Researchers aim to develop a framework to inform design of carbon nanomaterials, minimizing potential unintended consequences. They will manipulate surface chemistry and test biological and electrochemical activity to optimize CNM properties.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are exploring a new architectural system based on acoustic diodes to create effective sound barriers that can cancel out unwanted noise. The technology has the potential to improve indoor comfort, reduce mental stress, and enhance workplace efficiency.
Scientists at University of Pittsburgh create vascularized pancreatic islet organoids using human pluripotent stem cells, offering potential treatment for Type I Diabetes. The innovative approach involves implanting blood vessel fragments into the islets before transplantation.
Dr. Warren Ruder is developing microparticles carrying engineered bacteria known as 'smart biomaterials' to reprogram mammalian cell signaling and influence disease outcomes. His goal is to use these hybrid biomaterials to better understand how cell signaling works and affect many diseases.
Researchers at Pitt Engineering have created synthetic materials that mimic the behavior of living organisms, enabling self-recognition and self-regulation in devices. The findings were published in PNAS and demonstrate potential applications for mechano-responsive materials with tunable self-awareness.
A novel theory explains how metal nanoparticles form, revealing a balance between bond strength and ligand binding. This understanding enables the creation of more efficient and sustainable nanoparticle production processes for applications like biolabeling and targeted drug delivery.
Aging individuals with implants face unique challenges due to immunosenescence and delayed immune responses. The study investigates the impact of aging on macrophage activity and white blood cell function, seeking ways to optimize implant success and minimize negative effects.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has renewed funding for the University of Pittsburgh's Cardiovascular Bioengineering Training Program, which educates students in cardiovascular research and prepares them for careers in basic and translational cardiovascular research. The program focuses on three areas: understanding native and ...
The University of Pittsburgh has received a $1.275 million grant from the DOE to develop radiation-hard, multi-functional, distributed fiber sensors for improved nuclear reactor core safety and efficiency.
Chris Wilmer, assistant professor at the University of Pittsburgh, has received the AIChE Young Investigator Award for his outstanding research in computational molecular science and engineering. His work focuses on large-scale molecular simulations to find promising materials for energy and environmental applications.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are developing new steel alloys for additive manufacturing with a focus on high-strength low-alloy steels suitable for naval construction and repair. The project aims to improve mechanical properties and corrosion resistance using integrated computational materials design.
A team of researchers has developed improved tin electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction, which can increase the energy efficiency of the process. The study used computational quantum chemistry modeling to predict which dopant additives can enhance the conversion rate.
Researchers have developed a more energy-efficient catalytic process to produce olefins, which are crucial building blocks for polymer production. By analyzing carboranes' role in dehydration reactions, the team created linear relationships between energy input and alcohol characteristics.
A study published in Energy & Environmental Science found that second-generation biofuels made from managed trees and perennial grasses may provide a sustainable fuel resource. The research demonstrated an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions relative to petroleum diesel.
The University of Pittsburgh's Swanson School of Engineering has received a $425,000 NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) grant to support a 10-week summer research program for undergraduates in Chemical and Petroleum Engineering. The program will provide students with hands-on research experience, stipend, and financial as...
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh's Swanson School of Engineering have found that graphane could transport protons without water, potentially leading to more efficient hydrogen fuel cells. The unusual properties of graphane enable it to rapidly conduct protons across a membrane, making it suitable for anhydrous conditions.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are developing a hybrid exoskeleton that combines functional electrical stimulation (FES) with powered exoskeletons. The system will utilize wearable ultrasound sensors to measure muscle fatigue, allowing for real-time sensing and prediction of muscle function.
Pitt's John Keith, Giannis Mpourmpakis and Christopher Wilmer received $500K each for projects on CO2 conversion, nanoparticle growth and new 'pseudomaterials'. The grants will support student education and community outreach initiatives.
A new study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found that childhood abuse impairs associative learning, contributing to misbehavior patterns later in life. Researchers discovered that abused children struggled with learning which stimuli were associated with rewards, leading to pessimism and poor decision-making.
A new study aims to improve detection of viral pathogens in water resources by developing more accurate DNA sequencing methods. The research has the potential to enhance public health and safety, particularly in areas where conventional methods are limited due to viral diversity.
Researchers at Pitt have identified a new family of enzymes that can efficiently synthesize the complex polycyclic structures found in potent antimicrobial and antitumor alkaloids. This breakthrough enables the chemoenzymatic synthesis of these molecules, paving the way for potential drug discoveries.
Chemical engineers and chemists at Pitt and Penn State create a system that utilizes chemical reactions to drive fluid flow, enabling controllable transport of particles and cells. This breakthrough could lead to rapid and efficient chemical assays.
A researcher is studying how early immune system responses can predict the long-term success of biomedical implants. The study aims to develop methods for modulating macrophage activity to encourage positive outcomes.
A Pittsburgh engineer has received a $549,139 NSF CAREER Award to create a new screening method for swallowing disorders. The technology uses high-resolution vibration and sound recordings to diagnose dysphagia, allowing doctors to identify silent aspirators more accurately.
A compact respiratory assist device is being developed to replace traditional oxygenation methods as a bridge to transplant or recovery in children with lung failure. The device aims to allow patients mobility while awaiting a transplant, potentially leading to better post-transplant outcomes.
A University of Pittsburgh researcher used in-game data from the past 7 NFL seasons to predict the winner of Super Bowl 51 and analyze coaching decisions. The analysis found key factors such as turnover differential and penalty yardage correlate with winning probability, giving the Atlanta Falcons a 54% chance of prevailing.
Researchers will develop a mechanical model to explain the behavior of dike swarms using 'swarm theory' from biology. This new approach aims to improve oil and gas stimulation methods, benefiting industry and society with lower energy costs and reduced environmental impact.
Researchers at University of Pittsburgh will develop a new simulation tool to predict microstructure evolution and stability in Inconel 718 alloy. The goal is to enable simulation-based certification of additive manufactured parts, reducing the expense of certification.
A new catalyst developed by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh has the potential to solve two problems at once - reducing net carbon dioxide emissions while generating cleaner fuels. The catalyst, which converts CO2 into methanol, could dramatically reduce the cost of carbon capture and conversion.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are using cross-assembly phage (crAssphage) as an indicator of fecal contamination in water, which can help prevent disease outbreaks and improve public safety. The study aims to establish a correlation between crAssphage presence and pathogens in irrigation water.
Researchers aim to create highly personalized approach to treating cystic fibrosis by analyzing mucus hydration and clearance in patient nasal cells using nuclear imaging techniques. The study could lead to a more effective treatment, increased life expectancy, and improved quality of life for CF patients.
A University of Pittsburgh researcher has successfully regenerates heart tissues in mice using components from zebrafish, a skill lost among humans and other mammals. Human heart cells have also shown promising results in vitro, paving the way for potential treatments for heart disease.
An international group of researchers has developed self-powered mobile polymers that can move without traditional power sources. The polymers directly convert ultraviolet light into motion, eliminating the need for electronics or other mechanisms.
A large-scale 'Phase III' trial will investigate the connection between exercise and brain health in older adults, exploring cognitive, brain, and physical changes. The study, led by Pitt professor Kirk Erickson, aims to understand how individual differences such as age and genetics affect the results.
A new model of brain dynamics, extending balanced network theory, provides deep predictions linking brain circuits to activity. The model accurately explains experimental findings on neuronal variability in living animals, enabling potential discovery of neural signatures associated with learning or disease.
A research team led by the University of Pittsburgh is using brain tissue samples and computational mechanics to identify biomarkers of wall fragility and develop new treatments to prevent rupture. The goal is to improve risk assessment and treatment options for patients with cerebral aneurysms.
A team of researchers, including a Pitt University expert, analyzed core samples from Lake Malawi to find that the continent has experienced a 100,000-year cycle of wet and dry conditions, contrary to previous studies that suggested it was drying. The findings shed new light on human evolutionary theory and the savannah hypothesis.
A newly released Pitt study finds that nurturing caregiving in early childhood institutions improves physical, cognitive, and social development. Infants and toddlers with responsive caregivers exhibit fewer aggressive behaviors and externalizing problems after transitioning to family care.
The University of Pittsburgh chemical engineer is studying the self-assembly of materials into complex structures at sizes much larger than the nanoscale. The research aims to advance the fundamental understanding of large-scale self-assembly and test applications in biological sensors, computer chips, and photonic devices.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have demonstrated pattern recognition in hybrid materials that can be integrated into clothing or used as a sensory skin for robots. The materials, powered by chemical reactions, recognize distorted patterns and can inform doctors about hand injury recovery or monitor cardiovascular activity.
A recent University of Pittsburgh study found that parents' math skills are associated with their children's performance on standardized tests and may be influenced by an intuitive sense of numbers. The research suggests that parental influence can play a significant role in shaping children's mathematical abilities.
A study by the University of Pittsburgh found that using a sit-stand desk for half an hour can burn an additional 5.5 calories compared to sitting for the entire hour. Alternating between sitting and standing over an eight-hour day can result in up to 56.9 calories burned by men and 48.3 calories burned by women.
The National Science Foundation has awarded Vikas Khanna a $259,582 grant to investigate the impact of declining insect-mediated pollination on the US economy. The three-year project aims to expand previous research and explore the economic value of pollination services attributable to managed honeybees and wild insects.
Pittsburgh-based researchers receive $350,000 grant to develop fast computational methods for additive manufacturing. The goal is to reduce design optimization time from days or months to minutes, improving the economic sustainability of the process.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are developing new hybrid materials that use light to detect chemical warfare agents. The team, led by J. Karl Johnson, is exploring the use of multifunctional metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with plasmonic cores to selectively transport toxic chemicals for detection and neutralization.
The researchers will examine rapid solidification processes in aluminum alloys associated with laser or electron beam processing technologies. They hope to discover the mechanisms of how alloy microstructures evolve during solidification after laser melting, validating computer models and optimizing manufacturing processes.
Researchers used direct neural recordings and brain stimulation to study visual word form area's role in reading. They found that this area codes knowledge about learned visual words, enabling accurate discrimination of similar words.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded a two-year grant to explore the use of cells from a patient's own adipose tissue as vascular grafts in arterial bypass surgery. This method could reduce complications and increase accessibility, eliminating the need for vein or artery harvesting.
Researchers at Pitt and Penn State found that simple physical and chemical processes directed the self-assembly of microcapsules into colonies. The study suggests a plausible mechanism for protocell organization, potentially leading to the formation of larger biological structures.
Pittsburgh researchers utilize enzymes to trigger mechanical movement in fluidic devices, showcasing a novel approach for self-powered systems. The studies reveal complex, time-dependent flows driven by simple enzymatic reactions.