Weill Cornell Medicine

An artificial intelligence-powered method for detecting tumor DNA in blood has shown unprecedented sensitivity in predicting cancer recurrence, according to a new study. The new technology can potentially improve cancer care by detecting cancer recurrence very early and improving the monitoring of tumor response to therapy. In the study, a team led by Dr. Dan Landau of Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital showed that they could train a machine learning model, a type of artificial intelligence platform, to detect circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) based on DNA sequencing data from patient blood tests, with very high sensitivity and accuracy. The team, which included researchers from the New York Genome Center and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, made successful demonstrations of the technology when tested with data from patients with lung cancer, melanoma, breast cancer, colorectal cancer and precancerous colorectal polyps. https://bit.ly/45pXCJ3

The discovery of an unexpected connection between two major immune pathways that control health, immunity and inflammation may explain how inflammatory bowel disease initiates. The immune system has many pathways to protect the body from infection, but sometimes an overactive immune response results in autoimmune diseases including IBD, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. Interleukin-23 (IL-23) is one such immune factor that fights infections but is also implicated in many of these inflammatory diseases. However, it was unknown how IL-23 goes from being beneficial to a driver of chronic disease. A team led by Gregory Sonnenberg and Dr. Anees Ahmed of Weill Cornell Medicine found that IL-23 acts on group 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3s), a family of immune cells that are a first line of defense in mucosal tissues such as the intestines and lungs. In response, ILC3s increase activity of CTLA-4, a key regulatory factor that prevents the immune system from attacking the body and beneficial gut microbiota. The study suggests that this interaction balances the pro-inflammatory effects IL-23 to maintain gut health but is impaired in IBD. It also provides clues on how to harness this pathway to fight cancer and alleviate a serious side effect of cancer immunotherapy. https://bit.ly/3xrW5FQ

What's the secret to a successful and lasting partnership between scientists? For almost 30 years, biochemists Dr. Jochen Buck and Dr. Lonny Levin have relied on a potent formula of respect, trust, honesty – and humor. "He kind of knows what he is doing a little bit," jokes Dr. Levin. "Sometimes people are astonished at how harsh we are with each other and then a minute later we are laughing," says Dr. Buck. Dr. Levin's respect for Dr. Buck's expertise prompted him to seek his help unraveling the mysteries of an important cellular signaling protein called soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC). In response to certain stimuli, this protein produces a molecule that activates other proteins and plays a role in regulating functions in the body, such as eye pressure and sperm activity. "I wasn't good at protein work, and Jochen was," says Dr. Levin. He brought data notebooks to Dr. Buck and asked to isolate sAC, a challenge that had eluded biochemists. After two years, they merged labs to focus on studying sAC. Today, the team is immersed in a project to develop a first-of-its-kind male contraceptive, a pill that a man could potentially take 30 minutes before sex to prevent pregnancy. Preclinical studies have shown that sAC can be inactivated with a drug. As a result, preclinical models produce sperm that cannot propel themselves forward or fertilize an egg. Their study, published in 2023, sparked global media and social media attention. "That was unique in my career," Dr. Levin recalls. This year, they were selected for the #STATMadness competition and won the STAT Breakthrough East Summit competition. Despite the growing buzz, they remain methodical and persistent in developing a compound suitable for clinical trials. "We have the best people in the field now involved in this project, and we have to do it right," says Dr. Buck. Still, they welcome people's sudden curiosity about their work. A seat next to Dr. Levin is now coveted at family gatherings. "A relative said, 'Put me next to Lonny at the wedding. I have questions,'" he says. "It was flattering and surprising that people asked to sit next to the science nerd."

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A new set of studies reveals fascinating insights into how space travel affects the human body and could potentially aid fundamental discoveries about human health overall. Dr. Christopher Mason and others led the massive international research project that collaborated with organizations, including NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration and SpaceX, to collect and analyze biological data from space missions. Weill Cornell Medicine will also host a repository for nearly 3,000 biological samples from the studies. The Space Omics and Medical Atlas (SOMA) project includes research on changes in gene expression, gene regulation, protein production, metabolism, and the microbes in the human body. https://bit.ly/3KDXzQr

In August 2019, Stacy Levy's life took a sudden turn when she was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) shortly after watching a segment on myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) on Good Morning America. Seeking a second opinion from Dr. Gail Roboz at Weill Cornell Medicine proved pivotal, leading to an accurate diagnosis and timely treatment. Dr. Roboz recommended a bone marrow transplant (BMT) as the best chance for remission and cure. Despite facing challenges in finding a suitable donor among family and friends, the team found a match through Be The Match, now known as NMDP. This granted Stacy a "second birthday" celebration upon a successful transplant. Throughout her treatment and recovery, Stacy received unwavering support from the hospital team, including a thoughtful gesture of providing accommodation for her isolation period. One year after her transplant, Stacy met her donor, Annie Snider, and they formed a deep bond that went beyond the transplant experience. Their emotional reunion was featured on Good Morning America, highlighting Stacy's advocacy for quality healthcare and her appreciation for her life-saving treatment. Today, Stacy has been in remission for nearly five years and continues to share her story, aiming to inspire others to seek the best possible care. Stacy is thankful for the original GMA segment playing in the background, as it ultimately changed the course of her care. "That has become part of my mission," Stacy concludes. "I want to empower people to receive care where they are most comfortable and to feel confident that they are in the best hands. I'm so fortunate to have been treated at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell, and I want to share that with the world." Full story: https://bit.ly/3KcQRk7

Ten years ago, Weill Cornell Medicine opened the Belfer Research Building, thanks to a generous $100 million gift from Renée and Robert Belfer. This facility has played a vital role in advancing high-impact translational research and has been instrumental in the institution's growth as a leading academic medical center. The 18-story building has expanded Weill Cornell Medicine’s research enterprise, facilitating a bench-to-bedside approach that has transformed patient care. It focuses on translational research targeting various illnesses, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, metabolic diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, children’s health, global health, and infectious diseases. Happy Anniversary! https://bit.ly/4aPxWHc

What an achievement! Please join us in congratulating Dr. Geraldine McGinty on receiving this honor.

Hurray to the Human Resources Talent Acquisition Team at Weill Cornell Medicine for volunteering at Queensbridge Park! The team shared their time and talents with Partnerships for Parks, a joint program with the City Parks Foundation and the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation, painting over 700 feet of railing along the East River. What a fantastic way to give back to our city and the communities we serve.

Home health aides face stress, isolation and depressive symptoms that can impact their health. A new study led by Dr. Madeline Sterling of Weill Cornell Medicine and Faith Wiggins of 1199 SEIU Training & Employment Funds details the challenges of home health aides. It suggests potential ways to support this vital workforce. Previous research from Dr. Sterling found that before COVID-19, more than a quarter of HHAs nationwide had fair or poor general health, and a fifth had poor mental health. Studies from Dr. Sterling and others have found that their health has worsened since then. However, there is hope. Strategies to reverse this trend are within our reach. By enhancing salaries and benefits, providing robust mental health support, and implementing peer coaching programs, we can significantly improve the well-being of our home health aides. https://bit.ly/4eb3DgI