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.
Researchers discovered that mutagens induce errors in gene transcription, vastly outnumbering DNA mutations. This discovery opens new avenues of research into age-related diseases and sheds light on the role of the 'transcriptome' in aging.
A new USC study found that young adults who identify as Republicans are less likely to follow social distancing guidelines, with 24.3% of Republican respondents saying they don't frequently social distance from others compared to just 5.2% of Democrats.
Scientists have developed advanced imaging techniques to observe pancreatic beta cells packaging insulin and responding to drug treatments. The new methods provide a more complete picture of the cell's functions and components, shedding light on the mechanisms responsible for preventing diabetes.
A study by USC researchers found that working from home negatively impacts physical and mental health, increases distractions, and reduces productivity. Nearly 1,000 respondents reported experiencing one or more new physical health issues, with women and parents of toddlers and infants being disproportionately affected.
A new USC study finds that the COVID-19 pandemic could result in net losses of $3.2 trillion and up to $4.8 trillion in U.S. Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) over two years. The study's findings depend on factors such as business closures, gradual reopening processes, infection rates, and fatalities.
USC researchers have developed a system that lets robots autonomously learn complicated tasks from a very small number of imperfect demonstrations. The system uses signal temporal logic to evaluate the quality of each demonstration, allowing robots to learn more intuitively and adapt to human preferences.
Researchers developed a computer vision tool to analyze facial images of patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), revealing strong correlations between facial features and the condition. The study's findings could lead to improved phenotyping and treatment of CAH, a life-threatening genetic disorder affecting children.
A new USC study reveals that AI models lack common sense to generate plausible sentences, despite advances in natural language processing. The research challenges the effectiveness of current benchmark tests and finds that even the strongest models can make silly mistakes.
Researchers at USC Viterbi School of Engineering developed an AI tool that analyzes movie scripts to predict violent, substance-abuse, and sexual content. The tool classifies sentences and phrases into three categories, providing instant feedback for filmmakers to design a desired rating.
A new study found that only a quarter of Medicare beneficiaries receive structured cognitive assessments during annual wellness visits. The researchers suggest that variations in wellness visits and cognitive assessments between Medicare coverage types are not well understood, and more research is needed to validate the differences.
USC researchers warn that COVID-19 could cause developmental difficulties and accelerated aging in the century ahead due to in-utero exposure. The study suggests that prenatal exposure to SARS-CoV-2 may have long-term impacts on childhood development and adult health.
Cilia, tiny hairlike organelles, coordinate to push particles and fluid along, ensuring reproduction and defense against pathogens. Researchers identified mechanisms for effective cilia movement, which can inform diagnosis of diseases such as lung disease.