A recent US pediatric heart transplant policy change aimed to reduce waitlist mortality rates but may have inadvertently increased deaths for certain patients. The study highlights the need for further discussion on optimizing organ allocation and waitlist criteria.
A team of researchers at the University of Pittsburgh's Swanson School of Engineering has developed a new method to separate ethylene from ethane gas, which is abundant in natural gas. The technique uses isolated copper atoms that olefins like ethylene can bond to strongly, potentially saving energy and reducing costs.
Researchers developed a universal computer model for metal nanoparticle adsorption, accounting for structural characteristics, metal composition, and adsorbates. The model enables predicting adsorption trends on novel nanoparticles, accelerating nanomaterials design.
The University of Pittsburgh has been awarded a $10 million grant to create a network of precollege programs with accreditation standards, aiming to increase racial and ethnic diversity in STEM fields. The goal is to address gaps between underrepresented students in STEM fields, ultimately leading to more diverse STEM majors and jobs.
The University of Pittsburgh's Swanson School of Engineering has received three substantial grants from the US Department of Energy, totaling $2.3 million, to advance nuclear energy research and development.
A new study reveals that teen boys with high adult social support exhibit significantly fewer violent behaviors, including sexual violence and bullying. The research highlights the importance of community-based prevention programs that focus on supporting parents and mentors.
A telemedicine program using remote blood pressure monitoring has shown promising results in engaging newly postpartum women in cardiovascular monitoring, with 88% of participants returning to the clinic for follow-up appointments. The program aims to bridge care from obstetricians to ongoing cardiovascular monitoring, empowering patie...
A study analyzing tweets about JUUL use found that 21.1% of posts discussed dependence, nicotine effects, or quitting, highlighting the need for greater public awareness of the risks associated with the product.
A Pitt bioengineer is developing a new approach to improve gait rehabilitation for stroke patients. By understanding how individuals perceive their movement, the researcher hopes to create the illusion of error-free performance during split-belt walking, enabling patients to carry over improvements to daily activities.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a portable breathalyzer that can detect tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in a user's breath. The device uses carbon nanotubes to measure THC levels and has been shown to be comparable to mass spectrometry methods.
A $2 million NSF grant will support the study of nature-based strategies to prevent urban flooding and manage stormwater in cities like Pittsburgh and Chicago. The project aims to develop engineering tools that integrate green infrastructure with existing built systems to improve water quality and ecological health.
New antibiotics are prescribed in only about a quarter of CRE infections due to high costs, despite being classified as the best choice by pharmacists. The slow adoption is attributed to concerns about accelerating antibiotic resistance and limited data on their effectiveness.
A recent study found that Medicare patients with multiple sclerosis have seen a significant increase in out-of-pocket costs for their medications over the past decade. The cost of these drugs has risen more than sevenfold, affecting not only the patients but also the healthcare system as a whole.
A new study found that damaged mitochondria can pollute cells with reactive oxygen species, causing telomere damage and genetic instability. The researchers developed a technology to trigger this reaction, which ultimately led to the discovery of telomere fragility and breakage.
Hospitals with lower pediatric readiness scores have significantly higher mortality rates among critically ill children, highlighting the importance of preparedness in emergency care. The study suggests that efforts to improve hospital preparedness could save lives and guide policy responses.
A computer simulation reveals that a 5% decrease in vaccination rates could lead to massive measles outbreaks in Texas cities, with Austin and Dallas-Fort Worth particularly at risk. The study finds that even with current high vaccination rates, there's a significant chance of an outbreak involving over 400 people in some areas.
A research review found only nine studies evaluating interventions to reduce health inequities in LGBTQ youth, with most using suboptimal study designs. The scientists concluded that existing programs are insufficient to mitigate the substantial inequities faced by these youth.
The university will provide two-year scholarships to high-achieving, low-income students pursuing Master of Science degrees in six engineering departments. The program aims to eliminate barriers and build bridges to professional careers through industry internships and research focused on innovation and entrepreneurship.
Researchers have found that gene expression patterns in the brain are highly disrupted in people with schizophrenia, suggesting a link to the disease's molecular mechanisms. The study's findings could help researchers better understand schizophrenia and identify potential therapeutic targets.
Sepsis survivors are at higher risk for major health problems and death due to persistent inflammation, according to a study published in JAMA Network Open. The researchers found that nearly all patients with sepsis have increased inflammation during hospitalization, but this inflammation often persists long after discharge.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have successfully grown genetically modified miniature human livers in a laboratory setting. These mini livers mimic non-alcoholic fatty liver disease progression and can be used to test therapeutics, providing a valuable tool for understanding and treating diseases.
A recent case study published in Pediatrics found that one transgender woman was able to produce viable sperm after a few months of discontinuing her puberty-halting medication, while another patient was unable to do so. The study provides valuable information for clinicians and patients seeking fertility preservation options.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh and Drexel University aim to discover a simpler, less energy-intensive way to create ozone for water sanitation. The project seeks to improve the effectiveness and sustainability of ozonated water production.
The National Science Foundation awards $354,954 to Dr. Giannis Mpourmpakis' research on dehydrogenation of alkanes on metal oxides. This breakthrough could enable more efficient and cost-effective chemical production using abundant natural gas reserves.
Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that pain-sensing nerves in the skin can detect pathogens and initiate an immune response to fight infection. The discovery reveals a new nerve-driven protective mechanism called anticipatory immunity, which prevents infections from spreading.
A protein called UV-DDB has been found to identify and supervise the repair of DNA damage, suggesting a key role in maintaining genome stability. The discovery sheds light on why some individuals with a rare genetic disorder are more susceptible to cancer.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine discovered a protein called TCER-1 that controls healthspan, not just lifespan. Removing TCER-1 made worms more resilient to stressors, while increasing it suppressed immune defenses.
A study led by University of Pittsburgh researchers found that implementing a state-mandated sepsis regulation in New York resulted in a significant drop in death rates from sepsis, with a 4.3% decrease compared to control states. The policy requires hospitals to quickly implement certain protocols when sepsis is suspected.
The University of Pittsburgh has received a $6 million grant from the Richard King Mellon Foundation to support the development of a cortical vision research program. The program aims to understand how the eye and brain work together to restore vision, using cutting-edge technologies such as brain computer interfaces and optogenetics.
A study found that HIV cells can be detected in the cerebrospinal fluid of half of participants with nearly a decade of strict treatment, associated with higher likelihood of cognitive deficits. The presence of these cells may indicate an important reservoir for the virus in the brain that cannot be overlooked.
Researchers at University of Pittsburgh receive funding to develop cost-effective method for evaluating hot gas path turbine components created by laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing technology. The team aims to enhance confidence in adopting the process to fabricate demanding components.
A new study published in Annals of Surgery highlights the advantages of living-donor liver transplant over deceased donor transplants, including better three-year survival rates for patients and lower hospital costs. The findings suggest that living donation should be considered the first option for most patients with liver disease.
The University of Pittsburgh's new Bioengineering in Psychiatry Training Program aims to prepare students with engineering and quantitative science backgrounds for careers in mental health research. The program will focus on neuroimaging, neurostimulation, and neural engineering to address key areas of mental health research.
Researchers from University of Pittsburgh's Swanson School of Engineering created a nanostructure glass that takes inspiration from the wings of the glasswing butterfly to create a new type of glass that is clear across a wide variety of wavelengths and angles, as well as antifogging.
A new study from the University of Pittsburgh found a correlation between pre-pregnancy body-mass index (BMI) in mothers and subsequent cancer diagnosis in their offspring. Children born to severely obese mothers had a 57% higher risk of developing leukemia before age 5.
A bioengineering group from the University of Pittsburgh developed a methodology to analyze imaging data, using approximate Bayesian computation to derive useful quantitative information for experimental design. They found that tissue properties such as force production and adhesion are more likely to vary with initial tissue size.
A recent study published in Current Biology has challenged the long-held idea that Hox genes are the primary drivers of body plan evolution. Researchers found that modifications to a Hox gene were only part of the story, with other genes playing crucial roles in shaping animal development.
Researchers at Pitt/UPMC are testing a technique called red cell exchange transfusion to prolong life and slow organ damage in sickle cell disease patients. The SCD-CARRE trial aims to determine whether red cell exchange can lower deaths and reduce hospitalizations.
The National Science Foundation is funding a new supercomputer at the Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center (PSC) with a $10-million grant. The Bridges-2 system will provide massive computational capacity and flexibility to researchers in Pennsylvania and nationwide.
Researchers found that providing a year's supply of birth control pills upfront can reduce unintended pregnancies and lower healthcare costs. The study estimates that this policy change would prevent 583 unintended pregnancies and save the VA approximately $2 million annually.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are investigating how small amounts of water affect the molecular structure of ionic liquids at solid-liquid interfaces. The goal is to leverage this understanding to achieve better performance in applications such as energy storage devices and manufacturing.
A new neuromorphic vision system will be developed to capture visual information based on the human brain, reducing redundant data storage and enhancing energy efficiency. This technology has major applications in self-driving vehicles, neural prosthetics, robotics, and general artificial intelligence.
A University of Pittsburgh analysis confirms that cutting ACA cost-sharing reduction payments improved health insurance affordability for Marketplace enrollees. Silver loading and switching strategies maximize premium affordability for both on- and off-Marketplace customers.
The study identifies significant knowledge gaps in regional stormwater management and proposes the creation of a centralized database to track maintenance costs, economic benefits, and water quality impacts. A comprehensive approach to green infrastructure is also recommended to consider its effects on community residents.
Researchers create flexible optical plastic with nano-Enoki mushroom structures that repel liquids while maintaining transparency. The surface resists staining from various liquids, including blood, coffee, and olive oil.
Researchers discovered that an antibody in breastmilk, IgA, is necessary to prevent necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants. The study found that more bacteria bound to IgA reduced the likelihood of NEC in formula-fed babies compared to those fed breastmilk.
A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine has shed light on the practices surrounding inpatient opioid prescribing, revealing that patients who receive opioids during hospitalization are more likely to continue using them after discharge. The research, conducted by scientists at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate Schoo...
Pitt and CMU researchers reveal that mastering a new skill involves the generation of new neural activity patterns, which enable new behavioral abilities. Long-term learning leads to the emergence of these patterns, allowing individuals to perform complex tasks.
A new study published by University of Pittsburgh researchers found that removing excess fluid too quickly from critically ill patients with failing kidneys increases the likelihood of death. For every 0.5 milliliter increase in fluid removed per kilogram of patient weight per hour, risk of death increases.
Bariatric surgery patients are nearly triple as likely to die from drug- and alcohol-related causes compared to the general public. Fewer than half of those who died had triggered a safety protocol for problematic substance use.