Exposure to air pollution early in pregnancy increases risk of gestational diabetes, study finds
The USC study also suggests that prenatal depression, with disrupted immune and hormonal functions, could make the case worse.
Even ‘safe’ air pollution levels can harm the developing brain, study finds
In one of the first studies of its kind, researchers from the Keck School of Medicine of USC found that everyday air pollution can alter brain development patterns in adolescents.
Air pollution particles trigger cellular defense mechanisms
Research from the Keck School of Medicine of USC shows that air pollution particles activate a cellular defense mechanism that may reduce the ability of cells to fight off other harms.
USC research identifies existential threats to the iconic Nile River Delta
Poor environmental and water management have turned the delta into one of the largest polluted areas on the planet. Millions of people and migrating birds are at risk of exposure to waterborne contaminants.
Pollution paradox: Study finds L.A. residents who drive less are exposed to more air pollution
After decades of racist planning decisions, areas with a larger share of non-white people experience more air pollution than whiter but otherwise similar areas, the USC study finds.
Study links adoption of electric vehicles with less air pollution, improved health
Researchers from the Keck School of Medicine of USC conducted one of the first-ever studies showing that electric cars are associated with real-world reductions in both air pollution and respiratory problems.
Air pollution, stress contribute to low-birth-weight babies for L.A. Latinas, study finds
Infants with low birth weight face increased risks of mortality and a multitude of long-term health troubles.
Exposure to air pollution worsens COVID-19 outcomes, even among the fully vaccinated
Researchers from USC and Kaiser Permanente conducted the first individual-level study of air pollution exposure and COVID-19 vaccination.
Machine learning, nature benefits: How AI helps 2 USC environmental scientists unlock the natural world’s mysteries
How do you measure a cloud? How do you count a swarm of bees? Machine learning provides insights into complex natural phenomena.
Throwing shade at L.A.: USC researcher measures impact of trees, or the lack of them
USC spatial scientist John Wilson discusses the benefits of more trees in the urban core, the differences between Beverly Hills and Boyle Heights, and how trees will shape L.A.’s future.
A team of USC students is helping to clear the air in Alaska
EARTH WEEK: Wood burning stoves are fouling the air in Fairbanks. USC Viterbi is bringing together students from across the university to clean the city’s air with “chimney cherries” that filter out smoke particles.
Rushing oil through pipes: The risks, consequences and role of human error in spills
In the wake of the pipeline rupture off the coast of Southern California, the director of the USC Wrigley Institute discusses the dangers of transporting oil through miles of pipes.
Data from the USC Wrigley Institute helps guide the response to the recent Orange County oil spill
A network of Southern California radar stations, including six maintained by the institute, provide information critical to the cleanup.
USC studies show that clean air matters for a healthy brain
Researchers say their studies on air pollution and cognitive decline — one involving humans and one with mice — provide evidence that cleaner air may reduce risk for Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
Study ties air pollution to disparities in Alzheimer’s risk
Fine particle pollution may be one reason why Black women have double the risk of developing Alzheimer’s than white women, new research from the Keck School of Medicine of USC suggests.
Citywide sensor network aims to measure carbon dioxide and pollutant levels across L.A.
The devices installed by USC’s William Berelson will help create a detailed map of greenhouse gases and other noxious emissions in various Los Angeles neighborhoods.
Professor’s invention used as COVID-19 virus particle sampler
An air sampling method created by USC Viterbi researchers to measure air quality has been adopted by the Department of Homeland Security to better understand COVID-19’s spread.
The neighborhoods kids grow up in are important to their brain development
Factors like less access to nutritional foods and more exposure to pollution may impact the brain’s structure and volume, a new USC study finds, altering how children read and think.
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.
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.
Effects of West Coast wildfires go beyond evacuations and air quality
USC experts explain why the worst wildfires in California’s history are just a preview of climate change’s eventual impact on our everyday lives.
Two new studies explore how pollution affects the brain
USC researchers are investigating the impact of fine particle pollution on child brain growth and in older women who aren’t eating enough fish.
Childhood obesity linked to smoking, air pollution and other environmental factors
A first-of-its-kind USC study found that factors like secondhand smoke and a lack of exercise were associated with a higher BMI during childhood.
How harmful is air pollution to developing brains? New study will assess its effects
A wristband-app combination — developed by USC Viterbi and the Keck School of Medicine of USC — will monitor prenatal exposure to harmful gases and suggest strategies to keep newborn brains safe.