Katharine Gammon
Katharine Gammon is a freelance science writer who covers technology, medicine and child development.
Stories by Katharine Gammon:
Telemedicine platform teaches parents how to play with their preterm babies
Premature babies get lots of attention in the neonatal ICU. USC’s Stacey Dusing, a pediatric physical therapist, is conducting research on the best ways to help them thrive at home — starting with play.
How reaching for toys could change cerebral palsy therapy
A USC researcher is hoping to change the way physical therapists treat infants at risk of cerebral palsy by combining cognitive and physical activity.
How can cities adapt to the needs of their aging populations?
USC’s experts in aging envision how a deluge of older adults in urban areas might reshape transportation, home design and human connection.
How mental math helps a lower back
A new study finds that a brain distracted by math problems makes a body move with less pain.
Do cancer cells highjack an immune component to fuel tumor growth?
USC Annenberg faculty and alumni bring digital security to the forefront
From safeguarding elections to protecting sources, clients and brands, USC professors and alums are preaching the value of secure communications and digital literacy.
How big data is reshaping aging research and education
From Medicare databases to human genome scans, gerontology researchers at the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology are embracing new information in an attempt to better understand aging.
This new discovery could allow dentists to regenerate the roots of teeth
Yang Chai and fellow researchers at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC have discovered how genes for the roots of teeth turn on and off, a key step on the path to someday regrowing the teeth themselves.
Study probes effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on brain development
Researchers have long known that babies born to mothers who drank heavily while pregnant have impairments. Now, an innovative study will test their sensory processing — in a community where drinking while pregnant is socially acceptable.
Dentists without drills: Minimally invasive dentistry is on the rise
Microdentistry is now part of the USC dental curriculum, and its focus on stopping cavities early and without drills can make a big difference for patients with dental anxiety.
Occupational therapists find their place in providing health care for the homeless
USC Chan’s Deborah Pitts has worked to integrate occupational therapists into agencies that help the homeless, and her efforts are opening doors to new opportunities.
Dental enamel can’t regenerate, right? Think again
USC dentistry Professor Janet Moradian-Oldak is developing a special hydrogel that can promote the growth of an enamel-like surface on teeth and remineralize the dentin.
Antimicrobial film could revolutionize common dental procedures
Non-surgical procedure could help reduce bacterial growth for patients with dental implants.
Researcher’s goal: Detect cerebral palsy in infants earlier than ever before
USC’s Barbara Sargent is studying whether a particular type of movement can be used to diagnose cerebral palsy in early infancy — work that could have a huge impact on how the babies learn to walk.
Novel partnership helps students deal with physical stress caused by dentistry
A collaboration between the university’s physical therapy and dentistry programs leads to more work with less pain.
5 ways to stay safe on social media
USC researchers weigh in on the biggest social media dangers — and how to avoid them.
Have a headache? Here’s an option when medication and massages don’t provide relief
USC physical therapists work alongside specialists to create individualized treatment.
USC physicist investigates black holes like crime scenes
Nicholas Warner tackles one of the most intractable problems in physics, attempting to solve a paradox identified with his late friend Stephen Hawking.
Researcher puts focus on the health of Latina breast cancer survivors
Yearlong exercise study at USC examines a population at higher risk for Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Tooth enamel that regrows? Researcher says revolutionary gel could make it possible
A new technology pioneered at USC may eventually reach an elusive goal: filling without drilling.
How exercise can boost the health of breast cancer survivors
A new study from the USC Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy shows how helpful exercise is for female survivors of cancer.
USC’s physical therapy division starts online/on-campus doctorate
Online students in the new program DPT@USC will take the same courses as Trojans on campus — but in a different format.
Zika surprise: African strain can do more damage than Asian strain
Ostrow School researcher delves into persistent questions about how the virus can affect the developing brain.
USC alum offers free oral cancer screenings to homebound seniors
With heavy dental gear in tow, Justin Urbano finds fulfillment by volunteering his services 16 hours each week.