Researchers have developed a real-time thermal imaging method to guide minimally invasive brain tumor treatments. This technology enables doctors to precisely deliver the right dose to the right location, reducing risks and costs associated with follow-up imaging studies.
A new study by USC and Australian researchers finds that audio quality affects people's perception of information credibility. When sound quality is poor, viewers think talks are worse, speakers less intelligent, and research less important.
A new method developed by researchers at USC Viterbi School of Engineering uses machine learning to measure key risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and arterial stiffness using just a smartphone. The method was validated with existing tonometry data and showed high correlation with actual tonometry measurements.
A USC study found that individuals with a college education have a lower risk of developing dementia and living with it for longer periods. The research suggests that targeting chronic diseases like hypertension and diabetes may delay dementia onset but ultimately increase the number of people living with dementia at older ages.
Researchers have developed thin, flexible polymer-based materials for microelectrode arrays that record brain activity more deeply and with greater specificity. These arrays have been shown to be less invasive and damaging to surrounding cells, allowing for longer recording periods.
The new 3D printed metamaterials, developed by researchers at the University of Southern California, can block sound waves and mechanical vibrations remotely using a magnetic field. They have the potential to be used for noise cancellation, vibration control, and sonic cloaking.
A recent study published by the University of Southern California found that people from different countries have vastly different perceptions of their physical activity. The study, which tracked participants in the US, Netherlands, and England, revealed that Americans tend to overestimate their activity levels while Europeans underest...
Researchers have developed an algorithm that mimics aquatic sensory intelligence, allowing underwater vehicles to detect specific flow patterns. The technology has potential applications in navigation and obstacle avoidance, enabling vehicles to leave behind inconspicuous wakes.
A new study by the University of Southern California finds that high-deductible health plans increase the risk of financial trouble and out-of-pocket spending for low-income and chronically ill consumers, who are more likely to face excessive financial burden or financial disaster. The study shows that enrollment in high-deductible pla...
Researchers developed a new approach to deliver a drug directly to damaged nerves and cells in the inner ear, offering promising results for repairing hair cells and neurons. The study provides strong preliminary evidence for a potential remedy that could restore hearing for millions of elderly people.
Researchers found that Shewanella oneidensis bacteria use 'nanowires' to transfer electrons outside their cells, enabling them to survive and thrive in environments with limited oxygen. This discovery could lead to the development of new machines that combine living cells with electronic components.
A global project aims to create a detailed, virtual 3D model of the pancreatic beta cell and its components within five years. The project involves experts from various fields and is expected to provide new insights into understanding diabetes.
Researchers created an algorithm that sorts intervention program participants into smaller groups based on social connections and prior history of substance abuse. The AI tool performs significantly better than control strategies in forming groups, suggesting that evenly distributing regular users can decrease success rates.
Researchers have identified dichloramine as the compound responsible for forming a potent carcinogen called N-nitrosodimethyalmine, or NDMA, in recycled water. The study found that minimizing dichloramine concentrations can reduce NDMA formation.
A new USC study uses nature-inspired 3D printing to create a material that can separate oil and water, potentially leading to safer and more efficient oil spill clean-up methods. The material also enables "microdroplet manipulation," which has applications in various fields such as cell cultures, chemical synthesis, and DNA sequencing.
A new study by USC and Yale researchers suggests that at least part of the gains in life expectancy over recent decades may be due to a change in the rate of biological aging. Biological age decreased across all age groups, with older adults experiencing the greatest declines.
The Alzheimer Prevention Trials Webstudy allows people 50+ to monitor cognitive health and join clinical trials aimed at preventing dementia. The free online platform addresses the major obstacle of delayed enrollment in Alzheimer's treatments.
Researchers applied quantum machine learning to a real-world biological problem, predicting the strength of binding sites for transcription factors. The study demonstrated the potential of quantum computing for biology, with results consistent with current understanding of gene regulation.
Researchers at USC Michelson Center successfully utilize a new metal detection technique for studying cancer cells. By imaging metal-tagged antibodies on biopsies from a patient with metastatic prostate cancer, scientists can identify and characterize cancer cells in a blood sample after it is placed on a slide.
A recent study by USC researchers found that nearly everyone who used heroin transitioned to drug injection in about six months, contributing to the hepatitis C epidemic. The trend is largely driven by heroin's potency and affordability, making it a more attractive alternative to opioids.
The USC-led ATLAS project has compiled a large dataset of brain scans from stroke patients, which is now available for download. Researchers are using this dataset to develop and test algorithms that can automatically process MRI images from stroke patients, aiming to identify biological markers for personalized treatment plans.
A USC-developed algorithm can better locate and treat people living with undiagnosed infectious diseases, such as TB and gonorrhea. The algorithm optimizes disease spread models using behavioral, demographic, and epidemic trends to capture underlying population dynamics.
Researchers created an open-source data atlas of human kidney development, providing detailed molecular and cellular information. The dataset will accelerate stem cell-based technologies for kidney replacement and regeneration therapies.
Researchers found that 6-year-old children born to mothers with very low vitamin D levels during pregnancy had bigger waists and more body fat. Vitamin D supplements during pregnancy might help stem childhood obesity. The study, published in Pediatric Obesity, examined data from 532 mother-child pairs in Greece.
A USC-led analysis of the Aliso Canyon gas leak found that corporate dysfunction and lack of regulatory oversight led to the largest methane gas leak in US history. The study highlights the need for improved safety culture, better industrial management, and more stringent regulations in underground gas storage facilities.
Researchers at USC Center for Artificial Intelligence in Society developed an AI algorithm, SPOT, to detect poachers in near real-time using infrared images. The algorithm can distinguish between humans and animals in just over three-tenths of a second, reducing the time spent on monitoring wildlife.
Scientists at USC Loker Hydrocarbon Research Institute have developed a more efficient pathway for converting methane into basic chemicals. The new catalyst, H-SAPO-34, converts methane directly into ethylene and propylene, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and replacing traditional processes.
USC researchers found that nearly 50% of dementias begin with damaged gatekeeper cells, leading to small vessel disease and white matter disease. Controlling fibrinogen levels may reverse or slow white matter disease in a mouse model.
Researchers at USC discovered a cellular mechanism that limits the number of 'cellular janitors' in the nervous system, leading to increased risk for ALS and frontotemporal dementia. The study found that a mutation in the C9ORF72 gene causes toxicity in nerve cells, resulting in cell death and degeneration.
A new study uses computer-based models to identify mechanisms used by bacterial spores to evade extreme temperatures, chemicals, and radiation. The researchers determined the optimal conditions for killing harmful bacteria, revealing a unique 'freeze-dried' state that protects the DNA machinery.
Researchers identified otopetrin family genes encoding proton-conducting ion channels involved in maintaining balance. These channels also play a role in sensing acidic substances, contributing to sour taste perception.
A USC study suggests that regular exercise can lower breast cancer survivors' risk of cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, and breast cancer recurrence. Exercise helps reduce inflammation, improves heart health, and increases good cholesterol levels.
A University of Southern California-led research study demonstrates occupational therapy's value in improving blood glucose levels, diabetes-related quality of life, and habits among young adults with diabetes. The REAL Diabetes program, a manual-guided intervention, showed significant improvements after six months.
A new study by USC Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics found that doctors' offices are the main source of prescription opioids, accounting for 83% of prescriptions in 2012. This contrasts with emergency departments, which accounted for only 4.4% of opioid prescriptions during the same period.
Researchers at USC Viterbi School of Engineering developed a new, energy-efficient frequency comb that can be used to encrypt data and protect the security of cryptocurrencies. The comb requires 1000x less power than traditional combs, making it suitable for mobile applications.
A recent study by USC researchers found that survival among adolescents and young adults with cancer has not improved over the past three decades. The study breaks down cancer survival rates by race, ethnicity, age group, socioeconomic status, and cancer stage, highlighting disparities in health outcomes.
Researchers will use machine learning to analyze language patterns and morphology in low-resource languages like Tagalog and Swahili. The system aims to provide English summaries explaining how documents are relevant to the query.
A new USC study reveals that tumor growth properties can influence response to cancer drugs. Researchers found certain parameters of tumor growth can forecast the effectiveness of anti-angiogenic treatment, allowing for more accurate predictions. This breakthrough has the potential to improve cancer therapy outcomes.
Researchers at USC found that automated Twitter accounts promoting the idea that e-cigarettes help people stop smoking are more likely to be hazardous to users' health. These 'social bots' were two times more likely than humans to promote both new products and the idea that e-cigarettes empower people to quit smoking.
A study of zebra finches found that when young birds mimic sounds they've memorized, neural activity increases in specific brain regions. This process may hold the key to understanding how humans learn complex behaviors like speech and precise movements.
A new study by USC researchers links higher levels of air pollution to increased teenage delinquency, citing tiny, toxic particles as a major contributor. Exposure to PM2.5 has been shown to cause inflammation in the brain, damaging neural networks and influencing adolescent behavior.
Researchers at USC Viterbi School of Engineering have developed a new material to self-regulate the temperature of satellites, reducing on-board power reserves and increasing lifespan. The hybrid structure of silicon and vanadium dioxide performs 20 times better than current semiconductors in maintaining optimal satellite temperatures.
A new consortium aims to accelerate clinical trials and find new treatments for Alzheimer's disease by implementing efficient participant recruitment methods. The collaboration will provide centralized services, enabling researchers to run innovative clinical trials, manage data, and recruit participants from diverse backgrounds.
USC researchers have developed a new methodology to measure the success of public health work while considering human rights concerns. The approach identifies approximately 40 key indicators that can monitor human rights dimensions in public health services, helping ensure that services serve the people they intend to reach.
A new study found that consumer-directed health plans, touted for their money-saving potential, have little impact on reducing spending on low-value services. Despite rising enrollment, these plans failed to motivate patients or doctors to curb unnecessary care.
A study by USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology found significant disparities between Yelp and Nursing Home Compare ratings for nursing homes in California. The research highlights the need for improved ratings systems to help consumers make informed decisions about nursing home care.
Researchers found elevated levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and transition metals, including hexavalent chromium, on the Red Line. This led to a ten-fold increase in cancer risk compared to government safety thresholds.
Researchers at USC's Keck School of Medicine identified a human protein that restricts herpes virus replication, potentially preventing cancer. The study mapped healthy cells and those infected by the large DNA virus, shedding light on the disease pathway.
A study found that African-American patients with multiple myeloma have increased mutations in genes BCL7A, BRWD3 and AUTS2, while white patients have more mutations in TP53 and IRF4. This suggests a different approach may be needed for targeted therapies.
A new USC-led study suggests that estrogen treatment after menopause can mitigate the negative effects of stress on working memory. Women taking estrogen-only therapy had lower cortisol levels and better performed on tests following exposure to stress compared to those receiving a placebo.