USC researchers are creating the cheaper, cleaner fuels of the future
Trojan scientists are raiding deep fryers, developing alternative crops and turning to kelp in their quest to create renewable biofuels.
Composting is the next sustainability step for USC residential living
Collection bins are being installed at numerous residential colleges, with the goal of making composting easy for students.
Through solar power and zero waste, Galen Center shoots for sustainability
The USC athletics arena looks to leap forward with 1,500 solar modules on the roof, more than 3,000 LED light bulbs and a commitment to waste diversion starting with a “green game” on Saturday.
By asking players to revitalize a dying Earth, this video game aims to raise environmental awareness
A USC Dornsife environmental studies professor and two USC student game designers believe that their game Plasticity could inspire people to take sustainable action.
Polluted river sparks first-gen student’s dreams of environmental change
Juan Pablo de los Rios grew up on both the Mexican and American sides of the Rio Grande, which became a dumping ground for toxic waste. As a chemistry grad student at USC Dornsife, he hopes to one day clean that river and others like it.
USC 2019 | Research that makes a difference in health, the environment and more
✌ Year in review: USC scientists are serious about changing the world. Take a look at some of this year’s discoveries that are already positively affecting people’s lives.
How Trash Turns into Treasure in Labs at USC
Waste salvaged from dumpsters, airplane graveyards and more finds a sustainable second life thanks to some creative ideas.
Marine sergeant turned scuba diver is doing what he loves
USC undergrad Nicholas Foster started diving for fun while serving in Hawaii with the Armed Forces. Now, he hopes protecting the ocean will go from a passion to his life’s work.
Antibiotic-resistant genes are well removed by purification used to recycle wastewater but final quality is influenced by environmental factors
A team led by USC Viterbi’s Adam Smith has found that purified water returned to Southern California aquifers for storage and reuse blends with antibiotic-resistant bacteria already found in the aquifer.
In an interconnected world, can environmentalists really ‘act locally’?
The desire to “think globally, act locally” is a complicated one in today’s world. A professor of geography at USC Dornsife explains how to best combat modern environmental problems.
Discovery of ancient trees buried underwater adds new twist to the carbon cycle
Geology researchers at USC Dornsife have found evidence that rivers can carry fresh wood from far inland to deep in the ocean.
What Will Our World Look Like in 2050?
USC researchers say confronting reality and taking local action may help humanity cope — and even spur economies and innovation.
Hydrogen Fuel is Getting Buzz, But Here’s Why It Hasn’t Gone Mainstream
Is hydrogen the answer to our energy needs? An aerospace and mechanical engineer explains how to bring this fuel down to Earth.
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.
Through dandelions and fireflies, artists try to make sense of climate change
A USC Dornsife professor describes how exploring the work of artists and poets can spur us to embrace and protect the environment.
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.
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.
As Salton Sea shrinks, experts fear far-reaching health consequences
USC researchers are exploring how losing California’s largest lake could affect the respiratory health of people throughout the Imperial Valley and beyond.
This former MTV host went back to school and embraced the fundamentals of journalism
After a decade of producing and hosting multiple TV shows, Aliya Jasmine was ready for a change. The specialized master’s program at USC Annenberg has helped her break new journalistic ground.
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.
These environment-friendly 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.
Improved air quality leads to fewer L.A.-area kids developing asthma
USC scientists have linked nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter reductions to a decrease in new asthma cases, reinforcing the health detriments of air pollution.
Trojan wants to bring the lessons of the L.A. Zoo to everyone
Anna Becker fell in love with the zoo as a child. As a member of the Los Angeles Zoo’s education team, she’s working to make its programs more accessible for students throughout the city.