The Pitt team will receive $2,274,859 to develop buoy-based optical fiber sensors for measuring pH and carbon dioxide in seawater. This technology aims to monitor geochemical processes within the ocean environment to kilometer-range depths, understanding its physical parameters and geochemistry.
A University of Pittsburgh study found a significant link between childhood trauma and higher odds of COVID-19 hospitalization and mortality in adulthood. Adults who reported higher levels of childhood adversity, such as abuse or neglect, were 12-25% more likely to be hospitalized or die from COVID-19.
A new study in Nature Communications presents a large-scale chart of cognitive development in teens, revealing that executive function usually matures by 18 years old. The findings have significant implications for psychiatrists, neuroscientists, parents, educators, and the judicial system.
A global platform study has released results on the use of simvastatin to treat severely ill patients with COVID-19, showing a high probability of improving outcomes. In contrast, high-dose vitamin C was found to be ineffective and potentially harmful in critically ill patients, suggesting its use should be discontinued.
Researchers developed the SOMMA Vigor to Frailty Score to rank older adults from 0 (vigorous) to 12 (frail), predicting their resilience to stress. Patients on the high end of the continuum are up to 31 times more likely to have functional limitations.
A study found that COVID-19 transmission rates in child care centers were low, with only 2% to 3% of cases occurring within the centers. In contrast, household transmission was high, with 50% of children and 67% of adults contracting the virus once infected.
A new cancer immunotherapy that targets two immune-evading tumor tactics has shown promising results in an early clinical trial. The drug, tebotelimab, blocks both PD-1 and LAG-3 proteins, leading to a double-digit response rate in patients with advanced solid tumors or blood cancers.
Research shows that fossil fuel workers have the right skills for green jobs but face a geographical mismatch. The study highlights the need for policymakers to consider targeting areas of fossil fuel extraction for investment in other industries, making it easier for workers to transition.
A new study reveals that innate CD8+ lymphocytes play a crucial role in limiting tuberculosis infection, and an inflammatory molecule called Interleukin-15 could be used to boost vaccine efficacy. Researchers found that these cells create a 'bottleneck' preventing bacteria from establishing active infection.
A team of engineers at the University of Pittsburgh has created a new robot that can navigate complex environments using bio-inspired neural networks. The robots will be able to avoid obstacles and learn from their experiences, enabling autonomous navigation for various applications such as commercial transport and disaster response.
The Swanson School of Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh is launching a personalized learning model to cater to students' unique career aspirations. The program offers one-credit modules and professional development streams in industry, entrepreneurship, and academia to help students forge their own path.
A new clinical trial has shown that infusing immune cells from living donors into recipients before transplantation may reduce the need for lifelong immunosuppressant medication. The treatment involves infusing donor-derived regulatory dendritic cells, which help the recipient's immune system distinguish between foreign and self-cells.
Scientists have discovered a TB vaccination strategy that prevents lung infection in monkeys infected with SIV, despite the vaccine being contraindicated for people living with HIV. The results show promise for protecting people with HIV against TB, which is the leading cause of death among them.
Researchers found that former football players with medical and mental health conditions like depression and anxiety are at higher risk of receiving an unverified CTE diagnosis. The study highlights the need for accurate diagnoses and access to proven treatments.
Researchers have found that neural activity in the brain changes between sensing a stimulus and taking action, regardless of the context. This discovery has implications for understanding executive functions and potentially aiding in the development of autonomous vehicle systems.
Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh and NIH Vaccine Research Center developed an animal model that more closely mimics human infection symptoms than any existing model. This model allows for rapid testing and deployment of new vaccine candidates in a crisis scenario, potentially saving lives against bird flu.
A recent study found that black children with asthma are more likely to receive severe treatment, including breathing treatments, but less likely to be transported to the hospital compared to their white peers. The study highlights the need for improved care and health equity in managing pediatric chronic asthma.
The Massive Transfusion in Children-II (MATIC-II) clinical trial will test multiple interventions for life-threatening bleeding in children. The trial aims to determine the most effective and safe bundle of care for pediatric trauma patients, with a focus on precision transfusion medicine.
A Pittsburgh-based surveillance system detected a drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection linked to artificial tears months before the national public health alert. The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of whole genome sequencing-based surveillance in detecting outbreaks and preventing nationwide cases.
A digital twin of the bladder has been developed to simulate normal and bladder outlet obstruction (BOO)-affected function. The model will help researchers better understand the connection between changes in BOO bladder wall structure and functionality, enabling them to develop new treatments and predict treatment success rates.
A team from the University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering has developed a computational model that accurately predicts electrochemical conditions when hydrogen is inserted into different metal oxides. This breakthrough enables researchers to test and validate materials safely and effectively at lower costs.
Defective exosomes in diabetic patients drive inflammation and impair wound healing. Researchers identified alterations in exosome cargo and release that compromise wound healing in diabetes. New exosome-focused therapies may promote healing of chronic wounds.
Researchers developed a new model of hereditary Alzheimer's disease in marmosets by introducing mutations into the PSEN1 gene, which causes early-onset disease in humans. The study aims to characterize and validate genetic, molecular, functional, and cognitive features of aging and Alzheimer's disease in these animals.
Researchers at Pitt Public Health analyzed thousands of human genomes to find new gene variations influencing Alzheimer's disease risk. They identified 15 additional variations in the APOE gene and other genome areas that may influence disease risk, although more research is needed for definitive conclusions.
A new health system program successfully allocated a life-saving medication to disadvantaged neighborhoods, increasing equitable receipt rates. However, disparities persisted, particularly for Black patients, who received significantly lower rates of the medication compared to white patients.
A new study published in BMJ Oncology has found that relatively short-term use of immunosuppressant medications to control inflammatory diseases is not associated with an increased risk of developing cancer. The research included over 10,000 participants and tracked their cancer incidence for an average of 10 years.
Patients with cancer who live in rural Pennsylvania counties are more likely to receive complex surgeries at high-volume hospitals due to their perceived better outcomes. However, for less complex surgeries, rural patients are less likely to opt for high-volume hospitals despite potential benefits from centralization.
Researchers have developed an oncolytic virus that can 'warm up' cold tumors and improve immunotherapy outcomes. The virus was engineered to carry a gene encoding a TGF-β inhibitor, which greatly increased survival rates in mice with aggressive melanoma and other cancers.
A three-year study investigates how showerhead features affect concentrations of DWPIs in shower water and aerosols. The research aims to provide insights for consumers to select healthier showerheads and minimize exposure risks.
A Pitt Professor believes oligodendrocytes, the nerve insulating cells, hold the solution to BCI's nagging problem. By understanding and preserving these cells, researchers aim to improve BCI's performance and expand its applications beyond paralysis.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a system that uses fluid mechanics and chemo-mechanical processes to autonomously assemble hierarchical 3D structures. The system utilizes sticky bonds to drive self-organization, allowing for the construction of complex devices with minimal external intervention.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a new method to create unnatural amino acids, expanding the toolkit of human biochemistry. This breakthrough could lead to novel protein-based therapies and organic chemistry branches.
Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh Center for Vaccine Research have identified a protein responsible for lethal liver disease in mice infected with Rift Valley fever virus. Removing this protein, Lrp1, from the liver prevented viral replication and extended mouse lifespan.
A recent study found that increased skin cancer screening is not enough to address racial disparities in melanoma survival rates. Researchers suggest that educating physicians about presentation of melanoma in skin of color and making sure people have access to a dermatologist when they have a suspicious lesion could be more effective.
A new study suggests that bacterial testing in children with sinusitis could greatly reduce unnecessary antibiotic use. By identifying which children are likely to benefit from antibiotics, doctors can avoid prescribing medications to those who wouldn't see improvement in symptoms.
Researchers have found that gut health is the main determinant of systemic inflammation and disease progression in HIV. By targeting the root cause of problems, therapies may be able to slow the progression of the virus by preserving gut integrity.
Researchers at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh and the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that eliminating a key driver of cancer also hastened aging in mice. Despite accelerated aging, these mice lived up to 20% longer than normal mice due to lower cancer rates.
Direct ocean carbon capture (DOC) technology uses membrane contactors to remove CO2 from seawater, offering a cost-effective alternative to land-based solutions. The University of Pittsburgh team has developed innovative DOC methods using hollow fiber and encapsulated solvents, demonstrating their potential to significantly lower costs.
Exposure to commonly prescribed antiseizure medications during pregnancy does not negatively impact neurodevelopmental outcomes in young children. The MONEAD study found that lamotrigine and levetiracetam pose low risks for cognitive effects, with some caution needed for high dosages of levetiracetam.
A new study reveals that breast milk contains a unique set of antibodies passed from mom to baby, which can vary significantly between mothers. This variability may explain why some infants develop life-threatening diseases like NEC, while others do not.
Researchers have discovered how MCV initiates DNA replication in host cells, allowing the virus to make hundreds of new copies of itself. This process is different from normal cellular DNA replication and can lead to cancer if not controlled.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found no evidence that prescription stimulant treatment in childhood increases the risk of substance use disorder (SUD) later in life. The study, published in JAMA Psychiatry, suggests that stimulants are an effective treatment for ADHD with few side effects.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered a way to efficiently separate and harness individual photons, a critical component in quantum photonics. This breakthrough has the potential to significantly increase the speed of quantum technology applications.
The University of Pittsburgh researcher is working on a three-year project to harness the potential of liquid-solid interaction for biomedical engineering and suspension bridge construction. The study aims to precisely control microrobots through the bloodstream and prevent disasters like the Tacoma Narrows Bridge collapse.
A new machine learning model developed by University of Pittsburgh researchers uses electrocardiogram (ECG) readings to diagnose and classify heart attacks faster and more accurately than current approaches. The model improves risk assessment, helping patients receive appropriate care without delay.
Researchers found that obese patients with mild traumatic brain injuries had higher levels of inflammatory biomarkers and prolonged symptoms compared to those with healthy body mass indexes. The study suggests that obesity may mediate the inflammatory response and symptoms in mTBI patients.
A new patient-guided intervention using telemedicine has been shown to improve symptoms of fatigue, pain, and depression in dialysis patients. The Technology Assisted Stepped Collaborative Care (TĀCcare) trial found significant improvements in energy levels and pain severity that persisted for six months after treatment.
A University of Pittsburgh study found that TV medical dramas prompted middle schoolers to engage in discussion about vaping dangers after viewing clips featuring fictional adolescents with vaping-associated lung disease. The study suggests using entertainment television as a tool for dialogue about the health effects of e-cigarette use.
A new research paper challenges the idea that unlimited trials are needed to learn safe actions in unfamiliar environments. The team presents a fresh approach that ensures learning safe actions with complete confidence while managing tradeoffs between optimality and exposure to unsafe events.
Optical memristors have the potential to transform high-bandwidth neuromorphic computing, machine learning hardware, and artificial intelligence. However, scalability is a significant challenge that needs to be addressed to unlock their full potential.