Physicians who received notifications with additional planning guidance reduced prescriptions of opioids by nearly 13% and prescriptions of the anxiety medication benzodiazepines by more than 8%. The study suggests that providing physicians a simple plan to guide them at patient visits can help temper their use of these drugs.
Researchers found that arthropod diversity varies greatly in response to environmental factors such as land cover and temperature. Prioritizing green areas and reducing pesticide use can increase biodiversity, while microhabitats designed for species variety can also thrive.
A newly identified genetic mutation in a small protein provides significant protection against Parkinson's disease. The variant, SHLP2, is found primarily in people of European descent and reduces the risk of Parkinson's by twofold.
Researchers at USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Science have invented a new technique called CReATiING that simplifies and cost-effectively constructs synthetic chromosomes. The method enables the creation of complex genetic modifications by combining natural DNA segments from yeast.
The consortium brings together experts from biology, engineering, mathematics, and computer science to develop more effective treatment strategies for hard-to-treat forms of cancer. By integrating diverse scientific insights, the CSCC aims to advance personalized cancer treatments and improve patient survival rates.
A randomized controlled trial at USC found that participants receiving $750/month experienced significant reductions in homelessness, decreasing from 30% to under 12%. The study also highlights the importance of relational poverty and social support in addressing homelessness.
A new USC study suggests that changing labels of vegan food to focus on health and environmental benefits may encourage people to eat less red meat and dairy. By labeling the basket as "healthy" and/or "sustainable," Americans are more likely to choose it, with an increase in sales, according to the research.
A new deep-learning method, DFINE, can accurately decode brain signals in real time while handling randomly missing signals, enhancing neurotechnologies. This breakthrough advances brain-computer interfaces for treating various neurological and mental health conditions.
A team led by USC Dornsife researchers has uncovered stark differences in the impact of a 200-million-year-old mass extinction event on marine and terrestrial ecosystems. The study found that land-based ecosystems were hit harder, with nearly 96% of species going extinct, while marine ecosystems showed resilience with only 71% of gener...
A research team led by USC's Abigail Horn used smartphone mobility data to find a strong correlation between location visits and diet-related diseases. The study reveals that physical food environments play a crucial role in shaping people's eating decisions, with environments like fast-food joints contributing to unhealthy choices.
A novel robotic system developed by USC researchers can help clinicians accurately assess a patient's rehabilitation progress. The method generates an 'arm nonuse' metric using machine learning and a socially assistive robot to track how much a patient is using their weaker arm spontaneously.
Two new studies suggest that of the 8 million Americans who have MCI, more than 90% don’t know it. Early diagnosis is key to delaying onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers found that detection of MCI was poorer in those with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, and other health issues.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that children infected with the Omicron variant of COVID-19 remained infectious for a median of three days after testing positive. The researchers suggest that five-day isolation policies may be more than sufficient to prevent transmission, but further research is needed.
The Mental Health GPS service, a data-backed care navigation platform, received 2,384 calls in its one-year pilot. Caller concerns included work/personal, depression, and general anxiety, with the service providing continuous support and resources to callers.
Researchers used cryo-electron microscopy to capture detailed images of key receptors, unveiling their interactions with molecules and signaling mechanisms. This study provides significant insights into a crucial receptor family within the immune system, potentially paving the way for innovative treatments.
Researchers discover that coral larvae from less heat-tolerant populations can survive better and show fewer signs of stress than those from more heat-tolerant parents. This challenges the conventional wisdom on coral breeding as a solution to climate change-induced bleaching.
The USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center has received a $10 million grant from The Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation to launch the Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Prevention. This new center aims to address cancer health disparities in L.A. County by increasing access to high-quality screening, prevention services, and timely care thr...
Scientists at USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences have found evidence of a sixth basic taste detected through ammonium chloride detection. They discovered that the tongue responds to ammonium chloride through the same protein receptor that signals sour taste.
A new vaccine developed by USC researchers has shown promising results in protecting against deadly superbugs, including MRSA and Acinetobacter baumannii. The experimental shot activates immune cells to provide rapid protection against eight different bacteria and fungi species.
A new study published in JAMA found that adults over 60 who spend more than 10 hours a day engaging in sedentary behaviors like sitting are at increased risk of developing dementia. The study used wearable accelerometers to track physical activity and found that the total time spent sedentary each day was a significant predictor of dem...
A new study by USC Schaeffer Center and Harvard University found that almost one-third of HHS appointees transition to private industry jobs, raising questions about potential biases in government decision-making. The study focused on career histories of 766 HHS employees between 2004 and 2020.
Researchers created stretchable strain sensors that can measure large and complex deformations accurately. The new sensors respond quickly, detecting deformations in under 22 milliseconds, and can be used to monitor organs for diseases like bladder abnormalities.
A new study by USC and Columbia University reveals that lower-middle class Americans nearing retirement age face poorer health, worse economic outcomes, and lower homeownership rates. The 'forgotten middle' group lacks adequate resources to cover healthcare and housing costs.
A new study found that intensive lifestyle intervention, including weekly counseling on diet and exercise, is associated with increased employment among people with type 2 diabetes. Study participants without a college degree had even larger employment gains from lifestyle changes recommended by specialists.
A new study found that the Inflation Reduction Act's cap on insulin out-of-pocket costs increased insulin fills among Medicare beneficiaries, but decreased fills among those without Medicare. The policy cut the number of uninsured patients who couldn't afford insulin due to cost.
Researchers developed a tool called SKILL that enables AI agents to learn 102 distinct tasks by sharing knowledge in parallel, reducing the time needed to master new skills. The technology has potential applications in medicine, education, and other fields where vast knowledge is required.
Scientists monitored two wet seasons after the 2020 Bobcat Fire and found that significant portions of water flow came from absorbed ground water. The study contradicts the long-held theory that a waxy coating prevents soil absorption.
The USC PRECOG project aims to develop automated screening tools for clinicians using objective neural and physiological signal biomarkers. The team will advance interdisciplinary methods in neuroscience, linguistics, and machine learning to better understand mental health risk factors.
A recent study published in Genetics provides insight into the ancestral origins of African Americans, tracing their family trees back to the 1600s. On average, a random African American born between 1960 and 1965 has approximately 314 African and 51 European ancestors dating back to 1619.
A recent study published in Psychological Science discovered that lonely people exhibit dissimilar brain processing patterns compared to those who are not lonely. The researchers found that lonelier individuals show more unique and idiosyncratic brain responses, making it harder for them to establish social connections.
USC researchers warn that overpayments to Medicare Advantage plans now exceed 20 percent or $75 billion annually due to favorable selection of beneficiaries with lower spending. The study highlights the urgent need for reform to improve the relationship between FFS expenditures and Medicare Advantage payments.
A new USC Schaeffer Center study reveals that behavioral interventions aimed at improving performance can be designed to protect clinician job satisfaction and improve quality of care. The research team discovered it is essential for clinicians to have control over the behavior being evaluated or encouraged.
Researchers found that biosimilar competitors quickly captured market share from the originator and drove prices down, with some versions declining by more than half. The study's findings support the potential of biosimilars to reduce biologic drug prices in the physician-administered market.
A new study by USC Dornsife researchers reveals the mung bean's evolution, migration and climate adaptation journey, with two distinct adaptations favored in specific geographic locations. The southern variant is characterized by larger seeds, while the northern variant exhibits drought tolerance.
Researchers at USC Viterbi School of Engineering achieved a quantum speedup advantage in a bitstring guessing game, managing strings up to 26 bits long by suppressing errors. The study demonstrates that with proper error control, quantum computers can execute complete algorithms with better scaling, even in the NISQ era.
A new study by USC researchers shows that sensory adapted dental clinics significantly reduce autistic children's distress during teeth cleanings. The adapted environment features visual, auditory, and tactile adaptations, which lead to a decrease in behavioral and physiological stress.
A new study reveals that the foxes' genetic diversity has decreased over time, potentially jeopardizing their survival and biodiversity on the islands. The findings highlight the importance of long-term monitoring to ensure the foxes' continued survival.
The University of Southern California has launched a $1 billion-plus initiative for computing research and education, focusing on AI, machine learning, data science, and emerging technologies. The initiative aims to integrate digital literacy across disciplines and prepare students for a more tech-intensive world.
A recent study found that 45% of parents believe the vaccine's long-term risks outweigh the benefits, while 18% fear being held responsible if their child gets sick after vaccination. To boost child vaccination rates, experts suggest addressing parental perceptions and increasing transparency.
Researchers propose a 'state space' approach to reframe farming planning questions, enabling analytics and machine learning to explore optimal crop combinations and simulate different scenarios. This framework allows farmers to design diverse agricultural landscapes based on natural ecosystems, increasing crop yield and sustainability.
A new study suggests that US food insecurity rates may be significantly higher than previously reported, with some areas experiencing rates over twice as high as national averages. The researchers recommend conducting surveys more frequently and asking about recent experiences to improve accuracy.
A USC study finds that the Russia-Ukraine war has disrupted global grain markets, resulting in food insecurity and economic losses for the world's economy. The study estimates a $1.6 billion loss during the first year of the war.
Researchers at USC have developed a new technique called Hybrid Unmixing, which allows for simultaneous imaging of bright and dim labeled components within organic tissue. This enables accurate insights into cellular behaviors and metabolism, providing a comprehensive understanding of complex biological systems.
Researchers at USC have developed a new type of chip with the best memory of any chip thus far for edge AI. The chip uses metal oxide memristors to store information in a compact and stable way, eliminating the von Neumann bottleneck in current computing systems.
Researchers found that Tsimané and Mosetén adults experienced less brain atrophy and improved cardiovascular health compared to industrialized populations. These findings suggest an optimal lifestyle balance between daily exertion and food abundance may be key to healthy brain aging.
The Nile River Delta faces significant environmental threats from heavy metal pollution and coastal erosion, impacting 60 million people in Egypt. The study highlights the need for conservation measures to slow degradation and recover the ecosystem.
A new study found that babies exposed to preeclampsia and gestational diabetes in the womb were biologically younger than their chronologic age. The researchers used DNA samples from over 1,800 newborns to evaluate each infant's epigenetic age and compared it to their chronological age at birth.
The USC Viterbi School of Engineering and National Academy of Engineering launch a weekly social media news network, The Circuit, to promote engineering to the public. The program aims to engage diverse audiences in conversations about engineering and highlight notable engineers and technologies that shape our world.
A new USC study found that people's concerns about severe weather are significantly more predictive of their concerns about water safety than concerns about climate change. This suggests that warning people about water safety and other environmental threats is more effective when linked to extreme weather rather than climate change.
A new study has found that zebrafish larvae increase their chances of escape by moving at an angle perpendicular to the predator's direction. The study also examines the role of environmental noise and biomechanical constraints in shaping behavioral responses.