Beth Newcomb
Stories by Beth Newcomb:
Studying tiny worms could unlock new insights into human life
Two USC studies on diet and sperm quality in C. elegans illustrate how changes in the worm species could lay the groundwork for further research on human lifespan and reproduction.
Predicting the long-term effects of prenatal COVID-19 exposure
Infants born to mothers infected by the virus that causes COVID-19 could suffer from developmental difficulties and accelerated aging down the line, USC research finds.
How social factors impact our genes — and our health
A $2.9 million grant to Eileen Crimmins of the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology supports multination research on how life circumstances influence gene expression and affect health.
What it’s like to intern — and live — in a retirement community during COVID-19
Nelson Rubio Argueta’s internship couldn’t go virtual during the pandemic; he was living and working in Kingsley Manor Retirement Community in L.A. The gerontology student discusses his unique experience.
Taking precautions to prevent COVID-19 linked to the media you consume
People who trust left-leaning news sources are more likely to engage in key virus-mitigating behaviors, according to research from faculty and PhD students at USC Leonard Davis.
USC/UCLA center gets funding to continue studying health disparities
Backed by the National Institute on Aging, the $4.4 million renewal will support researchers working to improve population health.
Dementia-related deaths in the U.S. may be higher than reported
Death certificate data appear to underestimate the true mortality burden of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive impairment, according to a USC-led study.
Tiny protein has a big impact on health and longevity
A USC-led study has found that having greater amounts of the peptide humanin is closely correlated with longer lives and better health in both animals and humans.
Why do females age differently than males? New study to investigate
A research project led by Bérénice Benayoun of the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology will examine what causes differences in male and female aging.
By predicting new COVID-19 strains, USC scientists direct the search for a vaccine
A global, multischool collaboration that includes the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology aims to anticipate new coronavirus strains by examining how its genes mutate.
PhD graduate to study health disparities, including impact of COVID-19 on Puerto Rican older adults
Catherine Pérez Garcia, a first-generation college student, will continue her research on health disparities in minority populations.
Could diets that mimic fasting improve people’s immune systems?
Valter Longo of the USC Longevity Institute is investigating how fasting and fasting-mimicking diets may boost the body’s response to viruses.
As COVID-19 spreads, end-of-life planning is more important than ever
The seriousness of the coronavirus pandemic should encourage conversations about care preferences and end-of-life wishes, says an associate professor at the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology.
Bridging generational divides can help people of all ages fight COVID-19
COVID-19 media coverage has largely pitted younger people against those whose age makes them more vulnerable to the virus. But USC gerontologists say intergenerational programs that efforts to bring seniors and young people together in everyday life could build more understanding.
Nutrition or pathogen? Balancing healthy metabolism and stress resistance
A study led by the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology indicates that the negative long-term effects of fighting off infections could be mitigated by tweaking how a specific gene directs cells to respond to stressors.
For these student researchers, time off from school means more time in the lab
The USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology hosted a diverse group of students interested in unlocking the science behind aging.
Tiny region of the brainstem has big effects on brain aging
USC Leonard Davis Professor Mara Mather, co-author of a new study on the locus coeruleus, explains its role in the onset of Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline.
Empowering health care professionals and the public to spot elder abuse
Laura Mosqueda, dean of the Keck School of Medicine of USC, wants to reshape how physicians and the general public talk and think about elder abuse.
Fighting ageism at USC: How to create a more age-friendly campus
Think beyond the stereotypes to help Trojans of all ages feel welcome in classrooms and on campus, say USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology experts.
How health care policy can affect patient well-being
Economist and USC Leonard Davis faculty member Mireille Jacobson finds fascination and frustration in the health care market.
USC joins the Age-Friendly University Global Network
It is the first university in California to endorse the 10 principles of the international Age-Friendly University Initiative, which highlights how higher education can respond to the challenges and opportunities of an aging population.
Why people become more prone to distraction with age
A specific network in the brain may be to blame, according to a USC-led study on stress.
$10 million grant supports research on disease prevention, fasting and aging
USC Professor Valter Longo, an expert on dietary restriction and regeneration, leads team of USC and Harvard researchers looking to slow aging and prevent disease.
Older Americans are experiencing ‘delayed aging’ — and better health
USC and Yale study reveals some good news, especially for men.