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Pleasant Smells Can Help Smokers Reduce Cigarette Craving, New Study Finds
In a study that expands on previous work, a team led by psychology’s Michael Sayette found reduced urges to smoke in response to pleasant smells, as well as a connection to memory.

These Pitt research partnerships are using AI to better predict opioid overdose risk
Walid Gellad, director of Pitt’s Center for Pharmaceutical Policy and Prescribing, is using machine-learning algorithms to predict who is at risk of opioid misuse and overdose.
Researchers Teach Adults to Read Using Pictures of Houses
In a recent study, led by chair of psychology Julie Fiez, researchers taught adults “HouseFont” — a hieroglyphic-like language based on photos of homes — then scanned the language-learning areas of

Lifesaving first in medicine boosted by student research in Hatfull Lab
Research efforts in Graham Hatfull’s lab involving phages, or viruses that infect bacteria, saved a cystic fibrosis patient from a life-threatening infection. This therapeutic first couldn’t have
Historian Bridges Gap in Understanding Neglected Tropical Diseases
Mari Webel will continue her work that melds history and public health as Pitt’s first-ever Andrew W. Mellon Foundation New Directions Fellow.
New Pitt Supercomputer to Launch Into Space
A novel supercomputer developed by a University of Pittsburgh team is set to journey to the International Space Station, continuing a NASA partnership meant to improve Earth and space science.
Compounding Privileges in White, Affluent Neighborhoods Drive Urban Inequality
In her most recent paper, Pitt sociologist Junia Howell explores an understudied driver of inequity: the hoarding of educational resources and opportunity in middle- and upper-middle class
For Those Too Tired to Brush
For people traveling, in the military, without access to water — or just too exhausted to get out of bed — skipping the toothbrush for a day is sometimes inevitable. Pitt undergrads Lauren Yocum and
Keeping an Eye on AI: Pitt Engineer Examines the Future of Intelligent Machines
Engineering researcher Ervin Sejdic studies the rapidly evolving technology and potential applications of artificial intelligence in machines, whether in health sciences or self-driving vehicles.

A new program is combating the opioid crisis while promoting better back pain management
Pitt’s School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences designed the Primary Spine Practitioner Certification Program to bring together two groups often at odds — physical therapists and chiropractors —
A New Wrinkle on Vascular Implants
An undergraduate research project in the Swanson School of Engineering sent alumnus Joe Pugar (’17) in a new career direction, as CEO of startup company Aruga Technologies.

Librarian helps families of mentally ill access support, resources with new guide
In her new book, advocate and law librarian Linda Tashbook offers practical advice as well as nuts-and-bolts legal information that family members of those with mental illness need.
‘You Are Fantastic! Pick Ugly Produce!’
In a series of studies, Jillian Hmurovic, a doctoral candidate at the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business, and colleagues found that boosting consumer self-esteem increased how much people were
Social Work Researcher Makes Connection Between Pet Ownership and Wellness
A team led by Pitt’s Mary Beth Rauktis surveyed area food banks and found that patrons with pets had fewer food security issues than those without, though some pet owners also cut down on their own

Pitt is ranked among the top producers of Fulbright U.S. students for 2018-19
This is the eighth time in nine years that Pitt has been ranked in the U.S. Student Program category. The program supplies grants for individually designed study and research projects or for English
Researcher Probes How Viruses Hack Cells
Pitt virologist Terence Dermody thinks of cells like little factories. He and a team of doctoral students are working to decode how viruses can disrupt the assembly line.
Study Investigates Rising Drug Prices
A recent study led by Pitt’s Inmaculada Hernandez found that new drugs entering the market drive up prices, but drug companies are also hiking prices on older drugs.
Election Security Commission Releases Study and Recommendations
The Blue Ribbon Commission on Pennsylvania’s Election Security, co-chaired by Pitt Cyber’s David Hickton, urges the state to issue bonds, require audits and create emergency plans to protect elections
Pitt-led Study Models Technology to Make Carbon Dioxide Capture More Efficient
Pitt’s Chris Wilmer and a team of researchers developed a computer model that shows how tiny spongelike structures could reduce emissions from coal-generated power plants.
Interpersonal Research Brings Humans One Step Closer to Mars Mission
Working with the National Science Foundation’s United States Antarctic Program, scientists from Pitt collected data that highlights the potential for psychological symptoms and conditions that degrade