Researchers at USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center have discovered a promising new way to treat primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), a rare and aggressive blood cancer often found in people with HIV. BRD4 inhibitors show effectiveness against PEL, which has a poor prognosis, offering hope for new therapies.
Researchers from USC Keck School of Medicine have uncovered unique cellular and molecular mechanisms behind tooth renewal in American alligators. The study found that alligator teeth are complex units of three components, including a functional tooth, replacement tooth, and dental lamina, which contain stem cells for regeneration.
Researchers discovered a naturally occurring protein that disrupts cholesterol levels in cell membranes, blocking virus entry. The findings have potential for developing anti-viral therapies targeting the endosome compartment.
New research from USC highlights opportunities for smoking intervention programs that target junior high and parental influence. The study found that friends' influence on cigarette use was higher in junior high than high school, while parental influence remained relatively stable.
The LINX Reflux Management System, a device made of magnetic titanium beads, helps relieve chronic heartburn symptoms by strengthening the lower esophageal sphincter. Over 90% of patients reported satisfaction with their condition after treatment.
Researchers at USC have identified two molecular signaling pathways that control the formation of head and face structures, shedding light on certain birth defects. The study used time-lapse photography to study organ development at the single-cell level in zebrafish embryos, providing insights into human health and disease.
A USC study finds that progestin-releasing long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) devices may pose a slight negative impact on metabolic markers, raising the risk for type 2 diabetes in healthy, obese reproductive-age women. The research concludes that LARC appears safe but merits further investigation.
USC researchers create genetically engineered mice with CD1d molecules similar to humans to trigger natural killer T cells and potentially develop effective immunotherapies. The discovery aims to improve the efficacy of existing drugs and vaccines against human diseases.
Researchers at USC's Keck School of Medicine found that liver mitochondria in mice improve and increase after chronic alcohol feeding, suggesting a possible mechanism for liver damage. The study's findings could help pinpoint targets for therapy if observed in human mitochondria.
Hepatitis C virus triggers liver cell entry through PI3K and AKT pathway activation, potentially leading to cancer, cirrhosis, or organ failure. Researchers identified a novel target for anti-HCV drugs by disrupting the PI3K-AKT pathway.
The study, led by Peter Jones, identified specific genes that must be turned off for cancer cells to survive. The findings provide a new target for cancer treatments and may lead to more effective medicine.
A new study by USC and University of Oxford researchers indicates that large amounts of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) in food supplies worldwide may contribute to the rising global epidemic of type 2 diabetes. Countries using HFCS had a 20% higher prevalence of diabetes than those not using it.
USC/CHLA researchers have found that air pollution is associated with a higher risk of developing autism in young children. Exposure to traffic-related and regional air pollution during pregnancy and early childhood may increase the risk by more than two-fold.
A new report from USC analysis shows that California has a higher proportion of uninsured children compared to the US. The study found that public health insurance and employer-based coverage have increased, but the gap between these options and private insurance has stalled over the past three years.
The ProteoWizard Toolkit allows scientists to easily analyze and share multi-platform mass spectrometry data, a major breakthrough for large-scale biological research. The software is expected to improve the understanding of complex diseases like cancer.
Two USC research groups awarded $2.38M and $220K to study epigenetic drivers of cancer and how NSAIDs prevent colorectal cancer. A third group aims to develop new drugs to inhibit 'undruggable' target molecules.
A USC study indicates that at least 8% of childhood asthma cases in LA County can be attributed to traffic-related pollution within 250 feet of busy roadways. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions through policies and near-roadway exposure can maximize health benefits. The research suggests a link between urban air pollution, including nit...
A USC-led study confirms a strong correlation between popularity and smoking behavior among high school students in the US and Mexico. Popular students were found to become smokers earlier and form friendships with other smokers.
A recent study published in Carcinogenesis found that cooking red meats at high temperatures, especially pan-frying, increases the risk of advanced prostate cancer. Men who consumed more than two servings of red meat cooked at high temperatures were 40% more likely to develop advanced prostate cancer.
A large international study found that women who give birth at age 30 or older have a reduced risk of endometrial cancer. The risk decreases by approximately 13 percentage points for each five-year delay in last births, with the greatest reduction seen among women who give birth between ages 35 and 39.
Researchers have developed a new experimental drug that reduces brain damage and improves motor skills in stroke-afflicted rodents. The drug, 3K3A-APC, extends the therapeutic window of tPA, allowing for more effective treatment beyond the three-hour time frame.
Researchers at Keck School of Medicine of USC identify TLR1 protein as critical component driving mucosal immune response against bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, which cause food poisoning and gastrointestinal infections. The discovery may lead to the development of more effective oral vaccines.
Public health researcher Thomas W. Valente examines how social networks impact health behavior, highlighting the importance of understanding group dynamics and clique structures. His research aims to develop more effective interventions by designing programs tailored to specific groups within a community.
USC researchers found that viewing pictures of high-fat foods stimulates appetite and reward centers in the brain, increasing hunger and desire for certain foods. Consuming sugary drinks also increases desire for savory foods, particularly fructose.
Research studies presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting showed promising advances in targeted therapy for various cancers. Additionally, clinical trial results indicated that intermittent hormonal therapy may shorten survival for certain prostate cancer patients while improving quality of life.