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.
The 20th century was Earth’s hottest period in nearly 2,000 years
Two global warming studies from an international network of scientists indicate that the greatest increase in the Earth’s temperatures began after the Industrial Revolution.
Researcher explores links between transgender brain and gender identity
Understanding the brain structure of transgender people could help tailor care and support, says recent USC grad and neuroscientist Jonathan Vanhoecke.
USC scientists shift goals in Alzheimer’s research to focus on prevention
Amid mounting discoveries about Alzheimer’s complex list of triggers, USC Dornsife researchers turn their attention to preventive measures.
Healthy blood vessels may be the answer to Alzheimer’s prevention
USC research into Alzheimer’s — which will be on display at the upcoming Alzheimer’s Association International Conference — has uncovered much about the disease, including establishing a link between cardiovascular health and a fully functioning brain.
Does pre-ordering groceries help shoppers make healthier choices?
USC researchers investigate whether exercising self-control by selecting groceries ahead of time produces healthy benefits for hungry shoppers.
Unshaken: After an earthquake, USC scientists race to its epicenter
Seismologists and engineers unite after a quake to quickly gather information and share it through a statewide clearinghouse that is critical for improving simulations and emergency preparedness.
Study probes effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on brain development
Researchers have long known that babies born to mothers who drank heavily while pregnant have impairments. Now, an innovative study will test their sensory processing — in a community where drinking while pregnant is socially acceptable.
Stopping the spread of fake news, one class at a time
A USC Dornsife expert on climate change teaches mathematical and scientific fundamentals to help his students see through the growing cloud of misinformation.
Teens who abuse opioids are more likely to later use heroin, USC study shows
The association between prescription opioids abuse and later heroin use reinforces that adolescents need to be considered in the opioid epidemic discussion.
Classifying colorectal cancer patients into subgroups could improve treatment
USC researchers have found that identifying a patient’s consensus molecular subtype could help oncologists determine the most effective course of treatment.
Resilient people have lessons to offer, and USC researchers are listening
Why does adversity knock some people down while others bounce right back up? It’s called resilience, and more scientists are studying it.
Chips! Ice cream! Learn what’s behind those PMS food cravings
For years, researchers have investigated the link between certain cravings and PMS. Now, this USC researcher outlines what we’ve learned — and how women can take action.
USC Stem Cell researcher turns lab discoveries into practical medical advances
Denis Evseenko’s laboratory at USC wants to improve outcomes for patients in need, including cartilage implants made from stem cells to repair sports-related knee injuries.