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.
Nasdaq’s opening bell will ring for USC research startup
A USC-licensed startup biomedical company and a Keck Medicine of USC neurosurgeon focused on treating brain cancer are taking their invention public. Such collaborations are an important way for
Veterans, others experiencing homelessness get USC dental care at L.A. rescue mission
For 25 years, the USC Dental Clinic has provided dental services at the Union Rescue Mission.
For University Professor Adam Leventhal, studying addiction hits close to home
The Keck School of Medicine professor is the founding executive director of the USC Institute for Addiction Science, which has 80 faculty members across 10 USC schools, colleges and hospitals.
Nerve fibers in inner ear adjust sound levels, help compensate for hearing loss in study
USC, Baylor researchers used an innovative imaging tool and made a discovery that could help treat hearing disorders.
USC president cites gains, future headwinds in State of the University address at Health Sciences Campus
In her last State of the University address as president, Carol Folt reviewed six years of progress and achievements under her leadership.
Is year-round daylight saving time a good idea? Maybe not
USC experts confirm biological challenges of the time change; if anything, they say we should be on standard time all year.
How to clear a toxic protein that can lead to Alzheimer’s and related diseases
USC Stem Cell scientists discover a new way to rid cells of toxic tau protein in a study involving “mini-brains” known as organoids.
How AI and genetics are personalizing cancer treatment
A USC-led study uses artificial intelligence to analyze genetic mutations and improve cancer treatment strategies.
Dr. Roseann Mulligan Special Patients Clinic awarded $3M to upgrade facilities
The Specialty Dental Clinic Grant aims to improve access to oral health care for special-needs patients.
Putting a focus on geriatric dental care
In the face of an impending “silver tsunami,” USC’s dental school aims to inspire dentists to embrace geriatric dental care — not just as a specialty but as a vital part of overall health care.
Who carries and uses naloxone in the U.S.? Who knows
A new study addresses the lack of nationwide data on who keeps the lifesaving medication with them and uses it to reverse opioid overdoses.
After a dozen failed eye surgeries, patient finds breakthrough solution at USC
Facing the prospect of complete vision loss, Stephen Singer found hope through a retina surgeon at the USC Roski Eye Institute.
New AI model measures how fast the brain ages
The first-of-its-kind tool can non-invasively track the pace of brain changes using MRI scans, USC researchers say.
Extreme heat may speed up aging in older adults
People in neighborhoods that experience more days of high heat show faster aging at the molecular level than residents of cooler regions, USC researchers say.
New grant funds first-of-its-kind gene therapy to treat aggressive brain cancer
The treatment would be the first gene therapy for glioblastoma to use a novel, more precise delivery system that is less likely to harm non-cancerous cells.
Global study aims to map brain signatures of bipolar disorder to transform understanding of the disease
By exploring structural changes related to bipolar disorder and comparing them with major depression, the initiative seeks to pave the way for more effective treatments.
Bringing oral health care to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the frail elderly and those with HIV
The Dr. Roseann Mulligan Special Patients Clinic is making dental treatment accessible.
Medicare beneficiaries face much higher drug costs as plans quickly shift to coinsurance
USC research finds most stand-alone Part D plans now link out-of-pocket costs of many brand name drugs to often-inflated list prices.
Popular weight loss, diabetes drug shows promise in reducing cravings for alcohol
USC-led trial confirms side effect: Semaglutide, better known as Ozempic and Wegovy, could also help people cut down on their alcohol intake.
After devastating identify theft, mom counts on USC Mobile Dental Clinic to keep kids’ smiles healthy
After being stationed in Afghanistan, Deborah Clark returned to notices from debt collectors: Tens of thousands of dollars of debt had been taken out in her name.
USC-led study finds potential new drug target for Alzheimer’s disease
Researchers used a combination of animal models, human brain tissue and molecular analysis to reveal a link between Alzheimer’s disease and issues with cell function and cholesterol in the brain.
Why some heavy drinkers develop advanced liver disease, while others do not
The answer may lie in three common underlying medical conditions, according to a new study from Keck Medicine of USC.
Research teams awarded NEMO Prizes for work at the intersection of health, engineering
Funded by a gift from Shelly and Ofer Nemirovsky, the latest prizes address a rare childhood heart disease and a widespread cause of blindness.
New partnership offers dental care to families experiencing homelessness
When housing is a challenge, dental care can often be neglected. USC’s new partnership with URM Angeles House is helping affected families, including those with young children. Body Copy * For
Obesity and diabetes drugs can catalyze profound changes in your body — and in public health, too
Ozempic and similar drugs like Wegovy, Zepbound and Mounjaro are a pop culture phenomenon — but it
Parenting through disaster: How California’s wildfires are affecting children and families
As families cope with the loss of homes, schools and communities, USC experts offer guidance to help parents and children make sense of tragedy, protect their health and find hope.
Study links contamination of drinking water with ‘forever chemicals’ to a range of rare cancers
USC researchers found an association between levels of PFAS in drinking water and the incidence of certain digestive, endocrine, respiratory, and mouth and throat cancers.
Exposure to air pollution before pregnancy linked to higher child body mass index
Greater air pollution exposure in the three months before conception was associated with higher childhood obesity risk up to two years after birth, research co-led by the Keck School of Medicine
The serendipitous discovery that changed biology — and the USC Leonard Davis School
More than 20 years ago, a study led by Pinchas Cohen — now dean of USC’s gerontology school — opened a new chapter in biology and made the university a leading force in unraveling the mysteries
Circulation problems in the brain’s seat of memory linked to mild cognitive impairment in older adults
Based on a new USC-led study, researchers suggest adding blood vessel health to dementia diagnostics.
NIH awards $2.7 million to map retinal connections in degenerative eye disease
USC leads a research team aiming to better understand retinitis pigmentosa and inform future treatments.
Can you steam away prostate cancer?
A clinical trial offered by Keck Medicine of USC uses steam rather than surgery or radiation to potentially destroy cancer cells for certain patients.
USC team to receive $3.4 million federal women’s health grant
The money will fund Keck School of Medicine of USC research to test an innovative therapy to slow age-related cognitive decline.
New year, same you? USC professors offer research-based tips for sticking with your New Year’s resolutions
Trying to quit smoking or maybe lose some weight? In this story first published in 2019, USC experts help you think positively, set realistic goals and follow through on your resolutions.
Rethinking how we study Black health and aging
USC alumna and Assistant Professor Lauren Brown wants to challenge the way researchers study older Black and Brown adults — and to question how researchers define “old” in the first place
USC joins Ryght Research Network to streamline clinical trials with AI
The global clinical trials network, which connects researchers with AI tools and clinical trial sponsors, welcomes the Keck School of Medicine of USC as its first U.S. academic site.
It’s the season of eating to excess
USC experts discuss food deserts, Ozempic and “exercise in a pill.”
Award of up to $47 million supports collaborative eye transplant research co-led by USC
An ambitious effort to restore sight teams the Keck School of Medicine of USC with the University of Colorado and several other institutions from academia and beyond.
USC Norris Cancer Hospital earns Top Teaching Hospital award for fourth year in a row
The Leapfrog Group, a leading national patient safety watchdog organization, again honors the hospital for quality and safety.
USC Master of Business for Veterans program helps combat medic give back
Army veteran and USC alum Vanessa Bolognese is answering the call to duty, this time in the health care industry.
USC gerontology alumnus helps older adults age in place
James Kordenbrock earned his Master of Arts at the USC Leonard Davis School last year. He’s using what he learned to grow his caregiving agency — with an emphasis on “care.”
How Trojans are leveraging machine learning to detect middle ear diseases
A group of undergraduate students and Professor Brian Applegate are working to develop a machine learning model to quickly and accurately identify specific ear problems.
Grant funds study on role of brain’s reward system in autism, ADHD
USC’s neuroimaging unit has received funding to map reward circuitry in the brain and to investigate its role in two neurodevelopmental conditions.
Americans are uninformed about and undervaccinated for HPV
The majority of American adults are unaware that HPV can cause throat cancer and are not taking advantage of the one proven method for prevention — the HPV vaccine, USC research finds.
24 for ’24: The year’s top stories
It’s been another year of groundbreaking accomplishments, ambitious launches and moving moments for the Trojan Family. Check out all 24 of our favorite stories of 2024; did yours make the list?
USC study identifies drivers that enable fish and lizards to regenerate hearing
The findings could guide future efforts to stimulate the regeneration of sensory hearing cells in patients with hearing loss and balance disorders.
To remember conversations, keep making new brain cells
A USC-led study of patients with epilepsy shows how making new neurons benefits cognition in adults.
USC-led center gets $4 million to study impact of wildfire smoke, extreme heat on human health
Researchers at the CLIMA Center will study climate-related exposures and gaps in adaptation capacity to understand their combined impacts on health.
Half match, full life
A transplant method pioneered at USC is making advanced cancer treatment available to all.
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Joel Smith
Senior Associate Vice President
USC Health Sciences Advancement