Innovation and Research

Pitt's Michael Palladino is the only researcher actively pursuing a cure for triosephosphate isomerase deficiency. Eleven-month old J.T. Borofka has this severe metabolic disorder, which is characterized by a shortage of red blood cells (anemia), neurological problems, infections and muscle weakness that can affect breathing and heart function. It is so rare that only eight known cases exist around the world — four of which have been identified in the United States.

The question for regenerative medicine research is “‘What can we do in space that we can't do on Earth that makes a difference?’" said William Wagner, director of the McGowan Institute, which has joined with the International Space Station U.S. National Laboratory to look for answers. "That's a pretty exciting question, because it's currently unanswered."

For stroke survivors whose ability to walk has been impaired by neurological damage, rehabilitation using robotics has proven to be an effective therapy to improve their gait. However, one of the major issues with this type of rehabilitation is that following training with a robotic device, motor improvements are not maintained in the patient’s daily life. Gelsy Torres-Oviedo, of Pitt's Swanson School of Engineering, is applying a novel approach to improve locomotor learning in stroke patients.

As states consider ways to introduce marijuana into their markets, they are also considering ways to detect intoxication and establish guidelines for safe use. A new device from an interdisciplinary team at Pitt could be a critical tool.

The Pitt Institute for Cyber Law, Policy, and Security's latest effort — maps and analysis of voting machine purchases in Pennsylvania — aims to steer counties that still need to buy new systems toward the safest and most secure option.

Pitt is driving toward its greenhouse gas reduction goals with the addition of new zero-emission electric vehicles to its fleet.

A University of Pittsburgh research team has developed a new device for swimmers, called Impulse, which measures force production to aid coaches and athletes in determining better ways to improve performance and prevent injury. And they’re starting with students on Pitt’s Swimming and Diving team.

When one person becomes part of the other: New lungs and bone marrow help some patients with no other options.

With nature as their muse, Swanson School of Engineering researchers have developed a durable, clear, anti-fogging and liquid-resistant glass using machine learning to expedite design testing.

With the advent of direct-to-consumer genetic testing, patients are showing up at doctors’ offices with big questions about their genes. Physicians, however, aren’t usually trained to answer them. Enter Mylynda Massart and others at Pitt.