NYP-WCMC News: Medical College News

Researchers Explore New Ways to Prevent Spinal Cord Damage Using a Vitamin B3 Precursor

Fri, 05 Nov 2009 13:54:00 GMT

Substances naturally produced by the human body may one day help prevent paralysis following a spinal cord injury, according to researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College. A recent $2.5 million grant from the New York State Spinal Cord Injury Research Board will fund their research investigating this possibility.

From Medi-Spas to Operating Rooms: The Top Five Things Every Woman Should Know About Anesthesia

Thu, 28 Oct 2009 16:15:00 GMT

Is your anesthesiologist a doctor? Did you know that a medi-spa may be hazardous to your health? Is it true that your weight can affect the type of anesthesia you receive? Most women do not know the answers to these important questions, says Dr. Panchali Dhar, an anesthesiologist at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center.

Dr. Dhar, author of the new book "Before the Scalpel: What Everyone Should Know About Anesthesia" (Tell Me Press), says, "Before you or a loved one undergoes another surgery or medical procedure, it's important to empower yourself and learn the basic questions to ask about anesthesia in order to ensure a safe and pain-free experience."

WCMC-Q Biomedical Research Program Builds Scientific Knowledge, Technical Workforce in Qatar

Thu, 28 Oct 2009 16:13:00 GMT

The biomedical research program of Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar has made significant progress in its dual goals of advancing basic science and building a sustainable research community in Qatar since it was launched less than a year and a half ago.

From the sequencing of the date palm genome to improved understanding of the molecular mechanisms of cellular signalling and the differentiation of embryonic stem cells, the program is generating new information about complex biological systems that will contribute to effective disease prevention and treatment strategies.

Teen Attitudes Toward Smoking Linked to Likelihood of Drinking and Using Drugs

Thu, 30 Sep 2009 17:19:00 GMT

New research by Weill Cornell Medical College researchers looks at the specific ways parents and peers influence teenagers to smoke, drink and use marijuana in combination. Among their findings: attitudes toward smoking influenced teenagers' use of multiple drugs (smoking, drinking and marijuana), and that this manifested itself differently in boys and girls.