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.
A new USC Dornsife study comparing national law enforcement databases with the Fatal Encounters open-source database found significant discrepancies in reporting of officer-involved deaths. In California counties where sheriffs also serve as coroners, these incidents are underreported more often than in separate agencies.
A new USC study reveals that Medicare Advantage plans have seen a 337% increase in enrollment, while traditional Medicare has declined by nearly 3%. This trend suggests that Medicare beneficiaries are increasingly choosing MA plans over traditional Medicare.
A new study found that most Americans incorrectly believe they know what constitutes normal/healthy blood pressure, yet are overly confident in their understanding of blood pressure readings. This false confidence may undermine intentions to seek care for stage 1 hypertension.
A new study identifies a high-risk area in Qatar's Gulf as the most vulnerable to oil spills, which could disrupt global gas supply and cause unprecedented water shortages, compromising containment efforts.
USC researchers found that music education benefits adolescents' wellbeing, boosting hopes for the future and positive development. Younger students received musical training scored higher in key measures of positive youth development.
A USC-led study of over 2,400 Facebook users found that social media platforms' reward structures encourage habitually sharing information, leading to the spread of fake news. The researchers suggest that platforms should pursue structural changes to limit misinformation, rather than just moderating posted content.
A USC study found that notifying clinicians about fatal opioid overdoses through letters from medical examiners reduces opioid prescribing over the next three months. The study shows these notifications have a lasting impact, with a 7% reduction in prescriptions after one year.
A new USC study found that the buildup of amyloid beta protein in the brain is not directly linked to Alzheimer's disease, but rather a general change associated with aging. Researchers discovered higher levels of soluble Aβ protein in healthy brains, while insoluble fibrillary amyloid was more closely tied to poor brain health.
A new AI model developed at USC accurately captures cognitive decline linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's much earlier than previous methods. The model analyzes MRI brain scans and detects subtle brain anatomy markers that correlate with cognitive decline, offering an unprecedented glimpse into human cognition.
Researchers found that genetic diversity is key to successful coral transplantation, and using clones of just 10 staghorn individuals led to better results. The team's findings suggest that diversifying coral outplants is safer than betting on one standout 'super coral' to succeed.
A USC study found that Instagram posts fueled the #BlackLivesMatter protests after George Floyd's death, amplifying conversations around civil rights and shaping large-scale movements. The research showed that visual content, such as images and videos, played a crucial role in reframing narratives and mobilizing coalitions around racia...
Researchers at USC developed a 'heart attack on a chip' device to study heart attacks and test new personalized medicines. The device replicates the effects of an oxygen gradient on cardiac tissue function, shedding light on the mysteries of heart cell communication and change after a heart attack.
Researchers link fentanyl to sodium pockets in nerve cell receptors, blocking harmful side effects while reducing pain. The study offers promise for safer painkillers and potential improvements for addressing the nation's crisis of addiction and overdose.
USC researchers have developed a novel method to transform post-consumer mixed plastics into diverse valuable secondary products with unprecedented efficiency. The two-stage process produces chemical groups that can be used by fungi to create antibiotics, statins, immunosuppressants, and antifungals.
USC research is advancing the state-of-the-art in machine learning to make AI systems more interpretable and trustworthy. Additionally, USC researchers are accelerating MRI scans using a novel deep learning algorithm that combines convolutional neural networks with transformer-based architectures.
Researchers found three distinct white matter pathways unique to autistic brains, distinguishing them from those with developmental coordination disorder (DCD). These patterns correlated with emotional performance and/or autism severity, shedding light on the biological basis of autism.
A new study by USC researchers demonstrates that high-efficiency air filtration systems can significantly improve indoor air quality. Operating such systems with portable HEPA air purifiers can maximize the removal of tiny airborne particles, reducing COVID-19 transmission risk by up to tenfold.
The USC Annenberg School's new Center for Climate Journalism and Communication provides critical training to professionals across media and communication sectors. The center's programs aim to enhance the impact of climate storytelling, supporting action that preserves the planet's health.
A new USC study found that air pollution and psychological stress during pregnancy can disrupt fetal growth, leading to lower birth weights. Mothers living in environmentally burdened neighborhoods with high levels of air pollution and stress face the greatest risk of having low-birth-weight babies.
Researchers at USC's Information Sciences Institute used AI to analyze citation patterns in scientific papers and found significant differences between male and female scientists. Women's networks were more tightly clustered, indicating a stronger support network, while men's networks were more diverse and widely connected.
A new USC study reveals that new fathers undergo measurable brain changes after their babies arrive, affecting areas linked to empathy and visual processing. These changes are believed to contribute to neuroplasticity and adapt to new experiences.
A USC-led team has found indications for an early breast cancer detection method using high-definition liquid biopsies. The test detected multiple cancer biomarkers, including 'oncosomes,' in the blood samples of most early-stage breast cancer patients.
The fasting-mimicking diet reduced Alzheimer's pathology in mice, including amyloid beta and tau protein levels, and showed less brain inflammation. Mice on the diet also performed better on cognitive tests, with some showing improved performance comparable to non-Alzheimer's mice.
A mutation in the SHMOOSE protein is associated with a 20-50% higher risk of Alzheimer's disease across four cohorts. The researchers suggest that targeting SHMOOSE may prove beneficial in neurodegenerative and other diseases of aging.
A study from USC Dornsife reveals that moral values, including care, fairness, loyalty, authority, and purity, predict regional differences in COVID-19 vaccination rates. Counties with residents prioritizing purity were less likely to be vaccinated, while those emphasizing loyalty and fairness had higher vaccination rates.
Researchers at USC discovered that the COVID-19 virus uses a human enzyme to accelerate its mutations, allowing it to evade vaccines and spread quickly. By understanding this mechanism, scientists can predict new variants and develop more effective vaccines.
Scientists found that adolescent rats consuming low-calorie sweeteners like saccharin and stevia exhibited long-term impairments in memory. The researchers used real-life conditions and multiple low-calorie sweeteners to determine the effects on brain function and reward-motivated behavior.
A new study found that US life expectancy decreased by 2.2 years from 2019 to 2021, with significant racial disparities persisting throughout the pandemic. The study highlights the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on public health, particularly among vulnerable populations.
A USC study of eligible voters in the 2020 election highlights how many Americans overlook external factors like child care constraints and transportation difficulties that affect voter turnout. In contrast, participants cited beliefs as a major driver of turnout, with only 12% mentioning friction.
A new study by USC researchers found that unmitigated school choice policies can increase segregation, even when parents don't factor in racial demographics. The study revealed that Black parents prioritize schools with high performance ratings, while White parents value short commutes.
A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that long periods of sitting for sedentary behaviors like watching TV are associated with an increased risk of developing dementia. In contrast, leisure-time activities such as reading or using computers were linked to a reduced risk of dementia.
A new study analyzed point-of-sale data from nearly 17,000 patients in New York's medical cannabis program to understand patient preferences for products and dosing. The researchers found considerable variability in product choice and dosing levels across different conditions, highlighting the need for clear clinical guidelines.
The expert panel identified actionable and inclusive solutions to accelerate the development of novel therapies for Alzheimer’s disease. The panel suggested strategies such as increasing diverse population representation, addressing logistical, financial, and trust barriers to participate in trials.
A team of researchers at USC has developed a system to quantify and fix anti-queer bias in AI-powered text prediction. By training the popular language model BERT on queer-inclusive data from Twitter and news articles, they significantly reduced biases in predictions, with QueerTwitter showing the most effective results.
A new study by the University of Southern California found that formulary restrictions and prior authorization policies can limit access to life-saving medications like NOACs, leading to increased stroke risk. The research suggests that these policies may be 'penny wise and pound foolish' for patients with atrial fibrillation.
Researchers at USC's Information Sciences Institute developed a method to train AI to understand analogies in Aesop's fables, enabling it to make creative connections between familiar and novel situations. The study found that humans approach analogical reasoning subjectively and interpretively, influencing the outcome.
A new study found that dispute resolution outcomes in Texas were largely anchored to the median in-network allowed amount, rather than a higher alternative benchmark. This suggests that a market-based monetary benchmark can influence dispute outcomes and may result in significant savings for consumers.
A new model from researchers at the University of Southern California and Lund University suggests that spontaneous movements made by a fetus in the womb are key to getting the body's nervous system 'wired up.' This discovery has implications for treating neuromuscular disorders and designing better robots.