Leigh Hopper
Leigh Hopper is a media relations specialist with USC University Communications. She previously worked in communications for UCLA, in state government at the Texas Medical Board and as a medical reporter at the Houston Chronicle.
Stories by Leigh Hopper:
COVID town hall takes on vaccine concerns in the Black community
What’s fueling COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy? How can we encourage more people to get the shots? Experts from USC and beyond answered the most pressing vaccination questions at a recent town hall.
Mask use rises but social distancing guidelines are being ignored as pandemic fatigue sets in
More people are now having visitors over or leaving their homes unnecessarily, a USC study finds, opening up gaps in the ‘Swiss cheese’ model of COVID-19 defense.
COVID-19, suicide and substandard medical care driving high rate of death among ICE detainees
Deaths among ICE detainees increased sevenfold since April 2018 despite far fewer people being in custody, a USC study shows.
How to overcome COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy: Build confidence and establish trust
Countering misinformation, leaning on community leaders, using the proper terminology. USC experts explain why all this and more is needed to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Stem cells may correct deformity and restore brain function after childhood disorder
USC scientists have regenerated parts of the skull affected by a common birth defect called craniosynostosis.
Young adults who identify as Republicans more often ignore COVID-19 safety precautions
From infrequently social distancing to visiting more indoor venues, a new USC study finds that young Republicans are more likely than their peers to disregard public health recommendations.
How sucrose, the ‘real’ sugar commonly found in sodas, can disrupt your appetite
Sugar-sweetened drinks interfere with the hunger-suppressing hormones that signal a sense of feeling full, a new USC study finds.
5 lessons we’ve learned about COVID-19 since the pandemic began
Though COVID-19 is surging in the U.S., researchers have learned a lot about how the virus behaves — and how to thwart it. USC experts share the most important findings thus far.
Does air pollution increase women’s risk of dementia?
High levels of fine particle pollution are associated with brain shrinkage patterns common in Alzheimer’s disease, a USC study finds.
Rapid COVID tests could hold the key to reopening
USC researcher Neeraj Sood leads a new collaborative study with Los Angeles and L.A. County that aims to find out if cheaper, faster antigen tests can help officials reopen the region.
USC collaborates with L.A. city and county to explore use of rapid COVID-19 testing
Researchers are using rapid antigen tests with first responders who volunteered for the study. A second phase will focus on school-aged children, teachers and staff.
What can voters expect from the 2020 debates?
USC experts share what they’ll be watching for when Trump, Biden, Pence and Harris hit the podium in late September and beyond.
Effects of West Coast wildfires go beyond evacuations and air quality
USC experts explain why the worst wildfires in California’s history are just a preview of climate change’s eventual impact on our everyday lives.
Training and diversifying the next generation of Alzheimer’s researchers
The inaugural class of the IMPACT-AD program, which is co-directed by a USC professor, will educate 35 professionals at various career stages on conducting more diverse clinical trials.
Nearly half of teens who vape say they want to quit
A new USC study finds an urgent need for vaping cessation programs similar to those aimed at kids who smoke cigarettes.
A new test may better predict ovarian cancer survival
The tool, developed by USC researchers, could help identify patients with the most to gain from a clinical trial as well as guide therapeutic targets.
Two new studies explore how pollution affects the brain
USC researchers are investigating the impact of fine particle pollution on child brain growth and in older women who aren’t eating enough fish.
When does life end? World Brain Death Project seeks clarity and consensus
When families struggle with the decision to end life support for a loved one, these findings — led by a USC researcher — could provide reassurance.
Living near natural gas flaring poses health risks for pregnant women and babies
USC researchers found that exposure to flaring was associated with 50% higher odds of preterm birth.
Antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis could be surprise treatment for deadly superbug
Through a new screening method, USC researchers have found that the antibiotic rifabutin is effective against life-threatening Acinetobacter baumannii.
Coronavirus infections more widespread than expected in L.A. County
A newly published, USC-led study has confirmed that, though many more L.A. County residents had COVID-19 antibodies than previously thought, most people have not been infected.
Alzheimer’s gene triggers early breakdowns in blood-brain barrier, predicting cognitive decline
Although scientists have long known APOE4 is a leading risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, they were unsure how exactly it drives a decline in memory. USC researchers now believe they have an answer.
Early antibody testing suggests COVID-19 infections in L.A. County greatly exceed documented cases
USC and L.A. County Department of Public Health officials have released the preliminary results of their antibody tests, which show a surprising number of residents have been infected with the coronavirus.
If you have questions about USC COVID-19 antibody testing in L.A. County, he has answers
Neeraj Sood of the USC Price School describes his partnership with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and explains what the tests can teach us about the novel coronavirus.