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.
A recent study reveals thousands of times more bacteria on the seafloor than in the water above, with higher diversity and abundance compared to hydrothermal vents. This discovery has significant implications for our understanding of the deep-sea carbon cycle and the emergence of life.
A USC study found that pre-menopausal women with metastatic colorectal cancer lived longer than younger men, while older women had significantly worse overall survival. The study also showed ethnic differences in survival rates, with Hispanics and Asians having better outcomes than Caucasians and African-Americans.
USC researchers have identified specific genetic markers in cancer cells that predict the benefit of a novel cancer drug. The study suggests that patients with tumors exhibiting these gene expression profiles may experience increased patient benefit from the incorporation of the drug into their treatment.
A recent PNAS study reveals that temperature drives biodiversity in tropical regions, contradicting previous assumptions that light was the key factor. The study found that bacterial samples from warm waters contained many species, suggesting that photosynthesis has little influence on diversity.
Researchers at USC have discovered a method to keep embryonic stem cells undifferentiated by shielding them from differentiation signals. This breakthrough could lead to the large-scale production of specialized cells for future therapeutic use.
The USC Viterbi School has received a $4.3M DARPA grant to create continuously tunable optical delays for high-speed photonic data processing. This technology could enable accurate synchronization and multiplexing of photonic data streams, potentially revolutionizing data transmission and processing.
A new study found that those with at least a high school education spend more years without cognitive loss, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and dementia, but die sooner after the impairment becomes apparent. Those with higher levels of education can expect to live 14.1 more years without cognitive impairment.
The University of Southern California will establish a five-story laboratory building with 53,000 assignable square feet to carry out stem cell research in three categories. The new facility will facilitate basic and clinical research, accelerating the pace of research toward clinical application and patient care.
A new study reveals that highly educated women weigh less than less educated women in wealthier countries due to rapidly growing obesity rates. In contrast, better-educated women in poorer countries tend to weigh more, as they exit under-nutrition and adjust their diet.
Researchers have found a new model to explain how signals between cells in the embryo control limb development. Growth factors at the distal tip of the embryonic limb act as instructive molecules controlling bone pattern along the limb length in an animal model.
Researchers at USC Information Sciences Institute have developed a method to manufacture miniscule closed containers for precise drug delivery. The new technique uses micro-origami to fold up small shapes, which can be used to create 'voxels' - tiny volume-enclosing structures.
Researchers at USC School of Dentistry have found a connection between bisphosphonate drugs and jaw infections, with biofilms playing a key role in the deterioration of jaw tissue. The study aims to develop effective treatments or prevention methods for osteonecrosis of the jaw.