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:
With a $50 million gift, USC and UC San Diego join forces in Alzheimer’s research
A transformative donation from the Epstein Family Foundation will accelerate Alzheimer’s research at the two universities in a push to find better treatments and a cure.
Stroke drug shows promise in treating Alzheimer’s and dementia
Mouse study of human stroke medication reveals potential defense against Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
USC researcher envisions Siri-like assistants and VR travel for older people and their caregivers
Professor Skip Rizzo’s 89-year-old mother test-drives his innovations.
USC and CHLA win $24.5 million NIH grant to establish center aimed at improving Latino health across Southern California
The Southern California Center for Chronic Health Disparities in Latino Families and Children will focus on reversing obesity and obesity-related chronic diseases in Latinos with culturally sensitive solutions.
Supporting the invisible, unpaid army of Alzheimer’s caregivers
More assistance is needed for the estimated 11 million people caring for loved ones with dementia, USC experts say.
USC’s John Carpten to chair President Biden’s National Cancer Advisory Board
As chair of the presidential board, Carpten will be in a position to guide the nation’s cancer research efforts.
Federal funding for Alzheimer’s multiplies at USC
More than 90 federal grants totaling $92 million were awarded to USC researchers in 2020, underscoring the university’s status as one of the nation’s leading research centers as we acknowledge World Alzheimer’s Day 2021.
Steve Shapiro brings a big-picture approach to medicine at USC
USC’s top doc envisions the university as a role model for health equity and academic excellence.
People who manage their asthma can improve their chances against COVID-19
To avoid severe COVID-19 outcomes, people with asthma should stay on top of the condition with control medication, a new USC study finds.
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.