Scholars and students share their own stories
A volunteer from the USC Joint Education Project teaches elementary school students about DNA using licorice and gumdrops.
Innovators across USC make news every day for their discoveries and their commitment to transform health. Get an inside look at their latest work below.
Federal grant expands USC research using AI to forecast brain aging and Alzheimer’s risk
Researchers will use AI to predict how regions of the brain may age over time and whether those patterns can identify people at increased risk for mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s.
USC and Ohio State: Partners in addressing critical research issues
As fans prepare to watch the Trojans and Buckeyes battle on the football field on Saturday, researchers at both schools collaborate on lifesaving research.
USC joins new $4.5M effort to study brain cells linked to mood switching in bipolar disorder
The researchers will test whether a rare type of neuron helps drive depressive and manic mood shifting in bipolar disorder.
Treatment revives old liver cells in USC lab study, may help prevent Alzheimer’s and heart disease
USC research finds potential for treating diseases of aging via the liver and uncovers new insights about cell signaling.
Roxana Moayer brings experience in facial reconstruction to USC
The surgeon finds a balance of art and science in giving patients peace of mind about their faces.
Exactly who’s at risk for stomach cancer?
A Keck Medicine of USC expert explains the risk factors of stomach cancer and what you can control.
Global team launches largest-ever study of brain function across 8 mental illnesses
The five-year, NIH-funded project will analyze more than 94,000 brain scans using a shared method, so researchers can compare schizophrenia, depression, autism and five other conditions.
How a visit to the lawyer could be a lifeline for people with mental stress
A USC-led study finds overlooked chances to recognize distress long before a person reaches a mental health clinic — or worse.
$8 million NIH grant advances USC-based research on environmental health
The funding supports the Southern California Environmental Health Sciences Center, a joint effort of USC and UC Irvine that has backed environmental health research for more than three decades.
Keck Hospital of USC again named top performer by leading healthcare performance improvement company
The ranking by Vizient recognizes the hospital for demonstrating excellence in delivering high-quality care.
Immature brain support cells may be linked to human age-related cognitive decline
USC researchers studying human brain tissue found an association between abnormal immature astroglia, cells that play a supporting role in brain function, and lower reasoning ability in older
USC Street Medicine symposium offers hope and solutions for homeless patients
“Sidewalk to Bedside” addresses how street medicine teams and hospitals can partner for better patient outcomes.
Plastic surgeon at USC Roski Eye Institute takes compassion and curiosity as his guide
Surgeon-scientist Farzad Pakdel specializes in orbital and oculofacial plastic surgery, skull-base and optic nerve procedures, endoscopic orbital and lacrimal surgery, and advanced reconstructive
Global study examines Alzheimer’s blood biomarker across racial, ethnic groups
The USC study found blood biomarker levels differed across racial and ethnic groups, but the relationship between biomarker levels and brain amyloid was generally similar.
When is surgery a good option for chronic sinus problems?
Surgery can significantly improve quality of life for patients suffering from nonstop sinus issues. A USC expert explains.
USC clinical trial to evaluate blood test for early detection of breast cancer
The trial will evaluate whether a blood test can help detect breast cancer earlier than mammograms alone.
Trojan users her platform to help others find healthcare fellowships
USC Price alum Vrushangi Shah has gone from not knowing what healthcare administration fellowships are to becoming a national expert on them as a podcast host.
Clinical trial evaluates investigational injection for knee osteoarthritis
USC trial tests a new investigational treatment and its potential effects on preventing cartilage deterioration for people with the most common form of osteoarthritis.
‘Trojan Talks,’ Episode 12: USC President Beong-Soo Kim talks with Paul Aisen and Steven Shapiro
PODCAST: The president sits down with two leading USC physician-scientists to discuss how close we are to preventing Alzheimer’s disease, and the role academic medicine can play in changing the futu
Personality traits influence level of lasting distress during a crisis, USC-led study finds
National study finds neuroticism was associated with greater and more persistent mental distress during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
When can you delay spine surgery?
Some patients need spine surgery sooner, while others can wait. A USC expert explains how you can tell the difference.
USC launches clinical trial of psychedelic therapy and mindfulness meditation for depression
The study will test whether mindfulness training can enhance and help sustain the benefits of psychedelic therapy.
USC and the University of Washington: Opponents on the field, partners in scientific discovery
The two universities collaborate on addressing disparities in healthcare, accelerating scientific and medical innovation, and much more.
USC Trustee Alia Tutor establishes endowed chair to advance clinical excellence at USC
David Peng will become the inaugural holder of the Alia Tutor Chair for the Chief Clinical Officer for USC Health, strengthening leadership and excellence in patient care for generations to come.
How to manage the side effects of radiation therapy
A Keck Medicine of USC radiation oncologist explains how radiation therapy side effects — and coping strategies — can vary.
Six-week academy in otolaryngology offers hands-on research to undergraduates
Students from USC and other schools participated in the USC Hearing and Communication Neuroscience Summer Research Academy.
USC alum and his former professor establish Kelly Tarantello Chair in Pediatric Cardiac Surgery
Randy Kendrick and his friend and mentor Rocky Tarantello created the new chair at the Keck School of Medicine of USC to support innovative research to help babies born with faulty hearts.
Pharmacy students apply classroom knowledge coast to coast — and around the world
Through internships, USC Mann undergraduates gained firsthand experience in pharmaceutical development, biotechnology, analytics, marketing and community pharmacy.
Can I take a GLP-1 if I have cancer?
A USC endocrinologist discusses whether it is safe for cancer patients and survivors to take medications like Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro.
Risks faced by teens online vary by platform, study shows
USC Marshall School of Business researchers say new data could help both families and companies keep kids safer online.
PKD Foundation provides support for kidney disease research by USC’s Zhongwei Li
A two-year, $240,000 grant will back studies developing lab-made tissue to drive progress fighting an incurable genetic condition, autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease.
Older Americans are taking more medications; more than 1 in 5 at risk for a major drug interaction
Research led by USC’s Dima Qato found the number of patients taking five or more prescription medications at the same time had increased markedly.
Older adults have strong interest in dementia vaccine, USC survey finds
Nearly 3 in 4 expect they would get a vaccine that would cut high risk in half.
U.S. alcohol use falls for first time since the pandemic, but remains above pre-COVID levels
USC study found alcohol use declined among Generation Z and millennials, while heavy drinking among adults ages 50-64 increased by more than one-third since 2018.
USC researchers launch effort to expand PET imaging for cancer and other diseases
The National Institutes of Health-funded project aims to accelerate and make more accessible the production of radiotracers used in positron emission tomography scans, which could improve disease
Can dietary supplements cause liver damage?
Though many people don’t realize it, the answer to that question is a clear “yes.” A Keck Medicine of USC hepatologist advises.
New brain imaging measure reveals how closely blood flow matches brain cells’ energy needs
USC researchers combined ultra-high-resolution MRI with molecular and cellular brain maps to explore how the brain delivers energy to billions of cells across the cerebral cortex.
Study of bone strength reveals new clues about human evolution
By comparing the strength of fossilized limb bones, a USC-led research team uncovered new evidence about the movement patterns of early human ancestors.
New study sheds light on why dementia appears to be rare among Indigenous Bolivians
The Tsimané and Mosetén communities, who live pre-industrial lifestyles in the Bolivian Amazon, experience fairly common rates of new dementia cases — but shorter survival after diagnosis.
What are the differences between colon, rectal and anal cancer?
A Keck Medicine of USC colorectal surgeon discusses symptoms and treatments for cancers.
Study: Regular USC Lifestyle Redesign occupational therapy generated $250K in healthcare savings for patients with diabetes
The savings were driven by significant decreases in emergency department visits and hospital days among patients who participated in the groundbreaking program.
Think enamel erosion is irreversible? USC researcher says: Think again
After decades of research, Janet Moradian-Oldak of the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC prepares to bring to market a short peptide that can generate a biomimetic version of tooth enamel.
USC researcher uses ultrasound, genetic engineering to develop targeted treatments for blindness and other diseases
Longwei Liu is working to create cures that remotely trigger cell and gene therapies for conditions including cancer and a genetic disorder that can rob infants of their vision.
Blood tests for Alzheimer’s disease work in people with Down syndrome, study finds
Two widely used tests for early markers of Alzheimer’s can be effective for an understudied population at high risk, according to USC-led research.
New grant supports brain imaging research to improve treatment of bladder problems after stroke
Researchers from USC and colleagues will investigate how stroke disrupts the brain networks that control the bladder and whether brain scans can predict who will benefit from a noninvasive spinal
USC researchers to develop AI-powered platform to predict depression, suicide risk and resilience
With federal funding, the research team will collect detailed data on brain activity, sleep, smartphone use and more to build a picture of risks and protective factors among students with depression.
Study reveals how networks of switches in DNA, which control gene expression, drive cancer growth
Using advanced 3D genome mapping technology to study prostate cancer cells, USC researchers have discovered a new feature of gene control networks that could help fight cancer.
USC study finds gray and white matter work together to support cognition in older adults
Research suggests that the health of short-range brain wiring may help protect thinking abilities when gray matter declines.
USC experts provide renewed sense of hope for patient with rare genetic disorder
For Jose “Gabe” Rios, surgery and infusions at the USC Brain Tumor Center have been vital in managing neurofibromatosis type 2, a rare but debilitating genetic condition.
New way to help CAR-T cells fight solid tumors could change cancer treatment
USC researchers developed a technique that uses focused ultrasound to temporarily “light up” solid tumors, giving cancer-fighting immune cells a target they can finally recognize.
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Joel Smith
Senior Associate Vice President
USC Health Sciences Advancement