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 researchers discover how to reprogram cells, potentially unlocking new treatments
The technique involves uncoiling twisty DNA molecules, and it could have a major impact on understanding disease development at a cellular level.
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.
Tiny region of the brainstem has big effects on brain aging
USC Leonard Davis Professor Mara Mather, co-author of a new study on the locus coeruleus, explains its role in the onset of Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline.
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.
Vast majority of dementia patients don’t receive specialty diagnosis or care
A new USC study has found that most older Americans do not meet with a dementia specialist and the use of dementia specialty care is particularly low for Hispanics and Asians.
Increasing access to ride-hailing services could improve the health of older adults
According to a new study from the USC Center for Body Computing, making it easier and cheaper to use ride-hailing services can help seniors access care and reduce their social isolation.
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.
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.
Can the circadian clock in cancer cells help defeat a deadly brain cancer?
USC scientists and colleagues have discovered a novel potential target for treating glioblastoma, the deadly cancer that took the life of Sen. John McCain and kills 15,000 Americans a year.
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.
How much does Airbnb really affect rents and housing prices?
Research indicates that Airbnb is increasing rent and housing prices in certain areas, including Los Angeles. USC professors weigh in on how cities — and the company itself — can set rules that will benefit local communities.
Elders may be scammed by family members more often than by strangers
According to data from the National Center on Elder Abuse’s hotline, relatives are more likely than scammers to commit financial elder abuse.
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.
An increasing number of Americans don’t believe in protecting racist speech
USC researchers have found that Americans’ tolerance for harmful and undermining racist speech has declined, particularly among younger people, liberals and the college educated.
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.
Human breast milk may help program babies’ internal clocks
The composition of breast milk changes over the course of a day, and a USC researcher and colleague believe this “chrononutrition” may play a role in establishing infants’ emerging circadian rhythms.
USC researchers explore how skateboarders can succeed in school and life
Skateboarders are known for their tenacity, creativity and focus. USC experts want to figure out how they can use those skills to prosper in college, work and beyond.
This new discovery could allow dentists to regenerate the roots of teeth
Yang Chai and fellow researchers at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC have discovered how genes for the roots of teeth turn on and off, a key step on the path to someday regrowing the teeth themselves.
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.
Can tinkering with gut microbes really improve our health?
The human microbiome is a complex system; a probiotic that works for one person might not work for another. USC Dornsife scientists are looking to better understand our microbes and help people harness their health.