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Business Insider
2 days ago
- General
- Business Insider
The 6 best silk pillowcases of 2025, tested and reviewed
As a hot sleeper with frizzy hair and acne, I'm the perfect candidate for a silk pillowcase. The best silk pillowcases offer benefits for skin and hair thanks to their smooth, slick surface that reduces friction and snags, preventing breakage, tangles, wrinkles, and other benefits while also providing a soothing, cool feeling and temperature regulation for hot sleepers. They're a great investment for anyone with curly or dry hair, sensitive skin, or acne. And so, lured by the siren song of smooth curl structure and soft skin, I set out on a mission to find the best silk pillowcases. Silk is known for its softness and durability, with a shiny luster and a slick feel. Unlike satin, which is a type of fabric weave, silk is a natural animal product, made with the cocoons of silk worms. Silk is measured in mommes, which refers to the weight of the silk and indicates quality and density. When testing silk pillowcases for this guide, I considered aspects like feel, effect on hair and skin, cooling, durability, and care, while also noting mommes, closure type, and price range. I also talked to two experts: Dr. Debra Jaliman, board-certified dermatologist in NYC and an assistant clinical professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and author of the book "Skin Rules" and Katrina Walker, sewing professional and textile expert. Our top pick, the Lilysilk 22-Momme Silk Pillowcase, is made with GOTS-certified, luxurious, thick silk. It's impressively durable and has a 100-night trial. The Bedsure Mulberry Silk Pillowcase is our best budget pick, made with 100% mulberry silk for under $30. Our top picks for best silk pillowcases Best overall: Lilysilk 22 Momme Silk Pillowcase- See at Lilysilk Best budget: Bedsure Mulberry Silk Pillowcase- See at Amazon Best for skin and hair: Slip Silk Pillowcase- See at Amazon Best overall When I think of the ideal silk pillowcase, I think of luxuriously soft yet durable fabric, a cooling touch, and a soothing feel on the skin. Lilysilk's 22 Momme Silk Pillowcase checks all of those boxes. Made with Oeko-Tex and GOTS-certified organic materials, this pillowcase performed very well in all our tests, from comfort to cooling. The silk is noticeably thick and high-quality, and is resistant to tearing. I loved the way it felt against my skin and hair. It's incredibly comfortable to sleep on, and I found myself gravitating toward it when I wasn't actively testing another product. Even now, after the testing period is over, you can find the Lilysilk pillowcase on my bed. To test durability, I scratched the pillowcase with my fingernails 50 times to simulate pet scratching or an earring catching in your pillowcase, I noticed no loose threads or pilling. It also performed well in cooling tests, only increasing in temperature by about 2.2 degrees after lying on it for two minutes. Subjectively, I never once woke up feeling overheated when using this pillowcase. I noticed that the pillowcase wrinkles easily, especially immediately after removing it from its packaging and washing. The washing process is more tedious than that of other pillowcases in our guide. While some silk pillowcases can be machine washed on delicate, the Lilysilk pillowcase is hand-wash only. That said, it held up well to handwashing. All saliva stains (gross, I know) were completely gone after hand washing. Lilysilk's silk pillowcase comes in standard, queen, and king sizes. You choose from eight colors, from a classic black to a sunny butter yellow. Add a personal flair to your silk pillowcase with a monogram in the top-right corner. For $20, you can embroider up to 10 characters. Non-customized items can be returned within 100 days of use, although you'll have to pay for return fees. Best budget Silk is a pricey material, making finding a budget silk pillowcase difficult. Many companies remedy the expense by blending silk with a cheaper material, like cotton, or using silk on only one side of the pillowcase. But our budget pick, the Bedsure Mulberry Silk Pillowcase, is made entirely with 100% 19-momme mulberry silk and costs under $30 on Amazon. When I unboxed it, I was impressed with its quality. I had expected a cheaper feel, but Bedsure's pillowcase compared well to pillowcases double the price. It's not the thickest silk, but it's remarkably smooth. I saw a noticeable difference in my skin and hair when I used this silk pillowcase. One of my pillow pet peeves is when a pillow shifts in its pillowcase. That said, I loved the hidden zipper in this pillowcase. The pillowcase fit the pillow well, and the zipper kept everything in place. I never felt the zipper when I was sleeping, either. Between care and abrasion testing, this isn't the most durable option. This pillowcase stained easily, with noticeable saliva stains against the light pink color. Bedsure's silk pillowcase is handwash only, and even when I scrubbed at the stains per the care instructions, they remained. The stains aren't as pronounced now, but they still stand out on the pillowcase. There were also several loose threads after abrasion testing. Bedsure's silk pillowcase also has subpar cooling. It started at 73.2 degrees Fahrenheit before rising to 76.2 degrees Fahrenheit after I lay on it, which was above the average starting and testing temperatures. That said, the heat dissipated to the original temperature after two minutes. Bedsure offers 30-day returns for their products, but you'll have to pay a $9.99 return fee if your item isn't defective when you buy directly from their website. On Amazon, you can return your pillowcase within 30 days for free. The Mulberry Silk Pillowcase is sold in three sizes and eight colors. Best cooling As a hot sleeper, I find that the heat from my face gets trapped in my pillowcase, which leaves me flipping my pillow over to find the cool side. I never had that issue when testing the Celestial Silk 25-Momme Mulberry Silk Pillowcase. The fabric stayed cool to the touch throughout the night, easily dissipating my body heat for a comfortable night's sleep. While the Celestial Silk pillowcase wasn't the objectively most cooling pillowcase we tried— that title goes to the Slip Silk Pillowcase, our best for skin and hair pick — it was still outstanding in our cooling tests. Plus, it subjectively felt the coolest throughout the testing period. I was also impressed with this pillowcase's ease of cleaning. While other picks in our guide are handwash only, the Celestial Silk is machine washable. Just toss it in a delicates bag, wash on a cold cycle, and then hang to air dry. The pillow looked and felt good as new after washing and drying. After unboxing the pillowcase, I did notice some loose threads in the seam, but I could remove them without damaging it. Celestial Silk also only offers 30-day returns for unused items. The Celestial Silk 25-momme pillowcase is available in 19 colors and patterns. I tried the hot pink and loved the splash of vibrant color it brought to my room, but you can also buy it in neutral tones or designs like floral or marble. It's available in standard, queen, and king. Best for skin and hair My skin and hair can be temperamental. I have dry, sensitive skin that's prone to acne and wavy-curly hair that loves to frizz no matter the time of year. Like many other people on their curly hair journey, I've heard silk combats bedhead for smoother hair. After testing almost a dozen silk pillowcases, I found that Slip's Silk Pillowcase is the best for skin and hair. I usually sleep with a satin bonnet to protect my hair, so I was nervous to sleep without one while testing silk pillowcases. Usually, sleeping on a cotton pillowcase completely ruins my curl structure and leaves my hair frizzy and poofy the next day. With Slip's pillowcase, though, my curls looked soft and bouncy, even without a satin bonnet. I saw benefits in my skin, too. I noticed a considerable reduction in my skin's redness and didn't have as many breakouts. My skin felt plump and moisturized — a far cry from the tight, dry skin I usually have after waking up on a cotton pillowcase. The benefits for skin and hair come from the pillowcase's unbelievably smooth texture. This pillowcase was, by far, the softest and smoothest silk pillowcase I tried. There was little friction between my head and the pillow. Plus, it performed best in our cooling tests, so it's great for hot sleepers, too. The quality comes at a high price tag, though. A queen-size pillowcase will cost you $105. It's also cumbersome to wash since Slip recommends a specific pH-neutral detergent to clean it. Slip's silk pillowcases, which are sold in queen and king sizes, are also available with an envelope enclosure. Slip consistently releases limited-edition colors and patterns—I especially love the scalloped edge and vibrant pink and red stripes on this pillowcase. Best organic The process for silk to be considered organic differs from that of other materials since silk is made from the cocoons of silkworms. To be considered organic, all fibers must be made using sustainable practices and be chemical and GMO-free. For silk, the silkworms must only eat organic plant matter, and the cocoons must be boiled and washed. Because of these requirements, organic silk is difficult to find, so I was excited to try Clementine's Organic 22-momme Silk Pillowcase. I attest, it's a hidden gem. Not only did I sleep easy knowing that the pillowcase was GOTS-certified organic, but I loved this pillowcase's feel. It had the thickest silk of all the pillowcases I tested. It was also ridiculously soft, with a feel similar to a bamboo sheet. The envelope enclosure did have a habit of slipping off at night, but it was a quick fix in the morning. Even the packaging is perfect — your pillowcase comes in a cotton cover in a thick, magnetic cardboard box. It'd make an ideal gift for the eco-conscious friend. It comes in seven colors, including a luxe gold, and queen and king sizes. As expected for the quality and certification, this is an expensive pillowcase. You can also only return your pillowcase if unused within 30 days, so it's more of a risk if you decide you don't like it. I also noticed torn threads in the stitching and pillow during abrasion testing; it sustained the most damage of all the pillowcases I tested. You'll have to be extra careful when using this pillowcase and keep it away from pets and their claws. Best mulberry In my interview with Walker, she said that mulberry silk is produced by a certain type of moth caterpillar. "'Mulberry silk' refers to silk produced by the Bombyx mori silk moth, a domesticated insect. The Bombyx mori silk moth caterpillar only eats the leaves of the mulberry tree," Walker said. "As a result, the cocoons it spins are pure white." While many picks in our guide are made of mulberry silk, Fisher's Finery takes the cake for best mulberry silk pillowcase. At 30 mommes, it's rare to find such high-weighted silk. I tried the 25 momme and 30 momme silk pillowcases from Fisher's Finery, and I could immediately tell a difference between the two pillowcases. The 30 momme pillowcase is thick and substantial. While it wasn't the softest pillowcase I tested, it performed well in the cooling tests, so it's a good choice for hot sleepers. I did notice that this envelope-style pillowcase moved around on the pillow a lot. I had to readjust it each morning to fit properly on my pillow. It also slipped around the bed — I frequently woke up with it on the floor after shifting around at night. This pillowcase is easy to care for, especially since Fisher's Finery provides a mesh delicates bag with each silk pillowcase (which came in handy as I washed the other pillowcases, too). That said, there was noticeable pilling and torn threads after washing, so you'll want to be extra careful when caring for this pillowcase. Fisher's Finery offers 30-day returns for unused silk pillowcases. They are sold in standard, queen, and king sizes and are available in packs of two and singles. It comes in eight neutral colors, including striped designs. What else we tested Besides our top picks, these are the other silk pillowcases we tested: Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Pillowcase: We love Brooklinen's 365-day return policy, but this pillowcase was thinner and scratchier than others we tested. What to look for Material: Silk is measured in mommes, which refers to the number of silk fibers in your pillowcase. You can find silk ranging from 19 to 30 mommes, with higher momme counts meaning a more durable and luxurious pillowcase. Mulberry silk is the golden standard and highest quality silk. Closure style: There are two main closure styles: envelope and zippered. Envelope enclosures have an interior pocket that hugs the edge of the pillow, while the outer flap covers the pocket for a seamless look. Zippered closures have a zipper on the edge of the pillowcase and keep the pillow stay secures in the pillowcase. Closure style comes down to personal preference, depending on the look, adjustability, and fit you prefer. Most brands sell silk pillowcases in both closure styles. Durability: Silk pillowcases are an investment, so you'll want one that will last for years. Higher mommes mean a heavier silk, so they're usually more durable. Care: Silk is notoriously difficult to care for. It's a strong yet delicate material, so care instructions for silk pillowcases can be complicated. Many silk pillowcases are hand-wash only, but others are machine-washable on a delicate setting. Also, pay particular attention to the recommended detergent, since some silk pillowcases require special silk or pH-neutral detergent. All silk pillowcases should be air dried, and be careful to keep them away from the sun, which can hurt the gentle silk fibers in your pillowcase. Color/Pattern selection: In this guide, we've tried to include picks with a range of classic, neutral colors and fun, bright styles. Choose the design that blends seamlessly into your bedroom, or pick a vibrant pattern for a standout piece. How we tested Effect on hair and skin: To test the impact on hair and skin, I slept on each silk pillowcase with my hair down for seven nights while continuing my usual hair and skincare routines. Then, I noted the look and feel of my hair and skin, focusing specifically on issues like frizz and acne. Cooling: To test cooling, I first measured the temperature of each pillowcase on my Brooklinen Down Pillow before lying down. Then, I lay my face on the pillow for two minutes. After the two-minute period, I measured again. Finally, I measured the last temperature two minutes after lying down to determine how the pillowcase dissipates heat. I also noted if I overheated in my sleep during the testing period. Durability: I tested durability by scratching each silk pillowcase with my fingernails 50 times in two places: once in the middle of the pillow and once near a seam. This test was meant to replicate accidentally scratching your pillowcase, pet nails, or snagging an earring on the fabric. My partner, who has stubble, slept with each silk pillowcase for seven nights to check for noticeable damage from abrasion. I also looked for torn threads and pilling after washing. Care: I followed the care instructions for each silk pillowcase. After washing and drying, I also checked how well any stains were removed from the pillowcase. What's the difference between silk and satin pillowcases? Silk is a natural animal product, whereas satin is a type of weave that can be made from any material. Silk pillowcases are generally more expensive than satin pillowcases since creating and harvesting silk is cumbersome. Both silk and satin pillowcases are good for hair and skin. What is "momme," and why does it matter? A momme refers to the weight of silk, so a heavier weight means there are more silk fibers in the fabric, according to Walker. "Momme" (pronounced "mummy") is a historic unit of weight measurement. The abbreviation is "mm" which should not be confused with millimeter, which is a measurement of thickness or length — when you see "mm" in reference to silk it is a measurement of weight," she said. "Although we now have much more common units of measurement for weight, momme is still used in the silk trade." "Silk is sold by weight and always has been sold this way," Walker continued. "When comparing fabrics of the same weave structure (silk charmeuse, a crepe-back satin, for instance), the heavier momme indicates a thicker yarn and generally a higher quality fabric." Is mulberry silk better than other types of silk? As Walker said, mulberry silk is made by feeding the Bombyx mori silk moth caterpillar mulberry leaves. "Other breeds of silk-producing moths' caterpillars eat a wider variety of leaves, which permanently color the silk," Walker said. "You are what you eat!" Because of the creation process, Walker also says that mulberry silk is generally better than other types of silk. "'Mulberry silk' is arguably of higher quality than many other types of silk due to its consistent fiber diameter and its ease of dyeing into vibrant colors," Walker said. How do I clean a silk pillowcase? Walker recommends handwashing your silk pillowcase and air drying it, rather than putting it in the dryer. "To ensure the longest life for your silk pillowcase, it is recommended to hand wash it with mild soap or detergent, roll in a towel to remove the excess water, and lay flat to dry. A light rinse in a liquid fabric softener can help preserve the softness," she said. Be gentle with the silk when washing, as it is weaker when wet. Dry cleaning is also an excellent option." Do silk pillowcases help with frizz and wrinkles? Dr. Jaliman said that silk pillowcases help with wrinkles and skin texture. "Silk reduces friction on the skin, so it helps prevent sleep lines and wrinkles," she said. "Silk absorbs less moisture than, for example, cotton, so it's better for keeping your products on the skin and not absorbing them into the pillowcase." Silk pillowcases also work to combat frizz. "Since silk is very smooth, it reduces friction and prevents frizziness of the hair," Jaliman said. "It also helps to maintain a hairstyle longer because of less friction on the hair." Are silk pillowcases good for acne-prone skin? A quality silk pillowcase can last for years. To increase its longevity, be sure to follow the care label's instructions. "A silk pillowcase's lifespan is determined by the thickness of the fabric and quality of construction combined with laundering habits and the person using the pillow," Walker said. "Someone with stubble facial hair will wear out a silk pillowcase faster due to abrasion over time. Putting a silk pillowcase in a washing machine and dryer will also eventually abrade the pillow. But even with this mistreatment, a good quality pillowcase can likely last a few years." Kinsley Searles Home and Sleep Reviews Fellow Kinsley Searles first joined Business Insider as a Freelance Writer in February 2024 where she tested and reviewed products from carry on luggage to hamster cages. Kinsley joined the Reviews team as a Home and Sleep Reviews Fellow in February 2025. A self proclaimed connoisseur of all things cozy, she is devoted to researching and trying the most innovative sleep and home products on the market. A lifelong Kansan now living in Indiana, Kinsley received her B.A. in English Literature and her M.A. in Composition and Rhetoric from Kansas State University. When she's not researching or trying out a new mattress, you can find Kinsley playing video and card games, attempting every arts and crafts project, watching bad movies, and hanging out with her spoiled and crazy dog, Boo. Read more
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
7 Things That Can Cause Heavy Bleeding During Your Period
Let's be honest: Periods, in general, aren't exactly comfortable. If you're one of the 10 million Americans who deal with heavy bleeding during your period, then you have all the more reason to complain about that time of the month. But what actually counts as 'heavy' here? Medically speaking, periods that soak through a tampon or pad in less than two hours—or involve passing clumps of blood called clots—aren't normal. 'If someone with a light period had a period like that, they'd think they were bleeding to death,' Charles Ascher-Walsh, MD, senior system vice chair for gynecology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, tells SELF. Heavy periods aren't just inconvenient (and expensive, given the cost of pads and tampons). They can often be painful, causing extra-rough cramps, depending on the cause. You also may not feel awesome about venturing away from home if you're in pain or worried about bleeding through your clothes. And all that blood loss can result in anemia, or low red blood cells, causing you to feel tired or weak. Lots of different medical conditions, ranging from benign to serious, can cause heavy menstrual bleeding—and to treat them properly, your doctor will first want to help you figure out what's going on. Keep reading to learn more about what might be causing you to soak through pads or tampons, and steps you can take to deal with it. 1. Uterine fibroids Uterine fibroids—benign firm, rubbery growths on the uterus—affect up to 80 percent of people who get periods. Many cases of fibroids don't cause any symptoms. For people who do experience symptoms, one of the most common is heavy bleeding during a period. 'Some people get really big fibroids and it can cause pain or problems going to the bathroom, too,' Samantha Schon, MD, assistant professor of reproductive endocrinology and obstetrics and gynecology at University of Michigan Health, tells SELF. Fibroids can also cause pelvic pain and back pain, though Dr. Schon says the exact symptoms depend on their location in the uterus. 2. Uterine polyps Polyps are soft, fleshy growths usually found on the inside lining of the uterus (called the endometrium) and on or around the cervix. Like fibroids, polyps don't always cause symptoms. Most commonly, they can lead to irregular bleeding—that is, bleeding between periods for unpredictable amounts of time. But some people, Dr. Schon says, may also experience heavy bleeding with polyps. 3. Thyroid problems Thyroid disease is a potential cause of heavier periods that is often unrecognized, Dr. Ascher-Walsh says. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland at the base of the neck that releases thyroid hormone, which controls lots of different activities in your body, from your metabolism to your heart rate. It also helps control your menstrual cycle, so both an underactive (hypothyroid) and overactive thyroid (hyperthyroid) can trigger menstrual cycle changes. Some people with thyroid issues skip periods altogether or their periods get lighter, while others might have irregular or way heavier periods. Underactive and overactive thyroid can be the results of autoimmune disorders (Hashimoto's disease or Graves' disease), iodine deficiency, thyroid inflammation (a.k.a. thyroiditis), problems with the pituitary gland (which releases thyroid-stimulating hormone), certain medications, and thyroid tumors. 4. Irregular ovulation Various hormonal imbalances can cause people to ovulate irregularly. Ovulation releases the hormone progesterone, which keeps the uterine lining from building up, Dr. Schon explains. If a woman isn't ovulating, there's nothing to keep that buildup in check. Then, when ovulation does happen (but pregnancy does not), the built-up lining can come out all at once during menstruation, causing heavy bleeding. 'Some people can not have a period for six months and then have a period for a month straight,' says Dr. Schon. One possible cause of these imbalances is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which affects 5 to 10% of women of childbearing age. If your periods are both heavy and irregular, and you also have excess body hair, hormonal acne, or difficulty getting pregnant, you may want to go to an endocrinologist to get tested for PCOS. 5. Endometrial or cervical cancer Rarely, a cancerous growth on the uterine lining (endometrium) or cervix can be the cause of heavy bleeding. If you're over 45 and still have regular periods—but they're heavy—Dr. Ascher-Walsh says it's worth getting checked out. Typically, people with cancer have other symptoms, like irregular bleeding, vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, and weight loss, but it's worth mentioning heavy periods to your doctor so they can look into what's going on and do any additional testing if they are suspicious. 6. Bleeding disorders Heavy bleeding during a period could be a sign of a bleeding disorder such as immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), which prevents blood from clotting properly. If you have this condition, you may also bruise more easily than other people and deal with frequent nosebleeds. A heavy period could also point to the bleeding disorder von Willebrand disease, which leads to abnormal platelets that prevent blood from clotting, especially if the heavy periods started when you first got your period, Dr. Schon says. Von Willebrand disease is the most common inherited bleeding disorder in American women and is seen in between 5 and 24% of women with chronically heavy periods, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. 7. Medications Certain medications can also include heavy bleeding as a side effect. Hormonal birth control, including the pill and IUDs, are usually meant to decrease bleeding—but in some people, Dr. Schon says they can cause prolonged or heavy bleeding. And the copper IUD, in particular, is associated with more bleeding than other forms of birth control. If you take blood thinners or you're undergoing chemotherapy, Dr. Schon says your blood may not clot as well, which may also cause a heavier-than-normal flow during your period. How to deal with heavy bleeding during your period If your heavy period is bothering you, definitely talk to your doctor. 'In gynecology, we think of the period as a vital sign,' says Dr. Schon. 'So if it's changing or abnormal, it's important to rule out more serious causes.' Most of the time—especially if you haven't yet reached menopause—whatever is causing your heavy bleeding won't be super serious, says Dr. Ascher-Walsh. More good news? There are a lot of effective treatments for heavy periods, ranging from medications to surgical procedures. How your doctor addresses the heavy flow ultimately depends on the cause. For example, if you end up being diagnosed with fibroids, polyps, or other growths, your doctor may recommend a procedure or surgery to remove them. In other cases, treatment could be as simple as starting birth control (or changing the one you're on, if it's making you bleed more) to make your periods more predictable and potentially lighter. Even if you've gotten used to your heavy bleeding, don't blow it off in hopes it'll go away on its own. 'You don't need to live with a heavy period that can be such a burden every month,' says Dr. Ascher-Walsh. 'There are always options.' Related: Get more of SELF's great service journalism delivered right to your inbox. Originally Appeared on Self
Associated Press
24-03-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Mount Sinai Launches Center for Artificial Intelligence in Children's Health to Advance AI-Driven Outcomes in Children
New York, NY, March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai has launched the Center for Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Children's Health, the first dedicated center of its kind in New York City—a pioneering initiative that aims to improve health care outcomes for children using AI. The Center will develop AI-powered solutions to enhance diagnostics, personalize treatments, and optimize health care delivery for youth and adolescents. Benjamin S. Glicksberg, PhD, an expert in digital health and clinical informatics, will lead the Center. 'The Center for AI in Children's Health underscores Mount Sinai's commitment to pioneering AI-driven technologies that will enable Mount Sinai to deliver world-class care to our children,' said Brendan G. Carr, MD, MA, MS, Chief Executive Officer and Professor and Kenneth L. Davis, MD, Distinguished Chair, Mount Sinai Health System. 'As one of the first centers of its kind in New York City and nationwide, this unique and groundbreaking initiative positions Mount Sinai at the forefront of innovation in health care. Our kids are our future, and under Dr. Glicksberg's leadership, the Center for AI in Children's Health will advance children's health outcomes for generations to come.' Dennis S. Charney, MD, Anne and Joel Ehrenkranz Dean at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and President for Academic Affairs of the Mount Sinai Health System, said, 'The establishment of the Center for Artificial Intelligence in Children's Health exemplifies Mount Sinai's dedication to integrating cutting-edge technologies into patient care. By harnessing the power of AI, we are offering more precise diagnostics and personalized treatments for our youngest patients. With Dr. Glicksberg at the helm, this new center will be instrumental in shaping the future of pediatric medicine as we take bold steps toward innovation and excellence in health care for the next generation.' Dr. Glicksberg, who will also serve as Associate Professor of Artificial Intelligence and Human Health at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, said, 'While AI has advanced at a remarkable pace in many areas of medicine, pediatric medicine has unfortunately lagged due to stricter privacy considerations, more complicated regulatory pathways, and limited data infrastructure. This new Center is dedicated to addressing these challenges by safely developing, testing, and embedding AI directly into child health care—enabling earlier diagnoses, preventive measures, computer-augmented imaging for complex conditions, expedited drug discovery, and highly personalized treatment plans. There's no better place for this effort than Mount Sinai, or a more talented team of researchers to innovate alongside. I'm thrilled to lead this critical work and confident that we're shaping a brighter future for child health care.' AI continues to transform health care, however innovation remains significantly underrepresented in child health due to specific standards necessary, but complex regulatory challenges and limited resources, delaying the benefits these technologies could bring to child health care. The Center hopes to address the current limitations by creating an integrated data infrastructure, advancing multimodal AI research, embracing personalized medicine, and enhancing health economics and care delivery. The Center will focus on: Building an AI-driven Children's Health Data Hub to unify multi-modal and multi-omic patient data. Spearheading clinical trials for AI approaches to enhance diagnostics, predictive modeling, and real-time monitoring at Mount Sinai Kravis Children's Hospital. Advancing personalized medicine through multi-omics research, rare disease identification, and pharmacogenomics. Optimizing health care delivery with Mount Sinai's Center for Child Health Services Research to leverage AI for improving efficiency, patient outcomes, and resource allocation. Dr. Glicksberg joins Mount Sinai with significant academic and industry experience. He previously was an Assistant Professor in Genetics and Genomic Sciences and a member of the Hasso Plattner Institute for Digital Health at Mount Sinai. He then served on the leadership team at a genomics-based drug discovery startup targeting progressive diseases of aging. His experience bridging the gap between research and clinical care—including expertise in AI-driven research, health care, biotechnology, and translational science—positions him as a leader in AI innovation. The Center for Artificial Intelligence in Children's Health is established under The Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, directed by Bruce D. Gelb, MD, and co-sponsored by the Windreich Department of Artificial Intelligence and Human Health at Mount Sinai, chaired by Girish N. Nadkarni, MD, MPH, CPH. 'As Chair of the Windreich Department of AI and Human Health, I'm proud to co-sponsor the Center for AI in Children's Health,' Dr. Nadkarni said. 'By harnessing the power of advanced data science and clinical expertise, we aim to usher in a new era for child health care—delivering faster diagnoses, personalized treatments, and transformative outcomes. Under Dr. Glicksberg's leadership, we stand poised to shape a healthier future for children everywhere.' About The Mindich Child Health and Development Institute The Mindich Child Health and Development Institute is a translational research enterprise with the mission of advancing knowledge and therapies for diseases affecting infants, children, and adolescents. Led by Bruce D. Gelb, MD, the Institute assembles outstanding physician-scientists and scientists in an intellectually rich and supportive environment, which fosters collaborative scientific investigation as well as the training of the next generation of scientific leaders for pediatric medicine. We currently have more than 100 faculty members who specialize in allergy and asthma, cardiovascular disease, neurodevelopmental disorders, obesity and diabetes, child health services, and more. Faculty at the Institute work in a multidisciplinary manner with researchers and physicians in departments and institutes at Mount Sinai. Together, we strive toward the objectives of developing robust paradigms for understanding the effects of genetics and the environment on the health of infants, children, and adolescents, and personalizing pediatric medicine through genetics and genomics. In addition, we have taken substantial steps in expanding our reach in five exciting strategic areas: pediatric precision medicine; pediatric clinical trials; child health services research; artificial intelligence in children's health; and community-based research engagement. About Mount Sinai's Windreich Department of AI and Human Health Led by Girish N. Nadkarni, MD, MPH—an international authority on the safe, effective, and ethical use of AI in health care—Mount Sinai's Windreich Department of AI and Human Health is the first of its kind at a U.S. medical school, pioneering transformative advancements at the intersection of artificial intelligence and human health. The department is committed to leveraging AI in a responsible, effective, equitable, and safe manner to transform research, clinical care, education, and operations. By bringing together world-class AI expertise, cutting-edge infrastructure, and unparalleled computational power, the department is advancing breakthroughs in multi-scale, multimodal data integration while streamlining pathways for rapid testing and translation into practice. The department benefits from dynamic collaborations across Mount Sinai, including with the Hasso Plattner Institute for Digital Health at Mount Sinai—a partnership between the Hasso Plattner Institute for Digital Engineering in Potsdam, Germany, and the Mount Sinai Health System—which complements its mission by advancing data-driven approaches to improve patient care and health outcomes. At the heart of this innovation is the renowned Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, which serves as a central hub for learning and collaboration. This unique integration enables dynamic partnerships across institutes, academic departments, hospitals, and outpatient centers, driving progress in disease prevention, improving treatments for complex illnesses, and elevating quality of life on a global scale. In 2024, the Department's innovative NutriScan AI application, developed by the Mount Sinai Health System Clinical Data Science team in partnership with Department faculty, earned Mount Sinai Health System the prestigious Hearst Health Prize. NutriScan is designed to facilitate faster identification and treatment of malnutrition in hospitalized patients. This machine learning tool improves malnutrition diagnosis rates and resource utilization, demonstrating the impactful application of AI in health care. About the Hasso Plattner Institute at Mount Sinai At the Hasso Plattner Institute for Digital Health at Mount Sinai, the tools of data science, biomedical and digital engineering, and medical expertise are used to improve and extend lives. The Institute represents a collaboration between the Hasso Plattner Institute for Digital Engineering in Potsdam, Germany, and the Mount Sinai Health System. Under the leadership of Girish Nadkarni, MD, MPH, who directs the Institute, and Professor Lothar Wieler, a globally recognized expert in public health and digital transformation, they jointly oversee the partnership, driving innovations that positively impact patient lives while transforming how people think about personal health and health systems. The Hasso Plattner Institute for Digital Health at Mount Sinai receives generous support from the Hasso Plattner Foundation. Current research programs and machine learning efforts focus on improving the ability to diagnose and treat patients. About the Mount Sinai Health System Mount Sinai Health System is one of the largest academic medical systems in the New York metro area, with 48,000 employees working across seven hospitals, more than 400 outpatient practices, more than 600 research and clinical labs, a school of nursing, and a leading school of medicine and graduate education. Mount Sinai advances health for all people, everywhere, by taking on the most complex health care challenges of our time—discovering and applying new scientific learning and knowledge; developing safer, more effective treatments; educating the next generation of medical leaders and innovators; and supporting local communities by delivering high-quality care to all who need it. Through the integration of its hospitals, labs, and schools, Mount Sinai offers comprehensive health care solutions from birth through geriatrics, leveraging innovative approaches such as artificial intelligence and informatics while keeping patients' medical and emotional needs at the center of all treatment. The Health System includes approximately 9,000 primary and specialty care physicians and 11 free-standing joint-venture centers throughout the five boroughs of New York City, Westchester, Long Island, and Florida. Hospitals within the System are consistently ranked by Newsweek 's® 'The World's Best Smart Hospitals, Best in State Hospitals, World Best Hospitals and Best Specialty Hospitals' and by U.S. News & World Report 's® 'Best Hospitals' and 'Best Children's Hospitals.' The Mount Sinai Hospital is on the U.S. News & World Report ® 'Best Hospitals' Honor Roll for 2024-2025.
Yahoo
22-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Personalized Cancer Vaccine Proves Promising in a Phase 1 Trial at Mount Sinai
A multi-peptide neoantigen cancer vaccine using relatively few antigens induced a strong immune response across multiple cancers New York, NY, March 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Key Findings: This study demonstrates that tailored vaccines targeting patient-specific neoantigens (proteins that can trigger an immune response against cancer) can generate a potent immune response, with early data suggesting a correlation with improved long-term survival. A personalized multi-peptide neoantigen cancer vaccine called PGV001, using relatively few antigens (compared to recently published trials by other researchers) was sufficient to induce a strong immune response across multiple cancer types. Thirteen patients treated across five tumor types (non-small cell lung cancer, head and neck cancer, urothelial cancer, breast cancer, and multiple myeloma) experienced positive outcomes. Early results show that PGV001 did not cause serious side effects, and at five-year follow-up, of the 13 patients treated, six patients survived, and three of six surviving patients are tumor free. Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, led by Nina Bhardwaj, MD, PhD, Ward-Coleman Chair in Cancer Research and Director of the Vaccine and Cell Therapy Laboratory, have tested a promising new type of personalized multi-peptide neoantigen cancer vaccine, called PGV001, in a small group of patients. This early study (phase 1 trial) is an important step in finding better ways to help people fight cancer. The vaccine uses multiple peptides (amino acid sequences) to help the body's immune system recognize and attack cancer cells and stop the disease from coming back. The findings are available in the latest issue of Cancer Discovery, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research. Over the last decade, immune-based therapies have transformed cancer treatment, including CAR T cells, bi-specific antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). These approaches have significantly improved outcomes, but some patients do not respond or eventually develop resistance. Personalized cancer vaccines, like PGV001, aim to overcome these challenges by training the immune system to recognize unique cancer mutations, called neoantigens, and mount a stronger, targeted response. PGV001 can be made to fit each patient's unique cancer. Scientists use advanced tools to find neoantigens—tiny changes in cancer cells—that are not found in healthy cells. The vaccine then teaches the immune system to target these changes, making treatment more personal and precise. Unlike tumor-associated antigens, neoantigens are not subject to central tolerance, meaning they can trigger a robust immune attack against cancer cells. 'We wanted to develop cancer vaccines that can stop cancer from coming back in patients who are at high risk of recurrence. This study shows that making personalized cancer vaccines is possible and safe,' said Dr. Bhardwaj. 'This is a phase 1 study with a small group of patients (n = 13) with a variety of cancers (non-small cell lung cancer, head and neck cancer, urothelial cancer, breast cancer and multiple myeloma), but it's an exciting step toward using the immune system to help people live cancer-free, longer.' The study included patients who had already received standard cancer treatments but still had a high risk of the disease returning. Using a computational platform developed by Mount Sinai experts, scientists analyzed tumor and germline sequencing data to select the most promising neoantigens for each patient. The vaccine was then formulated with carefully chosen peptide sequences encoding neoantigens to optimize immune activation. Early results show that PGV001 did not cause serious side effects, and at five-year follow-up, of the 13 patients treated, six patients survived, and three of six surviving patients are tumor free. The vaccine also helped the immune system respond to the cancer which means it may help keep the disease from coming back. Mount Sinai scientists will continue studying PGV001 in larger groups of patients and testing how it works with other cancer treatments. Data from this phase 1 study have prompted three additional PGV001 trials, one in newly diagnosed glioblastoma, one in urothelial cancer in combination with an ICI, and another in prostate cancer. Multiple researchers from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai contributed to this research, including Mansi Saxena, PhD, Thomas Marron, MD, PhD, Philip Friedlander, MD, PhD, Sayali Onkar, PhD, and more. The National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health, the Cancer Research Institute, the Parker Institute of Cancer Immunotherapy, and industry partners supported this study. A list of all contributors and all connections with pharmaceutical and biotech companies are listed in the full research report. [ About the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai is internationally renowned for its outstanding research, educational, and clinical care programs. It is the sole academic partner for the eight- member hospitals* of the Mount Sinai Health System, one of the largest academic health systems in the United States, providing care to New York City's large and diverse patient population. The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai offers highly competitive MD, PhD, MD-PhD, and master's degree programs, with enrollment of more than 1,200 students. It has the largest graduate medical education program in the country, with more than 2,600 clinical residents and fellows training throughout the Health System. Its Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences offers 13 degree-granting programs, conducts innovative basic and translational research, and trains more than 500 postdoctoral research fellows. Ranked 11th nationwide in National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding, the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai is among the 99th percentile in research dollars per investigator according to the Association of American Medical Colleges. More than 4,500 scientists, educators, and clinicians work within and across dozens of academic departments and multidisciplinary institutes with an emphasis on translational research and therapeutics. Through Mount Sinai Innovation Partners (MSIP), the Health System facilitates the real-world application and commercialization of medical breakthroughs made at Mount Sinai. ------------------------------------------------------- * Mount Sinai Health System member hospitals: The Mount Sinai Hospital; Mount Sinai Beth Israel; Mount Sinai Brooklyn; Mount Sinai Morningside; Mount Sinai Queens; Mount Sinai South Nassau; Mount Sinai West; and New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai. About the Mount Sinai Health System Mount Sinai Health System is one of the largest academic medical systems in the New York metro area, with 48,000 employees working across seven hospitals, more than 400 outpatient practices, more than 600 research and clinical labs, a school of nursing, and a leading school of medicine and graduate education. Mount Sinai advances health for all people, everywhere, by taking on the most complex health care challenges of our time—discovering and applying new scientific learning and knowledge; developing safer, more effective treatments; educating the next generation of medical leaders and innovators; and supporting local communities by delivering high-quality care to all who need it. Through the integration of its hospitals, labs, and schools, Mount Sinai offers comprehensive health care solutions from birth through geriatrics, leveraging innovative approaches such as artificial intelligence and informatics while keeping patients' medical and emotional needs at the center of all treatment. The Health System includes approximately 9,000 primary and specialty care physicians and 11 free-standing joint-venture centers throughout the five boroughs of New York City, Westchester, Long Island, and Florida. Hospitals within the System are consistently ranked by Newsweek's® 'The World's Best Smart Hospitals, Best in State Hospitals, World Best Hospitals and Best Specialty Hospitals' and by U.S. News & World Report's® 'Best Hospitals' and 'Best Children's Hospitals.' The Mount Sinai Hospital is on the U.S. News & World Report® 'Best Hospitals' Honor Roll for 2024-2025. For more information, visit or find Mount Sinai on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. CONTACT: Mount Sinai Press Office Mount Sinai Press Office newsmedia@
New York Times
27-01-2025
- Health
- New York Times
Flu Season Is in Full Swing. When Do You Need Tamiflu?
The flu is raging across the United States — and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expect cases will remain high over the next few weeks. 'It's out of control,' said Dr. Sean Liu, an associate professor of infectious diseases at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. The C.D.C. estimates that there have been at least 12 million flu infections so far this season, leading to 160,000 hospitalizations and 6,600 deaths. Doctors frequently prescribe Tamiflu, an antiviral medication, to people who are at high risk of becoming seriously ill from the flu. The drug can ease symptoms and help people recover a bit faster. But there's a catch: The medication works best if people take it soon after they feel sick, and it can be tricky to decipher whether a pesky cough or sneeze is the flu or another virus. This flu season, however, new at-home rapid tests can detect both Covid and the flu and can help you determine whether you should ask a doctor about Tamiflu. Here's what else to know about the drug. Tamiflu works against both influenza A and influenza B viruses. The drug, which can be taken as a liquid or a pill, blocks the flu virus from spreading in the body. 'It's not a magical medication,' said Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease specialist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. 'It doesn't make you instantly better, able to leap tall buildings.' But the drug can speed up a patient's recovery by about a day, which may not sound like much, but can get people back to work or school more quickly. Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times. Thank you for your patience while we verify access. Already a subscriber? Log in. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
