By Jim Stallard

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is one of the most common blood cancers in adults. The disease is difficult to treat with chemotherapy and usually proves fatal. However, researchers have identified a potential chink in the armor: AML cells have a greatly reduced ability to export iron compared with normal blood cells, leaving them at risk for iron induced death.

Dr. Carl Nathan, chairman of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Weill Cornell Medicine, has been awarded the institution’s Joan and Sanford I. Weill Exemplary Achievement Award.

Most of the reasons why American patients receive care from multiple providers are related to numerous modifiable causes such as patient preferences, physician referrals and health system factors —not medical need—according to a qualitative study by Weill Cornell Medicine researchers.  

For first-year Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences doctoral student Suniyya Amna Waraich, developing new therapies for stroke patients is personal: A close relative was at a family gathering when he had a stroke. Fortunately, the doctors in her family were able to diagnose it early, she said, he has recovered well as a result.

“But even in his case, the weight of constant wariness and anticipation of another stroke is impossible to shake,” said Waraich, who is studying neuroscience. “I understand first-hand the value of an early-detection system.”

Chelsea Clinton is a public health advocate, researcher and educator. But being a mother has deepened her passion for children’s health, she explained in a talk on Feb. 5 at Weill Cornell Medicine.

Clinton, a member of Weill Cornell Medicine’s Board of Overseers, spoke to students and faculty about her passion for children’s health as part of the Luminaries in Healthcare Leadership series, during which industry leaders share their perspectives and expertise on cutting-edge issues related to the rapidly evolving healthcare industry.

New studies from Weill Cornell Medicine researchers have revealed the importance of two gene-regulation proteins in the development of common immune cell cancers called lymphomas.