A new T32 training program connects bioengineers and neurosurgeons to work on research projects improving neurosurgical practice. The program brings together postdoctoral associates and residents to collaborate on team-based research projects, closing the gap between neurosurgery and bioengineering.
A new University of Pittsburgh study found that low-frequency deep brain stimulation improves control of facial and tongue muscles involved in speaking and swallowing after traumatic brain injury. The treatment showed small but significant improvements in word intelligibility for one participant with TBI.
Researchers discovered that exhausted T cells can lose the exhaustion marker LAG3 to escape tumors and confer long-lasting immunity to cancer in mice. These cells play a critical role in generating a strong, durable memory response, which is essential for effective cancer immunotherapy.
A clinical trial found that refrigerated platelets stored for up to 21 days are just as effective as room-temperature platelets in treating bleeding patients. This discovery could extend the lifespan of platelets by nearly 4-fold, reducing waste and improving access to lifesaving therapy.
A national study found that about half of prostate cancer patients receiving focal therapy fell outside the recommended patient groups, highlighting the need for evidence-based treatment decisions. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding which patients are most likely to benefit from promising new treatments.
A team of researchers has developed a new way to study heart valve disorders by creating miniature, working models of the heart. The models, called assembloids, were grown from pluripotent adult stem cells and can be used to simulate various types of valve disorders, including mitral valve prolapse.
A new study found that women living in socially vulnerable communities face a higher risk of death after an ovarian cancer diagnosis compared to those living in less vulnerable communities. The study also discovered that Black women face a significantly higher risk of death than white women, highlighting the importance of addressing ne...
A large-scale field experiment found that small monetary incentives boosted sleep habits and improved academic performance in college students. The study, published in the Journal of Political Economy, showed a 26% increase in nights with seven or more hours of sleep and 0.075–0.089 higher grade points.
A team led by Jeremy Levy and Chandralekha Singh describes the Inverse Seminar, a format that recovers hidden knowledge and decisions in scientific papers. The format involves a senior scientist listening to a junior researcher present their own paper, recovering undocumented material and uncovering new insights.
Researchers used AI and single-cell technology to study the 3D genome in brain cells from individuals with Alzheimer's disease. They found increased compartment mingling, reduced gene activity, and altered brain cell organization. The study identifies 3D genome organization as a key layer of Alzheimer's biology.
The updated clinical guidelines broaden statin eligibility by looking beyond the next 10 years to a person's risk over several decades. The new recommendations apply to approximately 56.6% of adults ages 30-79, with an additional 21.5 million Americans now eligible.
A groundbreaking study published in Science Translational Medicine has successfully restored the sense of touch in individuals with spinal cord injuries using brain-computer interface technology. The study found that electrical pulses delivered to the somatosensory cortex remained stable and localized over a period of up to 10 years, w...
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh developed a new imaging technique to visualize nerve patterns in densely innervated joints, such as the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The c-Clear method produces a three-dimensional map of nerves with minimal tissue damage, allowing for better understanding of disorders like TMDs and TMJ pain.
A randomized clinical trial found that long-acting analogue insulin glargine was associated with less time spent in dangerous hypoglycemia and fewer nighttime low blood sugar events. However, benefits only emerged after a year into the trial.
The University of Pittsburgh's DPT-PhD Bioengineering Program has been awarded a five-year NIH T32 training grant. The program, co-directed by Rakié Cham and Patrick Sparto, supports students in integrating physical therapy education with bioengineering research training.
Researchers paired CAR T cell immunotherapy with a targeted radiopharmaceutical to improve tumor regression in preclinical models of neuroblastoma. The combination therapy worked through different mechanisms depending on the tumor's sensitivity to radiation.
A new study has identified biological pathways that explain why air pollution affects some people with asthma more than others. Researchers found that individuals with specific genetic variants are more susceptible to the harmful effects of fine particulate matter, and that targeted interventions may be able to blunt these effects.
A study reveals that H5N1 bird flu causes severe infection in cow udders instead of lungs, and identifies a specific glycan receptor subtype as the key to its unusual behavior. This discovery provides a new way to predict the virus's next host jump and potential disease manifestation.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a more sustainable and economically competitive process to produce battery-quality graphite, with hydrogen generated as a valuable co-product. The new method uses molten metal catalysis to dehydrogenate ethane, producing high-quality graphite that is currently dominated by China.
A study by University of Pittsburgh researchers found that a single TV episode sparked a surge in awareness and conversations about the historic ambulance service. Online search trends and social media conversations revealed how entertainment media can spark curiosity and learning about forgotten topics.
Nikhil Bajaj's $649K NSF CAREER Award aims to develop a unified computational framework for designing nonlinear systems. The approach targets bifurcation behavior in devices such as ultrasensitive gas-leak detectors and energy harvesters. By starting from explicit behavior specification, researchers can engineer systems backwards.
Graphonos Materials, a startup from the University of Pittsburgh, has developed a novel technology to produce battery-quality graphite and hydrogen using molten metal catalysis. This process is more energy-efficient and sustainable than current methods, which require high temperatures and generate significant carbon emissions.
A clinical trial tested four remote monitoring approaches against usual care and found that none outperformed usual care in reducing readmissions. The study highlights the importance of studying real-world care models to optimize outcomes.
A new study suggests that lower baseline dopamine may drive teenage risk-taking behavior, such as substance experimentation, which tends to decrease with age. The research found that adolescents with lower dopamine levels were more likely to try substances, but their use declined after the college years.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that maternal RSV vaccination reduces hospitalization risk in young infants by nearly 70%. The vaccine also showed effectiveness against severe lung infections caused by the virus.
A pioneering pilot clinical trial showed that spinal cord stimulation improved arm strength by 32% in stroke survivors, with significant reductions in muscle spasticity. The intervention required minimal training time and was safe with no serious adverse events.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine discovered an unexpected chromosome interaction between telomeres and centromeres in some aggressive cancers. This interaction creates a genetic signature that could help identify ALT-positive tumors, which are often challenging to treat due to genomic instability.
A new brain imaging test can detect Alzheimer's disease pathology in twice as many people before symptoms appear. The test uses a new tau PET tracer that identifies more tau-positive cases than the current standard, leading to better decisions about who is on an Alzheimer's trajectory.
A recent study published in PNAS has found no meaningful health impacts from exposure to wind turbines. The researchers analyzed data from over 120,000 households and found no correlations between turbine installation and health problems such as headaches, depression, or sleep disturbances.
A nationwide trial found that giving whole blood or its component parts to patients with severe bleeding before arriving at the hospital is equally effective. The study, which included over 1,000 patients, also showed no difference in outcomes between newer and older blood within a certain time frame.
The Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases will investigate how environmental exposures cause neurodegeneration and develop methods to prevent or mitigate these exposures. The project aims to improve diagnostics and future therapies for Parkinson's disease, a condition characterized by heterogeneity across individuals.
A study by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh found that older scientists produce fewer disruptive new ideas than younger ones, creating a 'nostalgia effect' that influences scientific advancement. As scientists age, their papers tend to cite older research in new combinations rather than introducing wholly new concepts.
A study by University of Pittsburgh researchers found that eating creates a temporary metabolic state that influences T cell function, leading to improved responses to infection. The findings have particular relevance for cancer immunotherapy and may inform when immune cells are collected or activated.
A new study from the University of Pittsburgh found that mindfulness training can help students build resilience in the face of emotional threats, leading to increased engagement in college physics. After five days of training, students reported feeling less threatened and more motivated to learn.
Researchers used machine learning algorithms to analyze satellite data, combining public and private sources to predict lava flow patterns. The study's findings can aid in early warning systems for volcanic eruptions, providing critical information for safety and analysis.
A video game developed to improve trauma triage decision making in emergency doctors has shown promising results. The game reduced under-triage rates for older patients by 49% compared to those who did not play the game, suggesting improved diagnostic abilities and adherence to guidelines.
A first-in-human trial shows that an infusion of immune cells derived from a donor's blood can prime the recipient's immune system to accept a donor liver, potentially reducing lifelong immunosuppression. Eight out of 13 participants achieved complete withdrawal of immunosuppression and remained off for more than three years.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a new manufacturing strategy to precisely control the formation of laser-induced graphene on polymers. This allows for the creation of flexible microelectrodes and neurochemical biosensors with robust electrical and electrochemical performance.
A team of researchers, led by Bistra Iordanova and Liang Zhan, are developing multiscale models of brain metabolism to predict cognitive decline and dementia. They will analyze data from brain imaging, blood flow, and neural activity to identify metabolic changes that affect brain function in aging.
Paul Ohodnicki leads a team at Pitt developing medium frequency magnetics for high voltage grid applications, aiming to reduce cost and footprint by three-fold. The project uses $1.9 million in federal funds to design and manufacture transformers.
The BiliSeq test detected approximately 82% of bile duct cancers, compared to 44% with pathology alone, and increased cancer detection to nearly 90% when combined with pathology. This improved accuracy enables physicians to provide more personalized medicine and treatment options for patients.
Research by David Lebel and colleagues found that only half of the relationships between negative emotions and workplace outcomes were harmful during the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, many showed no effect or even positive effects, highlighting the importance of empathetic leadership in moderating these outcomes.
A blood-based test may help guide treatment decisions for older women with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. Patients whose ctDNA test was negative were more likely to have stable disease or tumor shrinkage, suggesting surgery and radiation might not improve outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine develop an experimental 'living eye drop' using naturally occurring eye bacteria to accelerate corneal wound healing. The engineered bacteria, Corynebacterium mastitidis, continuously secrete interleukin-10, a protein that regulates inflammation.
University of Pittsburgh engineers develop predictive models for longitudinal cracking on concrete pavements to improve road performance and reduce repairs. The project aims to create a nationwide infrastructure solution by pinpointing root causes and developing mechanistic-empirical models.
Fang Peng has made significant contributions to Z-source and modular multi-level converters for distribution and transmission networks. These technologies improve safety, flexibility, and performance in diverse energy sources. Peng's work aims to create resilient systems that can handle faults and prevent devastating wildfires.
A pilot clinical trial suggests that low-dose oral lithium may help slow the decline of verbal memory in older adults with mild cognitive impairment, particularly those with evidence of amyloid beta. The study found that participants receiving lithium showed a slower rate of decline on a sensitive test of verbal memory.
Research by University of Pittsburgh surgeon-scientists reveals that EMS clinicians who treat a high number of trauma patients have improved survival rates. The study found a 10% decrease in mortality for every five additional trauma patients treated annually, with no association between years on the job and patient outcomes.
Dr. Paul Ohodnicki joins as permanent director, succeeding Heng Ban; to expand energy research and education capabilities across multiple disciplines.
Researchers found that wild Yellow-naped Amazon parrots use complex vocalizations with syntax, collocates, and a large repertoire of notes when fighting for territory. The team identified over 450 calls in warble duets, revealing precise rules governing the birds' communication.