Gary Polakovic
Gary Polakovic is manager of research communications at USC University Communications.
Stories by Gary Polakovic:
How to improve communication between people and smart buildings
USC researchers found people connect better with a computer-generated avatar that represents building management. Small talk helped, too.
USC 2018 | Groundbreaking research keeps Trojans on the cutting edge
✌ Year in review: One of the nation’s leading research universities, USC again was in the forefront of health, the environment and much more.
Sharks in the sky? It’s not a bad movie; it’s natural history
USC researchers, studying bones at the L.A. County Natural History Museum, find evidence of a fearsome shark taking to the sky to take down a pterosaur, a formidable flying reptile.
Disease risk seen in disrupted biological clock, USC study shows
A clash between modern lifestyles and circadian rhythms can lead to the development of obesity and breast cancer, USC scientist says
Rules to boost fuel economy for passenger vehicles will do more good than harm, new study shows
Findings by USC and other universities contradict claims by the Trump administration, which aims to roll back fuel economy standards.
USC scientists find a way to enhance quantum computer performance
The method has the potential to solve some of society’s biggest challenges.
The power of fear drove cancer researcher Peter Kuhn toward his vocation
After seeing how his mother dealt with the disease, the USC Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience researcher tackles the toughest questions about cancer.
California wildfires raise concerns about impacts to environment and health
USC experts offer insight into why wildlands burn so much and how smoke harms people.
How did WWI reshape the modern world?
A hundred years after the end of the “war to end all wars,” USC experts discuss its surprising impact and how it affects us even today.
Asthma may contribute to childhood obesity epidemic
USC-led international study shows asthma can make young people more susceptible to other health problems later in life.
USC scientists map brain region linked to Alzheimer’s and other diseases
Researchers show structures, nerve connections and functions in vivid detail as part of the most detailed atlas yet of the brain’s memory bank.
USC receives $17.8 million grant to research tobacco-related health risks
The funding will be used to promote biomedical and behavioral research to build the scientific underpinning for regulation of tobacco products.
Air pollution affects thyroid development in fetuses, USC research finds
Particle pollution is the culprit, raising concern about health impacts later in life.
Scientists develop new way to identify breast cancer tumors
Potentially lifesaving breakthrough for women devised by USC-led research team takes big step forward from biopsies and microscopes.
Southern California’s coast emerges as a toxic algae hot spot
New research by USC scientists shows domoic acid from ocean algae is a chronic problem with natural and man-made origins.
Kids stress over public acts of discrimination, USC study finds
Disadvantaged minorities in the L.A. area show increased behavioral problems, such as depression and substance use.
Smartphone use linked to behavioral problems in kids
Teens who frequently use tablets and mobile apps are more likely to develop ADHD symptoms.
Mitochondrial DNA and nuclear DNA: Not so independent after all
Scientists say the newly discovered intracellular genetic messaging could lead to new approaches for treating diseases.
Kids sneak smoking substitute into school, USC researchers find
Social media survey reveals new undetectable device is more likely to hook kids on nicotine than free adults from cigarettes.
Scientist’s new database can help protect wildlife from harmful hues of LED lights
As usage of the modern lights explodes, research led by USC’s Travis Longcore can help biologists better understand how to reduce impacts on animal life.
USC scientists help identify genetic markers for prostate cancer in global DNA download
Knowledge obtained by international team is likely to be useful for prevention of the disease.
USC scientists discover schizophrenia gene roles in brain development
The research team tracked snippets of DNA across stem cells to identify 150 suspect proteins.
Trump-Kim summit in Singapore is a journey into uncharted waters, USC experts say
At stake: national security for both sides, regional stability and economic relations among China, the United States and the American Pacific Rim allies.
USC program creates research pathways for undergrads in science, tech and engineering
The Geobiology and Genomics Undergraduate Research Experiences program boosts diversity, helping students learn they can have stimulating experiences in research labs.