The University of Pittsburgh has received more than $1 million to study the effects of community stressors on childhood asthma rates, when they're mixed with air pollution.
The Environmental Protection Agency has given out a total of about $8 million to researchers nationwide to study the effects of those stressors on various public health issues.
EPA environmental health scientist Richard Callan says the Pitt study will yield valuable information about factors affecting asthma. He says researchers will gather information about the influence of air pollution, crime, poor nutrition, poverty, and other factors on childhood asthma rates. Then, they'll engage the communities in conversation and action about how they can lower those rates.
Callan says the Pitt team will work in New York City neighborhoods alongside researchers from New York University, Harvard University and other local groups. He says the study’s being done in New York because of the large amount of data available on the neighborhoods there.
Showing posts with label University of Pittsburgh. Show all posts
Showing posts with label University of Pittsburgh. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Legislation To Cut State Dollars for Pitt, Penn State
A Pennsylvania House panel has approved a measure to cut funding for state-owned and state-related universities
It was a vote down party lines -- Democrats called the proposed funding cuts draconian and Republicans made the case for belt-tightening in hard times.
When it came time to take a vote on the first of four bills to decrease funding for higher education, Appropriations Committee Chairman Bill Adolph of Delaware County offered a wry observation:
"21 yays and 14 nays. Despite all that conversation, obviously no one changed their mind."
The proposal would make an 18 percent cut to funds for the 14 state system schools including IUP, Millersville, Slippery Rock, California, Edinboro and Bloomsburg.
The funding cut would be 19 percent for the four state-related universities --, Pitt, Penn State, Temple, and Lincoln.
Democrats say the reductions would force schools to hike their tuition, but Republicans say the General Assembly can’t control tuition rates.
Adolph says universities would be able to keep tuition low since the proposed cuts come in under the Governor’s suggested number.
"A lot of these CFOs of these universities and the board of trustees, even when it was a 50 percent decrease in funding, they were going to try their best to keep tuition as low as possible. It was not going to be a dollar for dollar increase in tuition."
The legislation will likely be considered by the Senate next week.
It was a vote down party lines -- Democrats called the proposed funding cuts draconian and Republicans made the case for belt-tightening in hard times.
When it came time to take a vote on the first of four bills to decrease funding for higher education, Appropriations Committee Chairman Bill Adolph of Delaware County offered a wry observation:
"21 yays and 14 nays. Despite all that conversation, obviously no one changed their mind."
The proposal would make an 18 percent cut to funds for the 14 state system schools including IUP, Millersville, Slippery Rock, California, Edinboro and Bloomsburg.
The funding cut would be 19 percent for the four state-related universities --, Pitt, Penn State, Temple, and Lincoln.
Democrats say the reductions would force schools to hike their tuition, but Republicans say the General Assembly can’t control tuition rates.
Adolph says universities would be able to keep tuition low since the proposed cuts come in under the Governor’s suggested number.
"A lot of these CFOs of these universities and the board of trustees, even when it was a 50 percent decrease in funding, they were going to try their best to keep tuition as low as possible. It was not going to be a dollar for dollar increase in tuition."
The legislation will likely be considered by the Senate next week.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Dems Block Funding For Universities To Try To Get Them More
State funding for state-related schools including the University of Pittsburgh could be halted until September.
The bills dictating what the schools get in state money are the rare bills that require a two-thirds majority vote – so Senate and House Democrats were able to keep the measures from passing Monday evening.
The Democrats say they want to get more money for the schools which are being cut by 19%.
But Republican Representative Stan Saylor of York County says this will only hold things up.
"We’re not gonna deal with these until we come back in September now. Because again, we’re not going to wait around and play games. Because we don’t know when they’re going to give us votes. They haven’t said."
Democratic Representative Dan Frankel of Pittsburgh says Republicans left Democrats out of the loop on spending decisions for too long.
So we’re brought in on June 27th to have that conversation. So we’re expected to roll over because they have a date of June 30th to get this bill done? Well if they were concerned about getting the bill – the budget done on time, they should have included the caucus in on the discussions at a much earlier time.
But House Republicans say this won’t delay the passage of a budget – although it might delay state funding for the schools in question -- Penn State, Pitt, Temple, and Lincoln.
.
The bills dictating what the schools get in state money are the rare bills that require a two-thirds majority vote – so Senate and House Democrats were able to keep the measures from passing Monday evening.
The Democrats say they want to get more money for the schools which are being cut by 19%.
But Republican Representative Stan Saylor of York County says this will only hold things up.
"We’re not gonna deal with these until we come back in September now. Because again, we’re not going to wait around and play games. Because we don’t know when they’re going to give us votes. They haven’t said."
Democratic Representative Dan Frankel of Pittsburgh says Republicans left Democrats out of the loop on spending decisions for too long.
So we’re brought in on June 27th to have that conversation. So we’re expected to roll over because they have a date of June 30th to get this bill done? Well if they were concerned about getting the bill – the budget done on time, they should have included the caucus in on the discussions at a much earlier time.
But House Republicans say this won’t delay the passage of a budget – although it might delay state funding for the schools in question -- Penn State, Pitt, Temple, and Lincoln.
.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
College Students Protest Corbett's Ed Funding Cuts
A day after the top House Republican said lawmakers would make sure Pennsylvania’s budget doesn’t cut funding for colleges and universities in half, students from Pitt, Penn State and the 14 state-owned universities crammed the Capitol rotunda to ask for more money.
Governor Tom Corbett’s budget trims more than $500 million in spending by slashing funding for State System and state-related schools in half.
Penn State freshman Mokhtar al Hindi was one of the students packed onto the rotunda steps during his school’s noon rally. He said he appreciates Majority Leader Mike Turzai’s comments, but thought it was still important to rally against Governor Corbett’s proposed 50-percent cuts. “If we’re not here then it’s going to be as if we don’t care. But in reality, we do, and we want to make our voice heard, that we care about the budget and what happens in the Capitol,” he said.
Marcello D’Amore, who stood next to al Hindi, said he understands the state needs to trim funding for PSU and other schools to fill a $4.2 billion deficit, but that he asked lawmakers to keep the cuts to a minimum. “We need a big drop in that 52 percent [proposed cut]. Not a little. If the budget increases their tuition a lot, it’s going to force people to drop out. I know if it increases thousands of dollars, I might not be able to stay, either.”
Allegheny County Democrat Dan Frankel kicked off Pitt’s 2 o’clock rally by arguing the Pittsburgh school and other institutions have already helped keep state spending down by making due with relatively level funding over the previous decade. “Every single year, [Pitt’s] appropriation has fallen or been flat. So in real dollars, last year’s appropriation was no higher – less – than the appropriation it was ten years ago. And inflation has taken its toll,” he said. “So we already have asked the university to do more with less, and they have.” Corbett defends his proposal by pointing to annual tuition increases at the schools.
Turzai says the House will likely increase higher ed funding by taking money from the Department of Public Welfare budget. Corbett’s proposal increases DPW spending by $600 million.
Governor Tom Corbett’s budget trims more than $500 million in spending by slashing funding for State System and state-related schools in half.
Penn State freshman Mokhtar al Hindi was one of the students packed onto the rotunda steps during his school’s noon rally. He said he appreciates Majority Leader Mike Turzai’s comments, but thought it was still important to rally against Governor Corbett’s proposed 50-percent cuts. “If we’re not here then it’s going to be as if we don’t care. But in reality, we do, and we want to make our voice heard, that we care about the budget and what happens in the Capitol,” he said.
Marcello D’Amore, who stood next to al Hindi, said he understands the state needs to trim funding for PSU and other schools to fill a $4.2 billion deficit, but that he asked lawmakers to keep the cuts to a minimum. “We need a big drop in that 52 percent [proposed cut]. Not a little. If the budget increases their tuition a lot, it’s going to force people to drop out. I know if it increases thousands of dollars, I might not be able to stay, either.”
Allegheny County Democrat Dan Frankel kicked off Pitt’s 2 o’clock rally by arguing the Pittsburgh school and other institutions have already helped keep state spending down by making due with relatively level funding over the previous decade. “Every single year, [Pitt’s] appropriation has fallen or been flat. So in real dollars, last year’s appropriation was no higher – less – than the appropriation it was ten years ago. And inflation has taken its toll,” he said. “So we already have asked the university to do more with less, and they have.” Corbett defends his proposal by pointing to annual tuition increases at the schools.
Turzai says the House will likely increase higher ed funding by taking money from the Department of Public Welfare budget. Corbett’s proposal increases DPW spending by $600 million.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Earth Hour Calls Attention to Climate Change
Tonight from 8:30–9:30 the City of Pittsburgh will officially participate in the global event, “Earth Hour,” during which hundreds of millions of people, organizations, corporations and governments around the world will come together and turn off their lights to demonstrate a concern for climate change.
In 2007, the first Earth Hour occurred in Sydney, Australia with 2.2 million people turning off their lights in a show of support for efforts to fight climate change. Pittsburgh began participating the following year and in 2010, 128 countries took part in Earth Hour. That included 90 million Americans and iconic American landmarks, such as, Seattle’s Space Needle, the Las Vegas Strip, St Louis’ Gateway Arch, and the Brooklyn Bridge.
This evening Carlow, Carnegie Mellon, Chatham, Duquesne, Point Park and the University of Pittsburgh will all have buildings go dark for one hour.
Since 2008, Councilman William Peduto has led the effort to have Pittsburgh be a partner in this global event.
“I am proud of Pittsburgh’s continued environmental leadership. Pittsburgh’s universities have long been leaders of the region and it is only appropriate that they lead Pittsburgh’s Earth Hour efforts.”
In 2007, the first Earth Hour occurred in Sydney, Australia with 2.2 million people turning off their lights in a show of support for efforts to fight climate change. Pittsburgh began participating the following year and in 2010, 128 countries took part in Earth Hour. That included 90 million Americans and iconic American landmarks, such as, Seattle’s Space Needle, the Las Vegas Strip, St Louis’ Gateway Arch, and the Brooklyn Bridge.
This evening Carlow, Carnegie Mellon, Chatham, Duquesne, Point Park and the University of Pittsburgh will all have buildings go dark for one hour.
Since 2008, Councilman William Peduto has led the effort to have Pittsburgh be a partner in this global event.
“I am proud of Pittsburgh’s continued environmental leadership. Pittsburgh’s universities have long been leaders of the region and it is only appropriate that they lead Pittsburgh’s Earth Hour efforts.”
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Leadership in a Crisis
Over the last several days, there has been a need for leadership to respond to major developments, naturally occurring such as the earthquake and tsunami that rocked Japan or the bloodshed in Libya.
Admiral Thad Allen, retired Commandant of the U.S Coast Guard, led recovery efforts following Hurricane Katrina and was the national incident commander of the Gulf oil spill. He speaks this afternoon at Pitt’s Johnston Institute about “Leadership in a Crisis.” He talked with DUQ’S Kevin Gavin.
Listen to the interview
Admiral Thad Allen, retired Commandant of the U.S Coast Guard, led recovery efforts following Hurricane Katrina and was the national incident commander of the Gulf oil spill. He speaks this afternoon at Pitt’s Johnston Institute about “Leadership in a Crisis.” He talked with DUQ’S Kevin Gavin.
Listen to the interview
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Nordenberg, Spanier Dispute Budget Secretary
The University of Pittsburgh's chancellor and Penn State’s president used a Wednesday afternoon appearance before the Senate Appropriations Committee to push back against comments Budget Secretary Charles Zogby made during an interview with WDUQ.
On Tuesday morning, Zogby said a person would have had to been “living under a rock” to be surprised by the fact Governor Corbett’s budget slashed spending and avoided tax increases. The Republican wants to cut state support for Penn State, Pitt, Lincoln and Temple Universities in half, among other proposals. “Gee, I followed the election pretty closely,” said Pitt Chancellor Mark Nordenberg. “I had conversations with the governor while he was on the campaign trail. I co-chair his education transition committee. I don’t think I was living under a rock. But, in fact, the depth and disproportionate nature of these proposed cuts was both stunning and surprising to me.”
Zogby attacked what he called low four-year graduation rates at state-related and State System of Higher Education schools during the Tuesday interview. He singled out Penn State Dubois’ 29 percent figure, questioning whether Pennsylvania taxpayers were getting enough value for the money they’re sending to schools. Penn State President Graham Spanier said Zogby’s comments aren’t “a completely accurate reflection of the picture.” “First of all, it’s a commuter campus,” he said. “It is not a residential campus for traditional 18 to 22-year-olds. In fact, at the Penn State DuBois campus, half of the students are enrolled in associate degrees. In two-year degree programs. …They will not show up in our statistics, of completing a college degree in four years. And indeed, at that campus, where 97 percent of the students receive financial aid, virtually every student works, either full-time or part-time.”
The executives told lawmakers they’d bridge the funding gap by raising tuition, cutting courses and services and laying off employees, among other measures. They all took great pains to stress that tuition hikes alone won’t fill the budget hole. Temple president Ann Weaver Hart said that would take “a 44 percent tuition increase. That’s just not to be contemplated.” Spanier said the reduction would be devastating to some programs, even though it makes up just four percent of Penn State’s overall funding. “In agriculture alone, we are talking about 440 employees that we would have to lay off under the budget scenario that is out there. These are not made up numbers. These are not numbers designed to shock people. These are actual projections.”
On Tuesday morning, Zogby said a person would have had to been “living under a rock” to be surprised by the fact Governor Corbett’s budget slashed spending and avoided tax increases. The Republican wants to cut state support for Penn State, Pitt, Lincoln and Temple Universities in half, among other proposals. “Gee, I followed the election pretty closely,” said Pitt Chancellor Mark Nordenberg. “I had conversations with the governor while he was on the campaign trail. I co-chair his education transition committee. I don’t think I was living under a rock. But, in fact, the depth and disproportionate nature of these proposed cuts was both stunning and surprising to me.”
Zogby attacked what he called low four-year graduation rates at state-related and State System of Higher Education schools during the Tuesday interview. He singled out Penn State Dubois’ 29 percent figure, questioning whether Pennsylvania taxpayers were getting enough value for the money they’re sending to schools. Penn State President Graham Spanier said Zogby’s comments aren’t “a completely accurate reflection of the picture.” “First of all, it’s a commuter campus,” he said. “It is not a residential campus for traditional 18 to 22-year-olds. In fact, at the Penn State DuBois campus, half of the students are enrolled in associate degrees. In two-year degree programs. …They will not show up in our statistics, of completing a college degree in four years. And indeed, at that campus, where 97 percent of the students receive financial aid, virtually every student works, either full-time or part-time.”
The executives told lawmakers they’d bridge the funding gap by raising tuition, cutting courses and services and laying off employees, among other measures. They all took great pains to stress that tuition hikes alone won’t fill the budget hole. Temple president Ann Weaver Hart said that would take “a 44 percent tuition increase. That’s just not to be contemplated.” Spanier said the reduction would be devastating to some programs, even though it makes up just four percent of Penn State’s overall funding. “In agriculture alone, we are talking about 440 employees that we would have to lay off under the budget scenario that is out there. These are not made up numbers. These are not numbers designed to shock people. These are actual projections.”
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Study Finds Arthritis Patients Suffer From Poor Sleep
A recent study performed by the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing found that those affected by Rheumatoid Arthritis often experience very poor sleep quality which can translate to increased symptoms and poor life quality.
The study used a sleep questionnaire to identify problems in the subject’s sleep and of 162 people tested, it found that 61 percent experience “poor sleep” according to the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Thirty-three percent reported experiencing disturbing pain in their sleep at least three times a week.
Dr. Faith Luyster a research assistant professor for Pitt’s School of Nursing says a lot can be achieved if these subjects could sleep more peacefully.
“By improving their sleep it’s going to impact a lot of daytime symptoms and impairments that they have,” Dr. Luyster says. “In our study we found that poor sleep was associated with limitations and being able to do daily activities and social activities.”
The study identified two possible solutions to solving the poor sleep quality of the subjects tested. According to Dr. Luyster, behavior changes can lead to better sleep.
“Having a consistent bedtime and wake-time is important, avoiding caffeine, alcohol and vigorous exercise before they fall asleep, and creating as comfortable a sleeping environment that they can.”
Dr. Luyster also identified the importance of using the bed only for sleep and sex and avoiding watching TV or doing work in bed. Another solution offered by the study is the use of prescription medications to improve sleep.
The study used a sleep questionnaire to identify problems in the subject’s sleep and of 162 people tested, it found that 61 percent experience “poor sleep” according to the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Thirty-three percent reported experiencing disturbing pain in their sleep at least three times a week.
Dr. Faith Luyster a research assistant professor for Pitt’s School of Nursing says a lot can be achieved if these subjects could sleep more peacefully.
“By improving their sleep it’s going to impact a lot of daytime symptoms and impairments that they have,” Dr. Luyster says. “In our study we found that poor sleep was associated with limitations and being able to do daily activities and social activities.”
The study identified two possible solutions to solving the poor sleep quality of the subjects tested. According to Dr. Luyster, behavior changes can lead to better sleep.
“Having a consistent bedtime and wake-time is important, avoiding caffeine, alcohol and vigorous exercise before they fall asleep, and creating as comfortable a sleeping environment that they can.”
Dr. Luyster also identified the importance of using the bed only for sleep and sex and avoiding watching TV or doing work in bed. Another solution offered by the study is the use of prescription medications to improve sleep.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Private Sector Disaster Preparedness
The University of Pittsburgh is hosting a lecture today on disaster preparedness for businesses, nonprofits and other institutions.
Los Angeles Emergency Preparedness Foundation President Brent Woodworth is an organizer for several disaster responses such as the Oklahoma City Bombing of 1995, the September 11 World Trade Center attack, and Hurricane Katrina.
Woodworth says he hopes to share several ideas to improve Pittsburgh’s disaster resiliency, which includes increasing communication and cooperation between city government and private sector entities.
He says for example, although Starbucks usually charges for its wireless Internet service in Southern California, the company allows free access in times of emergency.
Technology is always improving, says Woodworth, and keeping up-to-date with communication systems is also very important for a disaster response.
The talk, titled “Metropolitan Regions at Risk: The Role and Responsibility of the Private Sector in Disaster Risk Reduction,” is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. at Pitt’s Posvar Hall.
Los Angeles Emergency Preparedness Foundation President Brent Woodworth is an organizer for several disaster responses such as the Oklahoma City Bombing of 1995, the September 11 World Trade Center attack, and Hurricane Katrina.
Woodworth says he hopes to share several ideas to improve Pittsburgh’s disaster resiliency, which includes increasing communication and cooperation between city government and private sector entities.
He says for example, although Starbucks usually charges for its wireless Internet service in Southern California, the company allows free access in times of emergency.
Technology is always improving, says Woodworth, and keeping up-to-date with communication systems is also very important for a disaster response.
The talk, titled “Metropolitan Regions at Risk: The Role and Responsibility of the Private Sector in Disaster Risk Reduction,” is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. at Pitt’s Posvar Hall.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Pitt Tells Abstinence Group Not to Gather
The Pittsburgh Anscombe Society was told that they were not allowed to hand out material in a University of Pittsburgh dormitory lobby on Monday. The abstinence group was in Towers, a dorm located near a safe-sex expo sponsored by a peer health education program called, "PantherWELL."
Pitt says that since Anscombe was not yet a recognized student group, and they did not reserve the student-filled area for their activities, they were told to leave. Pitt released a statement on Thursday saying that the University has the ability to, "schedule certain buildings for the use of University departments and certified student groups. From February 7 to February 11, PantherWELL had already scheduled the use of Towers lobby area."
In regards to certification, the Dean of Pitt students, Kathy Humphrey, says in the statement "Anscombe has agreed to work with us to ensure that its important message and voices are heard. Anscombe has now completed the application process of becoming a certified student organization, and we anticipate certification happening in the near future."
Also noted in the statement, "Once this group is certified, it will be eligible to apply for the use of University space."
Pitt says that since Anscombe was not yet a recognized student group, and they did not reserve the student-filled area for their activities, they were told to leave. Pitt released a statement on Thursday saying that the University has the ability to, "schedule certain buildings for the use of University departments and certified student groups. From February 7 to February 11, PantherWELL had already scheduled the use of Towers lobby area."
In regards to certification, the Dean of Pitt students, Kathy Humphrey, says in the statement "Anscombe has agreed to work with us to ensure that its important message and voices are heard. Anscombe has now completed the application process of becoming a certified student organization, and we anticipate certification happening in the near future."
Also noted in the statement, "Once this group is certified, it will be eligible to apply for the use of University space."
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Haywood Out of Jail, Out of a Job
24 hours after being arrested on a domestic violence charge in South Bend, Indiana, Michael Haywood has been fired as head football coach at the University of Pittsburgh. Haywood was just hired December 16 to replace Dave Wannstedt who resigned after 6 seasons on the job.
Haywood was freed from the St. Joseph County Jail Saturday afternoon after posting $1,000 cash bond. This comes after the charge was increased to a felony. Haywood is accused of pushing, grabbing and choking the mother of his 21 month old son during a custody dispute.
Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg issued a statement saying that after careful consideration of recent events the university dismissed Haywood effective immediately.......
“To be clear, the University’s decision is not tied to any expectation with respect to the terms on which the legal proceeding now pending in Indiana might ultimately be concluded. Instead, it reflects a strong belief that moving forward with Mr. Haywood as our head coach is not possible under the existing circumstances.
“This is a matter of real regret for the many people at Pitt who had looked forward to working with him. However, head coaches are among the University’s most visible representatives and are expected to maintain high standards of personal conduct and to avoid situations that might reflect negatively on the University.
Nordenberg went on to say that the university is immediately re-opening its search for head football coach and expanding the process to include a larger pool of candidates. The statement said the goal is to move swiftly but prudently “ to find the right person to successfully lead the Pitt football program for what we hope will be an extended period of time.”
Haywood was freed from the St. Joseph County Jail Saturday afternoon after posting $1,000 cash bond. This comes after the charge was increased to a felony. Haywood is accused of pushing, grabbing and choking the mother of his 21 month old son during a custody dispute.
Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg issued a statement saying that after careful consideration of recent events the university dismissed Haywood effective immediately.......
“To be clear, the University’s decision is not tied to any expectation with respect to the terms on which the legal proceeding now pending in Indiana might ultimately be concluded. Instead, it reflects a strong belief that moving forward with Mr. Haywood as our head coach is not possible under the existing circumstances.
“This is a matter of real regret for the many people at Pitt who had looked forward to working with him. However, head coaches are among the University’s most visible representatives and are expected to maintain high standards of personal conduct and to avoid situations that might reflect negatively on the University.
Nordenberg went on to say that the university is immediately re-opening its search for head football coach and expanding the process to include a larger pool of candidates. The statement said the goal is to move swiftly but prudently “ to find the right person to successfully lead the Pitt football program for what we hope will be an extended period of time.”
Saturday, January 1, 2011
New Pitt Coach Arrested
Michael Haywood, who was just hired 2 weeks ago as the University of Pittsburgh's new football coach, is jailed in South Bend, Indiana on a domestic violence charge. Assistant Police Chief Bill Redman says the mother of Haywood's 21 month old child told police that Haywood grabbed her by the arm and neck and pushed her as she tried to leave his home with the toddler. The university issued a brief statement saying that it is aware of an alleged incident involving Haywood....."The university expects the highest standards of conduct from its employees including its coaches, and any breach of those standards is a very serious matter. "
The statement concluded with there would no further comment until "more complete information is available."
Haywood was hired away from Miami University of Ohio to replace Dave Wannstedt who resigned under fire aftr 6 seasons at Pitt.
The statement concluded with there would no further comment until "more complete information is available."
Haywood was hired away from Miami University of Ohio to replace Dave Wannstedt who resigned under fire aftr 6 seasons at Pitt.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Pitt Researcher Creates Database for Pregnancy Complications
Dr. James Watson, a researcher at the
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Nanoscale Light Sensor Sees Color
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have created a light sensor that is just four nanometers wide and can detect light on a nearly atomic scale. The average human hair is 80,000 nanometers wide. Pitt Physics Professor Jeremy Levy says they built upon previous University of Pittsburgh research that allows scientists to “draw” electronic paths separated by just a few atoms on the surface of a semiconductor. “If you want to detect light at the near-atomic scale this might be the best tool for doing that,” says Levy, “the actual sensitivity over the area that we are interested in is actually very large.”
Levy says the sensor could address a pair of problems scientists face when dealing with light sensitive materials. He says, ”It’s quite often difficult to integrate the optical and electronic components, but because we have this platform where we can create nano electronics it is very natural for us to incorporate the optical and electronic properties. So once we detect light it is very easy for us to read it out electronically.” The sensor also has the ability to see color in ways that most other sensors cannot. “What we found was that we could change the sensitivity to various colors of light simply by changing the electrical conditions,” says Levy. Most photo detectors measure that they have absorbed light but cannot tell the color the light. “In some sense, it’s a color sensor,” says Levy.
Levy says the sensor could address a pair of problems scientists face when dealing with light sensitive materials. He says, ”It’s quite often difficult to integrate the optical and electronic components, but because we have this platform where we can create nano electronics it is very natural for us to incorporate the optical and electronic properties. So once we detect light it is very easy for us to read it out electronically.” The sensor also has the ability to see color in ways that most other sensors cannot. “What we found was that we could change the sensitivity to various colors of light simply by changing the electrical conditions,” says Levy. Most photo detectors measure that they have absorbed light but cannot tell the color the light. “In some sense, it’s a color sensor,” says Levy.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
November is American Diabetes Month
Diabetes is an epidemic in the U.S., it's also on the rise around the world. That's according to Linda Siminerio, Director of the University of Pittsburgh Diabetes Institute.
Siminerio says that's especially true for certain at-risk groups, including overweight and obese people; those who aren't physically active; certain ethnic groups; and women who had diabetes during pregnancy, or who had a baby more than nine pounds.
Siminerio says while Type 1 diabetes is often unavoidable, Type 2 diabetes can be caused by an unhealthy lifestyle. She says that means a lack of physical activity and a poor diet.
Siminerio says diabetes is also occurring at younger ages. The Diabetes Institute Director says this is because children in the past were not exposed to as many unhealthy foods and activities. Siminerio says the rise of television, computers, and unhealthy food options in the past century has introduced a sedentary lifestyle that human genes weren't ready to adapt to.
Siminerio says parents can help their children and themselves avoid Type 2 diabetes by raising their children to live a healthy lifestyle. She says if these qualities are passed down through generations, rates of Type 2 diabetes should fall.
Siminerio says that's especially true for certain at-risk groups, including overweight and obese people; those who aren't physically active; certain ethnic groups; and women who had diabetes during pregnancy, or who had a baby more than nine pounds.
Siminerio says while Type 1 diabetes is often unavoidable, Type 2 diabetes can be caused by an unhealthy lifestyle. She says that means a lack of physical activity and a poor diet.
Siminerio says diabetes is also occurring at younger ages. The Diabetes Institute Director says this is because children in the past were not exposed to as many unhealthy foods and activities. Siminerio says the rise of television, computers, and unhealthy food options in the past century has introduced a sedentary lifestyle that human genes weren't ready to adapt to.
Siminerio says parents can help their children and themselves avoid Type 2 diabetes by raising their children to live a healthy lifestyle. She says if these qualities are passed down through generations, rates of Type 2 diabetes should fall.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Study Finds "Natural Plastics" Not Very Green
University of Pittsburgh students performed a study on 12 kinds of plastics to determine how green their life-cycle is. Biopolymers, plastics derived from natural elements, were the most biodegradable, with low toxicity, and used the most renewable resources. But, because of the natural components that make up Biopolymers, fertilizers and pesticides used in creating the material for the plastics those components pollute more then other plastics during their production.
Eric Beckman, Professor of Chemical Engineering, says that when designing Biopolymers engineers worked to make them as green as possible, but when it came to production they missed the mark. He also says that the most surprising aspect of the research was that Polypropylene, a fossil fuel based plastic, tested well, polluting less during manufacturing.
Beckman says the main improvement the chemical industry can make after the study is using less material during plastic production. "If you look at the guidelines we give to people to be more environmentally benign we always say 'reduce, reuse, and recycle'...And I think the key lesson for this study is that if your going to try to be greener in the future no matter what you make, is to just less stuff when you make it."
The bulk of the research was done by a group of undergraduate students at Pitt in the School of Engineering. More research is planned on the polymers by examining the plastics environmental impact during disposal.
Eric Beckman, Professor of Chemical Engineering, says that when designing Biopolymers engineers worked to make them as green as possible, but when it came to production they missed the mark. He also says that the most surprising aspect of the research was that Polypropylene, a fossil fuel based plastic, tested well, polluting less during manufacturing.
Beckman says the main improvement the chemical industry can make after the study is using less material during plastic production. "If you look at the guidelines we give to people to be more environmentally benign we always say 'reduce, reuse, and recycle'...And I think the key lesson for this study is that if your going to try to be greener in the future no matter what you make, is to just less stuff when you make it."
The bulk of the research was done by a group of undergraduate students at Pitt in the School of Engineering. More research is planned on the polymers by examining the plastics environmental impact during disposal.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Foreclosure Rates High in Some Areas of Pgh
While Pittsburgh’s rate of foreclosure remains below the national average, several neighborhoods in the city weren’t so lucky.
University of Pittsburgh researchers compiled foreclosure data for city neighborhoods and found several communities, especially in the south and west of the city, had high rates. For example, Sheraden’s 2008-2009 foreclosure rate of 22% was the city’s highest, at about 30 times the Pennsylvania rate of 0.7%.
Pitt assistant professor Sabina Deitrick says the data she compiled should be useful for those trying to fight foreclosures.
“There’s lots of groups across the country who are working in similar kinds of neighborhoods and finding homeowners before foreclosures finish,” says Deitrick. “There’s groups here in Pittsburgh, like the Pittsburgh Community Reinvestment Group, that are doing those kinds of things. This is information to help them in identifying some areas when working with others, particularly with funders or foundations or financial institutions.”
Deitrick says often these foreclosed houses become property of financial institutions. She says since these companies want to get rid of these properties as quickly as possible, they’re often undersold or they stand vacant. Deitrick says this has happened most often in Beechview, where financial groups owned 29 properties.
University of Pittsburgh researchers compiled foreclosure data for city neighborhoods and found several communities, especially in the south and west of the city, had high rates. For example, Sheraden’s 2008-2009 foreclosure rate of 22% was the city’s highest, at about 30 times the Pennsylvania rate of 0.7%.
Pitt assistant professor Sabina Deitrick says the data she compiled should be useful for those trying to fight foreclosures.
“There’s lots of groups across the country who are working in similar kinds of neighborhoods and finding homeowners before foreclosures finish,” says Deitrick. “There’s groups here in Pittsburgh, like the Pittsburgh Community Reinvestment Group, that are doing those kinds of things. This is information to help them in identifying some areas when working with others, particularly with funders or foundations or financial institutions.”
Deitrick says often these foreclosed houses become property of financial institutions. She says since these companies want to get rid of these properties as quickly as possible, they’re often undersold or they stand vacant. Deitrick says this has happened most often in Beechview, where financial groups owned 29 properties.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Students Ask for Amnesty when Seeking Help for Intoxication
Around 1,000 students have signed a petition asking the University of Pittsburgh to change a policy that allows campus police to cite students for underage drinking if they seek help at the school-affiliated hospital UPMC-Presbyterian. Ron Bennett, a spokesman for the campus police, says underage students who go to the hospital if they're dangerously drunk "will probably get a citation" which carries fines up to $500. The students say the policy is dangerous because the fear of citation could discourage students from seeking help. The petition asks the school to adopt an amnesty policy that prevents students from being ticketed if they require medical assistance for alcohol intoxication.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Printing Press At Pitt
The University of Pittsburgh has acquired a new book machine that takes digital files and prints, aligns and binds books in under ten minutes.
Rush Miller is the Director of Library System at The University of Pittsburgh. He says the machine has numerous benefits - besides offering on demand books for people who might prefer a print book to reading on a computer screen, it might be cheaper for students to purchase a bound book than to buy a textbook published by a traditional printing company.
Rush Miller is the Director of Library System at The University of Pittsburgh. He says the machine has numerous benefits - besides offering on demand books for people who might prefer a print book to reading on a computer screen, it might be cheaper for students to purchase a bound book than to buy a textbook published by a traditional printing company.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Study Reveals Increased Use of Antibiotics by Seniors
A University of Pittsburgh study of spending on antibiotics under Medicare Part D shows an increase in antibiotics use by seniors with pneumonia, which is an improvement, but also an increase in broad-spectrum antibiotics, which could mean an overuse of inappropriate drugs.
The study’s lead author, Yuting Zhang, of the Graduate School of Public Health says there’s been a major improvement for those with pneumonia who did not have drug coverage before the implementation of Medicare Part D. “It’s important that they use antibiotics to control their condition.”
However, she says there is also a misuse of prescription antibiotics, and this could lead to excessive government spending and overdose.
Zhang says there are a few things that can be done to prevent the misuse of these antibiotics without changing Medicare Part D. “There could be different education programs or reimbursement policy changes.” For example, she says policymakers could consider using a different pricing strategy that may involve charging higher for certain drugs that may not be appropriate for certain patients.
The assistant professor of health economics says they maintain one goal: to find another type of reimbursement policy program to reduce the inappropriate use of antibiotics… “Which always has been a very important thing and we have made a lot of progress and probably still have some room to improve on that.”
The study’s lead author, Yuting Zhang, of the Graduate School of Public Health says there’s been a major improvement for those with pneumonia who did not have drug coverage before the implementation of Medicare Part D. “It’s important that they use antibiotics to control their condition.”
However, she says there is also a misuse of prescription antibiotics, and this could lead to excessive government spending and overdose.
Zhang says there are a few things that can be done to prevent the misuse of these antibiotics without changing Medicare Part D. “There could be different education programs or reimbursement policy changes.” For example, she says policymakers could consider using a different pricing strategy that may involve charging higher for certain drugs that may not be appropriate for certain patients.
The assistant professor of health economics says they maintain one goal: to find another type of reimbursement policy program to reduce the inappropriate use of antibiotics… “Which always has been a very important thing and we have made a lot of progress and probably still have some room to improve on that.”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)