USC researchers have made some unusual discoveries with potential benefits for human health and society. Some of their recent fascinating finds:

Surprising Science

FISH GET ARTHRITIS, TOO

A study revealed that certain zebrafish joints share similarities with those of mammals. The surprise: arthritis is more widespread in the animal kingdom than previously assumed.

WHY IT MATTERS

USC scientists hope to explore whether the zebrafish can naturally repair its damaged joints. If so, researchers could find leads on how to reverse arthritis in humans.

MUSCLES ON A CHIP

USC researchers were able to grow mouse muscle fibers on a tiny scaffold, or “chip,” made of special gelatin.

WHY IT MATTERS

Human muscle chips could provide an inexpensive, accessible way for scientists to study potential treatments for diseases like muscular dystrophy.

FUNGI
IN SPACE

Fungi produce molecules used to develop drugs such as penicillin. Scientists hope sending fungi into the harsher environment of space triggers changes so that they produce molecules they couldn’t on Earth.