Mars human history culture — A rendering of Mars at the boundary between darkness and daylight. (Image/NASA JPL-Caltech)

For hundreds of years, the mysteries of Mars have fascinated humans

From the authors of classic literature to ancient astronomers, Earthlings have been captivated by Mars for as long as we can remember. USC experts help dissect our attraction to the red planet.

Health Science/Technology

isolation difficulties — Some Americans have been protesting to reopen the country or having difficulty staying away from public areas, like beaches. (Illustration/iStock)

Why nature, history and American culture all make social isolation difficult

USC experts explain why some people are suffering from extreme lockdown fatigue: it’s a mix of human nature and an American identity that chafes at being “controlled.”

Health

squatting and kneeling postures — Resting postures — like squatting and kneeling — used before the invention of chairs involve higher levels of muscle activity and are better for your health than sitting, according to a recent study. (Photo/iStock)

Squatting and kneeling may be better for your health than sitting

A new USC study of human evolution finds that spending more time in a position where your muscles are somewhat active could reduce the health risks of sedentary behavior.

Science/Technology

AI animals how we define humanity — USC Dornsife anthropologist Tok Thompson believes that an evolving understanding of the world around us could lead to a new definition of the term “humanity.” (Image/iStock)

As our understanding of intelligence evolves, is it time to redefine ‘humanity’?

A USC Dornsife anthropologist says that the increasing acumen of artificial intelligence — along with new knowledge of plant and animal behavior — are challenging how we perceive the concept of being human.

Humanities Student Life

USC archaeology Mexico trip map — (Illustration/Russell Shaw)

In Mexico, USC Students Find Connections to Cities Lost to Time

Each summer, USC archaeology students travel to Mexico and follow in the footsteps of history.

University

In memoriam: anthropology professor Andrei Simic, 87

An expert in Eastern Europe and the Balkans, the professor of anthropology was frequently tapped for his expertise, which he lent to several landmark court cases.

Humanities

Hiking sign written in Gaelic in front of Irish landscape — The Gaelic language and its impact on culture and identity was the focus of USC students during their trip to Ireland. (Photo/Martijn van Exel)

Immersed in Irish culture, students learn why Gaelic language languishes

Half the world’s languages could disappear in a few decades, and USC Dornsife’s Tok Thompson is helping students figure out why — and what might be lost.

Health Humanities

Megan Rosenbloom is a leader in the national "let's talk about death" movement. Photo by Elli & Polly Photography

A USC Librarian Explores Mortality

Once a year, around Halloween and Día de los Muertos, we dwell on death. That isn’t nearly often enough, according to Megan Rosenbloom, for whom the “undiscovered country” is a year-round scholarly pursuit.

Science/Technology