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.
Researchers found that disrupting the effect of the tumor microenvironment on immune cells in mice allowed for shrinking tumors, prolonging survival and increasing sensitivity to immunotherapy. Silencing a key protein MCT1 caused tumor growth to slow down and killer T cells could attack cancer.
Pitt and CMU researchers create a high-torque light-powered actuator that can compete with electrical and pneumatic systems. By forming a polymer sheet into a curved shape, the bending action happens quickly and generates more torque.
A new data tool called SafeNET can rapidly predict mortality for patients facing transfer between hospitals, helping physicians, patients, and families make informed decisions. The tool analyzes patient demographics, vital signs, lab tests, and other factors to provide a predicted mortality risk in under five minutes.
A new program at the University of Pittsburgh, funded by the NIH, aims to educate investigators and innovators on designing for older adults. The Human Factors of Aging program will help translate research into action, considering physical, cognitive, and sensory issues that often get overlooked.
Researchers found fecal transplant increased immune cell activation and decreased immunosuppression in responders, suggesting a link between gut microbiome changes and treatment effectiveness. The study's results raise hope for microbiome-based therapies of cancers.
Researchers discovered SARS-CoV-2 mutates by deleting small bits of its sequence, evading neutralizing antibodies. This pattern repeats itself in emerging variants like B.1.1.7, highlighting the need for multiple approaches to combat the virus.
Researchers have identified a spinal cord circuit responsible for opioid-related itch and found a drug that can relieve the sensation. Nalfurafine, clinically approved in Japan to treat itching caused by liver disease, relieved spinal morphine-induced itch in both mice and monkeys.
Research finds economic dependence of US crops on insect pollination totaling $34 billion in 2012, with areas producing 80% of value relying on poor pollinator habitats. The study identifies key areas that need improved pollinator habitat to mitigate declining bee populations.
A study found that Black and Hispanic children are less likely to undergo medical imaging tests compared to White children. The disparity is attributed to both unnecessary testing in White children and underuse in minority children, potentially due to implicit bias among providers.
Researchers aim to create an 'intelligent' pipeline that can detect defects through acoustic and vibrational signatures, enabling targeted in-situ repairs with reduced downtime and costs. The project also plans to develop economic models and regulatory modifications for commercialization.
Extracellular vesicles, secreted by the cells lining the airways, carry iron bound to transferrin and supply bacterial cells with essential nutrients, promoting bacterial growth. This mechanism allows bacteria to exploit the host's defense system against pathogens.
Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh have identified a new, primary phase of blood vessel restructuring that begins immediately after an aneurysm forms. This immediate adaptation enables the vessel to better handle new loads and reduces the risk of rupture.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have successfully used a new, biodegradable magnesium-alloy stent to treat pediatric laryngotracheal stenosis. The stent showed promising results in both lab testing and rabbit models, with low degradation rates and no adverse problems.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh took snapshots of light using ultrafast microscopy, stopping it to observe its behavior. They discovered that light vortices can cause transitions in solid state materials, generating topologically distinct materials.
Researchers at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh and Promundo-US significantly reduced sexual violence among teenage boys in areas of concentrated disadvantage through community-based programs. The proportion of youth reporting the use of sexual or partner violence decreased by about 12 percentage points in both groups.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a technique to create quantum devices by 'sketching' patterns of electrons into programmable materials. This approach enables the creation of active nanostructured gates directly below two-dimensional materials like graphene, with feature sizes comparable to electron spacing.
Pittsburgh engineers build a two-dimensional sheet that spontaneously transforms into a three-dimensional gear, performing sustained work without external power. The innovation enables the development of self-powered machines for resource-poor environments.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh analyzed over 150 studies on hollow fiber membrane contactors, a leading carbon capture technology. They found that 3D models can reveal unique information about the technology, accelerating progress towards commercial use.
A study of 1,226 individuals with Takayasu arteritis identified new genetic associations that can predict individual susceptibility to the disease. The researchers also discovered novel molecules and pathways that can be targeted for therapy, providing hope for developing more effective treatments.
Dr. Eric Beckman, a renowned engineer at the University of Pittsburgh, has been recognized as an NAI Fellow for his groundbreaking research in molecular design, biomedical polymers, and sustainability. His work aims to create new knowledge that benefits human health and the environment.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have developed a method to create lab-grown liver organoids with blood- and bile-handling systems using synthetic biology and machine learning. The resulting organs can mature faster than natural organs, extending the life of mice with failing livers.
Researchers found a molecular basis for the connection between disrupted circadian rhythms and substance abuse in mice with an NPAS2 gene mutation. The study revealed sex-based differences in behavioral changes related to cocaine administration and striatum activation.
Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh have created a serpentine path for electrons, changing their properties and giving rise to new behavior. The work uses a nanoscale sketching technique to engineer spin-orbit interactions, which could be useful in future quantum technologies.
Pitt researchers found that insufficient social support and unrealistic weight loss expectations can predict dissatisfaction with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. Higher physical activity levels after surgery improve mental and physical quality of life, regardless of weight loss.
Researchers find that Staphylococcus aureus thrives in glucose-rich diabetic conditions, triggering virulent features and unchecked infection. Understanding this mechanism could lead to treatments targeting the bacteria's glucose hunger.
Researchers found a significant rise in early-stage cancer diagnoses following ACA's Medicaid expansion, while late-stage cancer rates decreased over time. The study suggests that increased access to healthcare led to better cancer screening and treatment outcomes.
Researchers discovered that different types of injury activate distinct spinal circuits, explaining why pain medications don't alleviate mechanical allodynia in all patients. The study may lead to new treatment strategies for pain management by targeting specific neural pathways in the spinal cord.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have developed a new method to extract tiny but extremely powerful SARS-CoV-2 antibody fragments from llamas. These nanobodies are much smaller than human antibodies and many times more effective at neutralizing the virus, with the potential to prevent and treat COVID-19.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine developed a fast method to identify effective human monoclonal antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. The team successfully isolated Ab1, a potent antibody that neutralizes COVID-19 by binding to the virus's receptor binding domain.
Researchers examined Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains in cystic fibrosis patients, revealing unique mucus properties that contribute to antibiotic resistance and immune evasion. The study's findings could lead to the development of more effective mucolytic drugs.
Researchers found that elderly Japanese men and women who produce equol display lower levels of white matter lesions in the brain. Equol production was associated with reduced white matter lesion volumes, but not amyloid-beta deposits.
A University of Pittsburgh professor is utilizing optimization techniques to find effective solutions for mitigating forest fires. The project aims to predict when and where fuel treatment methods should be implemented to best control wildfires.
A new study found that regular social engagement is related to better microstructural integrity of brain gray matter in older adults. Greater social engagement activates specific brain regions needed for recognizing familiar faces and emotions.
Research finds that older, frail adults with a high-dopamine genotype are more likely to maintain a faster gait and may be more resilient to mobility disablement as they age. The study suggests that dopamine levels could influence mobility in elderly populations, with potential implications for pharmacologic supplements.
Researchers aim to understand how electrical stimulation affects glia and vasculature in the brain, with potential implications for treating neurological diseases. They'll use two-photon microscopy and optogenetics to investigate inner workings of the brain.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered 'repliclones', large clones of HIV-infected cells that produce infectious virus particles, which can cause persistent viremia despite adherence to therapy. This finding has significant clinical implications and highlights a key barrier to developing a true cure for HIV.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have developed a blood-clotting agent that can improve survival rates for severely injured trauma patients. The drug, tranexamic acid, was found to be safe and beneficial in certain subgroups of patients who received it early.
A team of researchers, led by Jingtong Hu from the University of Pittsburgh, aims to apply artificial intelligence to remote sensors deployed in hard-to-reach areas. By leveraging energy-harvesting technology, they plan to save power on sensor devices and increase their lifespan.