State University Of New York

Advocates urge Gov. Kathy Hochul to expand NY's overdose reversal medications, as traditional Narcan doses become less effective against fentanyl-laced drugs. The state Health Department plans to diversify its supply but not until current contracts expire. Legislation to mandate broader FDA-approved options failed in the Senate, prompting calls for immediate action in Hochul's upcoming State of the State address or budget proposal.

Caris Life Sciences announces Jeffrey Vacirca, MD, FACP, joining its Board of Directors on November 7, 2024, bringing extensive cancer care and entrepreneurial experience.

Caris Life Sciences appoints Dr. Jeffrey Vacirca to its Board of Directors, effective November 7, 2024.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the Empire AI consortium, a group of seven research institutions aiming to advance AI for public good, funded by over $400 million. The consortium, led by Dr. Robert J. Harrison, will focus on issues like climate change, drug discovery, and cybersecurity, addressing the lack of access to high-performance computing for AI research.

Bickel established the International Quit & Recovery Registry at Virginia Tech, aiding scientific understanding of long-term recovery. The registry now includes over 10,000 participants from 60 countries. Bickel also developed the Experimental Tobacco Marketplace to study health behaviors influenced by policy. His legacy includes BEAM Diagnostics, a digital screening tool for behavioral health conditions. Bickel's career was marked by collaboration, mentorship, and numerous awards. Despite a terminal cancer diagnosis, he continued his research, co-authoring studies on addiction until his final months.