Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have found that brain tissue inflammation is a key driver of Alzheimer's disease progression. By targeting neuroinflammation, they believe combination therapy could be more effective in reducing amyloid plaque formation and limiting tau fiber spread.
A team of researchers is developing a smartphone-based device that can predict the size of aortic aneurysms and detect fluid overload in postpartum women. The device uses arterial waveforms, which can be easily recorded with a smartphone camera or smart scale, to provide a non-imaging solution for AA screening.
Long-term kidney transplant survival rates in the US have increased significantly over the last three decades, with five-year survival rates for deceased and living donors rising from 66.2% and 79.5%, respectively, in 1996-1999 to 78.2% and 88.1% in 2012-2015.
Researchers found that removing race-based adjustments from equations estimating kidney function could make Black patients ineligible for cancer treatments and lower their doses. The analysis showed that Black patients in the US are more frequently diagnosed with cancer and are more likely to die from it than white Americans.
More than 100 resolutions have been passed naming racism a public health crisis, with less than 1 in 5 explicitly mentioning funding for initiatives. The surge is linked to greater national attention brought by the COVID-19 pandemic and social justice movements.
A study found that a chronic gut disorder disrupts intestinal immune responses and impairs oral vaccine effectiveness in mice. The researchers developed a mouse model of the disease, which showed that EED mice had stunted growth, elevated gut inflammation, and shortened gut villi compared to control mice.
Scientists have identified three mechanisms by which nanobodies disarm the virus, blocking it from infecting cells. The near-atomic-level structural analysis provides valuable insights for developing future vaccines and therapeutics against a wide variety of coronaviruses.
Research suggests that adolescents with strong future orientation and parental support are less likely to use e-cigarettes. The study found no link between social support or school connectedness and e-cigarette use.
A new model estimates annual energy use intensity of 209 structures in Pittsburgh with only a 7% error rate. The Urban Building Energy Model can aid policy makers in setting energy goals and efficiency regulations for commercial buildings.
The Vascular Bioengineering Lab at the University of Pittsburgh has received a $100,000 award to develop a predictive model for abdominal aortic aneurysms. The model will use machine learning algorithms to classify different types of aneurysm outcomes and provide personalized management plans for patients.
Phages play a key role in initiating rapid bacterial evolution and the emergence of treatment-resistant superbugs, according to new research from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. The study reveals that phages interact with bacteria and facilitate adaptation, allowing resistant strains to gain an evolutionary advantage.
Researchers found that combining low-dose radiation with immunotherapy significantly boosts cancer eradication rates in mice. The treatment approach triggers the immune system to attack cancer cells, even when radiation alone is too weak to destroy them.
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.