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:
ICE violated its own internal medical standards, potentially contributing to deaths of mostly healthy men
Many of the deaths were due to delayed care or an inadequate response to abnormal vital signs, USC researchers found.
Costco beats Medicare in generic drug savings nearly 50% of the time
Intermediaries are negotiating good drug prices but lack the incentives to pass savings to beneficiaries and taxpayers, a USC study finds.
USC researchers share discoveries on Alzheimer’s disease and discuss strategies to fight the illness
A newly approved yet controversial drug, in particular, brings both hope and challenges for patients and clinicians.
One-third of all neighborhoods in the largest U.S. cities have been ‘pharmacy deserts’
Lack of geographical access to pharmacies has disproportionately affected Black and Latino city dwellers, a USC study finds, and may contribute to health disparities.
Traffic-related pollution linked to early markers for cardiovascular disease in children
Signs of pre-symptomatic stiffening of the arteries were seen in kids with daily exposure to auto emissions, a USC study finds.
A seminal trial in American history, USC experts say after Derek Chauvin verdict
The guilty verdict in the killing of George Floyd is a relief to many — but experts in race, politics and more say it’s just the first step.
L.A.’s legacy of oil drilling impacts lung function in residents living near active and inactive wells
The harm can rival that of secondhand smoke or living next to a freeway, USC researchers say.
Rapid COVID tests used twice weekly could detect most contagious kids
The easy-to-use tests showed promise in comparison with the “gold standard” PCR test, a USC study finds, which could make them a valuable tool as schools reopen.
Music videos provide far-reaching, under-the-radar advertising for vaping products
Models and celebrities exhaling clouds of e-cigarette smoke in music videos promote vaping to young adults in unregulated product placements, two USC studies show.
Working-age Hispanics at highest risk of dying from COVID-19, by far
The USC study of California death certificates shows foreign-born Latino adults face a significantly higher risk of dying from COVID than U.S.-born men and women who are not Hispanic.
Health risk? More than 500,000 Americans live within 3 miles of natural gas flares
A USC-UCLA study offers a nationwide assessment of the population facing exposure risks from burned-off, excess natural gas at oil and gas production sites.
New USC-L.A. County collaboration to track COVID-19’s local impact
Antibody testing and survey answers collected from volunteers — adults and children — will deepen our understanding of the pandemic in one of America’s hardest-hit regions.
Tips for maintaining motivation and mental energy as the pandemic drags on
USC experts emphasize the value of practicing self-care, taking breaks as needed and trusting in good habits to help us make it through this pandemic.
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.