In a spirited celebration of scientific discovery, the recent STAT Breakthrough Summit East in Manhattan hosted a unique event that drew parallels to the excitement of March Madness. As basketball enthusiasts eagerly followed tournament scores, scientists gathered to participate in the STAT Madness pitch session, a bracket-style competition highlighting groundbreaking research. STAT editorial events programmer Katherine MacPhail likened the event to a scientific version of the popular show “Shark Tank,” setting the stage for an engaging and innovative showcase.
The pitch session featured four teams out of the 64 competing in STAT’s annual competition, presenting their research to a distinguished panel of judges and the summit audience. The panel included esteemed figures such as Cure CEO Seema Kumar, JobsOhio managing director of healthcare Tyler Allchin, STAT reporter and events director Matthew Herper, and Weill Cornell Medicine pharmacology professor Lonny Levin. Notably, Levin’s team clinched the All-Star award in last year’s STAT Madness for their pioneering work in male birth control innovation.
One standout team from this year’s pitch session was the New York University School of Global Public Health, positioned as a strong contender in the ongoing competition. Their research on the disproportionate rates of respiratory failure deaths among Hispanic individuals resonated with the audience, earning them the coveted audience pick at the live event. Associate professor Mari Armstrong-Hough shared insights into their investigation, revealing a concerning trend where Hispanic patients were five times more likely to receive deep sedation in intensive care units compared to other patients.
The NYU team’s findings shed light on a critical disparity in healthcare practices and outcomes, prompting a call to action for a necessary change. Armstrong-Hough emphasized the practicality of addressing this issue, highlighting the potential to save lives by de-implementing a long-standing low-value practice. The team’s dedication to uncovering solutions to improve patient outcomes underscored the importance of evidence-based interventions in healthcare.
Diving deeper into the realm of scientific innovation, other teams showcased their groundbreaking research during the live event. Justin Jee from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center presented a novel approach using natural language processing to extract crucial data from medical records, offering new insights into cancer patient demographics and treatment outcomes. Meanwhile, Wenbin Mei of Rockefeller University shared intriguing findings on cancer metastasis and genetic factors that influence disease progression, hinting at promising avenues for future therapies.
The event also featured Kim Mudd from Johns Hopkins, who discussed her team’s research on an antibody treatment for allergic reactions. Omalizumab, an FDA-approved therapy, showed remarkable results in enhancing tolerance to various allergens among both children and adults. Mudd addressed concerns about the long-term use of the treatment, clarifying that it serves as a valuable intervention for individuals managing allergies during transitional phases or high-risk scenarios.
As the day unfolded at the STAT Breakthrough Summit, a recurring theme emerged regarding the significance of promoting scientific research in a relatable and accessible manner. Melissa Dupont of Sanofi emphasized the need to demystify science and connect it to everyday life, emphasizing the relevance of scientific advancements to a broader audience.
In a time where funding for scientific endeavors faces challenges, the visibility and recognition of innovative research take on heightened importance. While STAT Madness offers no monetary prize, the platform serves as a vital showcase for groundbreaking discoveries and the dedicated teams behind them. As the competition continues to unfold, the spirit of scientific inquiry and transformative breakthroughs remains at the forefront of the global public health landscape.
Voting for STAT Madness is now open, inviting the public to engage with and support cutting-edge research that has the potential to shape the future of healthcare and scientific discovery.
