Gary Polakovic
Gary Polakovic is manager of research communications at USC University Communications.
Stories by Gary Polakovic:
Analysis of famous fossil helps unlock when humans and apes diverged
The USC-led study examined the shoulder assembly of Little Foot, an Australopithecus that lived more than 3 million years ago, and may have confirmed how our human ancestors used their arms.
As the world heats up, USC experts examine our early responses to climate change
Policymakers and scientists are pushing for — and in some cases, enacting — steps like lessening our reliance on fossil fuels and redesigning cities, but the question remains: Will it be enough?
L.A. could be powered entirely by renewable energy in 25 years
The effort could achieve dramatic reductions in greenhouse gases without significant disruption to the economy or people’s lifestyles, according to USC research.
People affected by COVID-19 are being nicer to machines
The pandemic has forced many to increasingly rely on machines. According to USC research, it’s also led people to like them a little more.
USC scientists may have unlocked kelp’s potential as a major biofuel source
Using a “kelp elevator,” researchers at the USC Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies were able to grow the biofuel crop in large quantities in the open ocean.
USC ups commitment to sustainability with new, fossil fuel-free investment strategy
The university will freeze dedicated investments in fossil fuels and liquidate its existing holdings.
USC biologists devise new way to track carbon buildup in the ocean
The universal accounting method measures how carbon-based matter accumulates in the ocean and can also model past conditions to predict what may be in store for the warming Earth.
USC and other leading universities launch joint technology licensing program
Fifteen research universities have joined forces to create the University Technology Licensing Program, which will make it easier for companies to acquire bundled tech from multiple institutions.
Artificial intelligence aims to outsmart the mutating coronavirus
How do you develop vaccines and therapies that keep up with the ever-changing virus that causes COVID-19? USC Viterbi engineers turned to AI.
USC and the city of L.A. launch urban forest project on the Eastside
A consortium of experts and students will help determine which communities would benefit the most from more trees. It’s part of a widening environmental partnership between the city and the university.
The inauguration of Joe Biden: Can he bring together a fractured America?
With COVID-19 spreading, unemployment rising and insurrection in our nation’s capital, the 46th president will have his work cut out for him. USC experts examine the many challenges Biden will face.
Earthquake prediction becomes a top priority for USC-based research center
As the new director of the Southern California Earthquake Center, Yehuda Ben-Zion wants to advance quake forecasting to a place where we can see the “big one” coming.
To better understand diabetes, scientists gaze inside insulin-producing pancreatic cells
A USC-led team has developed advanced imaging techniques that allow for a uniquely detailed glimpse inside the body’s insulin factories.
California appears to be in for a dry, warm winter
La Niña conditions in the Pacific Ocean may lead to sandals and sunglasses at Christmastime. USC experts explain what such warm weather means for the state’s water supply and wildlife.
USC builds sustainability commitment by joining national tracking system on environmental progress
The university’s commitment to the respected Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Ratings System will include a full review of its environmental footprint, including water use and energy consumption.
How to cope with a complicated winter amid COVID-19
Days are getting shorter, the pandemic continues and the holidays may be more isolating than ever. USC experts offer advice on how to make the best of it.
When it comes to food, consumers confuse beauty with nutrition
According to new USC research, many people believe that pretty food is more natural and healthier — and companies, advertisers and restaurants know it.
Metals from Chinese coal plants are ending up in the Pacific Ocean, with uncertain consequences
Though marine life may benefit from the influx of iron, USC scientists reinforce that the pollution from burning coal will have an adverse effect on human health.
Behind the scenes with an earthquake scientist
Sylvain Barbot shares why he studies temblors and what needs to happen before we can forecast quakes.
Thanks to this scientist, doctors have another option for treating a leading cause of infant death
Years of research from USC Dornsife’s Chien-Ping Ko have led to the FDA’s approval of risdiplam, a cheaper and easier-to-administer drug for children with spinal muscular atrophy.
President Folt outlines ambitious yet achievable plans for sustainability
In two high-profile public appearances, the president also detailed USC’s efforts to combat the local — and global — effects of climate change and COVID-19.
From deepfakes to fake news, an array of influences aim to shape voter decisions
As the U.S. prepares for a hugely consequential election, numerous forces are lining up to potentially manipulate voters. USC experts discuss the barrage of influences on today’s voting public.
USC coronavirus research expands to encompass full range of COVID-19 impacts
From locating drive-thru testing sites to conducting antibody testing in disadvantaged households, USC researchers seek solutions to the biggest problems caused by COVID-19.
Superheated rocks deep underground help explain earthquake patterns
By researching tremors under the infamous San Andreas Fault, USC scientists are seeking out what’s brewing beneath a quake’s surface.