A lab study found that high cholesterol intake worsens fatty liver disease progression by driving inflammation and scarring. The researchers also discovered long-lasting dysfunction in immune cells responsible for fighting liver damage. Moderation is key to maintaining a healthy diet, according to the study's findings.
A new study found that reports of elder abuse increased, particularly in cases of physical and emotional abuse, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Financial abuse remained the most common type, but higher rates of emotional and physical abuse were reported during the pandemic.
A new study by a global team of researchers has revealed subtle alterations in the size of the brain's prefrontal region in young people with mood disorders and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The study suggests that these associations may be absent or more difficult to identify in more diverse samples.
A new study from USC researchers uncovers the sequence of early molecular changes caused by APOE4, a discovery that may help identify potential treatment targets in the brain's blood vessels. The research reveals problems with the blood-brain barrier and synapses, leading to behavioral deficits and cognitive dysfunction.
Researchers created genetically edited mice to label and study secretome proteins, facilitating studies of inter-organ communication. The transgenic mice enable scientists to identify specific cell types and organs, providing a valuable resource for mapping and profiling the secretome.
A study by researchers at Keck School of Medicine found that flavored oral nicotine products, such as gum and gummies, are increasingly popular among US teens, with 3.4% having used them at least once and 1.7% in the past six months. The use of these products was more common among Hispanic teens, teen girls, and LGBTQ+ teens.
Researchers from Keck School of Medicine found a strong association between PFOS exposure and liver cancer risk, with the strongest link seen in the top 10% of PFOS exposure. The study suggests that PFOS may disrupt normal liver function, leading to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and increased risk of liver cancer.
A new USC analysis found that the largest Medicare Advantage plans pay 27% more for outpatient dialysis treatment compared to traditional Medicare. This significant markup is attributed to the consolidation of the dialysis industry, with two large chains supplying over three-quarters of all dialysis services in the US.
A large-scale study of nearly 12,000 children aged 9-10 found that disordered eating behaviors are more common than previously thought, with a prevalence of up to 5% in some cases. Children with higher BMIs and those further along in puberty face an elevated risk, highlighting the need for targeted prevention efforts.
A large-scale study analyzing 29 studies and 139,624 participants found that people who viewed tobacco content on social media are more likely to report using tobacco. The study also identified susceptible individuals who may be influenced by pro-tobacco content.
Researchers generated simple kidney-like structures called organoids and used them to identify potential drugs for adult-onset polycystic kidney disease. They found nine compounds that inhibited cyst growth without stunting overall growth.
The Nutrition for Dementia Prevention Working Group recommends improving clinical nutrition trials by considering biomarkers, genetic testing, and microbiome analysis. The group suggests utilizing a wider variety of study designs and more personalized approaches to guide future research.
Researchers at Keck School of Medicine of USC found that extreme heat and air pollution coincide to increase mortality risk by 21%. Deaths due to cardiovascular and respiratory conditions also increased significantly on days with both extreme heat and air pollution.
Scientists studied embryonic development in fish and cartilaginous fish, revealing that the jaw shares a common developmental origin with the gill. The findings support the theory that the jaw evolved by modification of an ancestral gill, which was previously considered controversial.
A newly expanded data set of brain scans from stroke patients called ATLAS now includes 1,271 MRI images with manually segmented lesions, facilitating large-scale stroke recovery research. Researchers hope to develop algorithms to automate lesion segmentation, enabling clinicians to predict patient responses to therapies.
A new study from Keck School of Medicine of USC suggests that willingness to give away money may be linked to the earliest stages of Alzheimer's disease. Participants who gave more money scored significantly lower on cognitive tests known to be sensitive to Alzheimer's disease.
A new study by an international group of researchers has found substantial reductions in grey matter in people with anorexia nervosa, a condition characterized by severe food restriction and low body weight. Early intervention and treatment can help the brain repair itself, according to the research team led by Dr. Paul M. Thompson.
Researchers will track changes in the blood-brain barrier, neurovascular function, and cognition in over 850 participants with genetic variants at risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. The study aims to improve understanding of the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease and identify effective interventions.
A study by researchers at Keck School of Medicine of USC found that interpersonal problems, such as loneliness and relationship dissatisfaction, predict vulnerability to financial exploitation in older adults. Social connectedness is shown to be a key protector against financial abuse.
Researchers at Keck School of Medicine of USC are testing the efficacy of 3K3A-APC as a cerebroprotectant to reduce brain bleeds in acute ischemic stroke patients. The experimental drug has shown promising results in Phase 2 clinical trials, reducing incidence of brain hemorrhage by nearly 20%.
A new study by USC researchers found a significant link between exposure to fine particles (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and increased risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes. Long-term PM2.5 exposure was associated with a higher risk of mortality from COVID-19.
Researchers at USC have developed an innovative treatment for prostate cancer, known as synthetic immune receptor (SIR-T) therapy, which has shown promising results in preclinical studies. The new technology was adapted from CAR-T therapy and aims to revolutionize the treatment of not only prostate cancer but also other cancers.
A recent study published in NPJ Regenerative Medicine found that large bone injuries trigger a repair strategy recapitulating elements of skeletal formation in utero. The gene Sonic hedgehog (Shh) plays a necessary role in healing central regions, while small-scale fractures heal through a distinct program.
A new study systematically reviews data on PFAS exposure and liver damage, linking three commonly detected PFAS to elevated levels of a liver enzyme, ALT. The research suggests a potential link between PFAS and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a growing public health crisis affecting 25% of adults worldwide.
Researchers found a higher number of small HDL particles in cerebrospinal fluid is associated with better cognitive performance and lower risk for Alzheimer's disease. These particles may play a key role in clearing amyloid beta peptides, which contribute to the disease.
Researchers discovered newborn neurons and immature astroglia in patients with epilepsy, which could lead to new anti-seizure medications. The study suggests that targeting immature astroglia may be an effective approach to controlling seizures without aggressive brain surgery.
A new study confirms that abnormalities in the GDF15 gene are involved in hyperemesis gravidarum, a condition causing severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. The discovery may lead to targeted treatments and improved care for women with HG.
A USC-led study reveals that children with binge eating disorder show abnormalities in gray matter density compared to unaffected peers, indicating a possible link between the disorder and brain development. The findings suggest that treatment may need to address underlying brain abnormalities.
USC researchers will use $18.5 million funding to study colorectal cancer in Hispanic patients, aiming to close the gap in understanding the disease and developing effective treatments. The project aims to improve patient engagement in genomic research and develop culturally relevant educational materials.
The Epstein Family Foundation has donated $50 million to USC and UC San Diego to accelerate Alzheimer's research and discover effective therapies for the disease. The collaboration aims to compress study design, patient recruitment, and clinical trials to expedite the discovery of better treatments and a cure.
Researchers discovered that the IL-6 family of proteins is required for maintaining and regenerating cartilage in joints and growth plates. The study found that blocking this gene could lead to severe cartilage and skeletal changes, particularly in females.
A new study from USC researchers sheds light on COVID-19 vaccine inequities in California, revealing disparities in vaccination rates among vulnerable populations. The study suggests that targeted community outreach and improved vaccine access can help reduce these disparities.
A new study found that reducing air pollution can lower dementia risk among older women by decreasing their likelihood of developing dementia. The benefits were consistent despite differences among participants in age, geographic area, socioeconomic background, and other factors.
Researchers from the Crump Lab created a series of atlases to study the molecular decisions of cranial neural crest cells, identifying genetic signs that point to specific destinies. Their findings reveal a new approach to understanding head development and regeneration in vertebrates.
Researchers at Keck School of Medicine of USC have developed a stem cell-based bio-implant to repair cartilage and delay joint degeneration. The Plurocart implant successfully integrates into damaged articular cartilage tissue and survives for up to six months.
Researchers at USC developed a new peptide that stimulates the host's immune response to fight bacterial infections, offering an alternative to antibiotics. The peptide, MTD12813, is highly effective in clearing infections and modulates inflammation, reducing the risk of complications.
A new study by the Keck School of Medicine of USC finds that Medicaid expansion is associated with a significant reduction in mortality rates. The study, which tracked data from 2014-2018, found that expanding Medicaid coverage resulted in an estimated 3.8% decrease in adult deaths per year.
A new study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine showed that a fast-tracked stroke drug, 3K3A-APC, protected mice from injury to the brain's white matter, a leading cause of dementia. The drug may also be effective in slowing down progression of cognitive impairment.
A new study from Keck School of Medicine of USC shows that vaping is associated with dysregulation of mitochondrial genes and immune response genes, similar to smoking. The research found that over 80% of gene dysregulation in vapers correlated with the intensity and duration of current vaping.
A new study by USC researchers uses a genetic technology to analyze gene expression signatures of individual cancer cells from patients with leukemia. The findings show that cancer cells with distinct gene expression profiles tend to grow in different organs, while those with specific genes are more resistant to chemotherapy.
A team of scientists developed a drug-like molecule that can counteract the effects of mutated epigenetic regulators, which are known to drive certain types of cancer. The molecule targets the 'reader' CBX8, which is critical for the proliferation of cancer cells, but more dispensable in healthy cells.
The USC Stevens INI is partnering with Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the University of Miami to merge Alzheimer's disease data from over 30 datasets, producing a large-scale, standardized set of clearly defined data. This harmonization will enable large-scale machine learning analysis to better characterize the genetic basis...
Researchers at Keck School of Medicine will collect and analyze imaging data from over 1,300 children nationwide to identify biological markers predicting recovery or persistent symptoms after concussion. The study aims to develop a diagnostic protocol for clinicians caring for pediatric patients with concussion.
A new USC study reveals that gaps in income, education, and access to care contribute to poorer outcomes for people of color with multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases. The review shows significant inequities in accessing healthcare, leading to diagnostic delays and underuse of services.
A new USC study found that artificial sweeteners like sucralose can trick the brain into feeling hungry, leading to increased calorie consumption. This study, one of the largest to-date on artificial sweeteners, suggests that females and people with obesity may be more sensitive to these sweeteners.
The USC Institute is launching a $3 million global consortium study to analyze brain imaging, genetics, and clinical data from 20 countries. The study aims to understand how Parkinson's disease progresses in the brain and explore genetic factors contributing to risk.
Children genetically predisposed to overproduce lymphocytes in relation to other white blood cells are at higher risk of developing ALL, according to a new USC study. The research found that the ratio of lymphocytes to other key blood cells is significant in predicting leukemia risk.
A new USC study found a link between 'forever chemicals' and changes in glucose metabolism in Latina girls, potentially increasing their risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Researchers measured the impact of PFAS on glucose metabolism over time among adolescents and young adults.
A recent study found that fine particle pollution, specifically PM2.5, may contribute to the disproportionate number of African American women affected by dementia. Despite adjusting for various risk factors, Black women still had double the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease compared to white women.
A USC-led study has mapped the developmental blueprint of human kidneys, shedding light on how cells interact to form filtering units. The research provides a foundation for creating synthetic mini kidneys and could lead to new treatments for kidney diseases.