A two-year study of 365 older adults found that high doses of omega-3s from fish oil supplements did not improve memory or cognitive function. Brain scans also showed no shrinkage of the hippocampus, a key brain region for memory.
Keck Medicine of USC hospitals and USC Student Health have received the LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader 2026 designation, earning a perfect score in five criteria. The healthcare system demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and equity through various initiatives and programs supporting the LGBTQ+ community.
A study found that BMI significantly understates obesity levels in the US, with up to 50% of overweight individuals reclassified as obese under a new clinical definition. This highlights the need for healthcare providers to adopt this new measure to better identify and treat obesity-related health risks.
Keck Hospital has received a 5-star quality rating from CMS for its excellence in patient care across five measured standards. This achievement solidifies the hospital's commitment to patient safety and best possible outcomes.
Keck Hospital of USC and USC Verdugo Hills Hospital have received two consecutive 'A' Hospital Safety Grades from The Leapfrog Group, demonstrating their commitment to patient safety. This achievement reflects the hospitals' pursuit of highest standards of care and staff dedication to excellence.
A new study finds that people with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease face a significantly higher risk of liver fibrosis if they engage in episodic heavy drinking. Episodic heavy drinking is defined as four or more drinks for women and five or more drinks for men, at least once a month.
Researchers at the University of Southern California Health Sciences have discovered a new treatment approach that combines laser heat therapy with immunotherapy to improve survival rates for patients with high-grade astrocytoma. Nearly half of patients treated with this combination were still alive after 18 months, exceeding the typic...
Researchers at Keck Medicine of USC are investigating a unique therapy that uses lab-generated stem cells to repair damaged brain cells and produce dopamine, which may slow down the progression of Parkinson's disease. The treatment has shown promise in early clinical trials with 12 participants experiencing improved motor function.
Two Egyptian priests, Nes-Min and Nes-Hor, were scanned using CT technology to reveal details about their lifespans, health, and life experiences. The scans showed healed injuries, dental issues, and modern-day ailments, providing new insights into ancient lives.
Keck Medicine of USC names Christian Pass as its new chief financial officer, bringing extensive leadership and finance expertise to the role. As CFO, Pass will oversee strategic financial planning and collaborations across the health system.
A novel clinical trial is exploring if a stem cell-derived retinal implant can not only stop the progression of dry age-related macular degeneration but also improve patients' vision. The implant uses lab-engineered RPE cells to replace damaged cells in the retina, potentially restoring central vision.
Keck Medicine of USC hospitals, including USC Norris Cancer Hospital and Keck Hospital, have received the Top Teaching Hospital award from The Leapfrog Group for exceptional patient safety and quality. This is the first time two hospitals within the health system have received this honor simultaneously.
Keck Hospital of USC and USC Verdugo Hills Hospital earned a Fall 2025 'A' Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, recognizing their rigorous commitment to patient safety. This is the first time Keck Medicine has received two 'A's simultaneously.
A new study links exposure to tetrachloroethylene (PCE), a chemical used in dry cleaning and found in consumer products, to an increased risk of significant liver fibrosis. The study found that people exposed to PCE were three times more likely to develop the condition, regardless of other health factors.
Keck Medicine of USC has opened its largest and most advanced outpatient location in Pasadena, offering world-class services, expert physicians, and leading-edge technology. The new facility provides a wide range of clinical specialties under one roof, making care easier to access.
A new study found that high blood pressure, pre-diabetes or Type 2 diabetes, and low HDL cholesterol are the three deadliest cardiometabolic risk factors for MASLD patients, with risks of death increasing by 40%, 25%, and 15% respectively. The study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to reach its conclu...
Keck Hospital has received the top performer recognition from Vizient for delivering high-quality care. The hospital achieved near-perfect scores in patient centeredness and ranked highly in all categories, making it one of the safest hospitals in the country.
A new drug-releasing system, TAR-200, eliminated tumors in 82% of patients with high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. The treatment was well-tolerated and showed improved outcomes compared to standard treatments.
A new study found that four high-risk population groups - women, adults 45 and older, those living in poverty, and people with metabolic syndrome - are driving the increase. The study also showed that average drinking rates remained unchanged over 20 years before the COVID-19 pandemic.
A genetically engineered herpes simplex virus, RP1, shows promise in treating advanced melanoma when combined with immunotherapy. In a phase 1-2 clinical trial, one-third of patients experienced significant tumor shrinkage or disappearance, offering hope to those with untreatable cancer.
Researchers at Keck Medicine of USC found that high doses of corticosteroids can limit the effectiveness of immunotherapies in treating non-small cell lung cancer. Corticosteroids, commonly prescribed for symptom management, were shown to stop T-cells from maturing, reducing their ability to attack cancer cells.
A study from the University of Southern California found that adults with hearing loss who used hearing aids or cochlear implants were more socially engaged and felt less isolated compared to those who didn't use them. The researchers also found that these devices can help reduce loneliness and improve social quality of life.
Researchers found that using Tumor Treating Fields therapy (TTFields) combined with immunotherapy (pembrolizumab) and chemotherapy (temozolomide) may extend survival for glioblastoma patients. TTFields disrupt tumor growth, attracting more immune cells to attack cancerous cells.
Surgeons from USC and UCLA have successfully performed the world's first-in-human bladder transplant, offering a new treatment option for patients with terminal bladders. The procedure, which combined kidney and bladder transplants, showed promising results in improving the patient's condition and eliminating the need for dialysis.
Keck Hospital of USC has received its 10th consecutive 'A' Leapfrog safety grade, recognizing the hospital's commitment to preventing errors and accidents. The Leapfrog Group assigns a letter grade based on over 30 performance measures reflecting the systems hospitals have in place for patient safety.
Keck Medicine of USC will open a four-story medical office building in Pasadena in fall 2025, featuring state-of-the-art technology and access to acclaimed specialists. The location will offer a range of services including autoimmune diseases care, cardiovascular care, comprehensive oncology, and orthopedics.
The new Keck Medicine of USC – Newport Beach Radiation Oncology and Imaging Center offers biology-guided radiation therapy, using up-to-the-minute signals to track and treat cancer cells in real time. The center is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and will be the first in Orange County to provide this treatment option.
A study by Keck Medicine of USC found that heavy drinkers with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a high waist circumference are more than twice as likely to develop advanced liver disease. The research highlights the importance of considering preexisting health issues when making decisions about alcohol consumption.
Researchers are investigating a water vapor system that uses small, targeted amounts of steam to kill cancer cells in patients with intermediate-risk prostate cancer. The trial aims to explore the safety and effectiveness of this treatment as an alternative to traditional therapies, which can cause life-altering side effects.
USC Norris Cancer Hospital has been named a Top Teaching Hospital by The Leapfrog Group for the fourth time in a row, demonstrating exceptional performance on quality and patient safety measures. The hospital's cancer program is ranked among the top 25 in the country, reflecting its commitment to providing high-quality care.
A recent study found that less than one-third of Americans associate HPV with throat cancer, while only 6.5% of adults in the relevant age group have completed the full course of the HPV vaccine. Throat cancer is now the most common type of HPV-related cancer, accounting for 70% of all cases.
Among cancer survivors, male patients ages 15-39 have the highest rate of death by suicide. Suicide deaths increased three-fold in this age group between 2000 and 2021, with one in 65 deaths attributed to suicide in 2021.
Keck Hospital of USC has received an 'A' Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group for the ninth consecutive year. The hospital's dedication to maintaining high standards of quality and safety is reflected in its ability to meet or exceed performance benchmarks.
A study found that heavy drinking among adult Americans increased by more than 20% during the COVID-19 pandemic and continued for the following two years. The study analyzed data from over 24,000 adults and showed a sustained increase in alcohol use across all age groups, genders, and regions.
A new technology uses autofluorescence imaging to detect bacteria in wounds, allowing for early detection and removal of harmful microorganisms. The study reveals that this method can identify bacteria in approximately 9 out of 10 patients that traditional assessments miss.
A large multicenter study found that adults with cannabis dependence are 3.5 to 5 times more likely to develop head and neck cancer than non-users. The researchers suggest that the primary reason for this increased risk is the damaging effect of cannabis smoke, which may be worse than tobacco smoke.
A new study from Keck Medicine of USC reveals a startling disparity in the frequency of liver disease among transgender individuals, with double the prevalence of cirrhosis compared to cisgender adults. The study highlights the need for more supportive, preventive care and emphasizes the importance of early prevention.
A new study found that bone marrow transplants from half-identical relatives offer significantly better outcomes for Hispanic patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), who face challenges in finding fully matched donors. The transplants resulted in a 70% lower risk of relapse compared to those from fully matched donors.
A clinical trial from Keck Medicine of USC will investigate the feasibility of treating non-small cell lung cancer with immunotherapy provided at home. The study aims to enroll 37 patients and examine the safety, efficacy, and patient compliance with at-home treatment.
A new study from USC Health Sciences shows that hearing aid use is associated with a lower risk of death, with regular users having a 24% lower risk than never-users. The study suggests that improved mental health and cognition through better hearing may promote overall health and longevity.
A new study from Keck Medicine of USC reveals significant racial disparities in the diagnosis and treatment of peripheral artery disease (PAD) among Black and white patients. Black patients are nearly 50% less likely to receive vascular interventions, leading to a higher risk of stroke, heart attack, or amputation.
A new study from Keck Medicine of USC reveals that heavy alcohol use may be more damaging to the liver for people with metabolic syndrome, more than doubling the risk of advanced liver disease. This condition, characterized by symptoms such as abdominal fat, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, affects over one in three Americans.
Keck Medicine of USC has launched a clinical trial to perform the world's first human bladder transplant. The procedure involves removing the patient's diseased bladder and replacing it with a healthy one from a deceased donor. This could be a historic step in improving lives for those with debilitating bladder conditions.
A clinical trial has established surgery as an effective treatment option for patients with early metastatic seminoma, a slow-growing form of testicular cancer. Surgery has been shown to offer better outcomes than traditional therapies like chemotherapy and radiation, with fewer long-term side effects.
A recent study found that eating fast food is associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, a potentially life-threatening condition. Researchers discovered that people with obesity or diabetes who consume high amounts of fast food have severely elevated levels of fat in their liver.
A new study from Keck Medicine of USC shows that patients with IBD are nine times more likely to develop depression than the general population, while those with depression are twice as likely to develop IBD. Siblings without either condition are also at increased risk.
A new study from Keck Medicine of USC found that cochlear implants improve deaf children's cognitive, adaptive behavior, language, and auditory skills, regardless of developmental impairments. The study suggests that deaf children with learning delays should receive cochlear implants to reach their full potential.
A study from Keck Medicine of USC found a significant increase in metastatic prostate cancer cases among men 45 and older, coinciding with the end of routine screenings. The incidence rate rose by 41% in men 45-74 and 43% in men 75 and older.
A new study by Keck Medicine of USC found that food insecurity increases the risk of death among patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and advanced liver disease. The study, which analyzed data from over 34,000 individuals, suggests that eradicating food insecurity could eliminate up to 7% of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease d...
Researchers found that exposure to common loud sounds causes fluid buildup in the inner ear, leading to hearing difficulty. Treating this buildup with hypertonic saline may help prevent or reverse nerve damage and save hearing.