A phase 2 trial found that combining avelumab and cetuximab significantly extended median progression-free survival in patients with advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. The combination showed synergistic effects, suggesting a potential new standard of care for this patient population.
Assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering Natasa Miskov-Zivanov is receiving a $581,503 NSF CAREER Award for her project that leverages AI to design more effective lymphocytes for cancer immunotherapies. The system aims to accelerate the process of designing new therapeutic cell designs.
Researchers developed a new approach to identify healed diabetic foot ulcers at risk of reopening based on trans-epidermal water loss measurements. High TEWL values were linked to increased wound recurrence and shorter time to recurrence, suggesting functional skin barrier defects are a critical factor in wound healing.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh found that mindfulness training and non-invasive brain stimulation can significantly reduce bladder leaks and feelings of urgency evoked by specific environments or scenarios. The study, published in Continence, used transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to activate the prefrontal co...
A new study suggests that a drug used to prevent alcohol abuse can also interrupt runaway cell death and inflammation triggered by severe trauma, particularly in female mice. The findings may lead to therapies that could shorten hospital stays and improve survival rates if administered promptly after traumatic injuries.
A recent study on HealthCare.gov found that burdensome reenrollment policies led to a significant decrease in enrollment and an estimated quarter of a million Americans lost their Marketplace health insurance coverage in 2024. The researchers argue that increasing administrative burdens will lead to more coverage losses.
A new study found that intensive blood pressure reduction had similar outcomes across educational attainment levels, but high-educated individuals experienced greater cardiovascular risk reductions. The research analyzed data from the SPRINT trial and suggested that unmeasured social factors may play a role in heart health disparities.
Graham Hatfull, a renowned phage expert at Pitt, has been elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society, recognizing his contributions to the field of mycobacteriology. His lab's work on mycobacteriophages that kill bacteria and halt deadly infections has shown significant promise.
Scientists develop brain-computer interface that allows users to design distinct tactile experiences for different objects, enabling them to guess the object by sensation alone. The study represents an important step towards creating a neuroprosthetic that feels pleasant and intuitive to use.
Researchers create silk iron microparticles that can be guided using a magnet to deliver drugs and treatments precisely to sites in the body. The development has potential applications in regenerative medicine, cancer therapies, and cardiovascular disease treatment.
A hospital-based outbreak detection system has been shown to prevent infections, save lives and cut costs. The Enhanced Detection System for Healthcare-Associated Transmission (EDS-HAT) uses genomic sequencing to analyze infectious disease samples from patients, identifying near-identical strains that flag potential outbreaks.
Researchers developed collagen-based scaffolds that can integrate with a vascular and perfusion organ-on-a-chip reactor to form complete tissue engineering platforms. The team demonstrated the ability to create non-planar 3D networks in soft, organic material by printing helical vascular networks modeled after DNA structure.
Researchers at Pitt have produced the most detailed image of a bacteriophage, revealing its structural makeup and enabling the design of phages to target specific bacterial strains. The high-definition images reveal intricate interactions between proteins in the tail tip, which binds to bacteria cells.
A new study published in Transfusion journal reveals sex-based disparities in the transfusion of whole blood to traumatically injured patients. Women, particularly younger females and those of childbearing potential, are less likely to receive whole blood transfusions compared to men. This disparity is despite whole blood being associa...
A new study reveals that specific gut bacteria can break down certain drugs, altering their efficacy. The research found that 30 out of 127 tested drugs were heavily metabolized by human gut microbiota, potentially reducing their effectiveness. The study's findings could have significant implications for personalized medicine and drug ...
A new study reveals significant barriers to including non-English speakers in health research, with common reasons including lack of training and budget constraints. Researchers recommend increased access to interpretation and translation services, guidance on budgeting, and methods training to improve inclusion.
Researchers at University of Pittsburgh developed a new treatment approach for anthrax by reactivating the ERK pathway with a combination of growth factors. This method shows promise for treating the disease beyond its typical point of no return, offering hope for patients diagnosed late in the illness.
Researchers discovered that a drug-resistant type of bacteria has adapted to produce antimicrobial genetic tools, eliminating its cousins and replacing them as the dominant strain. The finding validates a system developed at Pitt and UPMC for detecting infectious disease outbreaks.
Researchers developed a new diagnostic platform that classifies brain tumors based on the body's cancer-fighting immune response. The approach tailors treatment options to each patient's unique immune profile, offering improved diagnostics and potential for immunotherapies to revolutionize childhood leukemia treatments.
Researchers found that giving plasma, rather than whole blood, improves outcomes in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) or shock. Plasma recipients had distinct proteomic profiles associated with later stages of clot formation, neuron survival, and wound repair.
A novel subset of progenitor cells, called high-risk MSCs, reside in the stroma and promote DNA damage and tumor growth. These cells play a critical role in the initiation of ovarian cancer, particularly in older women or those with BRCA mutations.
The study identifies a new area where a correction for the self-interaction error breaks down, allowing researchers to pinpoint flaws and develop solutions. By refining DFT, scientists can design better catalysts, leading to improvements in fields such as food production and technology.
A unique case study reveals an unexpected discrepancy between Alzheimer's pathology and cognitive function in a woman with Down syndrome. The study highlights the need to expand inclusion criteria for therapeutic drug trials and uncover genetic or lifestyle factors that contribute to cognitive preservation.
A study suggests that pre-existing immunity against seasonal H1N1 flu can reduce the severity of bird flu in ferrets. In the study, ferrets with prior H1N1 immunity were protected against severe disease and death caused by H5N1 bird flu, whereas those without prior immunity had more severe illness and fatal outcomes.
Evan Schneider, assistant professor at University of Pittsburgh, receives $75,000 grant to support her research on galaxy formation and gas dynamics. Her Cholla code, a GPU-based hydrodynamics model, has been used in early tests on exascale supercomputers.
A study published in the Journal of Neurosurgery found that surgery can alleviate psychiatric distress and improve cognitive function in patients with Chiari Malformation type 1. Nearly 90% of patients showed improvements in cognitive function or psychiatric symptoms, with many reporting a significant reduction in brain fog.
Researchers have discovered double negative memory B cells, a novel subset of immune cells that are more dysfunctional when in close contact with tumors. These cells may be a useful diagnostic marker and a potential target for developing new immunotherapies.
A team of geneticists discovered a gene 'silencer' in junk DNA that prevents the devastating neurological disease autosomal dominant leukodystrophy (ADLD). The silencer element regulates lamin B1 expression, only affecting one type of cell, and its presence can spare patients from fatal symptoms.
A new University of Pittsburgh study found that children experiencing housing loss are more likely to develop depression and anxiety disorders. Stress about eviction or housing loss was associated with a significant increase in these mental health issues, particularly in young children under the age of 9.
Professor Fang Peng has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering for his contributions to high-powered electronic technologies. He joins a distinguished group of Pitt faculty members who have made significant impacts in their fields.
Researchers developed a biomarker test that can detect small amounts of tau protein and its misfolded forms in cerebrospinal fluid, correlating with cognitive decline severity. The test identifies early stages of tau tangle formation up to a decade before brain scans, opening doors for early-stage disease diagnosis and intervention.
Researchers developed a one-page medication handout that quantifies a drug's risk and benefits, improving patient understanding and decision-making. The study compared this handout with the FDA's version and found it to be more effective in conveying complex information.
A new drug-free intervention targets the root cause of progressive loss of neural function in SMA by gradually reawakening functionally silent motor neurons. Early results show improved leg muscle strength and walking in adults with SMA, regardless of symptom severity.
A new study explains how scratching aggravates inflammation and swelling in a type of eczema called allergic contact dermatitis. Scratching activates mast cells, which drive itchiness and inflammation, but also triggers the release of substance P, which protects against bacteria.
A broadly neutralizing antibody has been shown to protect monkeys against severe H5N1 avian flu disease. The antibody's stable structure ensures it can withstand virus variants, providing universal protection against a globally spreading airborne infection. Serum levels of the antibody remained stable for up to 12 weeks.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a new way to grow T cells that can live longer and better destroy cancer cells in mice. By adding a compound called dichloroacetate to growth media, they created T cells less reliant on glucose and more efficient at using other energy sources.
A new study identifies three molecular clusters in women who develop type 2 diabetes after gestational diabetes, pointing to potential precision-medicine approaches. The clusters are driven by pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction, insulin resistance, or a combination of both.
The phase 3 KATHERINE clinical trial found trastuzumab emtansine to be an effective adjuvant treatment for high-risk HER2-positive breast cancer patients, reducing the risk of death or invasive disease by 46% and improving survival. The study showed consistent benefits across patient subgroups, supporting T-DM1 as a new standard of care.
Dopamine plays a lesser-known role in learning from punishment, which is less understood than its role in reward systems. Bioengineer Helen Schwerdt aims to investigate this phenomenon using novel neural interfaces and sustained dopamine monitoring.
A new study identifies molecular mechanisms of the progression from gestational diabetes to type 2 diabetes, finding reduced levels of sphingolipids in blood and a mutation in gene CERS2 linked to risk. The discovery could lead to new therapies and interventions to reduce the risk of this progression.
Research led by University of Pittsburgh scientists found that exposure to long-wavelength red light reduces blood clots in humans and mice. The study's findings have the potential to reduce deaths and disabilities caused by blood clots worldwide.
A new self-destructing vaccine provides improved safety and protection against TB in macaque monkeys, outperforming the standard BCG vaccine. The 'kill switch' mechanism eliminates the risk of accidental infection, offering a safer vaccination option for immunocompromised individuals.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are studying the link between walking patterns and cognitive decline to improve early detection of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD). The team hopes to unveil neural mechanisms underlying the relation between mobility and cognitive decline.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh developed a non-invasive nasal swab test that diagnoses specific asthma subtype, or endotype, in children. The test, published in JAMA, shows promise for improving asthma treatment outcomes and paving the way for better treatments for lesser-studied asthma types.
Researchers discovered a link between HSV-1 and Alzheimer's disease, suggesting that viral infections play a role in the disease. The study also found that tau protein initially protects the brain from the virus but contributes to brain damage later.
A University of Pittsburgh study uses life-cycle assessment to measure the environmental impact of ACL reconstruction and identify opportunities for reduction. The investigation highlights the significant carbon footprint of complex medical processes, emphasizing the need for sustainable innovations in healthcare.
A meta-analysis of four randomized clinical trials found that endovascular therapy significantly reduces patient mortality and overall post-stroke disability for vertebrobasilar stroke patients. EVT is nearly 2½ times more likely to achieve a positive outcome compared to standard medical management.
Researchers found that SYM2081 suppressed mast cell degranulation and proliferation in mouse models and human skin samples, paving the way for new topical treatments to prevent itching and inflammation. The study suggests that activating GluK2 could be a promising way to prevent rosacea and other inflammatory skin conditions.
New research from the University of Pittsburgh found that opioids can suppress the immune system and reduce the effectiveness of immunotherapy for head and neck cancer. However, peripherally restricted OPRM1 antagonists (PAMORAs) may block opioid-induced immunosuppression and improve response rates to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy.
Researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 disrupts mitochondrial reactions, leading to immune sensor activation and a cytokine storm, which triggers multiple organ-damaging events. Autopsy samples revealed extensive inflammation and organ damage in organs such as the heart, lungs, and kidneys.