The collection contains about 2,000 clones of plant transcription factors, which can be used to improve plant traits such as cold resistance and seed quantity. The researchers hope that the library will help scientists understand how plants adapt to environmental changes and design more robust crops for future food security.
A recent study published in Pediatrics found that young teens who received sexts were six times more likely to report being sexually active. Young teens who send over 100 texts a day also showed increased likelihood of sexual activity.
Researchers developed a water-based organic battery that is long-lasting, cheap, and environmentally friendly. The battery uses no metals or toxic materials and can store large amounts of energy, making it a potential solution to the nation's renewable energy challenges.
Researchers at USC Viterbi School of Engineering developed a hybrid circuit combining carbon nanotube thin film transistors with indium, gallium and zinc oxide (IGZO) thin film transistors. This energy-efficient hybrid circuit has the potential to replace silicon as the traditional transistor material used in electronic chips.
A study by USC researchers found that webpage position significantly impacts collective judgments about content, leading to biased recommendations. Ordering content by recency of recommendation reduces these biases, allowing for more accurate assessments of user interest.
A study published in Cell Stem Cell shows that prolonged fasting cycles can induce immune system regeneration by shifting stem cells into a state of self-renewal. This process involves the depletion of white blood cells, which are then replaced by new ones, leading to improved immune function.
A team of USC and NYU researchers has developed a small molecule that interferes with cancer progression by mimicking the surface topography of one protein, tricking another into binding with it. This stops an aberrant gene expression contributing to cancer growth with minimal side effects.
Researchers found that individual variations in the genetic code can collectively produce significant changes in an organism's physical characteristics, depending on other variants. This study may help explain the 'missing heritability' problem, where additive genetic variants do not entirely explain many inherited diseases and traits.
A new study from the University of Southern California found that hydrogen sulfide is essential for mesenchymal stem cells to multiply and form bone tissue. Hydrogen sulfide deficiency can lead to conditions similar to osteoporosis, but administering small molecules that release hydrogen sulfide may provide a potential treatment.
The USC Viterbi team created a low-cost silicon anode that offers high electrode performance for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. They also developed a method to coat sulfur powder with graphene oxide, improving the performance of lithium-sulfur batteries.
A team of scientists used computer modeling to reveal how giant swirls form during plate collision, explaining the origin of curved mountain chains along subduction zones. The model suggests that parts of the subducted slab sweep around behind the collision, pushing continental material into the mountain belt.
A survey by USC researchers found that those who could benefit most from the Affordable Care Act, including low-income earners, are also the most uninformed about health care policies. The study showed that 42% of Americans couldn't describe a deductible and 62% didn't know the difference between HMO and PPO plans.
Researchers discovered that geologic cycles, including mountain formation and chemical weathering, play a crucial role in balancing atmospheric CO2 levels. This balance helps prevent the planet from becoming too hot or too cold, allowing life to thrive.
Researchers at USC have validated the quantum nature of D-Wave processors using elaborate tests on its functional qubits. The results consistently agree with quantum models but contradict classical models, indicating the presence of quantum effects.
Eating a diet rich in animal proteins during middle age may be as deadly as smoking, according to a new study. High-protein diets were linked to a dramatic rise in cancer mortality and an increased risk of early death.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has a profound impact on vulnerable Americans living with HIV/AIDS, significantly reducing the transmission of the disease and improving treatment outcomes. Early treatment initiation is crucial in preventing new cases and mortality, with estimated cost savings of $80 billion from 1996 to 2009.
The study reveals that the mammalian cerebral cortex is organized into eight distinct subnetworks, which are relatively segregated and highly interconnected. These subnetworks facilitate motor behaviors such as eating and drinking, reaching and grabbing, locomotion and exploration of the environment.
Researchers found that twin brains with identical diagnoses showed similar combinations of pathologies, including damage to two or more areas of the brain. This study provides evidence that there may not be a single cause of Alzheimer's, but rather multiple factors contributing to its development.
Researchers have identified the 'scaffold' of human brain networks, detailing connections that have the greatest influence over all other connections. The study found not all brain connections are equally important and some may be more vulnerable to damage, with implications for understanding brain injury and disease.
A University of Southern California study identifies a new population of mesenchymal stem cells in nerve and artery bundles that help maintain homeostasis. The discovery reveals that these stem cells are rich in the bundles, which contain nerves and blood vessels, and are regulated by the protein Shh.
A team of scientists from USC developed a strategy to link quantum bits together into voting blocks, significantly boosting accuracy when the D-Wave quantum processor is led astray by noise. This method results in at least a five-fold increase in probability of reaching the correct answer on large problems.
A new study at the University of Southern California found that a signed commitment letter in exam rooms lowered inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions for cold symptoms by nearly 20%. This simple intervention, displayed in both English and Spanish, saved $70 million/year in drug costs alone.
Researchers at USC identify a gene that delays aging effects depending on dietary intake, suggesting a genetic basis for individual nutritional needs. This breakthrough may lead to tailored diets based on an individual's genetic makeup, potentially enhancing overall health and longevity.
A new study reveals that the Atlas Mountains are floating on a layer of superhot rock, challenging the traditional model of mountain structure. The researchers used seismometers to measure the thickness of the lithosphere beneath the mountains and found it to be only about 35 km deep.
Air quality in Greece has deteriorated by 30% since the financial crisis, with fine particles lodged deep into lung tissue posing health risks. Burning cheaper fuel sources like wood and trash for heating has contributed to this issue.
Researchers at USC Viterbi School of Engineering have developed a new 3D printing process that can fabricate heterogeneous objects in minutes, not hours. This breakthrough enables the creation of complex prototypes with multiple materials, such as dental and robotics models, more efficiently and cost-effectively.
A team of researchers has discovered the oldest known big cat fossil, a 4-million-year-old skull of a new species called Panthera blytheae. The find challenges previous assumptions about the evolution of big cats and suggests they evolved in central Asia before spreading to other regions.
A USC study has identified a cellular signaling pathway that converts healthy mesenchymal stem cells in the jaw into tumor cells, leading to benign but potentially harmful tumors. The researchers hope that this understanding can be used to develop target-specific treatments for these tumors.
A common genetic variant affecting 1 in 3 people increases colorectal cancer risk from red and processed meat consumption. Eating more fruits and veggies may lower risk for some individuals with a specific genetic variation.
A new study finds that women are more sensitive to mobile phone use during business meetings than men, with significant regional and age differences. The research highlights the importance of understanding social expectations around polite smartphone behavior in the workplace.
A USC study reveals Google has expanded its search infrastructure to serve clients from over 1400 locations worldwide, reducing warming up lag time and packet loss for faster searches. This shift allows Google to deliver content quickly while keeping operational costs low for ISPs.
A new USC study found that the brain activates more strongly to watching hateful people suffer compared to likable individuals. The 'pain matrix' of the brain is thought to be involved in processing complex social situations, and this study suggests it may prioritize monitoring enemies over loved ones.
A new study reveals that investing in delayed aging research would yield better population health and economic returns than advances in individual fatal diseases like cancer or heart disease. The analysis predicts an additional 11.7 million healthy adults over 65 by 2060, with significant benefits over the long term.
Scientists at USC created a mathematical model to predict the biological process creating antibody diversity. The research, a collaboration between Myron Goodman and Chi Mak, explains how an enzyme initiates hypermutations in immunoglobulin genes, generating robust immune systems.
Research finds that fine motor control skills continue to develop until adolescence, contradicting previous beliefs. The study uses a new tool to measure fine motor control and demonstrates its applicability in children as old as 16 years.
Researchers discovered a population of neurons in juvenile songbirds that enable the birds to recognize and learn vocal sounds. This finding could provide valuable insights into the neural mechanisms underlying human infant language acquisition.
A study by USC researchers found that 20% of tweets contain location data, including active location monitoring and ambient location data. The researchers developed an app, Twitter2GIS, to analyze metadata and map user locations.
Researchers at USC have developed a breakthrough method to control the atomic structure of carbon nanotubes, enabling the growth of nanotubes with specific attributes. The study's findings have significant implications for the development of next-generation materials and computers.
Scientists have found two strains of bacteria that work together to convert nitrogen into usable forms in the ocean. The partnership, between Thioploca and anammox, intensifies the nitrogen cycle and creates localized zones where fixed nitrogen is depleted faster than expected.
A new study by the Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC found that stem cells in gum tissue can relieve inflammatory diseases, including colitis. The cells, called gingival mesenchymal stem cells (GMSC), have the ability to become other cell types and affect the immune system.
Researchers found that mice lacking the monoamine oxidase A and B enzymes displayed increased fear and generalized phobia to new contexts. This study suggests a correlation between MAO enzyme deficiency and autistic-like features, highlighting potential avenues for developing interventions for neuropsychiatric disorders.
A new study suggests that increased atmospheric CO2 levels are altering the types of nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria in the ocean, with implications for ocean productivity and fisheries. The research found that certain strains of these bacteria thrive in high CO2 environments, while others may struggle to survive.
Research from USC Davis School of Gerontology shows that attributing every forgetful moment to getting older can worsen memory problems. However, framing tests in terms of preventing losses due to forgetting can actually enhance older adults' memory performance.
The USC-Lockheed Martin Quantum Computing Center has successfully demonstrated the functionality of a large-scale quantum optimization processor, with 128 qubits. The team verified that the device operates as a quantum processor, using quantum mechanics to solve optimization calculations.
Researchers have devised a new fiber optic technology that could ease Internet congestion and enable on-demand video streaming. The technology uses donut-shaped laser light beams called optical vortices to boost Internet bandwidth, promising terabit-per-second capacity transmission links.
Researchers have developed a way to see where and how memories are stored in the brain by attaching fluorescent markers to synaptic proteins. The microprobes allow scientists to observe live excitatory and inhibitory synapses for the first time, showing how they change as new memories are formed.
A study using fMRI found that stroke patients' brains exhibit strongest activity in damaged hemisphere regions when viewing actions they struggle with. This suggests a potential therapeutic technique using action-observation to drive plasticity and improve motor function.
A new study from USC researchers has found that a genetic mutation in testis stem cells increases the production of sperm carrying the disease trait, making older fathers more likely to pass it along to their children. This mutation gives an edge over normal stem cells, resulting in higher frequencies of new cases every generation.
The collaboration aims to develop capabilities for integrated cyber and physical security systems to protect critical infrastructure in the oil and gas industry. The program will focus on complex system integration, convergence of cyber and physical security technologies, and field demonstrations with key partners.
A new study by USC's Glenn Melnick and Katya Fonkych found that California's Hospital Fair Pricing Act led to a significant reduction in hospital prices for uninsured patients. Nearly all hospitals (97%) offered free care to those below the federal poverty line, going beyond the state mandate.