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.
Study explores the future of at-home cancer treatment
A first-of-its-kind clinical trial from Keck Medicine of USC will investigate if immunotherapy administered at home can achieve the same outcomes as in-clinic therapy.
Mutation in mitochondrial DNA appears to help Alzheimer’s gene carriers live longer, stay sharper
The discovery by USC researchers represents a new direction in drug development.
How online echo chambers make eating disorders worse
USC researchers found that social platforms create a feedback loop of eating disorder content, trapping vulnerable individuals within pro-anorexia echo chambers.
Advanced oculofacial plastic surgery course expands to invite surgeons, fellows and more from around the world
Surgeons and trainees gather at USC for one of the most popular and unique oculoplastic plastic surgery courses offered in the U.S.
Is social media scrambling our sanity?
USC scholars explain why social media is so all-consuming — and how we can help break the habit.
USC student Deena Fetahi uses her training to save infant’s life during baby and mother fitness class
“The moment Deena arrived to help I felt reassured everything was going to be OK,” says Blake Robbie, the baby’s mom.
More than 11% of U.S. 12th graders used new hemp-based THC products last year
USC researchers conducted one of the first nationally representative studies of adolescent use of the psychoactive products, which have intoxicating effects that resemble marijuana.
Shifting paradigms, saving lives
Economist Neeraj Sood isn’t afraid to buck conventional wisdom when it poses a barrier to public health. His groundbreaking research on childhood illness in India is just the tip of the iceberg.
Large-scale study explores link between smoking and DNA changes across 6 racial, ethnic groups
USC scientists conducted one of the largest-ever multiethnic studies of smoking and epigenetics. It could lead to better ways of predicting risk of smoking-related disease.
Diet linked to preeclampsia among low-income Hispanic women during pregnancy
A new USC study suggests that interventions in diet during pregnancy could help address this health disparity faced by Latinas.
11 USC researchers named National Academy of Inventors senior members
The honor recognizes innovation that has a real impact on the welfare of society.
First NEMO Prizes fund research partnerships at the intersection of health and engineering
Awards were given to two USC research teams to fund collaborations between engineering and one or more of the university’s five health sciences schools.
Could AI help us prepare for the next pandemic?
Elizabeth Ondula, a USC doctoral student in computer science, examines how policymakers and administrators can leverage AI to prepare for an infectious disease outbreak.
Shri Narayanan named USC vice president for presidential initiatives
With expertise bridging a wide range of disciplines from computer science to linguistics and medicine, Narayanan will focus on bringing together presidential “moonshots” and expanding their reach.
Fasting-like diet lowers risk factors for disease, reduces biological age in humans
A USC study shows how cycles of a fasting-mimicking diet reduce insulin resistance, liver fat, immune system aging and biological age in clinical trial patients.
This common medication could save half a million children’s lives each year. So why is it underprescribed?
A new study by researchers at USC explains why kids aren’t getting a cheap, effective treatment for diarrhea.
A common medication could save half a million children each year. So why is it underprescribed?
A new study by USC researchers explains why kids aren’t getting a cheap, effective treatment for diarrhea.
Did the ancient Greeks and Romans experience Alzheimer’s?
Medical texts from 2,500 years ago rarely mention severe memory loss, suggesting today’s widespread dementia stems from modern environments and lifestyles, a new USC analysis shows.
How hyperpartisan bullying threatens democracy
USC experts explain why polarization erodes civility in public discourse, turning private citizens and elected officials into targets.
Supporting the future of aging research
A new, NIH-funded program at the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology lets undergraduates take part in aging research.
USC research spending surpasses $1 billion for the first time, federal report shows
The spending included significant investments in USC President Carol Folt’s “moonshots” in computing, health and sustainability.
SCOTUS Preview: Key cases to watch and USC experts to connect with this term
USC experts are available to discuss key issues on the Supreme Court's docket.
Genetic mutation protects against Parkinson’s disease offers hope for new therapies
Newly discovered variant is a mitochondrial microprotein that could be key to developing future pharmaceutical interventions
Newly discovered genetic mutation protects against Parkinson’s Disease, offers hope for new therapies
The beneficial variant could be key to developing future pharmaceutical interventions.
23 for ’23: The year’s top stories
This year has been one of groundbreaking accomplishments, ambitious launches and moving moments for the Trojan Family. Check out all 23 of our favorite stories of 2023.
Why some California hospitals are still struggling after COVID-19
A study from USC Price’s Glenn Melnick found that California’s hospitals still face a challenging financial outlook in the wake of the pandemic.
Alzheimer’s diagnosis signals risk of shortened lifespan in patient’s siblings
USC and Swedish researchers find shorter lifespans among Alzheimer’s patients’ siblings, even those without the disease.
Elder abuse can be prevented, USC-led study shows
A new caregiver intervention program is found to lower rates of abuse.
She found her calling in hunting down Alzheimer’s
USC’s Meredith Braskie turned her knack for numbers into a mission to demystify dementia.
How old is too old to be president?
The candidates’ ages are a concern for many ahead of the 2024 elections, but significant life experience has its advantages, USC experts say.
Fixing palliative care’s image problem could boost its use
Often confused with hospice, palliative care has a champion in USC gerontologist Susan Enguídanos, who has dedicated herself to expanding access to this beneficial resource.
Lower-middle-class Americans near retirement are worse off than 20 years ago
Study finds 'forgotten middle' Americans face poorer health, worse economic outcomes and lower homeownership rates, along with increased disability in old age.
Liquid biopsies provide breakthrough in diagnosing retinoblastoma
The aggressive eye cancer, which affects babies and young children and can lead to loss of vision, had baffled oncologists. Now they can get a very specific map of each child’s disease from
Entrepreneur turns to USC online health administration program to help launch startup
Ryan Nazar started Practical Healthcare to improve patient satisfaction, especially when it came to difficult disease and injury diagnoses.
Older adults with mild cognitive impairment may struggle with everyday decision-making
Researchers from the Keck School of Medicine of USC found that the condition, which can be a precursor to dementia, was linked to worse decision-making abilities.
COVID-19, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines — what you need to know
Keck Medicine of USC experts discuss new recommendations for staying healthy and safe during the respiratory virus season.
Alzheimer’s gene associated with increased fertility in Amazonian women
Allele associated with increased risks for dementia and heart disease is linked to earlier age of first birth as well as shorter intervals between births in a Bolivian indigenous community.
Gift to expand understanding, clinical management of migraine, other debilitating neurological pain
Through their donation to USC Dornsife, Roberta and Arnold Mahler aim to break down research silos, accelerate treatment progress and bring hope to patients and families.
Exposure to air pollution early in pregnancy increases risk of gestational diabetes, study finds
The USC study also suggests that prenatal depression, with disrupted immune and hormonal functions, could make the case worse.
Linked through mission, L.A. and USC bring medicine and housing to the homeless via Street Medicine
A “fireside chat” between USC President Carol L. Folt and Mayor Karen Bass reinforces the university’s collaborative work with the city in a united quest to care for the
People can’t recover the ability to hear — or maybe they can
USC Stem Cell scientists explain why sensory hearing cells of the inner ear don’t regenerate — and how we might be able to change that.
Helping older adults in times of extreme heat
Amid one of the hottest summers on record, USC caregiving expert Donna Benton shares how caregivers can help vulnerable older adults stay healthy.
Helping older adults in times of extreme heat
Amid one of the hottest summers on record, USC caregiving expert Donna Benton shares how caregivers can help vulnerable older adults stay healthy. The post Helping older adults in times of extreme hea
Helping older adults in times of extreme heat
Amid one of the hottest summers on record, USC caregiving expert Donna Benton shares how caregivers can help vulnerable older adults stay healthy.
All racial, ethnic minority groups underrepresented in Alzheimer’s neuroimaging research
In a comprehensive review of U.S.-based Alzheimer’s disease brain imaging studies, USC researchers found minority groups are underrepresented — but the gap is narrowing.
Study finds new, unexpected mechanism of cancer cell spread
Researchers from the Keck School of Medicine of USC discovered that when cells are under stress, a key protein can travel to the nucleus and reprogram cells to migrate and become more invasive.
Keck Hospital of USC receives highest rating in national quality report
Hospital earns five stars in the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services annual quality star rating report.
Field trip introduces USC TRiO students to research opportunities in aging
High school students tour state-of-the-art laboratories at the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology and hear from undergraduates about their work. The post Field trip introduces USC TRiO students t
Field trip to introduces USC TRiO students to research opportunities in aging
High school students tour state-of-the-art laboratories at the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology and hear from undergraduates about their work.
Why doctors who are using ChatGPT are unknowingly violating HIPAA
USC Price’s Genevieve Kanter explains the privacy risks that clinicians are taking when they use AI chatbots.
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Joel Smith
Senior Associate Vice President
USC Health Sciences Advancement