Researchers found that women with higher-quality cardiovascular fat during midlife had stronger long-term memory and lower inflammation, while those with lower-quality fat had worsening working memory. The study suggests that taking care of heart health during menopause may protect brain health and reduce dementia risk.
Researchers found that a combination of amyloid burden and blood markers of abnormal astrocyte activation can predict Alzheimer's disease progression. Testing for these biomarkers may help identify patients at risk, enabling earlier diagnosis and treatment.
The US Army has awarded over $5.7 million to two quantum computing projects at the University of Pittsburgh, led by Associate Professor Michael Hatridge. The grants aim to overcome roadblocks in modular quantum computing and develop new hardware approaches for superconducting quantum computers.
Researchers investigate whether pregnant mothers' exposure to toxic metals affects kidney development in their babies, which may set the stage for chronic kidney disease. The team aims to identify key combinations of metal mixtures that could have detrimental effects on developing kidneys.
A new CAR T cell design approach using machine learning and artificial intelligence is being developed to improve cancer treatment. The project aims to create a hybrid knowledge- and data-driven approach to guide the design of immunotherapeutic cells.
A new study suggests that high-sugar diets can exacerbate inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) symptoms by disrupting the colon's lining renewal process. The research found that a high-sugar diet led to impaired cell division and altered metabolic pathways in mice, resulting in faster gut damage.
University of Pittsburgh researchers created a universal receptor system allowing T cells to recognize any cell surface target. This enables highly customizable CAR T cell and other immunotherapies for treating cancer and diseases, with potential applications in solid tumors.
A new study finds that rare helper T cells called Th9 can drive allergic disease and may hold the key to precision medicine approaches for treating severe allergies. Th9 cells are activated by specific transcription factors and can produce inflammatory cytokines without antigen stimulation.
A machine learning model helps explain how brains recognize the meaning of communication sounds, such as animal calls or spoken words. The study models sound-processing networks in social animals' brains and demonstrates their ability to distinguish between different sound categories.
Xiayun Zhao receives $657,610 NSF CAREER Award for her research in photopolymer additive manufacturing. She aims to develop a smart digital light processing method that uses two wavelengths to control curing and curb exposure, improving the accuracy and strength of printed parts.
A groundbreaking study published in Nature Neuroscience shows that monkeys can think deeply about problems, consider multiple factors, and find optimal outcomes. This discovery challenges traditional views on animal intelligence and highlights the complexity of monkey cognition.
Researchers at University of Pittsburgh have discovered a type of immune cell that drives chronic organ transplant failure and uncovered pathways to improve patient outcomes. Blocking IL-15 signaling has been shown to prolong graft survival in mouse kidney recipients, offering a promising therapeutic target.
A new Twitter analysis reveals that medical dramas like New Amsterdam, Chicago Med, and Grey's Anatomy influenced hundreds of people's thoughts on vaping dangers. The study found that nearly half the tweets commented on the realism of the storylines, with some even expressing intention to quit vaping.
Researchers are studying the impact of climate change on basement pathogens, moisture, and air quality in urban environments, focusing on Black Americans in Pittsburgh. The study aims to document conditions and understand the link between weather events and cumulative health impacts for residents across the adult lifespan.
Researchers developed a novel approach that promotes bone regeneration in mice without implantation of bone tissue or biomaterials. By carefully stretching the skull along its sutures, they activated skeletal stem cells that reside in these wiggly seams, repairing damage to the skull that would not have healed on its own.
Research found that individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorder have erratic sleep patterns and rigid daily routines, predictive of worse symptoms. The study suggests varying daily routines and incorporating movement can improve brain health and reduce negative mental health symptoms.
A new study found that the Medicaid 'cliff' - an abrupt end to supplemental insurance above federal poverty threshold - disproportionately affects Black and Hispanic older adults. This results in reduced healthcare use, including fewer doctor visits and prescribed medications, exacerbating existing health disparities.
Researchers developed a biologically inspired 'vaping robot' to mimic human breathing patterns and tested commercially available e-liquids containing menthol. The study found that menthol vapers took shallower breaths and had poorer lung function compared to non-menthol smokers, regardless of age or smoking history.
A team at the University of Pittsburgh has created a framework to analyze the influence of online conspiratorial content on individuals and communities. The project aims to identify sociodemographic and psychometric factors that contribute to the spread of such messages.
Researchers found that probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus reuteri stimulates cancer-killing T cells by secreting indole-3-aldehyde, which activates a receptor in CD8 cells. A diet rich in tryptophan enhances the effect of immunotherapy on shrinking tumors and prolonging survival.
Researchers analyzed 2,571 patients treated with monoclonal antibodies and found a 39% reduced risk of hospitalization or death compared to non-treated peers. The study also showed greater benefit in patients with immunocompromising conditions and those treated earlier during the pandemic.
A statewide incentive program in Pennsylvania is associated with a 50% improvement in initiating medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder among Medicaid-enrolled patients. The study found that the program increased prescription fills for buprenorphine and substance use disorder treatment within a week of emergency departme...
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a new type of metamaterial concrete that can be designed to have specific attributes like brittleness, flexibility, and shapeability. This material can generate electricity and can also be used to monitor damage inside concrete structures or earthquakes, reducing their impact o...
A comprehensive analysis of invasive ER+ breast cancers found macrophages as dominant immune cells infiltrating tumors. The study identified distinct immune cell 'neighborhoods' associated with good patient outcomes and highlights the need for tailored immunotherapies targeting macrophages.
A new study from the University of Pittsburgh reveals that metal organic frameworks (MOFs) can heat up significantly when absorbing gases, leading to a loss of efficiency. The researchers identified MOFs with high densities and small pores as more capable of conducting heat, paving the way for their practical commercial implementation.
Researchers have identified a key cause of metastasis from aggressive brain cancer in children and found a potential new therapy. Medulloblastoma cells hijack neurodevelopmental signaling pathways to promote tumor cell spreading. Targeting these pathways with a drug called dasatinib has shown promise in killing metastatic tumors.
A Pitt lab discovery sheds light on how a specific mutation in the lsr2 gene helps bacteria resist phage infection. The team developed new tools to visualize phages attacking bacteria, revealing critical insights into the mechanisms of phage resistance.
A novel community-focused strategy implemented in Pennsylvania counties led to a 30% reduction in opioid overdose death rates. The approach, developed by University of Pittsburgh researchers, prevented 1,818 opioid-related deaths over two years.
Researchers will use data from New IDEAS study to enroll a representative population of patients with memory impairment and their family members. The goal is to better understand the psychological impact of receiving biomarker-informed diagnoses and inform best practices in diagnostic evaluation.
A new study found that military veterans are at higher risk of developing human papillomavirus (HPV)-related cancers due to low vaccination rates. The study suggests that 'catch-up' HPV vaccination campaigns are needed to boost vaccination rates among veterans and reduce deaths from these largely preventable cancers.
Researchers discovered that quiescent ovarian cancer cells secrete follistatin, which induces resistance in neighboring cells and worsens survival rates. Targeting this protein may improve chemotherapy response and boost survival in patients with aggressive ovarian cancer.
Researchers identified a type of immune cell called age-associated B cells as key drivers of lupus disease. Targeting these cells in a mouse model reduced disease progression, suggesting a potential new therapy for lupus patients.
A study published in the American Journal of Critical Care found that a single trained observer serving as a checklist prompter can accurately assess whether multidisciplinary rounds addressed key elements of the ABCDEF bundle. This approach enables customized, shorter checklists to streamline workflows and improve patient care.
Researchers used C-trap technology to investigate how different DNA repair proteins identify and bind to their respective forms of damage. They found that some proteins arrived at the damage site together and departed together, while others showed surprising variability in their association and dissociation patterns. The study provides...
Researchers discovered that frail patients who received additional support before and after surgery were 18% less likely to die within a year. By connecting these patients with medical professionals and resources, they can make healthy lifestyle changes and receive guidance on managing their condition without surgical intervention.
A new study reveals naked mole-rats produce eggs throughout their lives, contrary to the dogma that female mammals have a finite ovarian reserve. The research found that these rodents have exceptionally large numbers of egg cells and lower cell death rates compared to mice.
Researchers from University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University developed a neurotechnology that stimulates spinal cord to improve arm and hand mobility in stroke patients. The therapy enables tasks such as grasping objects and lifting arms above the head, with some improvements lasting even after the stimulation is switched off.
A team of researchers from the University of Pittsburgh and University of Georgia is leading a $749,997 NSF Convergence project to collect and analyze data in Pittsburgh and Georgia to build a more circular economy. They will use the Circularity Assessment Protocol (CAP) to examine material usage and management at community levels.
A recent study found that individuals with conservative political leanings tend to favor hydroxychloroquine and view vaccination unfavorably. Physicians also exhibit similar biases, with conservative physicians being more likely to prescribe hydroxychloroquine. The study suggests that education alone may not be enough to combat polariz...
A team of biostatisticians created a framework to evaluate the congruence and discordance of laboratory animals with specific human diseases. The tool removes bias from scientific interpretation of animal data for human conditions, revealing that some models mimic biological mechanisms well while others poorly.
A new Pitt study reframes understanding of graft-versus-host disease, suggesting that GVHD is locally maintained by donor T cells in target tissues. The research, published in Immunity, offers an alternative model that could guide development of novel therapies and improve outcomes for stem cell recipients.
A study by University of Pittsburgh and Cornell University scientists found that states with recreational cannabis laws saw a significant reduction in pharmacy-based codeine distribution. This reduction is promising from a public health perspective, as prescription opioid misuse contributes to thousands of overdose deaths annually.
A new study suggests that the brain's ability to identify a voice is linked to its ability to recognize faces, with a common brain center processing both visual and auditory information. This finding has important implications for understanding disorders where voice or face recognition is compromised.
The proposed project relies on Tensor Network Theory (TNT) to calculate multidimensional problems, offering a less expensive and intensive method than standard computing. Researchers aim to successfully simulate turbulence in compressible fluids and combustion chemical reactions.
A new biomarker test, called BD-tau, can detect Alzheimer's disease neurodegeneration in blood samples with high accuracy. The test outperforms current methods and correlates well with CSF biomarkers, providing a valuable tool for improved diagnosis and clinical trial design.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh discovered that exhausted cancer-fighting T cells can become immunosuppressive when working in low-oxygen tumor environments. Targeting these conditions can reinvigorate these cells, improving response to immune-based cancer therapies.
A new study identifies anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) as a key factor in regulating cholesterol levels during the menopause transition. High AMH levels are associated with lower HDL-C, or good cholesterol, which may indicate cardiovascular risk despite its traditionally protective effects.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that patients with depression are less likely to adhere to essential medical therapies following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The study examined over 124,000 patients who underwent PCI and were diagnosed with depression, revealing a significant proportion of individuals with...
A large longitudinal study found that weight-loss surgery significantly reduces urinary incontinence episode frequency in adults with severe obesity. After seven years, improvements persist despite some weight regain, offering a durable benefit to patients.
Lei Fang's NSF-funded project models interactions between active matter and transport barriers to improve understanding of ocean currents and drone technologies. The study uses a laboratory flow system with tiny zooplankton, brine shrimp, to examine the effect of their movement on transport barriers.