientific advancements into tangible therapies." Meeting of minds at the Feinstein Academy of Scholars Symposium Members of the Academy include recipients of honorary doctoral degrees from the Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Marsh and Match visiting lecturers, recipients of the Cerami, Ross and Advancing Women in Science and Medicine (AWSM) prizes, and researchers from the Feinstein Institutes. This year's featured keynote speakers included: Tobias Janowitz, MD, PhD, associate professor and Cancer Center Program Leader at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, provided an overview of the current research on systemic signaling in paraneoplasia, emphasizing the importance of this area of study. Lopa Mishra, MD, co-director and professor in the Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine at the Feinstein Institutes and Susan and Herman Merinoff Distinguished Chair in Translational Medicine, explained how specific environmental toxins contribute to liver cancer and outlined methods to selectively target these cancer cells. Akiko Iwasaki, PhD, Sterling Professor of Immunology at Yale University School of Medicine, spoke about examining the role of immune dysregulation in the pathogenesis of post-acute infection syndrome. Douglas F. Nixon, MD, PhD, Karches Family Professor in Translational Research and director and professor, Institute of Translational Research at the Feinstein Institutes, spoke about human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are part of our non-coding DNA and that our own genomes can impact our health and disease. Max Brenner, MD, PhD, associate professor in the Institute of Molecular Medicine at the Feinstein Institutes, spoke about an Elmezzi scholar's scientific journey stemming from the classroom to the clinic and the lab. Linda Van Aelst, PhD, professor at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, discussed the intricate involvement of Rho regulators in synapse formation and dysfunction. Celebrating the future of medical research On May 22, two clinicians were conferred their PhD during the Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine graduation. This unique PhD program is for physicians (MDs) who wish to pursue careers in biomedical research. During the program, Elmezzi students conduct research in Feinstein Institutes laboratories to advance medical research and pursue new therapeutic approaches and diagnostic tools. The Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine is supported in part by a generous endowment from the Thomas and Jeanne Elmezzi Foundation. Two honorary degrees were bestowed at the Elmezzi commencement. The first to Dr. Iwasaki for her research on immune defense against viruses at mucosal surfaces, and to Dr. Rothblatt for her contributions to new treatments for rare diseases and advances in organ transplants. In addition, she was the creator of the satellite radio company SiriusXM. This year's graduates include: Willians Tambo Ayol, MD, investigated the role of microvascular dysfunction in cognitive impairment and dementia, and explored the therapeutic potential of the diving reflex's protective mechanisms against cerebral hypoperfusion. Santhoshi Poonacha Palandira, MBBS, MS, MCh, applied optogenetics to neuromodulate brainstem nuclei to regulate inflammation. She also identified celiac-superior mesenteric ganglion complex in the abdomen and identified it as a new therapeutic target for noninvasive bioelectronic therapies to treat inflammation with a translational potential. "Physician-scientists produce the innovations and discoveries that make a healthier world," said Kevin J. Tracey, MD, president and CEO of Feinstein Institutes and Karches Family Distinguished Chair in Medical Research. "Elmezzi graduates are committed to career paths that will lead to new therapies and diagnostics." To find out more about the Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine and its programs, click here. About The Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine: The Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine at Northwell Health offers MDs an accelerated PhD three-year program emphasizing translational research. Its mission is to provide academic training for physicians to discover and understand the causes of human diseases and to rapidly and effectively translate this information into diagnostic and therapeutic solutions. The program started in 1994 and is supported in part by a generous endowment from The Thomas and Jeanne Elmezzi Foundation. To date, more than 50 physician-scientists have graduated from the prestigious program. The Elmezzi School of Molecular Medicine is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). For more information, click here. About the Feinstein Institutes The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research is the home of the research institutes of Northwell Health, the largest health care provider and private employer in New York State. Encompassing 50+ research labs, 3,000 clinical research studies and 5,000 researchers and staff, the Feinstein Institutes raises the standard of medical innovation through its six institutes of behavioral science, bioelectronic medicine, cancer, health system science, molecular medicine, and translational research. We are the global scientific leader in bioelectronic medicine – an innovative field of science that has the potential to revolutionize medicine. The Feinstein Institutes publishes two open-access, international peer-reviewed journals Molecular Medicine and Bioelectronic Medicine. Through the Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, we offer an accelerated PhD program. For more information about how we produce knowledge to cure disease, visit and follow us on LinkedIn. View source version on Contacts Julianne Mosher Allen516-880-4824jmosherallen@ Sign in to access your portfolio
