Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh unveiled the first visualization of friction at the atomic level, showing that it occurs regardless of surface smoothness. This discovery could lead to better lubricants and materials to minimize friction and wear in machinery.
A team of researchers at the University of Pittsburgh used computational modeling to investigate the immune response to avian flu. They found that the levels of interferon may be responsible for its more severe presentation and could hold the key to treating it.
A study found that Black adolescents experienced high rates of online racial discrimination, which predicted worse mental health outcomes. The researchers suggest that recognizing online spaces as impediments to mental growth and well-being is crucial.
A new analysis led by University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health epidemiologists found that adults who undergo bariatric surgery are more than twice as likely to get married within five years. Conversely, married patients who receive bariatric surgery are more than twice as likely to get divorced.
Researchers found reduced levels of Histone Deacetylase I (HDAC I) in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease, linked to deleterious effects of misfolded beta-amyloid and tau proteins. HDAC inhibitors, currently being tested against mild Alzheimer's disease, may be harming patients rather than helping them.
Researchers have extracted a detailed record of 700,000 years of tropical climate change from an Andean lakebed, shedding light on the past 160,000 years. The discovery reveals that glaciers in the tropics followed a roughly 100,000-year cycle, with periods of wetness and dryness affecting global temperatures.
Researchers have created a new mouse model that mimics brain damage caused by severe RVFV infection, enabling the study of disease mechanisms and high-throughput testing of next-generation drugs. This breakthrough has significant implications for developing therapies and vaccines for this devastating virus.
A new study by the University of Pittsburgh found that patients with diabetes on Medicare Advantage plans are more likely to receive preventive treatments, but less likely to receive newer and more expensive medications. This disparity can lead to poorer health outcomes, including higher blood pressure and worse diabetes control.
A team of researchers has successfully created complex artificial tissue models, including a full-scale human heart model, using focused rotary jet spinning. This method enables the creation of intricate details and spatially varying alignment, rivaling biological tissues in mechanical behavior.
Researchers developed a technology that uses surviving neurons to restore connection between brain and arm via specific stimulation pulses to the spinal cord. This allowed macaque monkeys with partial arm paralysis to improve precision, force, and range of movement in their arms.
A new study reveals that oxidative damage to telomeres can trigger cellular senescence, leading to the development of 'zombie cells'. Researchers found that damage at telomeres disrupts DNA replication and induces stress signaling pathways, contributing to age-related diseases.
Experts outline a framework for treating cancer pain in patients with opioid use disorder or prescription opioid misuse. The study highlights the need for better integration of addiction treatment in cancer care, particularly prescribing methadone and buprenorphine.
A study published in Labour Economics found that US workers who work alongside industrial robots are more likely to suffer from adverse mental health effects, including substance abuse and increased suicide rates. In contrast, German workers saw no significant mental-health change when exposed to robotics.
Researchers analyzed antibodies to internal and surface proteins of SARS-CoV-2, finding that profiles of internal proteins predicted survival outcomes as well as those for surface proteins. The study suggests targeting other parts of the virus could enhance COVID-19 vaccines and therapies.
Pitt and Princeton engineers develop a system that converts chemical energy into mechanical action, allowing two-dimensional polymer sheets to rise and rotate in spiral helices without external power. The self-assembly process creates a complex, three-dimensional structure resembling twisted yarn being formed by a rotating spindle.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed self-powered smart implants that can monitor spinal fusion healing in real-time. The implants use a new class of multifunctional mechanical metamaterials to record pressure and stresses, generating their own power and providing crucial information about the healing process.
A new analysis by University of Pittsburgh scientists demonstrates that institutional racism, rather than race-based biology, worsens asthma severity in Black people. The study links discriminatory lending practices from the 1930s to long-term environmental and health inequities, particularly in historically redlined neighborhoods.
A new study reports on 20 case studies of phage therapy, showing the therapy's success in over half of patients and no adverse effects. The treatment has been shown to be effective against treatment-resistant Mycobacterium infections, with some patients experiencing spectacular outcomes.
A study led by the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health analyzed health care workers' motivations for vaccination and how they share their experiences on social media. The findings suggest that emphasizing 'freedom from fear' and addressing misinformation can be effective in reducing vaccine hesitancy.
A new multicenter study found that pregnant women with COVID-19 in Sub-Saharan Africa have a significantly increased risk of needing intensive care and dying compared to uninfected hospitalized pregnant women. The study also highlighted the importance of COVID-19 vaccination as part of prenatal care to improve mother and infant outcomes.
Scientists from Harvard and Pittsburgh develop liquid crystal elastomer material that can perform complex dance-like motions in response to UV light. The material's behavior is inspired by the interconnected structures of the human body, allowing it to seamlessly integrate dynamic processes.
A landmark research article published in Science predicted exponential growth in US drug overdose deaths, which has now come true with over 100,000 annual deaths. The Pitt team suggests that a systems analysis and computational models are necessary to understand the deep causal drivers of the epidemic.
Researchers propose a new method to study neural networks using intrinsic signal optical imaging (ISOI), which provides detailed maps of brain activity in living subjects. The study shows that ISOI can reveal cortical architecture at columnar resolution, offering a more accurate picture of brain network activity than existing methods.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered a new catalyst, tungsten oxide, that can efficiently convert carbon dioxide into useful fuels and chemicals. This breakthrough could lead to a significant reduction in global warming by utilizing hydrogen produced from renewable energy sources.
Researchers discovered that adaptive immune response against TB matures over time, with key players in immunity becoming activated by three months after infection. The emergence of these activated T cells is inversely correlated with the number of granuloma-contained live bacteria, suggesting they play critical roles in bacterial control.
Researchers mapped neural networks in marmoset and macaque monkeys to find that multiple areas in the frontal lobe control vocalization, contradicting a long-held view. This discovery could lead to a better understanding of speech disorders such as stuttering and apraxia.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh discovered that methylphenidate improves visual task performance when specific groups of neurons fire independently. The study sheds light on how Ritalin affects neural activity, which may lead to new treatments for age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease.
A team of researchers developed a prognostic model using automated brain scans and machine learning to predict survival and recovery in severe TBI patients. The model accurately predicted risk of death and unfavorable outcomes at six months after the injury, potentially improving clinical decision-making and patient care.
Researchers have directly observed N2 adsorption and tunneling electron-induced desorption processes at the atomic scale using scanning tunneling microscopy. The study reveals dominant pairwise electrostatic interactions between K and N2, weakening the molecule bond towards dissociation in the Haber-Bosch synthesis.
A new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that mice with different gut microbiomes choose different diets, influenced by substances produced by microbes. The researchers suggest that certain molecules, such as tryptophan, may be hijacking the body's natural signals to promote specific food cravings.
A mutated gene in more than 20% of breast cancer recurrences promotes metastasis and resistance to hormone therapy. Researchers identify potential vulnerabilities, leading to the development of personalized treatment approaches.
Researchers have shed light on how immune checkpoint protein LAG3 modulates T cell activity, providing crucial information for the development of new LAG3-blocking therapies. The study found that LAG3 suppresses T cell activation by disrupting coreceptor-Lck association, even in the absence of MHC Class II molecules.
A study from the University of Pittsburgh found that methionine restriction can slow down the growth of difficult-to-treat brain tumors in children, known as diffuse midline gliomas. The researchers discovered that these tumors are uniquely dependent on methionine, an amino acid, and that depleting it can repress cancer cell growth.
Researchers discovered that Viagra and a common over-the-counter drug TUDCA restored mitochondrial processes, which drive heart failure in HLHS patients. This could lead to new therapies for treating heart failure without relying on heart transplants.
Research reveals nearly a third of pregnant Medicaid beneficiaries screened for hepatitis C test positive, but fewer than a fifth receive follow-up care. A sustainable pathway to treatment is crucial, especially with expanded postpartum Medicaid coverage and highly effective oral medications.
Researchers found that hydroxychloroquine inhibits pathways that drive resistance to cisplatin in head and neck cancers, restoring tumor-killing effects. The study paves the way for a clinical trial combining hydroxychloroquine and cisplatin to treat chemotherapy-resistant patients.
Researchers discovered that tadpoles raised without helpful microbes can't stand the heat, and are five times more likely to die in high temperatures. The team also found that microbes help tadpoles deal with heat by regulating their metabolisms and energy production.
A new fluorescent DNA label has been developed to visualize disrupted DNA architecture in cancer cells, with promising results for improved cancer diagnoses and risk stratification. The study showed that the label can distinguish normal tissue from precancerous and cancerous lesions.
Researchers created tiny robot bugs that can navigate hard-to-reach spots and inhospitable environments. The robots use polymeric artificial muscle to replicate the jumping movements of small creatures like ants and fleas, enabling them to move across surfaces with ease.
A nationwide survey of COVID-19 guidance for emergency medical services (EMS) reveals that nearly half of states lack online access to protocols, leaving frontline workers vulnerable. The study highlights the need for standardized guidance and improved resource allocation to mitigate the impact of future pandemics.
Researchers are exploring how bacteria form biofilms, which can be detrimental to health but also have potential uses in medicine and environmental cleanup. The study aims to understand the mechanisms behind microbial growth in biofilms and develop new materials and treatments.
Researchers have made a significant breakthrough in predicting heart attacks and strokes by developing a non-invasive method using super-resolution ultrasound imaging. The technology aims to detect high-risk atherosclerotic plaques that are prone to rupture, allowing doctors to prescribe life-saving interventions.
A new study led by the University of Pittsburgh psychologists has found that regular exercise can help older adults prevent declines in episodic memory. The research pooled data from dozens of studies to show that exercising about three times a week for at least four months is effective in improving memory.
Scientists found a protective gene that counters a deleterious mutation causing atrial septal defects, allowing some people with the mutation to thrive. The discovery provides valuable clinical information for families affected by congenital heart disease.
A study by University of Pittsburgh researchers found that blood levels of seven out of ten commonly used anticonvulsant medications dropped dramatically during pregnancy, leading to breakthrough seizures. The study aims to improve outcomes in women with epilepsy by better managing their medications over the course of pregnancy.
The Advanced Magnetics for Power and Energy Development (AMPED) Consortium has received a $60,000 planning grant from the National Science Foundation to address the growing need for improved soft magnetic materials and enhanced device applications in emerging energy technologies. The consortium aims to create an interdisciplinary workf...
A new symptom management approach, WRITE Symptoms, guides patients to reflect on their symptoms and develop strategies for addressing target symptoms. Both nurse-led and self-directed versions of the tool improved women's sense of control over their symptoms after eight weeks.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered how 'polyglot' neurons encode and decode sensorimotor chatter, enabling the differentiation between motor and sensory signals. This breakthrough has vital applications in brain-computer interfaces and neuroprosthetics, where accurate decoding is crucial.
A multidisciplinary research team from the University of Pittsburgh seeks to improve vascular graft integration by developing fully biodegradable tissue-engineered vascular grafts. The goal is to keep compliance-matched as it degrades and remodels, reducing long-term graft failure rates.
A recent study by University of Pittsburgh biologists found a wide range of plant viruses associated with pollen grains from 24 plant species across the US. The research, published in Nature Communications, identifies six new species and three variants of known viruses, highlighting the potential for honeybees to spread these diseases.