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Written by: Harrison Greebel

Category: Health

Published: 23 April 2026

Sonja XieOn Monday, April 13th Scarsdale High School Juniors who are enrolled in the three-year Science Research program hosted the Annual Science Research Symposium. During this event, Seniors showcased their independent, mentor-guided research projects, including slide presentations, scientific papers and award-winning work. The event serves as a platform for students to share their scientific contributions with the community, parents and Scarsdale High School faculty.

The symposium is the culmination of a three-year elective course, which starts in the sophomore year, focusing on in-depth, student-led research in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, psychology or certain social-sciences. The event highlights the depths of research achieved by students enrolled in the program, choosing topics to study, learning to read scientific literature, identifying mentors actively working in their chosen fields, conducting independent and original research and competing in competitions.

This year two SHS seniors received awards at the Regeneron Westchester Science and Engineering Fair. Rachel Rakower received a second place award and Sonja Xie received a third place award.

The program is designed for students with a high level of ambition and independence and offers them an opportunity to engage in college-level research. SHS juniors are responsible for organizing the symposium and focus on three core areas.The publicity committee is responsible for promoting the event; the program committee reviews abstracts and develops the printed program; and the technology committee creates the slideshows and prepares the website for presentations. The website will launch on June 1st and will showcase the seniors’ completed research as well as the projects that sophomores and juniors enrolled in the class will research during the upcoming summer.

I am researching the impact that online payment forms have on college students' spending habits. Specifically, I am analyzing whether platforms such as Venmo, Zelle and Paypal are causing college students to make irresponsible payments. I am trying to determine whether these platforms are causing an increase in impulse purchases or whether these platforms are preventing college students from developing key financial skills that will impact them later in their lives.

Below are summaries of some of the senior presentations. If you are interested, you are encouraged to connect with the presenters or learn more when the website launches.

Sophie Lammer

Sonja Xie

Topic: Neurite Degeneration Following UK-5099 Inhibition of the Mitochondrial Pyruvate Carrier Reveals Metabolic Thresholds for Neuronal Integrity

Summary: Neurodegenerative disorders are characterized by the progressive loss of neurites—the essential communication projections of nerve cells—which is linked to impaired energy metabolism. To investigate this, primary cortical neurons were treated with UK-5099, a synthetic inhibitor of the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC), revealing significant, dose-dependent structural loss. These results suggest that mitochondrial pyruvate transport is a key regulator of neuronal integrity and a potential target for neuroprotective therapies.

Julia Wu-Oswald

Julia Wu-Oswald

Topic: Lipids in Alzheimer's Disease

Summary: In Alzheimer's Disease, an abnormal accumulation of lipids strongly correlates with cognitive decline and the toxic build-up of amyloid-beta plaques. Previous in vitro studies showed that applying avasimibe inhibits the creation of cholesteryl esters within glial cell lipid droplets, which helps microglia (immune cells) more effectively clear away amyloid-beta. However, my in vitro study found that newly synthesized avasimibe derivatives were ineffective in increasing this uptake, failing to assist microglia in clearing the plaques and leaving the brain vulnerable to continued toxicity.

Sophie Lammer

Topic: Phenotyping of Cocultured Chronically Activated CD8+ and CD4+ T Cells In Vitro

Summary: CD8+ and CD4+ T cells are the immune system's most important defenders against cancer, but over time, their tumor-killing abilities become exhausted from prolonged activation. My in vitro experiment directly explored how this T-cell exhaustion is driven by harmful changes in the cells' lipid metabolism. By characterizing these metabolic and structural changes, my research elucidates exactly how these T cells fail to properly regulate the anti-tumor immune
response.

Peter Lin

Topic: Microbiology

Summary: The pathogen Fusobacterium nucleatum has been strongly linked with colon tumors, but the molecular mechanisms promoting this tumorigenesis remain unclear. This study investigates how F. nucleatum may promote tumor development by disrupting RNA interference (RNAi), an important regulatory pathway in gene expression. Results show that exposure to the pathogen prevents the formation of key RNAi complexes, suggesting a novel mechanism mediating host-pathogen interactions in cancer development.

Overall it was an amazing night to showcase our wonderful outgoing seniors' work.

Contirubted by By: Harrison E. Greebel SHS Class of 2027

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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Category: Health

Published: 14 April 2026

As 5th graders begin looking ahead to middle school, many families find themselves navigating new questions, challenges, and changes. To support parents during this important transition, Scarsdale Edgemont Family Counseling Services is offering 5th Grade Parent Support Groups this spring, and there is still time to join!

These groups are designed to provide a welcoming space for parents to connect with one another, share experiences, and gain practical tools to support their children socially and emotionally. Facilitated by mental health professionals, the groups focus on topics such as adjusting to middle school expectations, supporting independence, and managing the social and emotional shifts that often come with this stage.

The groups will take place in May and June, offering parents an opportunity to build community and feel more prepared as their children take this next step.
Registration is currently open and will close on April 24th.

Families interested in participating can sign up using the link below.
https://www.sfcsinc.org/news-events

For questions or more information, please contact the Parent Support Group Coordinator Megan Harkins, LMHC, at mharkins@sfcsinc.org.

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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Category: Health

Published: 09 April 2026

The return of warmer weather offers more opportunities to return to exercise outdoors, whether it be walking, running or paddle sports. April is Foot Health Awareness Month, an important reminder to consider the role the right footwear can play in staying active and healthy all year long.

Shoes are not one-size-fits-all, and wearing the right footwear can play a critical role in preventing injuries from the unique stresses that athletic activities can place on the feet, ankles, and lower legs.

Wearing the wrong type of shoe can contribute to injuries such as:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Achilles tendonitis
• Stress fractures
• Shin splints
• Ankle sprains

The Right Shoe for the Right Activity

When walking, your shoes should provide comfort, support, and flexibility. Look for shoes that have:

• A flexible forefoot
• Cushioned heel
• Good arch support
• Lightweight design
• Ability to bend at the ball of the foot, not in the middle

Tip: Replace walking shoes every 300–500 miles or when the tread is visibly worn.

Running can increase impact forces up to 2–3 times your body weight. Runners should prioritize:

• Proper shock absorption
• Stability tailored to their foot type
• Secure heel counter

Tip: Consider getting a professional fitting at a specialty running store to ensure the best support.

Court Sports such as tennis, pickleball & padel involve quick lateral movements, pivots, and sudden stops. Running shoes are not designed for side-to-side motion and may increase the risk of ankle sprains. Court-specific shoes should include:

• Lateral support
• Reinforced sidewalls
• Grippy soles with textured tread for traction
• Lower profile for better balance

Signs Your Shoes Are Wrong for You

You may be wearing the wrong shoes if you notice persistent foot or heel pain after activity. Repeated blisters in the same location or bruised toenails are also warning signs. Feeling unstable during side-to-side movements or noticing uneven wear on the sole can indicate that your footwear is not providing proper support.

Final Takeaway

Spring and summer are ideal for getting moving, but your feet need the right support. Choosing footwear appropriate for your activity is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent injury. If you’re unsure which shoes are right for you or are experiencing foot pain, consult a podiatrist to prevent small problems from becoming season-ending injuries.

Michelle Castiello, DPM, MBA is a podiatrist at Scarsdale Medical Group/White Plains Hospital Physician Associates, seeing patients at 600 Mamaroneck Avenue in Harrison. To make an appointment, call 914-723-8100.

This article originally appeared on Health Matters, a White Plains Hospital Publication.

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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Category: Health

Published: 02 April 2026

Cases of multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves (the nerves that transmit signals from the eyes to the brain), are on the rise in the United States, impacting nearly 1 million people nationwide. For many patients, a diagnosis can feel overwhelming and raise questions such as:

• What does this mean for my future?
• Will I be able to work or maintain my lifestyle?
• What treatments are available?

At White Plains Hospital, patients have expanded access to specialized, comprehensive MS care close to home at its Multiple Sclerosis Center, which has been based at the Hospital since 2004. Over the years, the Center has continued to grow and evolve, expanding its team of dedicated MS specialists and broadening its treatments and resources for patients.

White Plains Hospital is the only healthcare organization in Westchester designated as a Center for Comprehensive MS Care through the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Partners in MS Care program.

Coordinated Care Led by an MS Specialist

The Center is led by Dr. Ute Traugott, an internationally recognized MS specialist with more than 40 years of experience. She specializes exclusively in MS and related neuroimmunologic disorders and serves as Program Director, guiding a highly coordinated, multidisciplinary team.

“Certification by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society is very important,” Dr. Traugott says, “as it assures patients that there is a highly qualified group of specialists forming a treatment team to provide the best and up-to-date comprehensive care.”

The program recently expanded with Dr. Mark Tullman as Associate Director, who brings two decades of MS-focused experience, and Dr. Samantha Epstein, a neurologist with additional specialized training in neuroimmunology, enhancing patient access to expert care across the disease spectrum.

A Team-Based, Patient-Focused Model

With a team of experts working together under one roof, patients at White Plains Hospital’s MS Center experience care that is coordinated, comprehensive and supports every aspect of living with MS. Key benefits include:

• Expert evaluation and diagnosis: Accurate diagnosis using MRI, blood tests, and spinal fluid analysis, distinguishing MS from related conditions.

• Personalized treatment plans: Disease-modifying therapies tailored to reduce relapses and slow disease progression. Pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic therapies to alleviate the daily symptoms of MS often play an integral part in patient care.

• Access to advanced therapies: At this time, over 20 FDA-approved treatments are available. In addition, new medications are in clinical trials targeting inflammation and myelin repair.

• Integrated specialty services: Physical and occupational therapy, urologic care, pain management, and mental health support.

In addition, the team meets regularly with colleagues specializing in neuroradiology to review complex cases, ensuring that every patient receives the most appropriate care.

Understanding MS: Symptoms and Diagnosis

“In patients with MS, the immune system attacks and damages the central nervous system — the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves,” says Dr. Epstein. “That damage can result in weakness, numbness and tingling, vision problems, fatigue, and difficulties with coordination and balance.”

“There is no single diagnostic test,” Dr. Epstein adds. “MS is diagnosed through a combination of clinical history, neurologic examination, imaging, blood tests, and, if necessary, evaluation of spinal fluid.”

Specialized Care for Complex Conditions

Drs. Epstein, Traugott and Tullman also treat patients with rare autoimmune neurologic disorders such as:
• Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder

• Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-associated disease (MOGAD)

“These conditions can resemble MS but require distinct approaches,” Dr. Tullman explains. “My focus complements Dr. Traugott’s leadership to care for patients at every stage — from newly diagnosed to long-term management.”

“We work closely with rehabilitation specialists and other subspecialists to address the full spectrum of patient needs,” Dr. Traugott says.
“Our goal is not just excellent clinical care, but an exceptional patient experience,” adds Dr. Tullman.

With the addition of new physicians and ongoing advances in treatment and research, the Center remains committed to providing patients with expert, coordinated care at every stage of their MS journey.

Learn more about Multiple Sclerosis Services at White Plains Hospital.

This article originally appeared on Health Matters, a White Plains Hospital publication.