A new USC-led study found that heart disease is the main reason for the disparity in life expectancies between men and women, with female death rates decreasing 70% faster than male death rates after 1880. The study suggests that biological differences may be at play, with potential factors including diet, exercise, and genetics.
USC Viterbi researchers have developed new layered semiconducting materials that can be adjusted to achieve unique electronic and optical properties. These materials have potential applications in LIDAR systems, infrared thermal imaging technology, and flexible night vision glasses.
Researchers found that up to 20% of a mosquito population's genome is subject to evolutionary pressures, leading to local adaptation and potential resistance to pesticides. The study provides insights into the contemporary evolution of mosquitoes and informs strategies to control populations.
A new study by USC's Valter Longo suggests that a periodic diet mimicking fasting can cut visceral belly fat, boost neural regeneration and improve learning and memory in old mice. In humans, the pilot study found evidence of reduced risk factors for aging, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer with no major adverse side effects.
Researchers at USC Viterbi School of Engineering have developed a prototype synchronizing four nodes to an accuracy of three nanoseconds, introducing the
Researchers at USC have developed a portable device to measure a tumor's squishiness, which may help personalize cancer care. The device uses fiber optics and can accurately quantify the Young's modulus of various materials without damaging them.
Researchers from USC and CHLA found that adapting dental environments to be more calming for children with autism spectrum disorder significantly reduced psychological anxiety and pain intensity. The study used sensory adaptations such as soothing music, gentle lighting, and deep-pressure hugs to create a comfortable environment.
A USC study found that culturally relevant stories increased cervical cancer screenings among Latinas, while non-narrative approaches were less effective. The research used narrative videos with Mexican-American characters to reach this demographic and showed significant improvements in screening rates within six months.
Researchers found that thinking of the future as now can motivate individuals to accomplish their goals. By considering deadlines in days instead of months or years, people are more likely to start working on their objectives. This shift in time metrics reduces procrastination and increases willingness to save for long-term goals.
Using a sophisticated X-ray analysis, scientists revealed the molecular structure of the angiotensin receptor AT1R, an important regulator of blood pressure in humans. This discovery provides new insights into the mode of action and facilitates the development of new drugs with fewer side effects.
Researchers found a bacterium, Trichodesmium, with a unique genome that contradicts the understanding of free-living microbial genome architectures. The DNA sequence contains only about 63% expressed protein, breaking the mold for oligotrophs and challenging current knowledge.
Researchers have identified a key role for Gli1+ stem cells in skull development and facial bone repair. Transplanting these stem cells into injured areas may help restore normal anatomy and facilitate brain growth, offering potential treatment options for infants with craniosynostosis and patients with facial disfigurement.
A massive data compilation of 40 years' worth of research on rat brains reveals local networks of neurons, similar to the Internet, governing various functions such as vision, learning, and bodily concerns. This discovery opens a new avenue for connecting human brain studies with animal models, potentially leading to breakthroughs in n...
A new study found that apps with ads consume more energy, slow down phones, and use up to 100% more data than those without ads, leading to lower user ratings. The research compared 21 top apps from the past year and measured their impact on phones using analysis tools.
A new study suggests that fasting combined with a class of cancer-inhibiting drugs can starve colorectal, breast and lung cancer cells, potentially replacing chemotherapy. The research found that this combination is equally effective in killing cancer cells.
Researchers measured the unseen toll of environmental stress on living creatures, finding they can increase metabolic energy by over 200% without showing signs. The study uses a sea urchin model organism to demonstrate how organisms cope with climate change by reallocating their 'metabolic budget'.
Scientists have created buckybombs, nanoscale explosives that could target and eliminate cancer cells at the cellular level without affecting surrounding tissue. The new explosives were built by attaching nitrous oxide molecules to a Bucky-Ball and then heating it, triggering a controlled explosion.
A 20-year study found that improved air quality in Southern California led to significant gains in lung function development among millennial children. Lung growth accelerated as air pollution declined, resulting in lower rates of abnormally low lung function and reduced risks of respiratory disease.
Scientists at USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology discovered a new hormone, MOTS-c, that restores insulin sensitivity and counteracts diet-induced and age-dependent insulin resistance. The hormone targets muscle tissue and suppresses weight gain and insulin resistance in mice fed a high-fat diet.
Researchers at USC found that aluminum 'superatoms' exhibit superconductivity at temperatures around 100 Kelvin, a significant increase from bulk aluminum metal. This discovery raises the possibility of creating ultraefficient electronic devices, such as laptops and power grids, with minimal energy loss.
Scientists have developed a new X-ray source to study how non-addictive painkillers work, revealing the target of binding to neuroreceptors. This breakthrough could lead to designing molecules to generate specific responses and address critical health issues related to opioid abuse.
Scientists have created a conjugate molecule that targets and suppresses prostate cancer growth in mice, using a near-infrared dye and MAO-A inhibitor. The compound NMI shows promise as a therapeutic and diagnostic tool for prostate and other cancers.
Scientists at USC and UCLA have discovered a way to accurately measure temperatures inside microelectronic devices using a novel technique called Plasmon Energy Expansion Thermometry (PEET). This breakthrough enables better thermal management, leading to faster transistors and lower power consumption.
Researchers at USC discovered a compound that extends the life span of female fruit flies by 68%, challenging existing methods used to study genetic causes of aging. The finding opens up new avenues for investigating longevity and identifies potential candidate genes and mechanisms.
Researchers from the Keck School of Medicine of USC led a global consortium to identify eight common genetic mutations that appear to age the brain an average of three years. The discovery could lead to targeted therapies and interventions for Alzheimer's disease, autism, and other neurological conditions.
Researchers have discovered new microbes beneath the ocean crust that breathe sulfate, breaking down organic material and producing carbon dioxide. These microbes play a vital role in the global carbon cycle, which is being disrupted by human-made carbon dioxide emissions.
A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that providing additional $67 per month to elderly residents in poor countries improves their health outcomes. Participants who received this supplement showed significant improvements in lung function and memory, as well as increased access to healthcare services.
A new study found that protein Maf1 controls fat levels in C. elegans worms, suggesting a similar function in humans. Increasing or decreasing Maf1 levels resulted in significant changes in stored lipids.
A new study by the University of Southern California finds that lower private health care prices lead to higher Medicare spending, with 3% increase in spending per member per year and 4.3% more specialist visits. Further research is needed to understand the cause of this shift.
The number of Alzheimer's patients is expected to more than double in 40 years, while annual per-person costs will nearly quintuple from $71,000 in 2010. Delaying onset can reduce the prevalence and costs of the disease.
A new study challenges a long-held belief that offshore islands protect the mainland from tsunamis. Instead, islands focus the energy of the tsunami, increasing flooding on the mainland by up to 70 percent. Researchers used machine learning to analyze various island geometries and found that this setup amplifies tsunami power.
Researchers propose a connection between string field theory and quantum mechanics, suggesting that string field theory could be the basis of all physics. They showed that fundamental quantum mechanical principles can be derived from the geometry of strings joining and splitting in string field theory.
Researchers tracked Internet usage across the globe, finding daily patterns and correlations between country GDP and Internet availability. This study helps scientists develop better systems to measure and track Internet outages, improving overall reliability.
Researchers found a strong connection between the pelvic floor muscles and the glutes in the brain, highlighting the interconnected nature of the body. This discovery may help identify the causes of chronic pelvic floor pain and improve treatments for incontinence.
Neuroscientists at USC will establish two Centers of Excellence to mine brain data, aiming to identify new treatments for autism, Alzheimer's disease, and mental illness. The $23 million awards total $12 million and $11 million over four years, supporting large-scale analyses that could revolutionize neurological research.
A study published in The BMJ found that India's Vajpayee Arogyashree Scheme reduced mortality rates and out-of-pocket expenses for the poor by 64% and 60%, respectively. The program provided free health insurance to households below the poverty line, covering high-impact medical conditions like heart disease and cancer.
Researchers at USC Viterbi School of Engineering developed a customized transport system, the Mobile Oxygen-Temperature Sustaining (MOTS) system, to preserve human brain samples for research. They also created a planar Multi-Electrode Array (MEA) that provides in-depth understanding of epileptic seizures.
Adolescent rats fed sugar-sweetened beverages experienced memory problems and brain inflammation, becoming pre-diabetic. The study highlights the impact of dietary influences during critical periods of development on brain health.
Researchers at USC Davis School of Gerontology discovered a genetic pathway that enables certain worms and humans to resist the negative effects of high-sugar diets. The study suggests that activating this pathway could lead to new treatments for obesity, while cautioning against potential risks associated with increased Nrf2 function.
Researchers developed modular components that can be snapped together to build 3-D microfluidic systems, simplifying the construction process and reducing costs. The components are inspired by electronics industry technology and use 3D printing to create standardized modules with various functions.
Researchers at USC isolated a transcription factor, FBH1, that modulates circadian rhythms based on temperature, allowing plants to adapt to changing environments. This discovery could lead to heartier plants better equipped to deal with climate change.
Scientists at USC have developed CALM technology, allowing for high-resolution imaging of single molecules in living animals. The technique revealed that dystrophin regulates calcium channel fluctuations in muscle cells, leading to impaired muscle activity in muscular dystrophy patients.
Researchers at USC have developed a technique to twist radio beams and transmit data at high speeds of 32 gigabits per second. This method outperforms traditional optical systems and could enable ultra-high-speed links for next-generation cellular systems.
Research from USC and NHM found that whale pelvic bones serve a purpose and are influenced by sexual selection. The study compared the size of pelvic bones to testis size, revealing a correlation between more competitive mating environments and larger pelvic bones.
Researchers at USC Viterbi School of Engineering found that socially-assistive robots can improve imitation behavior in children with autism by providing varied feedback. The study used humanoid robots to deliver 'graded cueing' prompts, which helped participants achieve improved or maintained performance.
Researchers found a 10-fold decrease in harmful particles in second-hand e-cigarette smoke, but increased levels of certain toxic metals like nickel and chromium. This study provides insight for regulatory authorities and highlights the need for better manufacturing standards for e-cigarettes.
Researchers use X-rays to explore helium nanodroplets, finding unprecedented quantities of quantum vortices that lead to extreme deformation and anomalous behavior. The study sheds light on the properties of superfluids at microscopic scales.
Scientists at USC have discovered that bacterial nanowires are not pili, but rather membrane extensions equipped with electron-transfer proteins called cytochromes. This finding challenges the previous understanding of these 'electric bacteria' and opens up new avenues for research on their potential applications in bioelectronic devices.
Researchers found that tighter Medicaid policies governing antipsychotic drugs were associated with higher shares of inmates with psychotic symptoms and a 22% increase in the likelihood of imprisonment. The study suggests that limiting access to effective therapy may have unintended consequences, including more people in prisons.
A first-of-its-kind study found that anxiety about being confronted by negative racial stereotypes while receiving healthcare is related to underutilization of healthcare among Black women. The research suggests that strong ethnic identity may provide immunity from stereotype threat, reducing anxiety levels.