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.
Young breast cancer patient finds herself navigating unfamiliar waters
Author, speaker and brand strategist Goldie Chan shares her journey as a Keck Medicine of USC patient.
How old are you really? Study explains what makes ‘epigenetic clocks’ tick, debuts new prediction tools
USC-led research reveals what aspects of cellular function are measured by popular biological age assessments.
Good Vibrations: The Healing Power of Waves
Surfers Jason Kutch and Peter Westwick — both USC scholars — discuss the science and mysteries of the ocean’s primordial force.
Recommendations for VA on addressing intimate partner violence issued by expert panel
Evidence-informed expert panel provides guidance for clinicians and policymakers, facilitated by researchers at the Keck School of Medicine of USC.
After successful heart procedure, he’s back in the gym
Doctors discovered that Arik Bibicoff had a rare congenital heart defect. The “Ross procedure” gave him a second chance at the active lifestyle he loves.
$28.7 million gift from Marcus Foundation advances pioneering USC stem cell therapy into clinical trials
The head of USC Stem Cell Center, Chuck Murry, and his team will test a stem cell-based therapy designed to regenerate damaged tissue after a heart attack.
For the tiniest patients, new USC tech brings clearer MRI images
STORY and VIDEO: USC researchers have developed custom, 3D-printed MRI sensors that take minutes to make at a fraction of the cost and give doctors clearer views of small organs in infants and childre
How Keck Medicine of USC restored one patient’s trust in healthcare
Sheryl Heyser finally found the care she needed for AFib — and became the one-millionth patient to visit Keck Medicine in the last 12 months.
Large national study finds differences in multiple sclerosis death rates by age, race and geography
The USC-led analysis also found that co-occurring conditions, including high blood pressure and cardiac arrest, were linked to increased mortality among people with MS.
USC establishes NIH-funded center to transform research on sex differences in aging
The USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology has received $7.5 million to establish GeroSCORE, which will advance research on sex differences in aging while serving as a national hub for
Life, Redesigned
USC Chan's Lifestyle Redesign program expands the role of occupational therapy, helping students improve their mental health and everyday lives through meaningful routines.
$3.2 million NIH grant to fund USC study of age-related inflammation and cancer
Researchers will investigate how a naturally occurring hormone influences age-related inflammation and whether it can improve cancer immunotherapy.
Evolutionary history may help explain why some people develop more severe COVID-19 than others
A USC Dornsife-led study shows how combining evolutionary genetics with infectious disease research can reveal clues about why one disease can affect different people in different ways.
AI-enabled measurements of ‘local brain aging’ offer detailed insights on dementia and more
A USC study shows how patterns of neurodegeneration in specific brain regions relate to changes in cognitive function.
Waves of the Future
USC researchers are creating immersive, high-tech simulations of ocean waves to better understand the benefits of surfing, the devastation of tsunamis and the dynamics of the ocean itself.
Bovard Scholars explore healthcare careers through hands-on learning at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital
The immersive Healthcare Day of Discovery introduces high school students to career opportunities within the field.
Thymus-derived hormone may help suppress age-related inflammation
USC researchers found that targeting the thymus can reduce age-related inflammation and improve cancer outcomes.
Newly discovered microprotein linked to Type 2 diabetes, shows promise as a precision treatment
USC research shows that a common genetic variant in Indigenous American populations silences the mitochondrial microprotein “MENTSH.” Restoring it improves insulin signaling and blocks
USC startup receives up to $3.7 million to develop an inner ear imaging device
AO Technologies, founded by USC researchers John Oghalai and Brian Applegate, has secured an Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health small business award.
How the stomach helps the brain form memories
A newly discovered gut-brain connection turns meals into memories, and may offer novel ways to protect cognitive health.
USC researcher Christopher Shera receives American Auditory Society’s 2026 Carhart Award
Shera is recognized for his pioneering research that enhances understanding of how the human ear separates and detects sound.
The Researchers Making Drug Development Safer
Professors Gauri Rao and Prashant Dogra are using AI to accelerate drug development at USC Mann.
How a storyline on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ led Sheila Rodriguez to the USC Living-Donor Liver Program
When the Placentia public safety dispatcher learned that thousands of people die waiting for a liver donation each year, she decided to become a donor — and help someone she’d never met.
Study reveals why some colorectal cancers respond better to immunotherapy
USC researchers identified a biological pathway that helps activate the immune response against certain types of cancer.
Quick action after an unexpected MRI leads to a speedy recovery
After Dionne Harmon — a nonsmoker and marathon runner — learned she had lung cancer, a USC team used advanced tech and medicine to get her on the path to wellness.
Dementia risk factors look different around the world, large USC study finds
Because risk factors such as low education, high blood pressure and smoking vary widely, a one-size-fits-all approach to prevention won’t work.
ADHD medication misuse declines among U.S. adults, study finds
Public health concerns remain for those adults who frequently misuse stimulant medications, according to a review from the Keck School of Medicine of USC.
USC study maps brain network changes linked to bipolar disorder severity and treatment
The largest diffusion MRI network analysis of bipolar disorder to date reveals subtle but widespread differences in brain communication pathways involved in emotion, reward and cognitive control.
USC researcher awarded $3.3 million grant to study the inner ear
Karolina Charaziak’s five-year grant from the National Institutes of Health will support research on how the inner ear processes complex sounds, such as speech and music.
Keck School of Medicine of USC faculty help lead national cancer disparities report
The report highlights progress against cancer while underscoring persistent inequities and funding concerns.
Keck School of Medicine of USC launches pioneering effort to improve breast cancer outcomes in L.A. County
The collaboration with Novartis focuses on expanding access to screenings and improving outcomes in underserved communities.
Dementia will cost U.S. $818 billion this year, USC-led study finds
People with dementia and their families bear hidden costs — many of which are often overlooked.
Scanning the past: USC researchers unlock ancient secrets with cutting-edge technologies
USC researchers’ CT scans of two Egyptian mummies demonstrate the power of advanced imaging technologies to bridge the gap between the present day and the ancient world.
Caring connections
Keck School of Medicine of USC practitioners connect Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers to leading-edge research — and, just as importantly, to compassionate care.
Biology of aging doctoral grad appreciates interdisciplinary collaboration and community
COMMENCEMENT: Maxim Averbukh appreciates the "uniquely holistic way of thinking about aging" that is fostered for students and trainees at the USC Leonard Davis School.
Gerontology doctoral grad works to improve care and safety for older adults
COMMENCEMENT: In her research, Eleanor Batista-Malat found that older adults receiving home- and community-based services had the same likelihood of experiencing abuse as those not receiving services.
USC-led research suggests Mediterranean diet may boost mitochondrial signals linked to heart and brain health
The study, led by USC Leonard Davis Instructional Associate Professor Roberto Vicinanza, found that people who closely follow a Mediterranean-style diet have higher levels of two mitochondrial
Scientists map the genetics of how the brain ages, region by region
USC Viterbi senior Nicholas Kim led the landmark study with hopes that it could one day help improve the treatment of dementia and other brain disorders.
USC, Tempus form strategic collaboration aimed at accelerating innovation across research, patient care
The technology company and the university are creating a framework designed to connect research and patient care across USC’s healthcare system.
Digital reminiscence app could reduce grief, improve relationships between dementia patients and caregivers
Living Memory Home for Dementia Care Pairs helps people with mild to moderate dementia share memories and journal with their caregivers.
Keck School of Medicine of USC students, residents advocate for patients in Sacramento
The Trojans brought their voices — and eight original resolutions — to state lawmakers.
Study points to new treatment target for fatal infant heart disease
A USC-led research team identified a gene that may someday help treat a rare heart muscle disease in infants.
Stem Cell Day demystifies the world of science for high school students
USC Stem Cell welcomes teens for education and outreach that opens their eyes to future career possibilities.
How long does a transplanted heart last?
A USC heart transplant surgeon explains what patients can expect after a heart transplant — including how long the organ will last.
Children living near the Salton Sea show slower lung function growth
Researchers from the Keck School of Medicine of USC monitored 369 children for an average of two years in one of the first long-term studies of rural air pollution in Southern California.
First-ever USC Asian health, longevity symposium emphasizes innovation, care and community Partnership
Researchers, clinicians and community leaders gather to discuss the unique factors affecting health and well-being — and opportunities for USC to make a difference.
USC launches new study of dementia support program for Korean American caregivers
The USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work has been awarded a $3.4 million grant by the National Institute on Aging for a large-scale study of K-Savvy, a culturally tailored version of The
People with health complications can still be kidney donors; learn how
A Keck Medicine of USC transplant expert explains how coordinated care before, during and after surgery can protect kidney donors from risks and complications.
Just how bad was the pollution caused by the Eaton Fire?
A USC Dornsife-led study found that the fire’s daily carbon monoxide emissions far exceeded L.A. County’s average daily emissions from all human activity.
USC celebrates opening of its first-ever infant child care center in Leimert Park
The new Early Head Start and Head Start Center expands access to quality early childhood education and support to South L.A. families.
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Joel Smith
Senior Associate Vice President
USC Health Sciences Advancement