How do animals sense sour tastes? New study solves this flavor mystery
New USC-led research has found that a protein called OTOP1 serves as a sour-taste receptor.
E-cig use jumps 46% among young adults in one year
New research co-led by USC scientists suggests hundreds of thousands of young adults took up vaping between 2017 and 2018.
How some corals might help their offspring survive warming oceans
USC researchers have discovered that corals can pass on their reshuffled symbiotic algae, which may help their progeny withstand climate change.
USC Viterbi startup wants to expand underwater exploration through wireless communication
A team of USC Viterbi undergraduates will bring their underwater wireless communication technology to the finals of a global student competition.
The next step in the evolution of communication? Digital avatars
Two apps from a USC Viterbi professor and his team allow users to create digital versions of themselves, an idea that could make waves in health care and entertainment.
Scientists propose new approach to Alzheimer’s research to address environmental risks
USC and Duke researchers propose the Alzheimer’s Disease Exposome to address gaps in understanding how environmental factors interact with genetics to increase or reduce risk for the disease.
USC scientist and colleagues identify new species of giant flying reptile
The creature is similar to the largest pterosaurs known. Key characteristics were gleaned from a cache of bones unearthed in Canada.
1 billion tons of lava spark algae bloom in North Pacific Ocean
Not only did the Kīlauea volcano pour tons upon tons of lava into the ocean last year, but its eruption set off an unusual effect: an algae super bloom. USC Dornsife researchers found out why.
Emotion-reading algorithms cannot predict intentions via facial expressions
Though algorithms are increasingly being deployed in all facets of life, a new USC study has found that they fail basic tests as truth detectors.
Alumni lead latest push toward 100% sustainability at USC island institute
Sage Tyler and Natalie Kra returned to the USC Wrigley Marine Science Center to lead the installation of a new lighting system designed to significantly reduce the center’s energy consumption.
USC researchers receive $12.5 million grant to build out unique facial database
The project seeks new research data for FaceBase, a freely available collection of DNA samples, data and images related to abnormalities of the head and facial bones.
Augmented reality glasses can make life easier for people with low vision
USC researchers have found that adapted augmented reality glasses can significantly improve mobility and grasping ability in patients with a degenerative eye disease.
Retired Gen. Ellen Pawlikowski named Judge Widney Professor
Pawlikowski, nationally recognized as a leader in science and engineering, will join the USC Viterbi School of Engineering faculty this fall.
Examining a video’s changes over time helps flag deepfakes
A USC Information Sciences Institute team has found a new and seemingly more accurate way to aid in deepfake video detection.
Your Homework Assignment: Improve Refugees’ Lives
Students get creative with solutions as migrants flee regions in turmoil around the world.
Hip-hop or country? USC student’s AI tool analyzes ‘Old Town Road’
According to a PhD student’s artificial intelligence tool that analyzes lyrics and chords, Lil Nas X’s record-setting hit really does cross genres.
USC study finds older adults pay less attention to negative information
Researchers have found that, even when quickly processing a series of images, older adults prioritize positive information.
The astronomical secrets of Saturn’s amazing rings
New analyses of the rings of Saturn reveal how and when they came to be, what they are made from and how long they will last.
Innovators of USC: This company could advance the field of next generation sequencing
USC alumni Joseph Dunham and Chris Angermayer have founded a company called SeqOnce with the goal of revolutionizing genomics research.
A surprisingly abundant type of marine bacteria may speed up climate change
A USC-led study into certain marine microbes may have revealed a dramatic shift in how the ocean and its microorganisms will contribute to global warming.
The next step in AI? Mimicking a baby’s brain
Alice Parker of USC Viterbi has spent years trying to build artificial systems that learn like the human brain, and her latest efforts may have cracked the code.
Environmental ingenuity: These creative business ideas aim to be both sustainable and successful
Cars that run on kelp. Cosmetics made from waste. USC Dornsife researchers are creating new products designed to both mend the planet and make it in the marketplace.
For some USC professors, every week is Shark Week
Sharks aren’t just the apex predators we see in movies; they’re complicated, fascinating creatures that Trojans are investigating from many angles.
Believing is seeing: USC Dornsife professors investigate how we form beliefs
These days, facts aren’t always enough to win an argument. Find out where our beliefs come from and why they’ve become even harder to change.