Scientists at USC have developed a temperature-sensitive gel that can seal eye injuries, allowing for faster treatment and reducing the risk of complications. The reversible seal can be easily removed with cool water, making it a promising solution for treating ocular injuries on the battlefield.
Researchers discovered that inhibiting two forms of GSK3 can promote stem cell self-renewal or trigger differentiation into neural cells. The findings have implications for developing targeted therapies for diseases such as diabetes and Alzheimer's, and could lead to the production of human stem cells with specific properties.
Researchers from USC discovered that the levels of Hedgehog protein determine whether cells form bone or cartilage in developing ribs. High Hh concentrations favor bone formation, while lower concentrations promote cartilage growth.
Researchers discovered Ryk's chaperone, Smek, which regulates key genes transforming stem cells into brain cells. The study sheds light on the mechanisms of brain development and may lead to new therapies for neurological diseases and brain cancer.
Researchers have identified a peptide called θ-defensin 1 (RTD-1) found in Old World monkeys that has the potential to stop or reverse rheumatoid arthritis progression. RTD-1 treatment resulted in greater disease resolution and higher complete disease resolution rates compared to established treatments.
A comprehensive study from the Keck School of Medicine of USC found that IUD use is associated with a dramatic decrease in cervical cancer incidence. The analysis included data from 16 high-quality observational studies involving over 12,000 women worldwide.
Researchers aim to restore walking and lower extremity sensation using brain-computer interface device. The project involves decoding brain signals, generating artificial sensation, and developing miniaturized electronics for fully implantable devices.
Researchers at USC found that TAZ can convey different signals to stem cells based on its location within the cell, affecting differentiation and self-renewal. This discovery provides a new tool for stimulating stem cells and has potential applications in regenerative medicine.
A USC-led study published in PNAS has revealed a molecular 'how to' guide for driving individual skin cells to self-organize into organoids that can produce hair. The researchers successfully stimulated adult organoids to continue their development and produce 40% more hair than newborn organoids.
Researchers identified a genetic variation underlying heart muscle regeneration in adult mammals. The study found that some individuals can naturally recover from a wounded heart due to higher percentages of regenerative cells, and that modulating the activity of a specific gene may enhance regeneration.
The first Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention and Care identifies powerful tools to prevent dementia. Nonmedical interventions such as social contact and exercise can reduce the incidence of dementia by up to 20% in early life and 15% in late life, according to a new report.
The Keck School of Medicine of USC has received a seven-year, $6.9 million grant from the National Institutes of Health's NHLBI to study lung cell regeneration. The research aims to develop new therapies for common lung diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
A new study suggests that cognitive tests can detect early Alzheimer's disease in people without symptoms. The study found that individuals with amyloid plaques performed worse on neuropsychological tests than those without, highlighting the potential for routine cognitive screenings to identify preclinical Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers discovered conductive hearing loss is the most common type of hearing loss in Alagille Syndrome patients, affecting nearly one-third of all ears. CT scans revealed structural defects in the middle ear that vary in effect on hearing.
Researchers aim to genetically modify human bone marrow cells to produce more bone morphogenetic protein, a key factor in bone healing, to tackle challenging bone repairs such as extensive fractures and failed spinal fusions. The five-year grant will support the study's efficacy and safety assessment.
A new study by researchers at the University of Southern California reveals that reducing glucose-regulated protein GRP78 can halt pancreatic cancer development and prolong survival. The findings suggest that targeting this protein could lead to a novel approach in treating KRAS-mutation related cancers.
A new study published by the University of Southern California found that bystander CPR is associated with favorable neurological survival for drowning victims in cardiac arrest. The study showed that if bystanders initiate CPR, drowning victims are three times more likely to have a favorable neurological outcome.
A new study reveals that a signal in blood, called Hepatocyte Growth Factor Activator (HGFA), can alert stem cells to heal faster and more efficiently after an injury. By injecting HGFA into mice before an injury, researchers showed improved tissue repair, quicker recovery, and better regeneration of damaged tissues.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Physiology - Endocrinology and Metabolism suggests that increasing dietary potassium intake can have an equally important effect on hypertension as decreasing sodium intake. Eating foods high in potassium, such as sweet potatoes, avocados, and spinach, may help lower blood pressure.
The Keck School of Medicine is exploring the link between GERD and esophageal cancer, with a focus on inflammation, injury, and repair in the esophagus. The research aims to better understand how myofibroblasts contribute to esophageal cancer development.
The Keck School of Medicine of USC has received a $2.5 million grant to develop an off-the-shelf stem cell therapy for osteoarthritis. The therapy aims to reduce the need for joint replacement surgery, mitigating the burden on patients and physicians.
Researchers at USC Fertility found modified natural cycle IVF to be a cost-effective fertility method, saving up to $7,000 per live birth compared to conventional IVF. This approach takes less time and is gentler on the body, making it more accessible to younger patients.
A cardiac imaging study showed a correlation between higher inflammatory biomarkers and an increased prevalence of coronary artery disease in men infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Researchers used computed tomography (CT) angiography to detect signs of subclinical CAD, such as narrowed arteries and the amount, density a...
USC researchers studied epigenetic signals regulating Atoh1, a critical factor in hair cell development and sensory structure formation. The studies aim to develop new therapies to stimulate hair cell regeneration in individuals with hearing loss or deafness.
Researchers at USC have developed a new method to grow stronger muscles using gelatin instead of traditional methods. The 'muscles-on-a-chip' technology has shown promising results in studying human muscle development and disease, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Researchers found that Prkci gene plays a crucial role in organizing cells into balls and tubes during early embryo and organ formation. By mixing functional Prkci with cells lacking it, they restored normal polarity, suggesting an unknown molecular signal was transmitted to disoriented cells.
A new study found that the dose of transplanted bone marrow affects hematopoietic stem cell behavior, impacting their ability to produce specialized blood cells. Only 20-30% of these cells took on a generalist role, producing most abundant types of white blood cells.
A USC study predicts that the US prevalence of visual impairment and blindness will more than double over the next 35 years. The number of Americans with age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and cataracts is expected to skyrocket, impacting individuals and society.
The study found that Latinos diagnosed with bilateral AMD and large drusen had a substantially lower health-related quality of life compared to those with single-eye lesions. The research also indicates an earlier decline in quality of life due to early-stage AMD, highlighting the need for earlier stage interventions.
A USC study shows how skeletal stem cells form the blueprint of the human face by regulating cartilage and bone growth. The research identified two critical signaling pathways, Jagged-Notch and Endothelin1 (Edn1), which control when stem cells transform into facial cartilage.
The USC Roski Eye Institute's largest Chinese American eye study found a higher percentage (85 percent) of neovascular or 'wet' AMD among Chinese Americans compared to other ethnic groups. The study also revealed that participants with diabetes were three times more likely to experience significant visual impairment.
Researchers found that taking hormone therapy within six years of menopause can slow the buildup of plaque in arteries and prevent heart disease. The study suggests that timing is crucial for the effectiveness of hormone therapy in preventing atherosclerosis progression.
Researchers found that SIX1 plays a more substantial role in human kidney development than previously thought, remaining present beyond the initial branching of the kidney. This discovery may help better understand normal development and pediatric kidney cancer, Wilms' tumor.
Researchers Qi-Long Ying and Austin Smith won the 2016 McEwen Award for Innovation for their discovery of inhibitory molecules that can mimic embryonic stem cells' ability to generate different cell types. Their work has opened new avenues of exploration towards understanding or treating human disease.
Researchers at USC Eye Institute and Viterbi School of Engineering developed a new method to create focused spots of light, improving vision quality for individuals with retinitis pigmentosa. Longer pulse durations allow patients to see sharper images, boosting their sense of independence and confidence.
Researchers identified Irx genes' role in protecting joint cartilage cells, promoting flexibility by repressing stiffening genes. The study suggests harnessing these genes to encourage stem cell differentiation into new joint cartilage.
The Prkci gene plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance between stem cell self-renewal and differentiation into specialized cell types. Without Prkci, mouse embryonic stem cells overproduce stem cells, leading to an abundance of secondary structures.
Researchers found that mice with BRCA1 mutations exhibited enhanced responsiveness to male scent, which stimulated their estrous cycles and ovary function. This discovery suggests a potential indirect link between sense of smell and breast, ovarian cancer risk in women carrying BRCA1 mutations.
Min Yu, USC scientist, wins $2.475 million NIH New Innovator Award to target breast cancer stem cells for personalized treatment. Her research aims to identify biomarkers and tailor drugs to individual patients, addressing the significant challenge of metastatic cancer stem cells.
Researchers have discovered a gene called Sox9 that enables kidney cells to switch on and repair damaged tissue after acute injury, offering new hope for treating this serious condition. The study found that the Sox9 gene promotes timely repair of the nephron's cellular lining and repairs the kidney after AKI.
Albert D. Kim, a postdoctoral fellow at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, has received the first Hearst Fellowship for his work on turning stem cells into nephrons, the functional units of the kidney. He aims to isolate and generate kidney progenitor cells to repair damaged adult kidneys.
Justin Ichida's lab will use cellular reprogramming to transform blood cells of ALS patients into motor nerve cells in a Petri dish. The goal is to rescue the cells by exposing them to normal levels of C9ORF72 protein and reveal its protective mechanism against ALS.
Janos Peti-Peterdi, a USC kidney researcher, has made significant advances in visualizing the function of the living kidney's filter and studying kidney stem cells. He aims to find new treatments and therapies for patients with chronic kidney disease.
Researchers at USC's Stem Cell labs have discovered new genes affecting blood stem cell development and function. The study found that certain genetic regulators, such as Hopx, play a crucial role in the formation of red and white blood cells in adults.
Researchers at the University of Southern California's Keck Medicine have identified a potential treatment for primary effusion lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer affecting HIV/AIDS patients. The treatment involves combining FDA-approved immunomodulatory drugs with BRD4 inhibitors, showing promising results in animal models.
A study published in Cell Reports reveals how Sox9 regulates cartilage production and its essential role in skeletal development. Researchers discovered that Sox9 binding to DNA controls gene expression, leading to the formation of chondrocytes and cartilage production.
Patients suffering from symptomatic vitreomacular adhesion experience improved vision after receiving ocriplasmin injections, without undergoing surgical treatment. The non-surgical approach avoids risks and costs associated with surgery, making it an attractive option for preventing blindness.
An international genome-wide association study (GWAS) has identified three genetic variants associated with mucinous ovarian carcinomas (MOCs), offering insights into the biology of this disease. The research also highlights the link between MOCs and colorectal cancer, as well as the discovery of a key gene called HOXD9.
Min Yu, a USC stem cell researcher, has been named a Pew-Stewart scholar for her work on metastatic breast cancer. She aims to identify molecular adaptations and genetic mutations that allow circulating tumor cells to establish new tumors throughout the body.
A clinical trial has successfully implanted a neural prosthetic device in a region of the brain that controls intentions, allowing a paralyzed person to control a robotic arm with their thoughts. This new approach produces more natural and fluid motions compared to current neuroprosthetics.