Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a novel electrochemical therapy to treat metal-based implant infections, which are a persistent problem with five to 10 percent failure rates. The new approach damages the microbe cell membrane, increasing susceptibility to antibiotics and eradicating drug-resistant cells.
A University of Pittsburgh study found that sexual selection alone could spark the formation of new species through imprinted behaviors. The research, which focused on strawberry poison frogs, suggests that females prefer mates with similar colors to their mothers and males become more aggressive against rivals with matching colors.
The study found that almost complete immune capacity in the gut had developed as early as 14 weeks, with cells from both innate and adaptive immune systems present. This discovery could lead to the development of new maternal vaccines and a better understanding of the risk of autoimmune diseases.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health have established evidence-based guidelines for maternal weight gain during twin pregnancies. Gaining within targeted ranges reduces the risk of poor health outcomes. Women should discuss safe weight gain amounts with their healthcare providers to minimize risks.
A biomimetic coating developed by Xinyan Tracy Cui improves the performance of microelectrode arrays, reducing inflammation and increasing recording quality and longevity. The coating is made of a brain-derived neural adhesion molecule and has proven efficacy in establishing a healthy electrode-neuron interface.
Researchers found that β-blockers can stimulate proper cell division in infant heart tissue and improve heart function. In mouse studies, propranolol treatment resulted in 30% more cardiomyocytes and better recovery from heart attacks. The pathway to clinical translation is promising, as the drug was synthesized nearly 60 years ago.
A new analysis found that the current annual US sales of new antibiotics to treat carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) is $101 million, significantly short of the needed $1 billion. This shortfall threatens the financial viability of new antibiotic development and may lead to reduced treatment options for patients. Researchers...
The University of Pittsburgh researcher is using biofilms and electrodes to remove BPA from water, a common contaminant found in plastics. The project aims to create an effective method for degrading BPA, which has been linked to fertility problems and other health issues.
A national team of researchers, led by Xu Liang from the University of Pittsburgh, has received a $1.3 million grant to create CyberWater, an open framework that integrates diverse data sets and models for investigating water resources and climate-related environmental issues.
A team of researchers has developed an implantable, self-powered spinal fusion sensor to monitor the health of the spine after surgery. The sensor will provide continuous and long-term monitoring, eliminating the need for costly imaging appointments and exposing patients to radiation.
A multidisciplinary team at the University of Pittsburgh is developing novel research paradigms to address the complex challenge of global waste through circular economy design. The project aims to advance fundamental science behind circular economy solutions, including product design and life-cycle assessment.
Pitt scientists found that film can capture nuanced opinions, emotions, and spaces beyond traditional methods, but also raises concerns about participant privacy and logistical challenges. Their collaborative filmmaking method empowers participants to express themselves comfortably through video presentations.
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.