A recent study suggests that antipsychotic medication quetiapine does not increase the risk of stroke or transient ischemic attack in people with Alzheimer's disease. The research, which pooled data from two studies, followed 684 institutionalized patients with dementia and found an incidence rate of 0.3% for quetiapine.
Solid fuel particles may be a safer alternative to gaseous fuels for use in hazardous environments on Earth, as they burn more efficiently in microgravity. Researchers used the NASA 'Vomit Comet' aircraft to simulate weightlessness and measure burning characteristics of various solid fuel particles.
Chongwu Zhou's new method allows for the creation of dense arrays of ultrafine wires made of magnesium oxide coated with uniform, precisely controlled layers of TMO. The technique enables the production of nanocables with extraordinary properties, including high-temperature superconductivity and magnetic applications.
Dr. Rice received a two-year, $200,000 grant to study chromatin changes contributing to sporadic breast cancers, focusing on epigenetic gene regulation. The GM Cancer Research Scholars Program supports young scientists in cancer research projects.
Researchers found that blockages in smaller arteries, which can't be spotted on standard tests, might be causing chest pain in women. Women who underwent a new imaging scan showed abnormal levels of phosphates, indicating their heart tissue wasn't getting enough blood.
Researchers at the University of Southern California challenge the 'arithmetic' neurons use to process information, finding that summation depends on input location. The study reveals a two-layer model of processing, with local thresholds in separate branches and linear summation at the cell body.
A new algorithm developed by USC computer scientist Mathieu Desbrun can simplify complex 3-D files into smaller, highly accurate meshes. This breakthrough facilitates the sharing and processing of geometric datasets in various applications, including animation, video games, and virtual museums.
Researchers at USC and UT Austin have developed a device based on quantum dots that can detect infrared radiation in a crucial wavelength range. This technology has the potential to improve night vision goggles, medical sensors and environmental monitors.
Researchers found Veglin to be safe and effective in lowering blood levels of key enzymes, showing promise in blocking tumor growth and metastasis. The phase I trial has shown encouraging results in patients with diverse disease types, paving the way for future phase II clinical trials.
Researchers from USC provide a new perspective on treating genetic disorders by switching genes back on using epigenetic therapy. Several chemical compounds have been found to affect epigenetic gene changes and are being tested in clinical trials, including one recently approved for myelodysplastic syndrome.
A study by USC researchers found that job loss in a family can increase the risk of adolescents starting to smoke. The longitudinal study surveyed over 2,000 middle school students in Southern California and found that students who reported a family member's job loss were 87% more likely to try or smoke within 30 days.
The survey found that position locating devices were the most likely to be commercial within 3 years, with an average score of 6.8. High-speed local area networks and imaging through materials were also considered viable business applications.
Researchers at USC and NASA Ames have developed a novel transistor architecture using molecular-scale nanowire memory cells that can hold three bits of data each. The device achieves a density of 40 Gigabits per square centimeter, surpassing silicon-based memories.
USC researchers have developed a new technique using real-time MRI to capture the intricacies of human speech. The innovation allows for high-resolution movies of the vocal system, enabling better understanding of sound overlap in spoken language.
The grant will fund studies on how the enzyme, DNA polymerase, accurately copies genetic information, revealing its unique catalytic selectivity and minimizing errors, which could inform cancer research.
A USC study found that human ancestors developed meat-tolerant genes to resist diseases associated with a meat-rich diet, leading to slower aging and longer lifespan. However, the researchers argue that modern-day humans' sedentary lifestyle and lack of moderation may be contributing factors to high cholesterol and vascular disease.
A new study found that taking DHEA, a hormone supplement popular among athletes, does not increase testosterone levels but boosts other harmful hormones associated with prostate growth. Researchers tested 12 healthy men and found increased levels of byproduct hormones that may be bad for the prostate.
Researchers at USC's Viterbi School have developed a new electric pulse technology called electroperturbation, which exposes cells to brief and intense electric pulses that can trigger cell death. The technique has advantages over conventional treatments, being non-invasive and able to deliver treatment remotely.
The study found that psychopaths have abnormal wiring in the hippocampus and corpus callosum, leading to impulsiveness, lack of emotions, and social disconnectedness. This suggests a neuro-developmental root for psychopathy, with faulty brain development causing structural abnormalities.
USC researchers have discovered a unique DNA structure linked to follicular lymphoma, the second-most common form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The fragile site on chromosome 18 is responsible for 4% of all cancers and leads to the translocation 14;18, making cancer cells invincible.
Researchers at USC have created a transgenic mouse with an overexpressed noggin gene, resulting in increased hair follicles, thicker fur, and additional whiskers. The study also reveals unusual changes to the mice's eyes, feet, and genitalia, challenging the distinction between normal and abnormal variations.
A study of Latino children found that nearly three in ten have impaired glucose tolerance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes, while obesity rates are twice those of non-Latino peers. Insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome increase the risk of chronic diseases.
Researchers found that diesel exhaust particles trigger more severe allergic responses in individuals with certain genetic variations, particularly the GSTM1 and GSTP1 genes. This study suggests a new route of intervention for pollution-related lung health problems.
A study published in NEJM finds a link between a specific gene variant and increased risk of atherosclerosis. Researchers discovered that individuals carrying the ALOX5 gene variant are more susceptible to cardiovascular disease when consuming n-6 polyunsaturated fats, but can reduce their risk by eating n-3 fatty acids.
Researchers have made detailed measurements showing that the smallest particles are the most toxic, easily flowing into the lungs and coating moist tissue. The findings raise concerns about current national air quality standards for particulate matter, which have been linked to 60,000 smog-related deaths in the US each year.
Researchers at USC have built a signal detector that only works when noise is added, using stochastic resonance to amplify weak electronic signals. The device uses carbon nanotubes and demonstrates the potential for enhanced applications in electronics and communication systems.
USC neuroscientist Emily Liman founds that calcium acts as a bridge for taste cells to send signals to the brain about what's been tasted. The study reveals new details on how the sense of taste works and could lead to the development of better artificial sweeteners or additives.
A team of scientists discovered a microbe that can survive at -20°C, which could provide clues about how life might thrive beneath the Martian polar ice caps. Researchers propose that similar habitats may exist on Mars and should be explored.
Professor Behrokh Khoshnevis has developed a new machine that can produce 3D 'printouts' in plastic and metal more quickly and cheaply than existing systems. The 'Selective Inhibition of Sintering' (SIS) process uses high heat to melt only selected areas, reducing energy intensity and cost.
Researchers found that student-led groups with peer opinion leaders outperformed traditional methods in improving attitudes, self-efficacy, and refusal skills towards smoking among sixth-graders. The network method was shown to be more effective than random or teacher-selected group assignments.
Researchers analyzed data from twin pairs to find a link between leisure activities and reduced cognitive impairment. The study found that greater overall participation in intellectual-cultural activities, such as reading or joining clubs, was associated with a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease.
The DETER project aims to create a closed, isolated network that can represent the entire Internet for testing and improving cybersecurity tools. The facility will enable researchers to test existing and new security technology using various attack techniques.
A USC study finds that increasing insulin sensitivity can help prevent chronic diseases in Latino children. Overweight children with metabolic syndrome are less physically fit, but improving fitness could deter these diseases.
A USC study found that physical activity can reduce the risk of breast carcinoma in situ (BCIS) by up to 35%, particularly among women who exercise more than four hours a week. The exact mechanism is unclear, but hormones and immune-boosting effects are potential theories.
The USC Biomimetic MicroElectronic Systems (BMES) center will develop biomimetic devices replacing damaged human body parts, with potential treatments for blindness, paralysis and memory loss. The $34 million grant enables industry partnerships and educational programs in Los Angeles-area schools.
Researchers discover new method to produce acetic acid directly from methane, reducing production costs and environmental impact. The breakthrough uses a palladium-based catalyst, but further development is needed to achieve commercial viability.
A recent study published in NEJM found that hormone replacement therapy does not effectively slow down the progression of atherosclerosis in postmenopausal women who already have cardiovascular disease. The study suggests that estrogen and progestin may not be effective in treating established coronary artery disease.
Scientists tested a synthetic earthquake on a half-real building with conventional and simulated steel support columns. The experiment, called the 'Multi-Site Online Simulation Test,' used grid-linked machines to create a realistic simulation of an earthquake, producing a profusion of real-time data.
A study found that job stress may be a missing link between workplace exercise and heart risk. Leisure-time exercise benefits were substantial, with moderate exercisers having slower atherosclerosis progression than sedentary individuals.
Dr. Och's system uses statistical models and parallel data to find the most likely translation for a given input, outperforming traditional approaches that rely on grammatical rules and vocabulary lists.
Researchers at USC's Information Sciences Institute built a state-of-the-art machine translation system for Hindi in less than a month, achieving all aspects of the DARPA's 'Surprise Language' project. The system uses statistical models to find the most likely translations and can query Hindi databases using English questions.
Researchers at USC successfully simulated the somatic hypermutation process in vitro, closely mirroring its natural occurrence. This breakthrough enables the development of an in vitro system that can mimic the body's immune response.
Studies found that increasing TBP levels can contribute to oncogenesis, while p53 acts as a tumor suppressor by reducing TBP's effective concentration. These findings have implications for the development of new cancer treatments and therapies.
Researchers at USC developed synthetic enzymes that can combat oxidative damage, leading to improved memory in mice. The findings suggest these compounds may be more effective than traditional antioxidants in humans and could potentially treat various diseases with an oxidative component.
A recent study found that androgens increase lean body mass and strength proportionately, but combining with resistance training provides a more muscular gain. Muscle quality, however, was not significantly improved by androgen therapy alone.
Researchers found that pioglitazone reduced the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 55 percent, with only one woman out of 76 participants developing diabetes after a year. The study suggests that pioglitazone can protect women from developing insulin resistance and related health issues.
Researchers at USC developed an animated health intervention called Carmen's Bright IDEAS to improve social problem-solving skills of mothers caring for kids with cancer. The system uses robotic thespians and AI to engage users in a positive experience, resulting in uniformly positive reviews from clinical trial participants.
Researchers at USC created a new tool, eArchivarius, to organize and visualize electronic mail collections. It uses advanced search software to detect important relationships between messages and people, creating vivid and intuitive visual interfaces.
Researchers found that twins who started menstruating earlier were more likely to develop breast cancer, suggesting a link between puberty hormones and genetic susceptibility. The study provides new insights into the causes of hereditary breast cancer and potential targets for intervention.
Researchers at the University of Southern California have developed new FPGA programming techniques that can automatically translate programs into pipelined designs and optimize software for fixed-property chips. This allows for a low-cost, high-speed bridge from existing application software to FPGA platforms, reducing design time by ...