A recent study found that more Americans with opioid use disorder are receiving evidence-based treatment. However, significant gaps in care remain along racial lines, highlighting the need for policymakers and medical providers to address these disparities.
Scientists investigate how bacteria develop resistance to silver nanoparticles, identifying a key genetic mutation and differences in motility. The findings suggest that silver nanoparticles may be effective against certain strains of bacteria, but caution is needed to prevent resistance.
A recent study published in Health Economics found that states with recreational marijuana laws experienced a short-term decline in opioid-related emergency department visits. This decline was most pronounced among 25- to 44-year-olds and men, suggesting that cannabis may be substituting for opioids as a pain relief measure.
Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh have developed a new method to convert methane into valuable chemicals using photocatalysts, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and waste. The process uses light as an energy source to break down methane bonds, creating fuel and chemical products.
Scientists have discovered a new mechanism by which the liver adapts to injury by decreasing bile synthesis and shunting it to the bloodstream. This adaptation may explain why some patients with liver injury develop symptoms later than others, and could lead to new treatments for these patients.
Researchers found that inflammatory markers were high when patients experienced episodes of rhabdomyolysis, and lower when they were well. The team identified a 'cytokine storm' as the underlying issue, which can be triggered by an unknown mechanism in VLCADD patients.
University of Pittsburgh researchers received prestigious awards for their work on phase diagrams, thermodynamic properties, and uncertainty quantification in alloy powder production. Assistant Professor Wei Xiong won the inaugural CALPHAD Young Leader Award, while graduate student Xin Wang received the Best Poster Award.
A new study from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that some people, particularly older men with erectile dysfunction, were having more sex during the pandemic. Sales of daily-use erectile dysfunction drugs skyrocketed after March 2020, indicating an increase in spontaneous sexual activity.
Cities experience higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas due to the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, caused by urban infrastructure absorbing heat. Researchers propose applying cooler surfaces to strategic locations to decrease cost and increase usage, offering an effective solution for resilient and sustainable infrastructure.
Researchers are developing a new technique to study microbes in conditions that mimic their native environment, facilitating the growth of difficult microbial species. This technology has potential applications in medicine, biotechnology, and bioremediation, including the controlled delivery of healthy gut bacteria into the body.
A new framework analyzes dishonest end-of-life electronics management and finds that making recycling more profitable is key to preventing fraudulent practices. The researchers suggest targeted subsidies, higher penalties, and blockchain-based supervision as potential solutions.
Aleksandar Stevanovic, University of Pittsburgh associate professor, receives Fulbright Specialist Program award to develop Intelligent Transportation Systems in Serbia. The project aims to reduce fossil fuel consumption and carbon footprint in urban networks.
Researchers are developing innovative computational tools to illuminate how genetic factors impact brain structure and function, particularly in Alzheimer's disease. The goal is to accelerate the discovery of robust imaging biomarkers of neurological disorders.
Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh have developed a new particle-free silver microgrid conductor that surpasses traditional indium tin oxide (ITO) in flexible high-performance transparent electrodes. The microgrids demonstrate better transparency, lower roughness, and mechanical durability.
Researchers aim to create a sustainable material design framework to mitigate pathogen exposure in drinking water. They will examine graphitic carbon nitride, a non-metal material with antimicrobial properties, to develop a cost-effective solution for treating drinking water.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a new class of self-aware metamaterials that can sense pressure, stresses, and generate power. These materials are scalable, efficient, and can be used in various civil, aerospace, and biomedical engineering applications.
Scientists discover that inhalable nanobodies targeting the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 can prevent and treat severe COVID-19 in hamsters. The treatment showed impressive results, reducing infectious virus particles by a million-fold and preventing weight loss associated with severe infection.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh developed a brain-computer interface that uses brain stimulation to evoke tactile sensations, improving control of a robotic arm. The study found that supplementing vision with artificial tactile perception cut the time spent grasping and transferring objects in half.
A new type of coronary artery stent is being developed with ultra-low profile struts and a smart surface that can help improve healing and prevent blood clots. The stents aim to reduce the risk of restenosis and thrombosis, which occur in 3-10% of cases.
Researchers discovered that a population of regulatory T cells serve as tissue repair engineers to promote functional recovery after stroke. Boosting these cells improved behavioral and cognitive functions in mice for weeks after a stroke, pointing to potential immunotherapy.
Monoclonal antibodies cut COVID-19 risk of hospitalization and death by 60% in those most likely to suffer complications. The strongest effect was seen in older patients, who were nearly three times less likely to be hospitalized or die.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are working on new soft magnetic materials and manufacturing processes to enable ultra-high frequency power electronics switching devices. The four-year project aims to establish a foundation for ultra-wide bandgap semiconductor materials in novel power electronics switching devices.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that surgically placing tympanostomy tubes in young children does not reduce recurrent ear infections compared to oral antibiotics. The trial also showed no increased bacterial resistance among children treated with antibiotics.
A study of 3,744 hospitalized adult COVID-19 patients found that 82% developed neurological symptoms, with acute encephalopathy being the most common. Patients with preexisting neurological conditions or symptoms are at a higher risk of developing COVID-19-related complications.
Scientists from the University of Pittsburgh and University of Rochester aim to improve seawater-to-fuel technology by refining a crucial step in the process. The researchers seek to design catalysts that can efficiently convert carbon dioxide into usable fuels, making the process more energy efficient and safer.
A recent study has identified a genetic cause of a rare neurological disorder, ataxia, linked to mutations in the GEMIN5 protein. The discovery could lead to the development of diagnostic tests and treatments for affected individuals.
Researchers will use whole genome sequencing to identify genetic variants associated with plaques and tangles in the brain, which begin accumulating years before symptoms appear. The goal is to develop early diagnosis methods and potential treatments for Alzheimer's disease.
An international team found a link between subtle differences in adolescent brain shape and psychosis development, with those at high risk showing widespread lower cortical thickness. This discovery could contribute to earlier detection and treatment of psychosis.
Researchers are testing cognitive behavioral therapy called Memory and Attention Adaptation Training (MAAT) to improve memory problems and emotional resilience among breast cancer survivors. The study aims to evaluate the effects of MAAT and supportive therapy on cognitive dysfunction after chemotherapy.
Researchers aim to develop new alloys that can be additively manufactured to produce strong yet ductile structures. By understanding the underlying mechanisms of grain refinement in complex concentrated alloys, they hope to create materials suitable for various engineering applications, including space exploration.
The study found that nearly half of people with asthma closest to the fire were unaware of the pollution problem and unable to take steps to avoid exposure. The incident led to an 80% increased risk of worsened asthma symptoms for those living within a 10-mile radius of the plant.
Researchers discovered that a protein called VGLUT plays a key role in regulating sex differences in brain vulnerability to age-related dopamine neuron loss. Higher levels of VGLUT were found in female neurons, correlating with greater resilience to neurodegeneration and mobility deficiencies.
A large-scale evaluation of a federal policy aimed at reducing deaths from sepsis found that it was mostly ineffective in improving patient outcomes. Despite significant investments, the 'all or none' guidelines, known as SEP-1, did not translate to clinically meaningful changes in care delivery or reductions in deaths.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that treating older patients with early-stage breast cancer did not improve survival rates and may cause harm. Researchers analyzed data from over 3,000 women aged 70 and found that omitting treatments like sentinel lymph node biopsy and radiotherapy did not affect recurrence or survival rates.
Researchers developed guidelines to promote vaccines on social media, analyzing a grassroots campaign and finding that 78.9% of tweets were anti-vaccine despite the event's intention. The team recommends using personal narratives, partnerships, and inclusivity to create effective pro-vaccination campaigns.
A recent study has identified two distinct immune profiles in severe asthma patients, which could lead to personalized treatment approaches. The research, conducted by a team of scientists at the University of Pittsburgh and Stanford University, used advanced tools to characterize immune cells within the airways of severe asthma patients.
Near-poor Americans, just above the federal poverty level, face high medical bills and forgo essential health care due to a Medicaid eligibility cliff. Researchers propose solutions to fix this gap, including expanding supplemental coverage and simplifying the application process.
The UPMC/Pitt team established a largest and most equitable distribution network for COVID-19 monoclonal antibody infusions across Pennsylvania. The treatment reduced likelihood of hospitalization and death in UPMC patients who received it, especially when administered soon after infection.
Non-circulating memory T cells play a crucial role in chronic transplant rejection by providing local protection against re-infection and causing prolonged immune responses. Targeting these cells could improve clinical transplant outcomes while preserving the immune system's ability to fight off infections.
A University of Pittsburgh-led survey found US hospitals struggled with strain during the 2017-18 flu season, highlighting a need for pandemic planning. The study's findings suggest that lessons from past crises can inform better preparedness strategies.
Chemical engineers at the University of Pittsburgh create self-oscillating flexible materials that display swarmalator behavior, coordinating spatial movement and temporal oscillations. These materials can pave the way for fabricating collaborative soft robotic systems.
A joint effort by Pitt bioengineer and orthopaedic surgeon aims to improve surgical outcomes for capsular injuries, potentially leading to a more effective treatment. The study uses quantitative techniques to measure injury magnitude and location, with the goal of reducing failure rates and improving patient recovery.
A study of hundreds of women found that accelerated abdominal fat gain during menopause is associated with increased heart disease risk, regardless of weight changes. Measuring waist circumference may be an early indicator of this risk beyond traditional BMI calculations.
Researchers discovered a blood biomarker that predicts kidney transplant rejection with a lead time of about eight months. The biomarker suggests using an existing medication to right the course of long-term recovery and prevent permanent damage.
A decade after childbirth, women with a history of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy may experience changes in the structure and function of their hearts, predisposing them to ischemic heart disease and heart failure. Early therapeutic interventions can help prevent long-term cardiac complications.
Researchers found that a child's first influenza infection can impact their immune response to future flu viruses, with varying degrees of protection against different strains. The study suggests that understanding the concept of "The Original Antigenic Sin" could inform age-based interventions and vaccination programs during pandemics.
Researchers have developed a computational model to improve the production of polyisobutenyl succinic anhydrides (PIBSAs) for auto industry formulations. The study reveals the detailed mechanism of Lewis acid-catalyzed reactions, enabling faster and more efficient synthesis with reduced energy input.
A team of researchers at the University of Pittsburgh is developing a new model to predict the risk of human aneurysms, using mechanical testing and biomechanical simulations. They aim to identify patients at high risk of rupture and improve patient prognosis by guiding surgical intervention.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have developed a new technique to discover tiny antibody fragments that can target different parts of a pathogen, making them effective against variants. This approach has the potential to quickly identify multiple potent nanobodies that can neutralize pathogens.
Dopamine plays a key role in regulating blood glucose levels, and its blockade by antipsychotic medications can lead to uncontrolled glucose production and obesity. The study reveals that pancreatic alpha cells produce dopamine, which acts on both insulin-producing beta cells and other receptors.