Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a new manufacturing strategy to precisely control the formation of laser-induced graphene on polymers. This allows for the creation of flexible microelectrodes and neurochemical biosensors with robust electrical and electrochemical performance.
A team of researchers, led by Bistra Iordanova and Liang Zhan, are developing multiscale models of brain metabolism to predict cognitive decline and dementia. They will analyze data from brain imaging, blood flow, and neural activity to identify metabolic changes that affect brain function in aging.
Paul Ohodnicki leads a team at Pitt developing medium frequency magnetics for high voltage grid applications, aiming to reduce cost and footprint by three-fold. The project uses $1.9 million in federal funds to design and manufacture transformers.
The BiliSeq test detected approximately 82% of bile duct cancers, compared to 44% with pathology alone, and increased cancer detection to nearly 90% when combined with pathology. This improved accuracy enables physicians to provide more personalized medicine and treatment options for patients.
Research by David Lebel and colleagues found that only half of the relationships between negative emotions and workplace outcomes were harmful during the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, many showed no effect or even positive effects, highlighting the importance of empathetic leadership in moderating these outcomes.
A blood-based test may help guide treatment decisions for older women with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. Patients whose ctDNA test was negative were more likely to have stable disease or tumor shrinkage, suggesting surgery and radiation might not improve outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine develop an experimental 'living eye drop' using naturally occurring eye bacteria to accelerate corneal wound healing. The engineered bacteria, Corynebacterium mastitidis, continuously secrete interleukin-10, a protein that regulates inflammation.
University of Pittsburgh engineers develop predictive models for longitudinal cracking on concrete pavements to improve road performance and reduce repairs. The project aims to create a nationwide infrastructure solution by pinpointing root causes and developing mechanistic-empirical models.
Fang Peng has made significant contributions to Z-source and modular multi-level converters for distribution and transmission networks. These technologies improve safety, flexibility, and performance in diverse energy sources. Peng's work aims to create resilient systems that can handle faults and prevent devastating wildfires.
A pilot clinical trial suggests that low-dose oral lithium may help slow the decline of verbal memory in older adults with mild cognitive impairment, particularly those with evidence of amyloid beta. The study found that participants receiving lithium showed a slower rate of decline on a sensitive test of verbal memory.
Research by University of Pittsburgh surgeon-scientists reveals that EMS clinicians who treat a high number of trauma patients have improved survival rates. The study found a 10% decrease in mortality for every five additional trauma patients treated annually, with no association between years on the job and patient outcomes.
Dr. Paul Ohodnicki joins as permanent director, succeeding Heng Ban; to expand energy research and education capabilities across multiple disciplines.
Researchers found that wild Yellow-naped Amazon parrots use complex vocalizations with syntax, collocates, and a large repertoire of notes when fighting for territory. The team identified over 450 calls in warble duets, revealing precise rules governing the birds' communication.
University of Pittsburgh scientists discovered a way to fight insulin resistance and diabetes by protecting a special type of immune cell in fat tissue. By improving insulin sensitivity in mice, the research reveals a potential new treatment path for type 2 diabetes that could supplement GLP-1 drugs.
A recent NSF grant will support the development of new diagnostics and predictive models for understanding self-competition and weak asymmetry in turbulent flows. The project aims to uncover hidden patterns that current models miss, leading to improved simulations in weather forecasting, climate modeling, and engineering design.
Researchers have developed an open-source pressure myography tool, HemoLens, which reduces the cost of vascular research to $750 from $40,000. The tool uses affordable manufacturing processes and customizable components, making it easier for researchers to study vascular function.
A quarter of pregnant patients suffering stroke symptoms were misdiagnosed due to overlooked warning signs, according to a new study. The researchers highlight the need for better clinician education and decision-support tools to improve maternal health outcomes.
A study analyzed 169 US TV episodes that portrayed hands-only CPR since 2008 and found nearly half showed outdated practices. Most cardiac-arrest victims receiving hands-only CPR on-screen were white men, while women and Black and Latino people are less likely to receive the intervention in real life.
A team led by Pitt graduate student Daniel Ivanov has discovered a barred spiral galaxy, COSMOS-74706, at a redshift of 11.5 billion years ago, marking the earliest observed instance of this structure type. This finding helps constrain the timeframe for bar formation in the universe.
A team of scientists found alternative explanations for data in topological quantum computing, challenging the field's progress. They proposed changes to increase experimental result reliability by sharing more data and discussing alternative explanations.
The MONEAD study provides practical guidance for clinicians to manage epilepsy during pregnancy, reducing the risk of seizures and improving outcomes. The study's week-by-week playbook offers dose adjustments for antiseizure medications, empowering healthcare providers to provide the best possible care.
Researchers at Pitt and UPMC Children's Hospital discovered a biomarker of complicated pediatric traumatic brain injury, which may serve as dynamic indicators of post-injury recovery. The study found that children with TBI had a different epigenetic profile compared to those with orthopaedic injuries.
Researchers have discovered key design principles for ozone-generating catalysts, which can replace hazardous and carcinogenic chlorine in water treatment. This breakthrough could revolutionize water sanitation practices by providing a safer and more sustainable alternative.
McMaster and Pittsburgh researchers have developed a soft material that can perform a NAND logic operation using only three beams of visible light. The breakthrough paves the way for autonomous systems with computation capabilities without traditional electronics.
Pitt researchers found that orthophosphate additions in drinking water treatment can leak into urban streams, increasing phosphorus concentrations by over 600% and trace metals like copper and iron by nearly 3,500%. The study suggests urgent corrective actions to address phosphate leakage from buried infrastructure systems.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a skin patch test that can detect antibodies associated with COVID and flu infections. The test uses carbon nanotubes and is orders of magnitude more sensitive than existing tests.
Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh have created phages with synthetic genetic material, allowing them to add and subtract genes. This breakthrough enables researchers to engineer phages to target specific bacteria, offering new hope for combating antibacterial resistance.
A new resource identifies genetic variants associated with elevated 'bad' cholesterol, a major contributor to heart disease. Clinicians can now predict patient risk for heart attacks and strokes, allowing for prevention and early treatment.
A team of Pitt engineers has created self-powered spinal implant technology capable of transmitting real-time data from inside the body. The innovation utilizes new human-developed composites known as metamaterials to harvest energy and transmit signals wirelessly.
Engineers at the University of Pittsburgh have created a soft material with a nerve net that mimics how simple living systems coordinate motion. The material responds to chemical reactions, producing mechanical movement without electronics or motors.
A wireless retinal implant has been shown to restore central vision in patients with advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD), with 81% of participants achieving clinically meaningful improvements in visual acuity. The device converted light into electrical signals, stimulating remaining retinal cells and restoring visual inform...
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC developed a new treatment for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. The approach uses deep brain stimulation (DBS) targeted to each patient's unique brain wiring, resulting in a significant reduction in seizures, with some patients becoming seizure-free for months.
The University of Pittsburgh is launching a groundbreaking undergraduate degree in Natural Gas, Renewables, and Oil Engineering (GRO), combining traditional oil and gas engineering with renewable systems. The program prepares students for a rapidly changing global energy market and offers strong career prospects.
Researchers developed a novel framework to qualitatively evaluate the quality of synthetic wireless data, improving AI model training with 4.3% performance gain. The framework assesses affinity and diversity in wireless signals, essential qualities for effective training.
Research by University of Pittsburgh scientists discovered that damaging telomeres can lead to dysfunctional T cell function. To combat this, they developed a targeted antioxidant approach that rescued T cell function, opening the door for novel therapies in cancer immunotherapies.
The University of Pittsburgh has received prestigious R&D World 100 Awards for two emerging technologies: VulcanAlloy and eMission Critical Sensor. These innovations can withstand high temperatures continuously approaching 500 degrees Celsius and identify rare earth elements in waste streams or feedstocks, respectively.
Researchers Kent Harries and Luisa Molari are advancing sustainable bamboo construction by sharing experience and insight to standardize its use. Bamboo, with its strong culms and effective carbon sequestration, holds promise for affordable housing globally.
Researchers discovered that lysosomes, a cell's waste disposal system, respond to stress by forming abnormal vacuoles. The study found that a protein named LYVAC plays a central role in this process, helping cells adapt to stress and maintain lysosomal stability.
Despite long-held assumptions, a new study reveals that the brain's somatosensory cortex holds a stable 'body map' even after limb loss. The findings have significant implications for treating phantom limb pain and restoring sensation in prosthetic limbs via brain-computer interfaces.
Experts from across industries and disciplines gathered to assess the current state of cybersecurity through a multidisciplinary lens. The workshop explored emerging technologies and the intersection of technology and policy, highlighting the need for a unified ecosystem to address persistent challenges.
Researchers have discovered a new approach for treating proteinopathies by targeting dysregulated nuclear speckles, which can lead to neuron degeneration. Pyrvinium pamoate has been shown to improve proteostasis in various disease models, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and tauopathies.
Researchers found that cellphone sensor data can be linked to a wider array of mental disorder symptoms, including those not specific to any one condition. The study used statistical analysis to correlate sensor data with symptom dimensions, revealing correlations with both specific behaviors and a general p-factor marker.
Research suggests that consuming high levels of sucralose can make cancer treatment less effective by disrupting the gut microbiome and altering T cell function. However, adding arginine or citrulline supplements to the diet may restore immunotherapy effectiveness in patients with melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer.
Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh, University of Freiburg, and Saarland University launched a global challenge to measure and describe surface topography. The results showed that current industry-standard methods are limited and that more precise measurements are needed to accurately predict surface behavior.
Researchers discovered a new pathway to boost immunity against parasitic infections, suggesting that NSAIDs like ibuprofen could be repurposed as anti-parasitic treatments. Gasdermin C plays a crucial role in this process, targeting and penetrating Rab7-positive vesicles to reduce prostaglandin d2 levels.
Lisa Maillart, PhD, has been named Department Chair of Industrial and Systems Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering. She aims to expand the department's growth in enrollment and guide interdisciplinary research on challenges like AI, health issues, and supply chain logistics.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered a novel tool to help stratify rejection risk in kidney transplantation. They found that mismatching SIRP-alpha between donors and recipients contributes to worse rejection, scarring, and graft failure in humans, suggesting improved transplant outcomes.
Researchers discovered that sign trackers, which prioritize interacting with cues over waiting for rewards, rely on dopamine in specific brain regions. The study found that inhibiting dopamine prevented rats from learning to sign track, while increasing dopamine did not speed up the process.
A study published in Menopause journal found that four components of the Life's Essential 8 tool, including sleep quality, are key drivers of future cardiovascular risks. Healthy sleep, defined as 7-9 hours per night, may contribute to women's heart health and longevity.
A new study from the University of Pittsburgh shows exercise improves cancer outcomes and enhances response to immunotherapy in mice by reshaping the gut microbiome. The research found that a specific compound called formate, produced by gut bacteria in exercised mice, was associated with better outcomes in patients with melanoma.