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.
Dr. Paul Leu's CAREER award will support research on flexible metals for thin, efficient solar cells. His work aims to develop new hierarchical structures for adaptive transparent conductors and solar cells.
Researchers aim to improve measurement methods for amyloid-beta protein production outside the brain, a key area of study for Alzheimer's disease. They plan to develop innovative quantitative proteomics methods to analyze peripheral tissue changes and their relation to brain changes.
Researchers at University of Pittsburgh's Swanson School of Engineering are developing a new type of storage system that uses metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) to adsorb natural gas like a sponge. The material is designed to dissipate heat quickly, making it more efficient than traditional CNG tanks.
Researchers have developed a hybrid material that can change shape in response to different stimuli, such as light and heat. The material combines photo-responsive fibers with thermo-responsive gels to create a composite that is both highly reconfigurable and mechanically strong.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are exploring ways to improve footwear design and replacement policies to reduce slips and falls. By simulating wear using a robotic slip-tester and measuring shoe tread hydroplaning, they aim to identify specific limits to wear and determine critical factors that impact how quickly shoes wear.
A study by University of Pittsburgh researchers outlines a framework for developing catalysts that convert excess CO2 into liquid fuel. The catalyst's effectiveness is determined by its hydrogen adsorption energy and Lewis pair hardness, allowing for more efficient and inexpensive production.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that reducing nicotine content in cigarettes can significantly reduce cigarette use and dependence. Researchers discovered that participants who smoked low-nicotine cigarettes showed lower smoking levels and reduced exposure to nicotine.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are working on developing a hybrid walking exoskeleton that combines functional electrical stimulation (FES) and powered frames. The goal is to create a more efficient and effective system for paraplegics to walk, with potential applications in rehabilitation science and consumer technology.
A Pitt researcher used gene regulatory networks to uncover the origins of a recently evolved structure in male fruit flies, finding that it was created by reusing existing networks during development. This discovery sheds light on how complex animal forms arose and challenges the idea that new structures must be encoded by new genes.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a new method for identifying pathogens using spectroscopy and protein hydrogels. This technique allows for rapid detection and identification of specific pathogens, enabling targeted antibiotic treatment and reducing the risk of misdiagnosis. The broader implications of this wo...
A team of researchers from Pitt, Drexel, and NIH found that the Ebola virus can survive in detectable concentrations in wastewater for at least a week or longer. The study suggests that procedures for disposing of contaminated liquid waste might underestimate the virus' ability to persist.
University of Pittsburgh professor Jeremy Levy has been awarded a $3 million grant to pursue research in reconfigurable nanoelectronics at oxide interfaces. The grant aims to merge two fields: semiconductor nanoelectronics and complex oxides, which hold promise for future applications including data storage and medical imaging.
A new polymer-piezoelectric hybrid material has been designed to perform computations based on changes in the environment or movement, potentially responding to human vital signs. The material system is small and flexible, allowing it to be integrated into fabrics or shoes.
A University of Pittsburgh-led consortium has received a $200,000 grant to explore the use of bamboo as a safe and sustainable construction resource in urban areas. The research aims to reduce the environmental impact of housing while addressing global grand challenges of urbanization and resilience.
Researchers have discovered electrons that form pairs but don't reach a superconducting state, a breakthrough that could lead to new materials with room temperature superconductivity. This finding has significant implications for technologies such as high-speed rail and quantum computers.
University of Pittsburgh scientist Alexander Deiters has developed a new method for controlling gene editing using light, enabling more precise and controlled manipulation of genes. This approach may eliminate 'off-target effects' and enable genetic studies with unprecedented resolution.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh designed a synthetic polymer gel that can change shape and move using its own internally generated power. The SP-BZ gel combines the properties of two materials to enable self-bending, folding, and self-propelled motion.
The University of Pittsburgh has received a three-year, $300,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to advance innovation, commercialization, and entrepreneurship. The grant will support Pitt Innovator teams with $3,000 stipends for market research and customer-discovery analyses.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have made a groundbreaking discovery in the study of nanomaterials, revealing that tiny tungsten crystals can exhibit deformation twinning, which affects their strength and function. This phenomenon has significant implications for the development of nanostructured metals and alloys.
A new study by University of Pittsburgh sociologists reveals that women who petition for restraining orders against abusers typically experience decreased earnings due to financial instability and hardship. The researchers found that the period of petitioning is accompanied by serious losses, which are not recouped later.
A recent study by Graduate Student Aubrey Hillman found that ancient copper and silver production in southwest China produced tremendous quantities of harmful heavy metals, including lead, silver, zinc, and cadmium. The pollution levels were three to four times higher than those generated by modern metallurgical methods.
University of Pittsburgh researchers Matthew Koski and Tia-Lynn Ashman proved that Gloger's rule exists among flowers, where larger bull's-eye centers are associated with higher levels of ultraviolet light near the equator. This finding expands our understanding of biological responses to global climate change.
Researchers at University of Pittsburgh have contributed three studies to a special issue of the journal Energy Technology, focusing on smart wells, wastewater management, and information gaps related to shale gas drilling. The research aims to improve extraction through wireless communication and safely reuse drilling wastewater.
A three-year restoration project in Pittsburgh's Frick Park has improved the health of Nine Mile Run, a stream affected by urbanization. The project, led by University of Pittsburgh hydrologist Dan Bain, involved rerouting the creek and creating habitats for fish and other species.
A Pitt study published in the American Journal of Political Science found that women are more 'election averse' than men, volunteering to lead groups but less likely to compete in elections. Women's lower willingness to run for office is attributed to factors such as election costs and the potential for negative campaigns.
Researchers analyzed over 180 million geocoded tweets to understand how people in 95 cities worldwide reacted to the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. Citizens expressed emotions based on geography, social connections, and cultural ties to Boston.
A new study by a Pitt researcher reveals that there is limited scientific data on how long the Ebola virus can survive on surfaces, in water, or in liquid droplets. This knowledge gap makes it challenging to develop effective disinfection practices to prevent the spread of the disease.
Computational modeling allows researchers to design efficient and affordable catalysts from gold, reducing the need for large amounts of expensive precious metals. The method has potential impact on energy-and-environment related fields, such as automotive exhaust and hydrogen production.
The Pitt Quantum Repository aims to create an open, mobile-ready database of accurate quantum calculations for molecules. This will enable students to visualize and understand molecular structures in 3D, improving learning outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are exploring a new method to treat high-saline water from hydrofracturing and other processes by utilizing waste heat from thermoelectric plants. The goal is to develop a cost-effective technology that can recover clean water and reduce waste disposal costs.
The tiger beetle is the fastest creature on Earth, but its speed-related vision issues compromise its ability to catch prey. Researchers have discovered that the beetle opens and closes its mandibles in response to visual cues, such as the perceived size of its target.
A team of researchers from the University of Pittsburgh found that individuals who generate creative solutions tend to build on existing ideas rather than using unrelated concepts. The study, published in Design Studies, collected data from over 350 participants and showed that ideas closely related to a problem were more likely to be ...
The Pitt team is creating novel alloys and manufacturing processes for implantable medical devices made from dissolving metals. These devices can adapt to changes in a patient's body and dissolve once healing has occurred, reducing complications and medical expenses.
The University of Pittsburgh has received a $2.9 million grant from the National Science Foundation to establish QUBES, a project aiming to refine quantitative biology pedagogy nationwide. The initiative plans to leverage existing technologies to provide cost-effective solutions for faculty development and undergraduate education.
A landmark study published in Nature finds that spiders adapt their docile-to-aggressive ratios to local environments for optimal colony survival. The research shows that colonies change their composition over time to better match the ratio required by their native site, even when moved to different locations.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered a novel oxide-based magnetism that follows electrical commands, paving the way for spin-based computing. This breakthrough could lead to ultrahigh density storage and computing architectures by combining magnetic materials with semiconductors.
Carnegie Mellon researchers found that mechanical processes, not just chemical signaling, are essential for cell communication during tissue growth. The study used a microfluidic control system to analyze cellular mechanics and revealed that disabling these connections impairs cell communication.
Engineers at the University of Pittsburgh's Swanson School of Engineering are proposing enhanced modeling and simulation technology and new qualification standards for additive manufacturing. The research aims to improve quality and product integrity while reducing manufacturing time and costs.