Obstetrics & Gynecology

News and Events

Programs and providers of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Weill Cornell Medicine are often the focus of news stories and features appearing in major national media. We invite you to review some stories that typify the breakthrough accomplishments of our remarkable team and highlight the impact our care has had on patient’s lives.

Protein Secreted by Immune Cells May Help Drive Brain Aging

cells stained green and blue

Brain-resident immune cells that have reached an old-age state called “senescence” secrete a protein that causes dysfunction in other brain cells, according to a study led by investigators at Weill Cornell Medicine. The discovery sheds light on how aging impairs memory and cognition and makes the brain vulnerable to neurodegenerative disorders.

The researchers, whose findings are published Aug. 11 in Neuron, observed that in a mouse model of accelerated aging, many immune cells in the brain enter a non-dividing, dysfunctional, senescent state and begin secreting a protein called DLK1. This protein disrupts other brain cells, in particular neurons and the oligodendrocytes that help protect nerve fibers. The findings suggest that DLK1-driven dysfunction may be a key mechanism through which aging brings reduced brain functioning and increased neurodegenerative disease risk.

Dr. Li Gan

Dr. Li Gan. Credit: John Abbott

Molecular Structures Provide Roadmap for Targeted Parkinson’s Disease Therapeutics

LRRK2 protein

Video of LRRK2 Protein Animation | Weill Cornell Medicine
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have uncovered how a key Parkinson's protein called LRRK2 shifts between inactive and active forms, revealing the structural changes that enable certain mutations to push the protein into an overactive state.  Mutations that cause LRRK2 to become abnormally active are among the most common genetic causes of Parkinson’s disease. Even without these mutations, some people with Parkinson’s disease have elevated LRRK2 activity.

Understanding exactly how LRRK2 becomes overactive has become increasingly important because it is one of the leading targets for developing treatments that could slow Parkinson's disease.

Using electron microscopy and biochemistry, the team captured the structure of LRRK2 in different states, enabling them to elucidate how the protein toggles between the active and inactive forms. The findings, published Aug. 10 in Cell, point toward a new generation of targeted therapies.

Commentary: AI Could Help to Implement Health Policy

A doctor typing on a laptop, with an overlaying AI illustration

Complex healthcare policies are often challenging to implement. That’s a reality states across the country will deal with as new Medicaid work requirements get rolled out next year.

The new federal rule, part of the Budget Reconciliation Act of 2025 (HR 1), requires adults enrolled under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) expansion of Medicaid eligibility to complete at least 80 hours per month of qualifying work or community engagement activities or meet exemption criteria to maintain their coverage starting Jan. 1.

A new Special Communication published Aug. 7 in JAMA Health Forum suggests that artificial intelligence may enhance implementation of this policy by helping state Medicaid agencies keep eligible individuals enrolled in Medicaid. Going forward, the use of AI can help states and local governments roll out and improve other healthcare policies, too.

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