A new large-scale longitudinal study will investigate the environmental, lifestyle, social, and clinical factors affecting brain development in children with type 1 diabetes. The five-year study aims to refine clinical guidelines and targeted treatments for children with diabetes.
USC Keck School of Medicine has received a $12.5 million gift from Jerre Stead to support neurological surgery innovation and entrepreneurship. Dr. Aaron Cohen-Gadol, a renowned neurosurgeon, has joined the faculty, bringing his education and innovation platform, Neurosurgical Atlas.
Researchers found that women exposed to higher levels of nitrogen dioxide and inhalable particulate matter during the second trimester face an almost fourfold increased risk of postpartum depression. The study also discovered a sustained effect of air pollution on symptoms of depression for up to three years after birth.
Researchers have identified key cellular interactions and microenvironments that contribute to the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) after acute kidney injury (AKI) in mice. The study, published in Nature Communications, provides new insights into how damaged cells interact within disease-promoting microenvironments.
Researchers will combine stem cell therapy with brain-computer interfaces to restore function to patients with brain damage. The goal is to create bidirectional connections between cultured brain cells and the living human brain.
Scientists used AI to identify genes that can convert brain cancer cells into immune cells, increasing survival chances by up to 75% in mouse models. The approach bypasses the blood-brain barrier, offering new hope for aggressive cancers.
A recent study found that mental health disparities in Los Angeles County worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly among non-white residents. The risk of depression grew more common in areas hit hardest by deaths from COVID-19, with stark divisions observed between white and non-white communities.
The A4 study, a large clinical trial of pre-symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease, has yielded key insights into the condition. Researchers have collected extensive data on brain scans, blood samples, genetic information and cognitive tests from over 7,500 participants.
A large nationally representative study found that only 2.9% of U.S. adults had ever used nicotine pouches, with a lower percentage reporting current use. The study suggests that the majority of adult pouch consumers are using them to 'top off' nicotine in situations where they cannot smoke or use other tobacco products.
Researchers at USC Keck School of Medicine discovered that a low-salt diet can stimulate kidney regeneration and repair in mice by targeting the macula densa region. This finding holds promise for developing a new therapeutic approach to treat chronic kidney disease, which affects millions worldwide.
A new study reveals a direct connection between childhood air pollution exposure and adult bronchitis symptoms, suggesting that subtle effects on the respiratory system can persist into adulthood. The research, based on the USC Children's Health Study, found that even when adjusting for asthma or bronchitis symptoms in childhood, expos...
Researchers are developing advanced electronic bandages to improve chronic wound monitoring and healing. These 'smart' dressings can sense and respond to changing conditions, providing continuous data on healing and potential complications.
In a proof-of-concept study, USC researchers used functional ultrasound imaging to collect high-resolution brain imaging data through a transparent skull implant in a patient. The results suggest that this approach could open new avenues for patient monitoring and clinical research.
A new US-based study examines the link between prenatal fluoride and childhood social, emotional and behavioral functioning. Higher fluoride exposure levels during pregnancy were associated with a higher chance of children showing neurobehavioral problems, including emotional reactivity, anxiety and somatic complaints.
Researchers are studying the early brain development of babies born to mothers with diabetes to understand the link between prenatal exposure and later childhood obesity. They aim to identify key differences in brain structure and function that may contribute to the increased risk of obesity.
Researchers found that iron is a regulator of energy usage by immune cells in the lungs, which can help treat asthma and other allergic diseases. Blocking or limiting iron uptake may reduce asthma severity.
A groundbreaking study found that areas of age-related damage in the brain relate to motor outcomes after a stroke, suggesting other factors are at play. White matter hyperintensities were associated with more severe motor impairment, independent of corticospinal tract damage.
The study, published in Cell Stem Cell, improves the growth of nephron progenitor cells (NPCs) using a chemical cocktail, enabling sustained growth in a simple 2-dimensional format. The breakthrough has potential for advancing kidney research and discovering new treatments.
Researchers found that individuals from certain racial and ethnic groups are less likely to be eligible for Alzheimer's disease clinical trials due to lower amyloid levels at early stages of the disease. Amyloid buildup in the brain varies across different populations, contributing to underrepresentation in clinical trials.
Researchers aim to understand mechanisms behind high ADRD rates among MENA immigrants, a growing demographic. The study will investigate daily living, stress, genetics, brain health, and cognitive ability, using MRI-based imaging and cognitive assessments.
A new study from the Keck School of Medicine of USC found that genome-wide association studies' imputation technique works better for European, African American, and Latino groups than others. The researchers evaluated over 100 global populations, finding that imputation is less reliable for those farther away from Europe.
A traumatic brain injury quadruples the risk of developing dementia and neurodegenerative diseases like ALS. USC scientists used lab-grown human brain structures called organoids to study TBI's effects. They identified a gene, KCNJ2, that helps protect nerve cells against injury.
A USC study reveals that SARS-CoV-2 causes a stage of mild symptoms followed by severe inflammation in some patients. The virus exploits two different pathways to interact with immune cells, one leading to inflammation and the other preventing it.
A study from USC Keck School of Medicine reveals a genetic variant on the IKZF1 gene contributing to increased risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia among Hispanic/Latino children. The variant increases ALL risk by around 1.4 times and may be linked to Indigenous American ancestry, according to researchers.
Researchers from USC's Keck School of Medicine synthesized over 23,000 studies to inform updated clinical practice guidelines for ADHD. The comprehensive literature review found that both medications and psychosocial treatments work for treating ADHD and that children can and do get better.
The USC CIRM ASCEND Center will offer organoids, single-cell analysis, and spatial transcriptomics services to the California research community. The center aims to facilitate collaboration, technology transfer, and a competent workforce in personalized medicine.
Researchers linked red/processed meat consumption to increased colorectal cancer risk, highlighting two genetic markers (HAS2 and SMAD7) that alter cancer risk levels based on meat intake. The study analyzed data from nearly 70,000 people and found a 30-40% increased risk for those with high red or processed meat intake.
A new study found that over 11% of US 12th graders used delta-8-THC in the past year. The substance's widespread availability and lack of regulation pose significant risks to youth. Delta-8-THC use was highest in Southern and Midwestern states, where it is widely sold.
A large-scale study has found a significant link between smoking and DNA methylation, with two new epigenetic markers identified that differ by race or ethnicity. The research could lead to better ways to predict smoking-related disease risk and improve early detection and treatment.
A USC study found that diets high in solid fats and refined grains may increase the likelihood of developing preeclampsia, while a diet rich in vegetables, oils, and fruit may reduce the risk. Low-income Hispanic women are disproportionately affected by this health disparity.
A longitudinal study found that higher consumption of tea, processed meats, and food prepared outside the home is associated with increased levels of PFAS in the body over time. This suggests potential solutions for protecting the public from these harmful chemicals.
Plants use their circadian clocks to regulate responses to changes in water and salinity levels, offering a new avenue for creating drought-resistant crops. The discovery of the ABF3 feedback loop reveals a delicate balance between boosting stress tolerance and maximizing growth and yield.
Researchers at USC Stem Cell lab discovered nearly 40 genes associated with immune cell production, including those related to diseases like myelodysplastic syndrome. The study found that gene activity was linked to specific levels of immune cell production, offering insights for improving bone marrow transplantation strategies.
Researchers discovered that PDS5A modifies DNA loops without affecting histone modifications, enabling the study of loop-mediated gene silencing. The loss of PDS5A disrupted genome organization, leading to aberrant gene activation and potentially driving diseases like cancer and developmental disorders.
A novel human brain organoid model generates all major cell types of the cerebellum, including functional Purkinje neurons. This breakthrough provides a new way to explore cerebellar development and disorders, advancing therapeutic interventions.
A new study finds that a hormone produced by the fetus and a mother's sensitivity to it are the causes behind nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Lowering GDF15 levels or pre-exposing women to the hormone may mitigate symptoms, providing potential ways to prevent extreme forms of pregnancy sickness.
A longitudinal study of Hispanic adolescents and young adults found that PFAS exposure is linked to lower bone mineral density and a higher risk of osteoporosis. The study's findings highlight the need for stricter regulation of PFAS to protect vulnerable populations.
A study led by Keck School of Medicine of USC used AI detection technology to analyze influencer content on TikTok between 2019 and 2022, finding an increase in posts that promote e-cigarettes. The prevalence of pod devices, e-juice flavor names, and nicotine warning labels increased significantly over time.
A study by the Keck School of Medicine of USC found that liver cancer risk increases with each successive generation of Mexican Americans, particularly among men. The research analyzed data from over 30,000 participants and found third-generation Mexicans to be 66% more likely to develop liver cancer than first-generation individuals.
A new USC study identifies two metabolites that may predict which young Latino people are most likely to develop prediabetes. The research found that allylphenol sulfate and caprylic acid were the most predictive of prediabetes when combined with other risk factors.
A new USC study reveals that variants of the autism-linked gene SYNGAP1 can disrupt early brain development in the cortex, a region involved in higher-order cognitive functions. The research found that disease-causing variants of SYNGAP1 alter the cells' cytoskeletons and lead to disorganized neural circuits.
Researchers have identified 451 genetic variants associated with prostate cancer risk through a comprehensive analysis of nearly 950,000 men. The findings improve the accuracy of genetic risk scores and may lead to personalized screening recommendations for men at higher risk.
USC faculty members will lead a $20 million research initiative to inform government regulations on tobacco products and marketing, focusing on protecting young people from the harm of e-cigarettes and other nicotine products. The study aims to gather evidence to prevent harm and promote public health.
A study by researchers at Keck School of Medicine of USC found that Black cancer survivors experience slowdowns in diagnosis and delivery of care due to exposure to racial discrimination. Positive interactions, such as ready access to providers and displays of empathy, were identified as key factors in improving care.
A new blood test called OvaPrint TM detects specific nucleic acids in the blood, distinguishing between cancerous and benign pelvic masses with high accuracy. The test has the potential to improve treatment outcomes by identifying the best surgical approach for patients with a pelvic mass.
Researchers discovered a non-invasive eye exam that can detect early signs of cognitive decline and cerebral small vessel disease, a major contributor to vascular dementia. The study found connections between altered retinal blood flow and changes in brain structure associated with the condition.
The Keck School of Medicine of USC has received a $2 million grant from the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine to further enhance its cutting-edge cGMP Laboratory. The funding will support the adoption of advanced technologies, including an electronic quality management system and optimized cell therapy manufacturing processes.
USC is partnering with seven leading regenerative medicine institutes to form the Los Angeles and surrounding area regenerative medicine consortium. The partnership aims to advance regenerative medicine using stem cells and gene therapies for treating unmet medical needs.
The Keck School of Medicine of USC has launched a five-year, $50.3 million multi-omics study to better understand the causes and prevention of various diseases, including NAFLD, in underrepresented racial and ethnic groups.
Researchers have identified 11 genes associated with aggressive prostate cancer, which could lead to more effective treatments and earlier detection. The findings come from a large-scale study of over 17,500 patients and may help personalize care for individuals with the disease.