A research team from USC Keck School of Medicine has developed a more rigorous system for conducting preclinical research on stroke treatments, identifying the strongest candidate for further study. The system uses a network of laboratories and animal models that resemble typical stroke patients to test new therapies.
The Stevens INI is expanding its health disparities research with a new award to examine vascular causes of dementia in Asian Americans. The project aims to use innovative imaging techniques and clinical translations to better understand cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) and its impact on cognitive impairment and dementia.
A new survey by USC Street Medicine found that street medicine programs are helping to fill the gap in access to mental health and substance use treatments for unhoused individuals in California. The study suggests that these programs can serve as a strategy to expand access to behavioral health care for people who are unsheltered.
A USC Stem Cell-led mouse study reveals that lowering testosterone can improve the resilience of male kidneys by reducing their vulnerability to disease. The researchers also found that three months of calorie restriction has a similar effect, suggesting new potential treatments for kidney diseases.
Researchers investigating early liver transplantation for alcohol-associated liver disease aim to understand who benefits most and develop best practices. They will collect data on patient outcomes, biological samples, and audio recordings to identify factors influencing selection decisions.
Researchers found that C9ORF72 mutations impair neural stem cell renewal, leading to reduced brain regions during embryonic development. This impairment could contribute to disease symptoms later in life. The study used patient-derived nerve cells and laboratory mice to demonstrate the impact of C9ORF72 on neurodevelopment.
Researchers found that participants with MCI performed significantly worse on a test of four types of decision-making abilities compared to those without. The study's findings have broad implications for choices about finances, health care, and other daily decisions.
Researchers found that epigenetic silencing shuts off key genes required for sensory cell conversion. Enzyme TET can remove methyl groups to reverse gene silencing and restore hearing capability. Progenitor cells in deaf ears may already be primed to convert into sensory hearing cells.
A team of researchers from Keck School of Medicine of USC identified key cells involved in lizard cartilage regeneration and discovered their role in rebuilding cartilage damaged by osteoarthritis. They successfully induced cartilage building in a lizard limb by recreating a tail-like signaling environment.
The USC NRV Center performs complex revascularization procedures and conducts innovative research to treat debilitating conditions. The center will use the funding to enhance clinical care and education with a focus on technological innovation.
The Keck School of Medicine's Primary Care Program has shown a significant increase in primary care residency matches and representation, particularly among underrepresented groups. The program provides skill-based training, mentorship, and community-focused experiences that prepare students for careers in primary care medicine.
A comprehensive review of US-based Alzheimer's disease brain imaging studies found that all racial and ethnic minority groups are underrepresented. The gap is narrowing, but the research highlights the need for more diverse samples to capture details of participants' lived experience.
A new study reveals that the cellular chaperone protein GRP78 migrates to the nucleus under stress and alters gene activities, allowing cancer cells to become more mobile and invasive. This discovery offers potential new approaches for cancer treatment, including down-regulating GRP78 activity or preventing it from binding to ID2.
Researchers have isolated and analyzed individual immune cells targeting the hepatitis C virus, providing valuable data for vaccine development. The study found that antiviral treatment reduces cytotoxicity in HCV-specific immune cells, offering a potential pathway to an effective vaccine.
Research from Keck School of Medicine of USC found that everyday air pollution can alter brain development patterns in adolescents, linked to changes in brain connectivity over time. Exposure to fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide was associated with increased or decreased functional connectivity between brain regions.
The USC Stem Cell team is developing artificial kidney organoids using human stem cells and synthetic biology. They aim to create a functional kidney that resembles the real thing in function but not in form.
Researchers discovered that air pollution particles trigger autophagy, a cellular defense process, which has an upper threshold and may reduce its effectiveness against other threats. This finding provides new insights into the link between air pollution and lung disease.
Researchers at USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center have identified a biomarker, CX3CR1, that can predict which patients with non-small cell lung cancer will respond well to chemoimmunotherapy. Elevated levels of the biomarker in T-cells after six to nine weeks of treatment indicate long-term benefits from the combination therapy.
A new study from the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center found that immigrant adults with liver cancer have a significantly higher five-year survival rate compared to those born in the US. The study identified disparities in survival rates across different racial and ethnic groups, with immigrants demonstrating better outcomes.
A USC researcher and international team identified consistent DNA base pairs across 240 mammals, including humans, that play a key role in human disease. These 'constrained' base pairs remained generally consistent over millions of years of evolution and are significantly linked to genetic variation.
A new study published in Neurology shows that younger brain age is associated with superior post-stroke outcomes, suggesting a potential biomarker for stroke rehabilitation. The research team used multi-site data sets and 3D brain structural MRIs to analyze the relationship between brain age and stroke recovery.
Scientists from USC Stem Cell laboratory discovered a mechanism linking leukemic mutations to varying disease potentials, identifying RNA splicing regulator Rbm25 as a critical factor. The study found that over-contributing clones of blood stem cells produce excessive myeloid cells, leading to potential leukemia development.
Researchers have found a potential treatment for osteoarthritis by targeting the GP130 immune receptor, which causes hyper-inflammation in joints. The new compound R805/CX-011 showed promising results in animal studies, reducing joint pain and stiffness, and may lead to Phase 1 and 2A clinical trials.
A USC-led team of scientists identified the key gene Nr5a2, essential for opening up genome regions that enable neural crest cells to form tendons and salivary glands. Zebrafish and mice lacking this gene exhibited skeletal and tendon defects, as well as failed salivary gland development.
A recent study has identified nine new genetic variants that increase the risk of prostate cancer in men of African descent, including a variant linked to aggressive forms. The findings can be used to refine polygenic risk scores and identify high-risk patients for earlier screenings.
A Keck School of Medicine study found exposure to PFAS, known as 'forever chemicals,' disrupts key biological processes in children and young adults, increasing risk of diseases such as developmental disorders, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. The study highlights the importance of regulating PFAS as a class of chemicals.
The ENIGMA Initiative aims to bridge knowledge gaps on brain aging factors in developing countries, particularly in India. The study will collect comprehensive data on risk and protective factors through clinical interviews, bloodwork, and brain MRI to identify universal and population-specific predictors of dementia.
A new study from the Keck School of Medicine of USC found that vaping and smoking both cause significant DNA damage in oral epithelial cells. The frequency and duration of vaping were associated with increased levels of DNA damage, which is linked to chronic diseases such as cancer and inflammatory conditions.
The grant aims to eliminate barriers and facilitate access to early phase cancer clinical trials for medically underserved communities. Researchers will develop and implement a multilevel program to improve referrals and enrollment, exploring the impact of remote clinical trials on enhancing diversity in trials.
Researchers at USC Keck School of Medicine have identified two new avenues for treating diverse forms of ALS by suppressing genes and inhibiting proteins. The findings suggest that targeting SYF2 gene suppression and PIKFYVE kinase inhibition may lead to broadly effective treatments for the disease.
Researchers found that electric car adoption in California was associated with real-world reductions in air pollution and asthma-related emergency room visits. The study also highlighted an 'adoption gap' between low-resource zip codes, pointing to opportunities for environmental justice.
Researchers at USC Keck School of Medicine found that liver cancer cells hijack circadian clock proteins to replicate and spread. Inhibiting these proteins can prevent cancer cell multiplication and potentially improve outcomes for patients with liver cancer.
A large-scale study of mothers reveals those who experienced greatest pandemic-related change are more susceptible to traumatic stress symptoms. Mothers with higher incomes and education were found to be in the high-change group, while those with lower socioeconomic status reported fewer disruptions.
The USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center will receive funding from the American Cancer Society Institutional Research Grant (IRG) to support pilot work, training, and career development for junior faculty members. The grant aims to address cancer disparities in Los Angeles and beyond.
The National Cancer Institute awards $10.5 million to USC's Division of Biostatistics to develop statistical methods for uncovering new risk factors associated with cancer by integrating large volumes of health, genomic, and exposure data. The project aims to provide new insights into complex biological processes and discoveries of nov...
Researchers at USC's Keck School of Medicine are collaborating with Polaris Dawn to develop a novel method for collecting X-rays in outer space. They aim to harness ambient radiation to create images using analog X-ray film, which could improve medical care on long-duration spaceflights.
Albert Almada's laboratory will explore the role of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+) in muscle repair and regeneration. Lower levels of NAD+ may be inactivating stem cell repair, and re-activating it could promote better muscle healing in older animals.
The USC+CHLA Alpha Clinic will advance clinical trials of new cell and gene therapies, engaging underserved communities and training the workforce that conducts them. This program complements existing efforts to translate discoveries into new therapies for better health outcomes.
Researchers found that a new drug inhibiting GRP78 effectively reduces SARS-CoV-2 replication in human lung cells. The drug also shows potential in treating certain types of cancer by suppressing mutant KRAS proteins.
Two new studies found that dialysis facilities owned by nephrologists may provide better care, with patients receiving home dialysis more often. Additionally, a shorter interval between dialysis and surgery was associated with improved post-surgery survival rates.
Researchers at USC found significant differences in gray matter density between boys and girls with binge eating disorder, suggesting unique brain structures and potentially different treatments. The study underscores the need to include males in future research on eating disorders.
A team of researchers at USC is launching a comprehensive study to investigate the connection between type 2 diabetes and dementia in adults with Hispanic ancestry. The five-year study will examine brain structure and activity, blood flow, blood glucose and insulin levels, and cognitive functioning in 200 participants.
USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center is partnering with the Chinatown Service Center to address disparities in cervical cancer screening and treatment. The partnership aims to optimize access, shorten diagnosis-to-treatment timeframes, and enhance quality of care for Chinese and Latina women in Los Angeles.
The Keck School of Medicine's Stevens INI has received a nearly $2 million grant to upgrade its storage system, increasing its capacity to handle vast amounts of brain imaging data. This will enable the lab to maximize scientific productivity and fulfill its promise to collaborate with researchers globally.
The USC COMPASS program aims to recruit and support students from historically underrepresented backgrounds to pursue careers in regenerative medicine. Scholars will receive a minor in Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, as well as paid summer internships and mentorship opportunities.
The Keck School of Medicine of USC's Stevens INI has received a $149 million grant to study Alzheimer’s disease among diverse communities. The HABS-HD study aims to develop biomarkers that determine risk for developing the disease, addressing health disparities among Hispanic and African American populations.
Alzheimer's researchers highlight the need for more diverse participation in clinical trials, citing underrepresentation of African Americans and Latinos. They offer solutions to improve recruitment, including culturally sensitive cognitive tests and partnerships with community organizations.
Researchers found that air pollutants, particularly fine particles and nitrogen dioxide, increase the risk of COVID-19 hospitalizations up to 30% in vaccinated individuals. Long-term exposure also worsens outcomes, even among those fully vaccinated, highlighting the importance of improving indoor air quality.
Researchers found that all mind-body practices led to significant reductions in blood sugar levels, with yoga providing the largest benefit. The study suggests that these practices could be used as a complementary nonpharmacological treatment or preventive measure for type 2 diabetes.
Researchers have identified a small molecule drug, SHP656, that can target the circadian clock proteins responsible for glioblastoma's recurrence and spread. The drug has shown promise in reducing cancer stem cell growth without harming normal stem cells.