A new USC study estimates that heavy traffic corridors in Long Beach and Riverside contribute significantly to childhood asthma cases, with 9% of cases in Long Beach and 6% in Riverside linked to air pollution. Ship emissions from the Los Angeles-Long Beach port complex also exacerbate asthma symptoms.
A PLoS ONE study suggests that hydrogen peroxide, produced by mitochondria as a by-product of oxygen combustion, may act as a signal molecule regulating daily rhythms and behavior. The research found dramatic effects on fruit fly activity levels and daily rhythms when exposed to hydrogen peroxide.
Physician-researchers at USC have received a nearly $16 million grant to develop a stem cell-based treatment for age-related macular degeneration. The four-year study aims to replace damaged retinal cells with healthy ones derived from human embryonic stem cells.
Researchers will use DNA sequencing and profiling technologies to create an atlas of gene expression during key periods of development. The findings aim to provide insights into the origins of mental disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.
A new study found that prenatal exposure to the H1N1 strain of influenza A during the 1918-1919 pandemic increased the chances of heart disease later in life, particularly in men. Men born during the height of the epidemic were 23.1% more likely to develop heart disease after age 60.
A new speech-to-speech translation system aims to improve communication between healthcare providers and patients who speak different languages. The system, developed by USC researchers, will use prosodic information, discourse cues, and user state information to enhance human communication capabilities.
A new study by Jenifer Whitten-Woodring found that media freedom in countries without democratic institutions is associated with greater oppression of human rights. In the absence of other outlets for dissent, media freedom can lead to cycles of violence and repression.
A new USC study reveals that prenatal tobacco smoke exposure is associated with detectable changes in DNA methylation patterns, which may impact childhood asthma and cardiovascular disease. Researchers found that children exposed to maternal smoke had lower global methylation levels and higher methylation in certain genes.
Researchers at USC have identified novel genetic mechanisms that govern an individual's risk of developing prostate cancer, highlighting the role of gene 'deserts' and regulatory sequences. The study found that genetic variations in these regions can modulate gene expression, increasing the risk for certain diseases.
A recent study published in PLoS ONE suggests that heart attacks and strokes were rare in human history. The Tsimane Amazonian tribe, with a traditional lifestyle, shows low levels of atherosclerosis, contradicting the expected high risk of cardiovascular disease.
A new study reveals that children living in three-generation households with a grandparent are substantially less likely to live below or near the poverty line. Grandparents' contributions to household income, including cash transfers and Social Security income, play a crucial role in easing financial difficulties.
A comprehensive survey of video game characters reveals that the industry does not better represent American society than television. Latino characters are virtually absent, with only non-playable background characters being represented. Women, Native Americans, children, and the elderly also lack representation. Meanwhile, males, whit...
Overweight youth are twice as likely to have overweight friends, according to a USC study that found strong social connections contribute to obesity. Researchers also discovered that overweight girls tend to name more friends but be less popular among their peers.
Researchers describe an exquisitely efficient process for DNA repair, revealing the key attributes of the 'sloppier copier' enzyme and its crucial role in conserving energy. The study also solves two other mysteries about the mechanics of DNA repair.
A study found that maximal voluntary force produced by a finger is independent of movement speed, contradicting long-held theories. This paradoxical result has implications for human rehabilitation and robot hand design, suggesting that neuromuscular systems can be pushed to their limits even in seemingly simple tasks.
New research published in PLOS ONE found that men under stress are more likely to engage in risky behavior, including gambling, while stressed women tend to moderate their choices. The study used the Balloon Analogue Risk Task to assess participants' risk-taking tendencies.
Researchers at USC identified a key mechanism that causes chromosomal breakages in blood cells, leading to the development of human lymphoma. The RAG complex enzyme occasionally cuts chromosomes at off-target sites, causing cancerous cell proliferation.
Researchers at USC School of Dentistry and Viterbi School of Engineering developed a non-thermal plasma dental probe that destroys bacterial colonies and disinfects hard-to-reach areas. The tool uses pulsed power to create a room temperature plasma with antibacterial properties.
Researchers from USC's Keck School of Medicine have developed a Mobile Body Area Network that monitors obesity indicators in minority youth. The KNOWME device uses wearable wireless sensors to measure physical activity, stress, and body fat, providing immediate feedback for interventionists and health professionals.
A recent study published in the Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization found that life satisfaction decreased significantly in communist-bloc countries after the fall of the Iron Curtain. Despite economic growth, people experienced a decline in work-life balance, family life, and health, while their material circumstances improved.
Researchers from USC's Keck School of Medicine presented new findings on the role of exercise in preventing post-exercise hypoglycemia and ways to modulate pancreatic beta cell mass to prevent type 2 diabetes. The studies aim to improve diabetes treatment guidelines, including medication timing and exercise recommendations.
A new device has been developed that can detect viruses and biological materials more quickly and cheaply than existing methods. The device uses synthetic antibody mimic proteins attached to nanowires to create a sharp measurement of current, allowing for rapid detection in under 10 minutes.
Researchers at USC have identified a critical molecular mechanism that allows the influenza virus to evade the body's immune response system. The study reveals that the virus targets the ubiquitin ligase TRIM25, inhibiting its ability to activate RIG-I and trigger an alarm signal.
Researchers at USC and Rhenovia Pharma will use large-scale computer modeling to predict synergistic interactions within glutamate systems that might be targets for new drugs. The goal is to find a way to home in on specific neural cells without disturbing others, addressing malfunctions in diseases like schizophrenia.
Researchers discovered a sorting mechanism that filters proteins into dendrites and axons, enabling finer control over neurons. The study's findings may enable more precise targeting of neurological disorders and basic research applications.
Researchers from USC have discovered a potential treatment for Huntington's disease using gene therapy. They found that over-expressing the RCAN1-1L gene can rescue cells from the toxic effects of the disease. This breakthrough offers new avenues for treatment and may have implications for other CAG repeat-related diseases.
Researchers at USC have identified a new compound that targets both tumor cells and surrounding blood vessels, potentially leading to more effective treatment options for brain tumors. The study found that the compound reduced tumor growth and blood vessel density in animal studies.
A new study led by USC neuroscientists found that admiring others' virtues or feeling compassion for physical or social pain takes time to fully respond to, unlike faster reactions to fear and pain. The research suggests a need to allow for reflective moments in digital media culture.
A new study published in PNAS reveals that Trichodesmium separates its carbon and nitrogen fixation processes by time, with the process switching between the two every day. The stunning images obtained using advanced imaging technology show where the fixed nitrogen is stored within a cell and how it changes over time.
Researchers at the University of Southern California have created a new type of supercapacitor that is both transparent and flexible, allowing for potential applications in 'e-paper' displays and conformable products. The device stores an energy density of 1.29 Watt-hour/kilogram, significantly higher than conventional capacitors.
Researchers at USC have identified a key mechanism that guides the migration of blood-forming stem cells to the bone marrow. The finding may lead to improved efficiency in bone marrow transplants by activating a specific signaling pathway.
A new book by Louise Nelson Dyble uncovers corruption and lack of transparency in the Golden Gate Bridge and Highway District, a special district responsible for infrastructure spending. The district's history is seen as a case study of how bureaucratic power can lead to accountability issues.
A new study finds that black girls are 50% more likely to exhibit bulimic behavior, including binging and purging, compared to white girls. The study also reveals that girls from low-income families are significantly more likely to experience bulimia than their wealthier peers.
Bacteria in biofilms evolve to become more resilient with age, resisting antibiotics and outcompeting younger cells. This study provides evidence of natural selection in a single species bacterial biofilm, offering insights into the emergence of dominant microbial populations.
A daily folic acid supplement increased prostate cancer risk by more than two-fold compared to placebo, according to a USC-led study. The findings contradict previous observations suggesting folate might lower prostate cancer risk.
A new study reveals that a tiny part of the brain's hypothalamus is key to animals' fear responses, contradicting long-held assumptions about the amygdala. The research found that neutralizing this region eliminates fear in rodents, who instead exhibit bold and aggressive behavior towards predators.
A gene variant in the MET gene may contribute to increased risk of co-occurring medical conditions in individuals with autism. The study found that disrupted signaling of the MET gene is linked to a syndrome including autism and gastrointestinal dysfunction.
A large-scale study found that computerized brain exercises can significantly improve memory and lead to faster thinking in older adults. Participants who used the Brain Fitness Program for 40 hours over eight weeks showed a 131% improvement in response time and scored as well as those ten years younger on memory and attention tests.
A team of scientists has made a groundbreaking discovery that challenges the long-held assumption about oceanic iron cycles. They found that organic compounds can capture some iron spewed by hydrothermal vents, enabling it to be carried away in seawater and reaching the surface, where it can nourish marine life more efficiently.
Researchers at USC found that green tea extract (GTE) renders the cancer drug Velcade ineffective in treating multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma. The study suggests that patients on Velcade should avoid green tea products to minimize side effects, which may be misattributed to the supplement's beneficial effects.
A twin study found that getting diabetes before 65 significantly increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease and other dementia. The study also suggests that maintaining a healthy lifestyle during adulthood can reduce this risk.
A new study found that caloric restriction does not extend the life of lean mice, contradicting previous findings. Obese mice, however, benefited from caloric restriction, suggesting it may be a useful strategy for weight loss. The researchers propose that energy expenditure and intake should be in balance.
The University of Southern California will be the central clearing house for a national project to collect and integrate biomedical data, facilitating access to physicians and researchers. BIRNCC aims to create a nationwide computer network that accelerates collaborative biomedical research and translates basic science into treatments.
Lucrezia Borgia, illegitimate daughter of Pope Alexander VI, defied conventions by running massive land development projects and accumulating vast wealth. Her business ventures, including draining marshy lands and cultivating grains, demonstrate a capitalist attitude and knowledge of contract terms.
Researchers at USC School of Dentistry found a link between short-term use of oral bisphosphonates and increased risk of jaw necrosis. Nine patients out of 208 who took Fosamax were diagnosed with osteonecrosis of the jaw, contradicting previous claims that oral usage posed negligible risk.
Researchers at USC have successfully derived authentic embryonic stem cells from rats, which will facilitate the creation of animal models for studying human diseases such as cancer and diabetes. This breakthrough finding represents a major advancement in stem cell research.
Researchers from USC and Cambridge have developed a method to track the activity of specific genes in real-time using a specially modified camera and computer vision techniques. This breakthrough has potential applications in various fields, including military, retail, and entertainment.
USC researchers have developed a low-temperature process to print dense lattices of transparent nanotube transistors on flexible bases, enabling the creation of high-performance electronics. The devices can be used for applications such as affordable car windshield displays and ultra-thin, low-power e-paper displays.
A professor of political science argues for a national policy on culture in the legal system. She proposes three conditions to reduce false claims of cultural defense, including membership in the ethnic group, tradition adherence, and influence on actions.
Researchers at USC have identified a key mechanism that occurs in the inception point of many human lymphomas, a process previously unknown. The study found that chromosomal translocations occur at CpG sites in early B-cells, driven by enzymes AID and RAG complex.