Immigration enforcement in LA County led to fewer ER visits among foreign-born patients, but those who did visit were more likely to be hospitalized. This trend may discourage immigrant patients from seeking medical care, leading to potentially serious health consequences.
The study found a 24-fold increase in new GLP-1 prescriptions among new mothers, with women with type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes showing the highest rates. Prescribing increased fastest among those diagnosed as obese or overweight before pregnancy.
A recent USC-led study reveals that over 1 in 5 older adults are at risk for major drug interactions, despite a decline in their prevalence. Polypharmacy and dietary supplement polypharmacy have increased, with antidepressants, statins, and antiplatelet therapies being the most commonly used medications involved in these regimens.
African water conflicts are driven by uncertainty over water availability under extreme climate conditions, rather than an absolute lack of water. Advanced water modeling can provide a shared foundation for managing transboundary water resources and resolving disputes.
US Sen. Gary Peters will lead USC Dornsife's Center for the Political Future, bringing nearly two decades of experience in Congress and a record of bipartisan lawmaking to the center. He plans to expand the center's presence in Washington, D.C. and create opportunities for students to connect with policymakers.
A vaccine that could lower the risk of dementia by half for those at high risk has sparked interest among older adults, with nearly 3 in 4 expressing interest in receiving such a vaccine. The survey results highlight a growing interest in vaccines that may prevent or delay dementia, a major concern for aging populations.
Researchers at USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences traced 240,000 years of lake history, finding two brief freshwater phases, including Lake Bonneville, which lasted longer and was fresher than an earlier lake phase. The study suggests that the lake's future is threatened by human water use and climate change.
Researchers found that dementia incidence among Tsimané and Mosetén communities in the Bolivian Amazon was comparable to that in US and northern European populations, but survival rates were significantly shorter. The study suggests that lifestyle factors, such as physical activity and access to medical care, may contribute to the lowe...
USC researchers will lead a $20M NSF effort to develop AI-powered optimization tools for power grids and supply chains. The project aims to improve decision-making in these complex systems and expand AI education for high school students.
USC researchers have developed custom, 3D-printed MRI sensors that provide clearer images of small organs in infants and children. The sensors, which can be customized to individual patients, are made in under 10 minutes and cost around $30.
New research suggests that leisure-time exercise, such as walking or sports, is associated with a lower risk of dementia, while physically demanding jobs may increase dementia risk. The study analyzed data from over 4.2 million people and found that household physical activity also appeared beneficial.
Researchers from USC-led study found that different epigenetic clocks capture distinct aspects of cellular aging, while introducing new gene-expression based clocks with stronger predictive power. These tools can better predict age-related disease and mortality by examining DNA methylation patterns and gene expression.
The USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology has received a $7.5 million grant to establish GeroSCORE, a national hub for discovery and collaboration on sex differences in aging. The center will conduct innovative research, develop new tools and analytical methods, and serve as a resource for early-career investigators.
The collaboration aims to turn thousands of data points into actionable insights, helping coaches identify trends and evaluate strategies. By organizing play-level data from football games, the team creates a searchable platform for analysts to quickly test ideas and compare trends across seasons and opponents.
A USC study analyzed over 6,000 soil samples and found that the L.A. fires released lead into the environment, but preexisting contamination makes it difficult to distinguish the impacts of the fires. The study also found no evidence of post-fire contamination from other metals, and lead levels can vary widely across a property.
A new USC study uses AI to generate detailed maps of brain aging, revealing distinct patterns of neurodegeneration in specific regions. The approach sheds light on how local brain age correlates with changes in cognitive function across the lifespan.
Researchers found four immune system genes shaped by ancient infectious diseases, which may influence severe COVID-19. Rare genetic variants in these genes were associated with increased risk of severe illness and organ transplants.
Drug spending has become increasingly focused on highly novel drugs in the last decade, driven by increased prescribing of innovative medicines. The shift is attributed to changes in market forces and government policies that better reward pharmaceutical innovation.
A study at USC discovers a common genetic variant in Indigenous American populations that silences the microprotein MENTSH, restoring it improves insulin signaling and blocks diet-induced weight gain. MENTSH-based therapies could offer a precision-medicine approach to Type 2 diabetes.
A new USC study found that LA County residents in evacuation zones experienced heightened levels of anxiety and depression after the 2025 wildfires. The effects were greatest among those facing social and economic hardship, highlighting the need for policies to bolster housing security and community support networks.
USC researchers have been selected for the U.S. Department of Energy's Genesis Mission to harness artificial intelligence for scientific discovery and innovation. Two projects led by USC will explore ways to develop faster and more energy-efficient computing hardware and better understand the natural concentration of critical minerals.
A study by USC researchers found that signals from the gut through the vagus nerve can help form memories, particularly those related to food. The brain responds to a food's nutrients rather than just its flavor, suggesting a potential mechanism for memory formation.
USC is leading a national research team developing AI to predict turbulence, a challenge in physics and engineering that affects technologies daily. The approach could make scientific simulations faster and more accurate, enabling researchers to tackle complex problems.
Research found reduced volume in areas of the brain connected to memory formation, indicating a potential link between TV watching and cognitive decline. Heavy TV viewing was associated with smaller frontal and occipital lobes and more white matter damage, even after controlling for physical activity.
A new study reveals that macrophages, a key immune cell type, age differently across tissues and between sexes. The researchers found that aging macrophages become more focused on responding to stress and cellular damage, but lose some molecular programs involved in maintaining healthy tissue structure.
A large USC study of over 214,000 older adults across 14 countries found that controllable dementia risk factors such as low education and high blood pressure differ significantly from country to country. The study's findings suggest a one-size-fits-all approach to prevention may not be effective everywhere, and highlight the importanc...
After Medicare expanded coverage for Wegovy to prevent heart complications in obese patients with heart disease, prescription fills jumped sharply. However, a significant fraction of eligible beneficiaries still did not receive the treatment.
The brief connects 16 movements, from the Institute for Colored Youth to today's Student Action on Curricular Restrictions, and pairs each with evidence-grounded policy recommendations. Key patterns across generations of youth organizing include mass mobilization, coalition-building, and legal pressure.
A new study finds that Alzheimer's disease and related dementias will cost the US $818 billion this year, driven by costs associated with care and loss of productivity. The study's comprehensive model accounts for often-overlooked factors like diminished quality of life and unpaid care provided by family members.
A new study published in Cell Metabolism found that a low-protein, amino acid-supplemented 'longevity diet' improved cardiometabolic markers and reduced frailty and fat mass in mice. The diet was associated with longer healthy lifespan and better metabolic health in both mice and humans.
A recent study published in Nature Food found that people without access to clean drinking water are more likely to experience food insecurity and food safety threats. The research analyzed survey data from over 124,000 respondents across 121 countries and highlights the urgent need for coordinated global action to address these issues.
Researchers at USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences have developed a new framework to understand how marine microbes grow, compete, and recycle carbon around the globe. The study identifies eight metabolic groups that help explain how microbial communities vary across the ocean.
A robotic hand developed at USC can hear a melody once and play it back after just two minutes of self-taught practice on a keyboard. The system, called the Musician Hand, mimics the way the brain and body coordinate fine motor skills through trial and error, offering a new model for machines — and medicine — to approach complex moveme...
Research on the 2025 Myanmar earthquake reveals that small differences in fault movement over time can build uneven stress, influencing where quakes start and spread. This study challenges the seismic gap hypothesis and suggests a broader shift in understanding earthquake hazard, enabling better quake risk estimates for major faults.
A USC team has created a neuroprosthetic device that can restore coordinated bladder control in small animal models, proof of concept for a future treatment that could transform lives after spinal cord injuries. The device targets the dorsolateral funiculus region of the spinal cord to mimic the natural signals that trigger the need to...
New research reveals that the organization of electrons within a material determines its response to light. The study shows that moiré superlattices can be engineered to exhibit unusual properties by controlling electron arrangement.
A web tool called Living Memory Home for Dementia Care Pairs facilitates collaborative reminiscence therapy, reducing feelings of pre-death grief and improving relationship quality. The app promotes well-being and connection between dementia patients and caregivers, leading to better care outcomes.
A study of over 1.27 million federal complaints found that older Americans and veterans receive slower responses than the general population, with a widening gap over time. The trend is particularly concerning for elderly residents in economically disadvantaged zip codes, who face the widest gaps in response times.
A new USC study found that in-store pharmacies filled less than 2% of mifepristone prescriptions since the FDA eased dispensing requirements, with mail-order pharmacies accounting for most fills. The study suggests significant access gaps in states with stronger legal protections for abortion.
Researchers at USC have developed a high-temperature memory device that can function reliably at 700 degrees Celsius, defying previous thermal ceilings. The device uses graphene to prevent heat-induced short circuits and has applications in space exploration, deep-earth drilling, and AI hardware.
Researchers found that people following a Mediterranean-style diet have higher levels of humanin and SHMOOSE, which are linked to protection against cardiovascular disease and neurodegeneration. The study suggests that specific components of the Mediterranean diet may directly influence mitochondrial biology.
Researchers found that seniors are willing to travel more than an hour for routine or specialized medical care, but this willingness varies by socioeconomic status, mobility, and location. The study's findings have implications for telehealth expansion and transportation policy, suggesting that programs offering ride services, improved...
A new study by USC researchers found that AI agents can autonomously coordinate propaganda campaigns without human direction, amplifying false narratives and distorting public discourse. The agents learn from each other's successes and adopt tactics to create the appearance of consensus, making it harder to detect disinformation.
A new study found that Texas' migrant busing program, which transported immigrants to Democratic-led cities, contributed to President Trump's increased vote share in affected counties during the 2024 election. The study also highlights the enduring power of perceived threats from racial minorities in shaping voting decisions.
USC researchers developed a method that enables AI to dramatically improve its performance in untrained territory by providing feedback on errors, increasing success rates from 39% to 96%. The approach has potential applications in various domains, including software, 3D modeling, mathematical reasoning, and legal logic.
A new study reveals that fecal transplants from older female mice significantly improve ovarian function and fertility in young mice. The transplants show a direct link between the gut microbiome and ovarian health, with potential implications for fertility and overall health as women age.
A new national study by the University of Southern California's Race and Equity Center found that 94% of professional athletes believe they should be allowed to engage in political activism. The study highlights the power of pro athletes' platforms and encourages them to use their influence to promote racial justice and activism.
A new USC Rossier study emphasizes the importance of early intervention in addressing housing instability among students. Key findings reveal that existing efforts focus on already homeless students, and that upstream interventions supporting at-risk families can prevent stability disruptions. The report highlights promising approaches...
Researchers at USC's Kanso Bioinspired Motion Lab discovered that sea stars' tube feet respond independently to changing loads, enabling local control strategy. This decentralized approach can optimize robot locomotion and adapt to environmental changes.
A study found that ocean bacteria SAR11, which thrive in nutrient-poor waters, are more vulnerable to environmental change than thought due to cellular dysregulation. This discovery challenges common assumptions about microbial growth and has broader implications for understanding climate change and marine ecosystems.