Researchers create a system to detect eating behaviors and emotional responses using wearable devices, aiming to reduce obesity. The M2FED approach uses sensors to measure mood and conversation, with high accuracy rates for detecting emotions such as anger, anxiety, boredom, happiness, and sadness.
A new study found that children with delayed visual perception after head injuries may experience structural changes in their brains, leading to normal development interruptions. Early intervention may help identify patients at risk for prolonged recovery and develop targeted treatments.
A new study found that even small amounts of fructose in breast milk are associated with increased body weight and muscle content in babies. The study, published in the journal Nutrients, involved 25 mothers and infants and provided preliminary evidence for the risks of 'secondhand sugars' on infant health.
Nation's top environmental scientists say the EPA should continue to engage with the broad community of scientists to inform policy decisions. The authors call for enhanced research funding and environmental scientific capacity to address key uncertainties and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
A new primate species from India has been discovered, revealing a previously unknown branch of the evolutionary tree. The ancient Ramadapis sahnii existed around 11-14 million years ago and is connected to lemurs and humans through its Sivaladapidae family ties.
A fasting-mimicking diet has been shown to reverse diabetes in mice by promoting the growth of new insulin-producing pancreatic cells. In humans, the diet also increased expression of a protein that accelerates insulin production in type 1 diabetes patients, suggesting potential for alleviating symptoms.
Researchers created a new membrane that improves the cycle life of lithium-sulfur batteries by reducing the shuttling of dissolved polysulfides. The MCM layer preserves energy density without losing capacity over time, leading to 100% capacity retention and up to four times longer life compared to batteries without it.
A phase III trial of a fasting-like diet shows significant benefits for 'at-risk' patients, reducing cardiovascular risk factors, inflammation, and fasting glucose levels. The regimen also shrunk waistlines and resulted in weight loss, with sustained effects even after returning to normal daily eating habits.
Maja Matarić will present her research on socially assistive robots designed to support stroke patients, children with autism, and people with Alzheimer's disease. These robots use AI to decipher emotions, body language, and social cues to provide personalized interactions.
Hispanic immigrant and African American men face the highest average workplace injury rate, with Hispanic immigrant men having a rate of 13.7 per 1,000 workers. The study highlights disparities in economic opportunities for minorities leading to hazardous job assignments that increase their risk of injury and disability.
A new study found that high levels of air pollution can make insulin-creating cells less efficient, increasing the risk for type 2 diabetes in obese Latino children. Exposure to poor air quality during childhood increases the risk for obesity and Type 2 diabetes.
USC-led study finds that older women living in areas with high PM2.5 levels are 81% more at risk for global cognitive decline and 92% more likely to develop dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. Exposure to air pollution particles may accelerate brain aging and promote Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers discovered that abnormality with gatekeeper cells, which surround blood vessels in the brain, leads to neuron deterioration and possible influence on Alzheimer's disease. Pericyte degeneration restricts blood flow and oxygen supply to active areas of the brain.
Children with asthma were 51% more likely to become obese due to respiratory problems and potential weight gain from medication. Using asthma inhalers reduced this risk by 43%. The study suggests early diagnosis and treatment may help prevent childhood obesity.
Researchers have developed an image analysis technique called Hyper-Spectral Phasor (HySP) that can track multiple molecules in living organisms, making it easier to diagnose diseases and identify therapeutic targets. The new technology uses cell phone images and is faster and less expensive than current methods.
A study analyzing Instagram data reveals a growing trend of hookah use in social settings and nightlife establishments. The research found that promotional material on social media is driving the increase in hookah use, often paired with alcohol consumption.
A new study by USC researchers finds that US families provide nearly $36 billion in uncompensated medical care to children with special health care needs each year. These caregivers spend an estimated 5.1 hours per week providing care, which can be time-intensive and emotionally stressful.
A USC-led study found that people are less flexible when considering counter-evidence on political issues, but more so on non-political statements. The brain's Default Mode Network and amygdalae regions were activated in response to belief challenges.
A USC study found that men and women taking statins for two years or more had a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease. High users of statins, particularly Hispanic men, saw significant drops in incidence rates.
Researchers have solved the mystery of DNA replication by identifying a ring of proteins that binds to origin DNA, causing it to melt and initiate replication. This discovery could lead to understanding genetic duplication and potentially blocking viral pathogens and cancer cells.
A new USC study found that taking low-dose aspirin every day can reduce the risk of heart attack, prevent some cancers, and extend life. The daily regimen is estimated to have a net health benefit worth $692 billion for the US population over 20 years.
Researchers found that women who had their last pregnancy at 35 or older scored higher on verbal memory and executive function tests. The study suggests that hormonal changes during menopause can have a positive impact on cognitive function if they occur later in life.
A recent study found that 19% of Twitter election-related tweets were created by social robots, distorting the online discussion and potentially polarizing it. The research also highlighted the sophisticated tactics used by 'master puppeteers' to create fake profiles and manipulate public opinion.
A massive MRI study identified seven genetic hotspots regulating brain growth, memory, and reasoning, as well as predicting the onset of Parkinson's disease. The research supports the notion that brain size can be used to measure 'brain reserve' and promote resilience to age-related brain diseases.
A new study by USC scientists has mapped the electric current induced by transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in the human brain. The research provides solid data to develop science-based treatments for neurological and psychiatric disorders, including depression and chronic pain.
A color-changing smart material sensor, developed by USC researchers, notifies users of their total UV exposure, allowing them to strike a balance between Vitamin D production and skin cancer prevention. The flexible patch, made from FDA-approved non-toxic polymers, works without a power source and can be stored for up to five weeks.
A global study involving 10.6 million people contradicts a previous finding that being overweight increases longevity, stating that it is instead linked to a higher risk of premature death from coronary heart disease, stroke and respiratory disease. The study's findings have important clinical and public health implications.
A new study found that a human protein combined with stem cell therapy can repair brain damage caused by stroke. The treatment, known as 3K3A-APC, was tested in mice and showed promising results, including the growth of functional neurons and improved motor function. Researchers believe this could pave the way for a potential breakthro...
Researchers have discovered three newly dead specimens of the scaly-tailed squirrel, hinting at its evolution over 49 million years. The study reveals that Zenkerella is a distant cousin of two other squirrels with gliding abilities, leading to the creation of a new family name.
The USC Cancer Report Card highlights the decline of prostate and lung cancer among men, while stomach cancer is on the rise globally. Breast cancer risk increases for women, particularly Korean women, due to westernized lifestyles. The report also shows that many cancers are preventable and curable if caught early.
Researchers have identified two Zika proteins responsible for thousands of microcephaly cases in Brazil and elsewhere. These proteins stunt brain development and promote autophagy, leading to reduced neural stem cell differentiation and growth.
Research by USC Viterbi researchers found that widespread adoption of drought tolerant vegetation in California may lead to an average daytime warming of 1.3 degrees Fahrenheit due to decreased evaporative cooling. However, lower nighttime temperatures are predicted, with a potential decrease of 6 degrees Fahrenheit, which could mitiga...
USC Viterbi School of Engineering researchers have developed a new method to suppress heating errors in quantum processors, called nested quantum annealing correction. This scheme reduces and corrects errors associated with heating, a common type of error in quantum optimizers.
Scientists have discovered that zebrafish are susceptible to arthritis, mirroring the condition in humans and other mammals. The study uses zebrafish as a model to accelerate therapeutic research into preventing or easing osteoarthritis.
Researchers used machine learning to analyze caregiver responses and identified five ADI-R questions that maintained 95% of the instrument's performance. This could reduce administrative time and customize questions for individualized intervention. The study suggests a more data-informed approach to autism diagnosis and support.
A new USC study suggests that some teens who never would have smoked cigarettes are now vaping, potentially reversing progress in tobacco control. The study found that tobacco use among teens in Southern California is on the rise, with nicotine experimentation becoming a major concern.
USC scientists have created a comprehensive map of the dorsal striatum, a part of the brain responsible for motor learning and coordination. The study identifies 29 distinct areas and hubs that coordinate complex limb movements, potentially leading to new treatments for autism and Huntington's disease.
Beverages above 149 degrees Fahrenheit increase tumor risk; coffee and yerba mate safe at lower temperatures. Drinking piping hot coffee or tea increases esophageal cancer risk.
A new USC study reveals that consumers are more likely to resist products that conflict with their habits, but adopting products into existing routines can increase usage. The researchers found that habit slips, or lapses in product use caused by falling back on old habits, can be a common barrier to new product adoption.
Scientists at USC developed GFE3 protein to modulate brain connections, potentially treating conditions like schizophrenia and cocaine addiction. The protein degrades inhibitory synapses in specific cells, increasing electrical activity.
A new study found that viral infections during pregnancy can lead to abnormal fetal brain development, increasing the risk of conditions like autism and schizophrenia. By manipulating serotonin levels, researchers were able to normalize fetal forebrain development and reduce this risk.
A new study suggests that a fasting-like diet can reduce symptoms of multiple sclerosis by triggering a death-and-life process for cells, which appears critical for the body's repair. The diet promotes regeneration of myelin, the sheath of proteins and fats that insulate nerve fibers, and improves immune function.
Researchers found that a tumor suppressor gene helps repair UV damage in cells, reducing the risk of skin cancers like melanoma. The study suggests this gene may serve as a biomarker for skin cancer prevention and offers hope for new drug targets.
Cisplatin kills rapidly dividing cancer cells but also causes permanent hearing loss due to damage to sensory hair cells in the inner ear. Individuals with Cockayne syndrome, a genetic disorder affecting DNA repair, are more susceptible to this side effect.
A large-scale genetic study identified 74 variants linked to educational attainment, which also influence cognitive function and personality traits. The findings suggest that genetic factors account for a small fraction of individual differences in education, with many genes playing a role in brain development.
Stem cells can be stimulated to produce special cartilage that aids in repairing severely broken bones. Cartilage production helps bridge larger gaps and even transforms into bone throughout the lesion.
Researchers found that financing treatment of hepatitis C would not only save lives but ease future costs for Medicare. Expanding screenings and treatment to all patients could generate more than $800 billion in benefits over 20 years. Policymakers must determine how to encourage private insurers to invest in the latest treatments.
A new USC study has found that mother's hepatitis B can support chronic infection in children, leading to a potential cure. The research, published in Immunity journal, suggests that removing 'traitor' cells from the liver's immune system may be key to clearing the virus.
Researchers have identified a key action of a watershed gene crucial to bone formation and the evolution of vertebrates. The Sp7 gene emerged about 400 million years ago, expanding life diversity and programming bone-secreting cells.
A multidisciplinary team led by USC Viterbi Professor Maryam Shanechi aims to develop brain-machine interfaces enhancing human decision making through multimodal data modeling and multi-sensory processing.