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.
A USC team applied engineering principles to reduce operating room turnover time at three California hospitals, resulting in a 21% average reduction. The implemented changes improved patient flow, reduced queuing, and enhanced communication between staff members.
The Genomic Psychiatry Cohort aims to identify genetic factors leading to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in a large-scale population study. The initiative, led by USC researchers, will collect data from 40,000 subjects and become a major resource for researchers worldwide.
A new global measure of coral reef health has been developed using light pollution index, revealing the impact of human activity on ocean health. The study found that coral reefs near urban areas, gas flares, and fishing boat activity have higher stress levels.
A study by USC biologists found that older female flies can live 5-30% longer and produce more offspring when altered to over-express specific genes. This challenges the long-held idea of a tradeoff between reproduction and longevity.
Researchers at USC have discovered a novel approach to suppressing prostate cancer development by inactivating a specific protein biomarker. By blocking the glucose-regulated protein GRP78, they found that prostate tumor progression can be halted in animal models.
A new study analyzing particulate matter from Southern California wildfires confirms that the composition of smoke posed more serious potential threats to health than is generally realized. The study found that fire emissions produce a significantly larger aerosol in size, making it easier for particles to penetrate indoor structures.
Researchers at USC have identified Ryk protein as a key regulator of neural stem cell differentiation into neurons. The study provides insight into potential therapies for neurodegenerative disorders and cancers, with implications for regenerative medicine and cancer treatments.
A new study examines how stress affects decision-making in older and younger adults, revealing that stressed older adults alter their behavior more significantly. The researchers found that stressed older adults were not only more cautious but also jerkier drivers, braking almost three times as much as their calmer peers.
Researchers at University of Southern California reveal the atomic structure of APOBEC-3G, an enzyme that stops HIV replication. The discovery suggests new directions for developing anti-HIV drugs by targeting a viral protein that blocks the enzyme.
A new imaging study reveals two distinct brain regions competing for control: one associated with risk aversion, the other with a desire for risk-taking. The prefrontal cortex plays a critical role in risk assessment.
Scientists found that mussels alternate between eating and growing genes in response to changing environmental conditions. The study suggests that mussels use a survival strategy similar to circadian rhythms, allowing them to separate physiological processes and reduce damage from free radicals.
Recent research suggests that mass extinctions may be more common than previously thought, with 'sick Earth' extinctions being the norm. The study of five mass extinctions reveals that asteroid impacts are unlikely to have triggered most of them.
The Federal Air Marshals Service is exploring the use of USC's ARMOR system to enhance its operations. The system, which applies game theory insights to scheduling, has been shown to improve security by making it difficult for observers to find predictable patterns in law enforcement patrols. This collaboration aims to further develop ...
A USC survey of 7,000 EverQuest II players found that older players were more typical, with playing time increasing with age. Women logged more hours in the game and were less likely to quit, while also exercising regularly. The study suggests that online gaming may not compromise mental health, contrary to stereotypes.
Researchers at USC created an AI system called ASSA that can generate harmonious musical accompaniment in the style of a chosen artist. The system uses machine learning techniques to analyze melodic and harmonic patterns, allowing users to input their desired melody and receive an accompanying chord progression.
Researchers at USC's CRAFT center have developed a system to automate concrete building, with Caterpillar funding. The Contour Crafting process uses specialized concrete and has already built six-foot walls, paving the way for future research on design, robotics, and other issues.
A team of researchers has developed a computational model that challenges entrenched ideas about enzyme catalysis, proposing a method for designing custom-designed enzymes. The 'lock and key' model is replaced by an electrical attraction theory, suggesting a perfect physical fit between catalyst and substrate is not necessary.
A new USC study found that overweight Hispanic children are at significant risk for pre-diabetes, with persistent pre-diabetes during growth associated with progression towards type 2 diabetes. The study highlights the importance of regular monitoring of these children to detect potential risks early.
Researchers at USC School of Dentistry have discovered a new pathway that contributes to palate formation, bypassing the TGF-ß signaling molecule. This finding has implications for understanding cleft palate, tooth development, and diseases like cancer.
Researchers at the University of Southern California have observed a clean three-way split in a molecule for the first time. The study uses a sym-triazine molecule and energizes its electrons to create identical and equally energetic parts.
Researchers at USC successfully apply Viterbi algorithm to decode entangled photons in quantum communication. This enables reliable error-free message transmission in noisy quantum channels.
Research by Anke Plagnol and Richard Easterlin reveals women's life satisfaction drops after age 48, with men excelling in family and finances. Women's unfulfilled desires contribute to lower overall happiness.
A study by USC researchers found that daughters-in-law provide essential instrumental support to older women in rural China, reducing depressive symptoms. In contrast, household support from own children is damaging and increases depressive symptoms.
Researchers at USC Viterbi School of Engineering found that robot interactions can increase social behavior and utterances in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The creation of therapy tools using bubble-blowing robots is the next step in this research.
A multi-year study reveals that nutrients from the Amazon River spread beyond the continental shelf and drive carbon capture in the deep ocean. Diazotrophs, which pull nitrogen and carbon from the air, offset respiration in tropical oceans, making them a significant carbon sink.
A new study found that mutant testis cells carrying the Apert's syndrome mutation have a selective advantage over non-mutant cells, leading to an exponential increase in sperm from older men containing the mutation. This explains why children born from sperm of older fathers are more likely to inherit genetic disorders.
USC School of Dentistry researchers found that aspirin can inhibit bone resorption and promote osteoblast formation in mice with osteoporosis. The study's findings suggest that aspirin may be a potential alternative to current treatments for osteoporosis, which affect both men and women.
Researchers at USC have identified a specific tumor suppressor called UVRAG, which regulates membrane traffic routes for cellular cleaning and recycling. The study found that UVRAG facilitates autophagosome formation and maturation, and is connected to endocytic trafficking.
To keep up with the potential half-billion users, MySpace is working with a University of Southern California specialist to improve server performance. Researchers are exploring a new heuristic algorithm to maintain and replace data in DRAM, aiming to increase capacity and speed.
The Deep Green program aims to create a system that can help future combat commanders anticipate enemy moves and adjust plans. The system uses anticipatory planning with adaptive execution, generating options for all sides in an operation and predicting the likelihood of multiple futures.
Anne L. Peters, MD, CDE, received the American Diabetes Association's Outstanding Physician Clinician Award for her dedication to improving diabetes care, particularly in underserved populations. She has made significant contributions to the field through her research and clinical work.
A USC study found that genetic variants of FTO and Arachidonate 5-Lipoxygenase (5-LO) are associated with higher triglyceride levels and lower HDL cholesterol in Mexican-American participants. The study suggests that these genetic interactions may play a vital role in the development of disease, particularly diabetes.
A USC study found that progressive weight gain in Hispanic women is a key factor in the decline of beta cell function, leading to rising glucose levels and an increased risk of developing diabetes. The study's findings highlight the importance of reducing excess fat to prevent or delay diabetes.
A study by the University of Southern California suggests that abdominal fat releases lipids directly to the liver at night, leading to insulin resistance and increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes. The findings highlight the importance of abdominal obesity in the pathogenesis of the disease.
Researchers at USC have identified a novel genetic association between fasting glucose levels and melatonin receptor 1B (MTNR1B), increasing the risk for type 2 diabetes. The study found a connection between MTNR1B and circadian rhythm regulation, suggesting potential links to sleep disorders.
The University of Southern California has been awarded $12.4 million to spearhead a rehabilitation project for stroke survivors. The study, named I-CARE, aims to optimize rehabilitation therapies to improve patient quality of life.
Researchers at USC identified a gene variant associated with fasting glucose levels, providing new insights into blood sugar regulation. The study found that genetic variation in the G6PC2 gene may be responsible for reducing insulin secretion and increasing glucose concentrations.
A prototype of a sturdy bamboo house was built in under two weeks with a modular design that can be adjusted for specific family needs. The structure is made from processed bamboo veneer sheets and is fireproof, insulated for heat and sound, and sustainable.