Innovation and Research

Protecting personal or work data stored in the cloud takes more technical effort and time than most average users are willing to spend. But Pitt researchers are working on simplifying the process, with the ultimate goal of putting cloud security into users’ hands.

Jonathan Duvall has used a wheelchair since a sledding accident in 2007. His work, including creating sidewalk roughness standards and a simpler way for people who use wheelchairs to weigh themselves, aims to help those with disabilities.

Each year, Pitt celebrates the accomplishments of its faculty, staff, students and alumni in a public report. Read it online now.

Kymberly Young is using neurofeedback — a process where patients respond to their own brainwaves — to help patients with depression rewire their brains to focus on the bright side.

Some people love "scary-fun" experiences like haunted houses. Pitt researchers Margee Kerr and Greg Siegle are finding out why — and using their research to make local attractions even scarier.

Researchers found that trace bits of potentially hazardous metal from long-ago industries could be reintroduced into neighboring areas after severe storms and flooding.

More than 40% of low back pain patients are prescribed opioids at some point. Associate Professor Mike Schneider and colleagues want to bring that number down.

Sponsored by alumni Richard and Renée Goldman, the competition awarded three teams a total of $30,000 for their innovative ideas to improve education.

Abnormalities in dental development could indicate risk for ailments such as kidney disease, asthma and cancer, among others.

Alexandre Vieira is researching ways that abnormalities in dental development can act as indicators that people may carry genetic risks for ailments such as kidney disease and cancer.