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.
A series of five papers highlights critical public health challenges related to cancer control in eight SAARC countries and the Rohingya refugee population in Bangladesh. The studies identify barriers contributing to significant disparities in cancer outcomes and actionable solutions to address these challenges.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered a molecular pathway involving protein BLIMP1 that generates Th2 cells in response to inhaled house dust mite, driving allergic asthma. The study also found signaling molecules IL2 and IL10 are required for BLIMP1 expression, offering new therapeutic options.
Researchers found that scientists exhibiting intellectual humility are perceived as more trustworthy and producing rigorous research. The study, involving over 1,000 participants, measured the impact of intellectual humility on perceived trustworthiness and belief in evidence-based science.
The University of Pittsburgh's Swanson School of Engineering is leading a $3.3 million project to optimize HVDC converter design for increased power density and decreased cost. The project aims to help affordably integrate more renewable energy generation onto the grid via HVDC lines.
A new clinical trial found that the addition of immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab to standard treatment improved disease-free survival rates for patients with stage 3 soft tissue sarcoma. The study showed that pembrolizumab reduced recurrence or death for patients by 15 percentage points compared to standard treatment.
A study by University of Pittsburgh researchers found that Black patients are two to three times as likely to retain or gain additional weight compared to white counterparts. The study suggests interventions addressing the underlying stressors of discrimination could complement community and clinical interventions.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh found that blocking the uptake of lactic acid, a key factor in T cell exhaustion, can reinvigorate these cells. This new approach shows promise for improving tumor control and treatment outcomes in various cancers.
A multidisciplinary team of engineers and architects applied origami techniques to create living buildings that respond to environmental factors. The researchers combined human design creativity with computational intelligence to increase the effectiveness of designs for environmentally responsive building technologies.
A phase 2 clinical trial found that the combination of vidutolimod and nivolumab led to tumor control in 55% of patients, with higher levels of immune-related proteins detected in responders. The study also uncovered unique signatures of TLR9 activation and a link between gut microbiome and response to therapy.
A new study published in JAMA found that reports of drug supply-chain issues were 40% less likely to result in drug shortages in Canada compared to the US. The analysis looked at drugs with reports of supply-chain disruptions between 2017 and 2021 in both countries, and found nearly half resulted in shortages in the US within 12 months.
A new study aims to promote better in-class engagement by tailoring resources to individual students' needs. The experimental group will use an adaptive learning platform, while the control group will access class materials through a traditional online learning management system.
Researchers from Pitt, UC Santa Barbara, University of Cagliari, and Institute of Science Tokyo have developed a new method for photonic in-memory computing that combines non-volatility, multibit storage, high switching speed, low switching energy, and high endurance in a single platform.
A new study found that HDL particle quality declines over time in women after menopause, increasing risk of episodic memory loss. Women with smaller, more functional HDL particles are less likely to experience cognitive decline.
Researchers validate a new blood test platform that can measure multiple biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease, potentially improving early diagnostics and treatment. The platform captures changes in proteins related to neurodegenerative diseases and may help track disease progression over time.
Researchers at University of Pittsburgh discover that deep brain stimulation instantly improves arm and hand strength and function weakened by traumatic brain injury or stroke. The therapy stimulates the motor thalamus, a key relay hub of movement control, and significantly improves activation of muscles and grip force.
A new study published in PNAS suggests that delivering microparticles containing CCL2 directly to the gums can inhibit bone loss and speed up bone repair in a mouse model of periodontal disease. The therapy modulates the immune response, shifting macrophages from inflammatory M1 type to anti-inflammatory M2 type.
Researchers identified CYP1B1 as a biomarker for HSC activation and liver fibrosis in patients and mice. Inhibition of CYP1B1 led to the accumulation of trehalose, which has anti-fibrotic activity, protecting mice from liver fibrosis.
The University of Pittsburgh has been awarded a 10-year, $100 million contract from the U.S. Department of Defense to continue its Linking Investigations in Trauma and Emergency Services (LITES) Network. The network will fund new research on trauma care and expand ongoing studies.
A Pitt study found that protein STING plays a protective role in cellular stress clearance and cell survival, increasing autophagy and lysosome production. The findings suggest targeting inflammation pathway downstream of STING may be a better approach to develop therapeutics for age-related diseases.
A recent study published in JAMA Surgery analyzed 333 slap fighting competitions and found that more than half of sequences resulted in visible signs of concussion. The research also showed that nearly 80% of fighters demonstrated a visible sign of concussion at least once in the series of matches.
New research from the University of Pittsburgh shows that treating abandoned mine drainage in Pennsylvania is both successful and cost-effective, particularly benefiting vulnerable communities. However, current appropriations are insufficient for long-term treatment and addressing other hazards, requiring an additional $3.9 billion.
Researchers analyzed COVID-19 cases in US states, finding oscillating waves every six months that start near the southern border in July-August. The data suggests a larger pattern sweeping up and down North America, but further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind these seasonal oscillations.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed an innovative smartphone application that can measure pulse pressure, a critical metric for detecting hypertension. The app uses motion-sensing accelerometers and front cameras to calculate pulse pressure, which is closely correlated with hypertension, according to the study.
Researchers Rohit Velankar and his father Sachin Velankar discovered that flexible containers drain faster but produce smaller glugs, contradicting initial assumptions. Their experiment used sensors to measure pressure oscillations in different types of bottles.
A study found that only six states successfully delivered medications for opioid use disorder to at least 50% of people referred to treatment by the criminal legal system. This disparity leads to a high risk of overdose death among individuals leaving jails and prisons, highlighting the need for better access to effective treatments.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh mapped nitrogen losses county by county, finding high spatial disconnects between where beef is eaten and where nitrogen impacts are felt. This disconnect results in people living far from the area where their beef was produced experiencing negative environmental effects.
A subset of CD4 T cells create an anti-inflammatory environment within the lung tissue, protecting against TB reinfection by limiting bacterial growth and disease severity. The discovery complements previous research on protective immune T cells in controlling TB infection, suggesting a potential key to improving existing vaccines.
Women with regular annual mammograms had higher overall survival and lower late-stage cancer rates than those screened less frequently. The study's findings contradict current guidelines, suggesting a significant benefit to annual screening for women over 40.
Research finds that people who use illicit opioids are at risk of developing severe xylazine-related wounds, often due to lack of access to proper wound care. The study highlights the need for comprehensive, low-barrier wound care services and compassionate care without judgment.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh receive a $251,981 DARPA award to design more effective underwater adhesives inspired by mussels. They aim to optimize molecular-level properties for strengthened underwater infrastructure and fluidic environments.
Over a 22-year period, researchers found significant cultural changes in the dialects of yellow-naped amazon parrots, including shifting dialect boundaries and new call variants. The findings suggest that the species' vocal learning ability may serve an adaptive role in responding to changing social dynamics.
A team of researchers, led by Jason Shoemaker, are studying the effects of hormones on the immune system's response to the flu. Their goal is to develop targeted therapies based on a person's sex or hormone levels. The study aims to identify the molecules or pathways that affect the cells and begin to develop personalized treatments.
Researchers uncovered how combining immunotherapies targeting PD1 and LAG3 enhances CD8+ T cell responses, leading to improved cancer-killing prowess and enhanced survival rates. The studies also revealed that relatlimab is not inert and can be combined with other immunotherapies to improve responses.
Scientists successfully mapped transcriptomes from 1.3 million brain cortex cells to gain molecular insights into Alzheimer's vulnerability and resilience. The resulting atlas holds promise for gene and molecular discovery across pathways affecting brain health.
Researchers analyzed collision-type mixed ductal-lobular breast cancers and found that IDC and ILC regions had distinct gene expression profiles. The study reveals tremendous variation within this already highly variable disease, highlighting the need for personalized treatments.
Researchers developed an electronic health record nudge to remind surgeons about the risks of lymphedema and potential overtreatment. The intervention led to a 49.3% reduction in sentinel lymph node biopsy procedures among eligible patients.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that hormone modulating therapy (HMT) used to treat breast cancer was associated with a 7% lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The protective effect of HMT decreased with age, particularly for women over 80.
Researchers found that H5N1 virus particles in unpasteurized milk can remain stable on metal and rubber components of commercial milking equipment for over an hour. This increases the potential for bird flu exposure among dairy farm workers and animal-to-animal transmission.