A new USC study found that males are more susceptible to sepsis due to high degranulation activity, while females exhibit more NETosis, which can contribute to autoimmune disorders. The study highlights the importance of considering sex and age as predictors for immune response in personalized medicine.
USC researchers develop AI that can simulate human imagination by recombining learned knowledge of attributes. This technique enables controllable novel image synthesis, a key step towards overcoming the generalization problem in AI. The approach has potential applications in medicine, autonomous vehicles, and fairness in AI.
A new study by USC researchers found that emojis represent universal human emotions across countries and continents, while also reflecting cultural differences. The most widely used emojis, such as the heart, were predominantly used in the English-speaking world, Spanish-speaking nations, and Arabic speakers.
A new USC study forecasts significant water shortages downstream of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which could reduce Egypt's water supplies by over one-third. The research projects economic losses to agriculture reaching $51 billion, with potential unemployment of 24% and displacement of people.
A USC analysis found that ICE violated its own medical care standards in 78% of cases, often ignoring warning signs of critical illness. Many deaths were preceded by delayed or inappropriate care, and researchers recommend improved reporting, independent reviews, and rehabilitation for facilities with recurrent violations.
Researchers at USC have discovered a better way to identify elusive DNA variants that affect cell functions and diseases. The new method uses computational biology tools to detect variations in repetitive DNA sequences, known as VNTRs, which govern gene expression.
A multinational team of researchers warns that embryo selection based on polygenic scores may not be effective in selecting healthier embryos and could lead to unintended consequences such as altering population demographics. The study calls for responsible communication and regulation of the technology.
Researchers develop AI system that uses cooperative strategies to improve human-AI collaboration in negotiations. The system, called CaSiNo, is trained on a dataset of negotiation dialogues and improves upon traditional menu-driven interfaces. It has real-world applications in business, education, and entrepreneurship.
A new study reveals similarities and differences in online conversation topics between Angelenos and New Yorkers. Online, Angelenos tend to discuss healthcare, jobs, and entertainment, while New Yorkers focus on art, politics, and nightlife.
An updated analysis reveals a bigger drop in average US life expectancy due to COVID-19, with significant disparities among Black and Latino populations compared to white Americans. The pandemic reduced overall life expectancy by 1.31 years, with the effects being more pronounced for Latinos and Blacks.
A new USC study has found that science denial and partisan views on Twitter can indicate where the next COVID-19 outbreak could occur. The researchers used machine-learning algorithms to analyze over 27 million tweets and found that anti-science attitudes were high in states later hit with deadly COVID-19 surges.
A recent study published in Proceedings of the IEEE reveals that high-frequency signals can be managed more effectively than previously thought, addressing key challenges in 6G technology. The research has significant implications for applications such as haptic internet, mobile edge computing, and holographic communication.
Scientists have discovered that water molecules respond differently to an electrode surface, affecting how substances dissolve in water and chemical reactions occur. This breakthrough could lead to more accurate simulations for water desalination and potentially provide clean water faster, cheaper, and cleaner.
A study found that the Tsimane indigenous people have slower brain atrophy than Westerners, suggesting their physically active lifestyle and high-fiber diet may hold the key to slowing down aging. The researchers enrolled 746 Tsimane adults in their study and compared their brain volumes with those in three industrialized populations.
Researchers developed an analytical model to predict contaminant spreading in fractured porous media, considering geological and physical parameters. The model can help assess the risks associated with waste disposal facilities and chemical spills, enabling informed decision-making for public health and resource allocation.
A new study from the University of Southern California finds that a Medicaid-Medicare partnership could save $1 to $1.1 billion over 25 years while treating hepatitis C cases. The model suggests that joint coverage of treatment would improve patient outcomes and reduce future healthcare costs.
A USC study found that neighborhoods with poverty and unemployment may pose an environmental risk to children's brains, impacting neurocognitive performance and brain size. The research highlights the importance of neighborhood environments for child and adolescent brain development.
A USC study reveals that 1 in 3 neighborhoods in the largest US cities have limited pharmacy access, disproportionately affecting Black and Latino residents. This 'pharmacy desert' phenomenon may contribute to persistent racial and ethnic health disparities.
A new study finds that traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) share similar degenerative changes in the brain as Alzheimer's disease, particularly in memory and decision-making areas. The research identified comparable patterns of gray and white matter degradation after TBI, which may help predict Alzheimer's risk.
A new study on the Little Foot fossil suggests that early human ancestors used their arms to bear substantial weight while climbing trees. The research, published in the Journal of Human Evolution, analyzed the upper body of the 3.67 million-year-old Australopithecus individual and found evidence of apelike characteristics.
A USC study found Hispanic immigrants aged 20-54 are 11 times more likely to die from COVID-19 compared to U.S.-born non-Hispanic individuals. Younger populations, particularly those of Asian/Pacific Islander and Black descent, also face higher mortality rates.
The study estimates the cumulative number of child deaths experienced by mothers between 20 and 49 years old in 170 countries. Mothers in select African countries are significantly more likely to have lost a child, with some experiencing up to 30 times more child deaths than those in high-income countries.
A new dynamic support system for 3D printing reduces waste by 35% and saves time by 40%. The system replaces traditional supports with a programmable surface made of moveable metal pins.
A USC study projects significant savings for US state Medicaid programs if treatments helping patients with Alzheimer's disease live independently longer are introduced. The study forecasts annual savings of $7.4 billion in 2030 and over $22 billion by 2040, preventing over one million patient-years of nursing home use.
Research shows a direct connection between particular bacteria in the gut and impaired brain function, with sugar consumption impairing memory associated with the hippocampus. The study also found that transplanting specific gut bacteria without sugar consumption can replicate memory impairments in adulthood.
A 30-year study found that women's sports receive almost no attention on TV news and SportsCenter, while men's sports dominate the airtime. Despite some bright spots, such as increasing live televised coverage and prominent news outlets like the Los Angeles Times, the overall lack of coverage is significant.
USC experts project significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and improvements in air quality, with the city potentially reaching 100% renewable energy by 2045. The study also highlights potential job impacts and challenges to ensuring a reliable water supply.
Researchers at USC and George Mason University discovered that people affected by COVID-19 show increased altruism toward both humans and human-like autonomous machines. As a result, perceptions of technology's value increase, leading to more favorable responses towards machines.
A new algorithm developed by USC engineers can think and learn like a doctor, suggesting the best diagnostic strategies by mining electronic healthcare records. This could lead to faster, better, and more efficient diagnoses and treatments, complementing human doctors' judgment.
A new conceptual model introduces the idea that genetics, environmental exposures and random cellular changes all contribute to aging patterns. The 'Tripartite Phenotype of Aging' aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of how these factors interact to influence lifespan.
A recent study by USC and Princeton researchers reveals that adult life expectancy has declined for Americans without a college degree. The study, which analyzed mortality records from 1990 to 2018, found that the gap in life expectancy between those with and without a college degree widened, but narrowed based on race.
A new aquaculture technique using a kelp elevator increases kelp growth by four times, yielding more biomass than natural processes. The technique shows promise as a low-carbon biofuel crop alternative to corn and sugarcane, with potential environmental benefits.
A new study by computer scientists found that individuals are more willing to sacrifice their own safety when peers are more likely to do so in programming autonomous vehicles. The researchers also showed that the social component of decision-making is often overlooked and that transparency in machine programming is crucial for public ...
Researchers studied sea star shapes and found that their unique shape creates a
Researchers at USC have developed a powerful mathematical model that can predict seizures with high accuracy, providing epilepsy patients with an early warning of up to five minutes. This breakthrough could revolutionize epilepsy management and treatment, allowing patients to take necessary interventions to prevent seizure onset.
Researchers at USC Viterbi School of Engineering used living bacteria to create new materials with superior mechanical properties. These materials exhibit exceptional strength, fracture resistance, and energy dissipation, making them suitable for aerospace panels, vehicle frames, body armor, and defense applications.
Recent studies highlight the need to incorporate behavioral and social science alongside biological mechanisms in aging research. Behavioral and social factors are causal drivers of biological aging, with influences on healthspan and longevity being large and meaningful. Researchers emphasize the importance of including these factors i...
A hormone called MOTS-c can help maintain healthy muscles in mice on high-fat diets by reducing myostatin levels. The study suggests that boosting mitochondrial function is also key to treating muscle-wasting conditions such as sarcopenia.
A new study from USC provides a universal accounting method to measure organic carbon accumulation and cycling in the ocean. The framework reconciles competing theories and explains how oceans regulate organic carbon across time.
Researchers at USC are developing a virtual mentor platform, CareerFair.ai, using AI to amplify the effects of STEM mentors. The platform aims to improve retention and diversity in STEM fields by providing students with personalized conversations with real-life professionals.
Researchers at USC have developed a method to create single photons from quantum dots arranged in a precise pattern, paving the way for the production of optical circuits. This breakthrough has potential applications in quantum communication, imaging, sensing, and computation.
USC researchers have developed an AI-assisted method that can predict and design effective vaccines against the coronavirus in seconds, rather than months or years. The method uses machine learning to analyze potential mutations and pinpoint the best vaccine candidates, which could help combat the evolving virus.
A new study in mice suggests that exercise improves metabolism by releasing a hormone called MOTS-c, which helps regulate cellular processes and stress responses. The hormone is encoded in cells' mitochondrial genome and promotes healthy metabolism when kept in balance.
Researchers have developed a new brain stimulation technique that can predict individual responses to treatment, paving the way for personalized therapies. The technique uses machine-learning models to analyze brain activity across multiple regions and adjust stimulation doses in real-time.
A team of engineers has created a new material by infusing 3D printer ink with chloroplasts from spinach. This living material can be strengthened up to six times its original strength through photosynthesis and exhibits self-repairing properties.
A new study found that a mitochondrial gene variant increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes in Japanese men, particularly in sedentary individuals. Exercise was shown to mitigate this risk, highlighting the importance of physical activity in preventing the disease.
A new USC study found that at least half of recent deaths in ICE custody were preventable, with COVID-19, influenza, and suicide contributing to the high death rate. Researchers call for improved infection control measures, access to quality psychiatric care, and suicide prevention efforts.
A new study finds that exercise protein MOTS-c improves physical performance, capacity and fitness in older mice. In human subjects, MOTS-c levels increase after exercise and may hold promise for addressing age-related decline and frailty.
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected life expectancy in the US, with a projected decline of 1.13 years to 77.48 years, according to USC researchers. The decline is particularly stark among minority populations, with Blacks expected to lose 2.10 years and Latinos 3.05 years of life expectancy.
USC researchers discovered that COVID-19 uniquely reduces levels of mitochondrial proteins, affecting cellular protective response and energy production. This finding may explain why older adults and people with metabolic dysfunction are more severely affected by COVID-19.