Darrin S. Joy
Darrin S. Joy writes for the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences.
Stories by Darrin S. Joy:
‘Rock-breathing’ bacteria are electron spin doctors, study shows
Scientists at USC Dornsife determine that electrons traveling through proteins between bacteria and solid surfaces outside the cell tend to adopt a particular quantum spin. The finding that could impact future electronic technologies, including “spintronics.”
Scientists discover how a protein that calms brain activity works
The findings from USC researchers provide a clear path to uncovering new drugs to control addiction, pain and neurological disorders such as epilepsy and muscle spasticity.
A system for reusing recyclable plastic trash takes home 2020 sustainability prize
Three teams of entrepreneurial USC students competed for $15,000 in awards during the fourth annual Wrigley Sustainability Prize contest.
Four USC undergraduates named 2020 Goldwater Scholars
The USC Dornsife students — with majors that range from chemistry to linguistics and cognitive science — were chosen from more than 1,300 undergraduates nationwide.
Pioneering USC chemist named to prestigious engineering academy
USC Dornsife’s Mark Thompson, a leader in organic LED displays and photovoltaic technologies, has been elected by his peers to the National Academy of Engineering.
Discovery of ancient trees buried underwater adds new twist to the carbon cycle
Geology researchers at USC Dornsife have found evidence that rivers can carry fresh wood from far inland to deep in the ocean.
Can tinkering with gut microbes really improve our health?
The human microbiome is a complex system; a probiotic that works for one person might not work for another. USC Dornsife scientists are looking to better understand our microbes and help people harness their health.
In memoriam: Nobel Prize-winning physicist Murray Gell-Mann, 89
The pioneering scientist who won the Nobel Prize in 1969 is known for his creative insights into the particles that comprise the universe.
USC junior earns prestigious Truman Scholarship
Environmental studies and international relations double major Kayla Soren is recognized for founding a nonprofit that aims to raise awareness about global climate issues.
Viet Thanh Nguyen elected to the American Academy of Arts & Sciences
The Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist and USC professor joins Barack Obama, Sonia Sotomayor and Tom Hanks in being elected to the academy’s 238th class.
How the brain maintains moderation could offer answers to schizophrenia, other diseases
USC Dornsife neuroscientist studies the way nerve cells maintain normal levels of communication, giving insight into how some diseases arise — and might be treated.
High schoolers get early glimpse of a career in science
USC grad students give juniors and seniors hands-on research experience and a taste of what a career in STEM fields could bring.
USC research could lead to new ways of treating stroke and spinal cord injuries
Neurobiologist Samuel Andrew Hires wants to know how the brain learns to understand what we touch.
Jacob Soll takes on the finances of Greece — now, in Greek
The professor of history and accounting and USC President C. L. Max Nikias present Soll’s book to the prime minister of Greece.
USC’s first Hack for Health event highlights high-tech ways to cope with cancer
One participant’s physical challenges inspire an app designed to help himself and others.
New technology developed at USC could be used for diagnosing diseases
The technique known as Hyper-Spectral Phasor analysis makes finding biological molecules much faster and less expensive.
How can national leaders reap the benefits of science and critical thinking?
Politicians and the public don’t seem to trust scientific advisers — a situation that could use a remedy.
75 years later, what is the legacy of Pearl Harbor?
USC experts in international relations, history and American studies and ethnicity find that some lessons stemming from the ‘Day of Infamy’ still apply.
USC Dornsife celebrates philanthropists whose major gift in 2011 named the college
Trojans and trustees honor David and Dana Dornsife on the five-year anniversary of the largest single gift in USC’s history.
Prepare to pay the price for online celebrity
Social media is providing platforms where nearly anyone can make his or her voice heard. The result is ample opportunity for each of us to reap the rewards — or consequences — of online identities.
Biology researchers find single gatekeeper guarding path to cold-induced pain
Discovery could lead to treatments for some forms of chronic pain stemming from diabetes, chemotherapy and other sources of nerve damage or disease.
Solar energy system up and running at USC’s Catalina Island facility
The installation and launch of a solar energy system at USC Wrigley Marine Science Center marks a significant step in the university’s efforts to boost sustainability.
In memoriam: Mark Kann, 68
A specialist in early American political thought and gender studies, Kann was a revered scholar and dedicated teacher.
Southern Pacific voyage links hydrothermal plumes to global climate
USC researcher finds surprising levels of iron used by marine microbes in the deep sea.