Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered a new halogenation enzyme that can selectively replace inert C-H bonds with C-X bonds, enabling the creation of tailored molecules with improved pharmacological profiles. This breakthrough is expected to revolutionize the fields of pharmaceutical and agricultural industries.
A team of University of Pittsburgh professors is working on a project to transition the US power grid to direct current (DC) using a $800,000 grant from the Henry L. Hillman Foundation. DC technology has the potential to improve energy efficiency and promote renewable energy, especially in low-income areas. The researchers aim to devel...
A study published in Neuron found that the brain has an intrinsic anti-addiction response that can be boosted to prevent relapse. This 'anti-relapse' circuitry remodeling is induced by cocaine exposure and decreases craving, offering new neurobiological targets for interventions.
Researchers found that brain activity patterns can be combined in new ways to learn a skill more easily, but there are limits to cognitive flexibility. This discovery could lead to improved treatments for stroke and other brain injuries.
Materials scientist Scott X. Mao successfully creates metallic glasses from pure metals by applying ultrafast cooling rates, solving a long-standing issue in the field. The process involves a novel technique that enables transformation of liquefied elemental metals into glass.
A new study reveals a correlation between unhappy marital interactions and a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, as well as thicker carotid arteries. The research found that individuals with positive marital interactions had an 8.5% greater risk of heart attack or stroke.
Xinyan Cui is leading a team to develop a biological coating for microelectrode arrays in brain implants, aiming to strengthen the connection between brain and machine. The coating could potentially extend the viability of neural recording by six months and improve the functionality of brain-computer interface technology.
Pittsburgh researchers explored how engineers innovate, finding that creativity is a stepwise process of incremental mental advances. They discovered that inspiration sparks perspiration, and companies can accelerate innovation by encouraging peer discussion and collaboration.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have detected a fundamental particle of light-matter interaction in metals, known as an exciton. The discovery provides a microscopic quantum mechanical description of how light excites electrons in metals.
The University of Pittsburgh has received a five-year, $1.5 million grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) to develop new lab-based biology courses aimed at retaining science students. The effort will build upon existing initiatives and aim to engage more students in research experiences from their freshman year.
University of Pittsburgh physicist Sergey Frolov has received a $3 million grant to explore the use of Majorana fermions in quantum computing. Theoretical findings suggest that these particles could enable the creation of novel, incredibly powerful quantum computers.
A Pitt-led research team developed seven design recommendations to mitigate online bullying behaviors on social media. The seven recommendations include Design for Attention, Design for Consequence, and others, which aim to provide a range of active and passive features to alleviate and prevent inappropriate harassment online.
Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh and Brandeis University have provided experimental evidence validating Alan Turing's theory of morphogenesis in cell-like structures. The study confirms the prediction of six different patterns and discovers a seventh, demonstrating how identical biological cells differentiate into distinct...
A study by University of Pittsburgh researcher Susan Kalisz found that high deer densities are the primary reason for garlic mustard's takeover in native plant species, such as trillium. By excluding deer, native plants can repel invaders and increase their populations.
The University of Pittsburgh's Center for Medical Innovation has awarded funding to six research groups developing innovative biomedical technologies, including smart wound gels, point-of-care diagnostic instruments, and minimally-invasive brain surgery devices. These projects aim to improve healthcare outcomes and save lives.
Researchers found that silencing synapses in the nucleus accumbens can prevent intensification of cocaine craving. They discovered a chemical receptor known as CP-AMPAR essential for maturation of silent synapses, which revert to silence when removed.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a new form of 'zero-dimensional' carbon nanotube that could revolutionize the field of electronics. The shorter nanotubes are more dispersible and potentially easier to process for industrial and biomedical applications.
Researchers create hybrid materials with nanorods to replicate biological tissue regeneration processes, sensing damage and regrowing components. The team aims to develop complex materials with multiple functions through future optimizations.
A University of Pittsburgh professor's research shows that competition can increase the saving behavior of the working homeless. The study found that residents who participated in a competition offered a prize of $100 for saving the largest percentage of their pay increased their savings rate by 33%.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed polymers that 'snap' when triggered by light, converting light energy into mechanical work. This phenomenon enables flexible devices with potential applications in robotics and biomedical engineering.
Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh are proposing a new field of 4D printing, which enables materials to modify their structures over time in response to external stimuli. The team aims to develop adaptive composites that can reprogram their shape, properties, or functionality on demand.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a new computational tool for the eButton health monitor, which can now extract food from images and estimate portion sizes with an average error of only 3.69%. The device uses a geometric-shape library to remove background images and measure volume by projecting and fitting sel...
A new study led by Ming-Te Wang found that harsh verbal discipline may exacerbate behavioral problems and depressive symptoms in adolescents. Researchers suggest that parents should communicate with their children on an equal level to prevent these negative effects.
A University of Pittsburgh study reveals that the interaction between two species' personalities is key to predicting ecological outcomes. Researchers observed varying activity levels among jumping spiders and house crickets, finding that combined personality types best predicted survival for crickets and foraging success for spiders.
Researchers developed a detector that can chemically identify single molecules using terahertz radiation, enabling 'molecular imaging' at scales similar to airport screenings. The technology, featured in Nano Letters, has the potential for fundamental studies and practical applications.
The Pitt research team demonstrated that hydrogels can be reconfigured and controlled by light, undergoing self-sustained motion. This biomimetic behavior has significant implications in the medical arena, potentially leading to new devices and technologies.
A Pitt-led study found that early exposure to insecticides increases amphibian tolerance to those same insecticides later in life. The researchers also discovered that low-level carbaryl exposure stimulates the production of a key enzyme, making tadpoles more tolerant to lethal doses.
A University of Pittsburgh study reveals that graphite materials are actually hydrophilic due to airborne contaminants. This discovery has significant implications for lithium-ion batteries and super capacitors, which may lead to stronger and more durable devices.
A University of Pittsburgh study found that diets lacking omega-3 fatty acids can worsen effects over consecutive generations, particularly affecting teens. Adolescents with omega-3 deficiencies showed increased anxiety and hyperactivity, impaired learning and memory, and problem-solving abilities.
Researchers propose a new motion test that examines various walking features in healthy and clinical populations, identifying critical changes in mobility. The study uses advanced mathematical computations to extract data from accelerometer signals, showing significant differences between healthy and clinical groups.
Researchers found SAD participants have misconceptions about sleep habits similar to those of insomniacs, leading to incorrect reports of sleep duration. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia may be effective in treating seasonal affective disorder by addressing unhelpful beliefs about sleep.
A 11-year study found significant weight loss in the intervention group, but no reduction in cardiovascular disease risks. Participants who lost more weight experienced improved health benefits such as better blood sugar control and reduced risk factors.
A new study suggests that student engagement, crucial for success in school, is malleable and can be enhanced by creating a supportive school environment. Researchers found that students who felt their work was meaningful and related to their goals were more emotionally and cognitively engaged.
University of Pittsburgh researchers design a family of ultra-porous materials with potential applications in drug delivery, gas storage, and industrial separations. The materials' high porosity could enable more efficient pharmaceutical delivery into the human body and lower-cost industrial separations.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered evidence of prehistoric copper mining leading to high levels of lead pollution in northern Michigan lakes. The study reveals that human activities contributing to environmental lead pollution began as early as 8,000 years ago.
Researchers develop mathematical approach to understand synchrony in medical and ecological conditions, with potential applications in epilepsy and predator-prey systems. The formula analyzes indirect coupling in complex systems, enabling predictions and tests through experiments.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a sensor technology that can detect and monitor diabetes through breath analysis alone. The sensor uses a combination of titanium dioxide and carbon nanotubes to measure acetone vapors in breath, offering a potential alternative to current blood glucose monitoring methods.
A University of Pittsburgh study found that hackers can identify over 60% of a target's private friends through the mutual-friends feature on Facebook. This can lead to inferring personal information, such as political affiliations or embarrassing details.
A new study suggests that Twitter's future may resemble a broadcast medium, where users read messages from celebrities and corporations rather than writing their own tweets. Mid-range users with moderate follower growth show increased tweeting activity, while high-end users post less as they gain more followers.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have demonstrated nanoscale alloys that emit bright near-infrared light, which could be used for cancer detection and treatment. The findings have the potential to lead to new applications in health and energy fields.
Two studies by the University of Pittsburgh researchers found that wood frogs living near agricultural fields are resistant to chlorpyrifos and other insecticides. This increased resistance may be an adaptation to frequent exposure to pesticides, which can harm amphibian populations.
Research at the University of Pittsburgh found that bumblebees can taste and discriminate against certain metals like nickel but are more tolerant of aluminum, which may pose a risk to their health
A University of Pittsburgh study published in Psychological Science suggests that women are less likely to pursue STEM careers because they have more career choices. The research found that students with high verbal abilities and moderate math skills were less likely to choose STEM occupations.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are developing a wearable artificial lung to serve as a bridge to transplant or recovery in patients with acute and chronic lung failure. The device, called PAAL, is designed to provide longer-term respiratory support while maintaining excellent blood compatibility.
Researchers estimated that 10-20 tons of reactive nitrogen from sewage flows into the Monongahela River every year, affecting stream water quality. The study highlights the need to assess nitrogen leakage from aging sewers in urban environments.
Cognitive Enhancement Therapy (CET) is being tested as a potential treatment for schizophrenia, targeting brain-based impairments and social cognition skills. The study aims to compare CET with Enriched Supportive Therapy in addressing core impairments.
Scientists develop a method to preserve quantum bits (qubits) for longer periods, using hole spins instead of electron spins. This breakthrough brings the researchers closer to creating the first viable high-speed quantum computer.
A paper coauthored by Pitt professor Sergey Frolov has won the 2012 Newcomb Cleveland Prize for its discovery of Majorana fermions, a physics particle ideal for quantum computing. The prize carries a $25,000 cash award and recognizes fundamental contributions to basic knowledge.
Researchers analyzed lake sediment to reconstruct climate patterns in Nicaragua during the Medieval Climate Anomaly and Little Ice Age. The study found that factors currently producing drier climates resulted in wetter conditions a few hundred years ago.
A University of Pittsburgh study demonstrates that content-focused literacy coaching significantly improves student reading comprehension, particularly for low-income English-language learners. The coaching model encourages teachers to facilitate interactive text discussions, leading to better comprehension and retention.