Wonder why those happy memories fade? You’re programmed that way
New USC Marshall research suggests that people overestimate how much they’ll recall from a good time in their life: “People simply forget to remember.”
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Shuttered businesses linked to a rise in property crimes
USC-led study finds that when foot traffic is down, crime goes up — even when the closed businesses were marijuana dispensaries thought to be crime magnets.
Team deciphers secrets of undersea chemical reaction; can it reduce CO2 in the atmosphere?
Scientists speed up a natural process that occurs deep in the ocean, raising the possibility that humans could help the Earth cope with greenhouse gases.
USC Thornton announces five new master’s degree programs
The school is adding the programs to stay ahead of major changes in the music industry, dean says.
Once a homeless kid, then in foster care. Up next: a USC doctoral program
As a child, Mich Hamlin lived on the streets with his parents. Next month, he enters USC’s physical therapy program.
Los Angeles Times
First startup from USC Iovine and Young Academy: augmented reality firm Mira
Three students are behind Mira, which unveils its first product Tuesday. It resembles a large sun visor, except it holds up a smartphone in front of your face. Images from the phone are projected onto the shield’s lenses, making it seem as if 3-D objects are floating before you.
The San Diego Union-Tribune
California’s Poet Laureate Dana Gioia talks rhyme (and reason) as he tours the state
The USC professor is on a mission to visit all 58 counties and nurture an appreciation for what he calls “the conversation of the spirit.”
The Washington Post
Spreading fake news becomes standard practice for governments across the world
USC’s Emilio Ferrara finds that many of the Twitter bots that spread messages supporting Donald Trump also worked against French President Emmanuel Macron.
The Chronicle of Higher Education
Breaking down barriers across disciplines
USC is among the institutions recognizing the need for interdisciplinary research, and taking concrete steps to see that it is encouraged.
KPCC
USC impacted as federal government ends teen pregnancy prevention grants
The university is one of more than 80 institutions losing millions of federal grant dollars that had been allocated for studying and implementing evidence-based sexual health education programs.
Los Angeles Daily News
The Coliseum as a nine-hole golf course? But of course
It’s a bizarre convergence of a historical sports landmark masquerading as a golf course, as the famed stadium is set up as a unique one-weekend-only golf venue.
International Business Times
Brain plaques may be earliest sign of Alzheimer’s
According to a Keck School of Medicine of USC study, adults can develop elevated levels of amyloid plaque in the brain up to 10 years before they experience any of the cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s. Discovering these plaques so early could help certain patients take better preventive measures.
KPCC
VA offers mental health help to vets with other-than-honorable discharges
“If you are feeling low; if you’re feeling that suicide might be an option for you, you have the option to go into emergency mental health services,” says Sara Kintzle, a research associate professor at the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work.
The San Diego Union-Tribune
USC’s expanding scientific ambitions include San Diego
Long known for its success in business education and athletics, USC is tackling some very public issues, including medical care, homelessness, the economy and the status of veterans.
PC Magazine
Children’s Hospital L.A. fighting disease with tiny robots, big data
USC’s Maja Mataric and Margaret Trost are developing IVEY, a small robot to help young patients endure intravenous chemotherapy drugs.
The New York Times
Kim Jong-un is not a freakish buffoon
“For the United States, making steady progress in alleviating the humanitarian and economic problems, while maintaining strong deterrence against the nuclear program, is the only way forward,” writes David Kang of the USC Dornsife College’s Korean Studies Institute.
Stat
The 10 scientists who got the biggest federal research grants this year
Paul Aisen of USC’s Alzheimer’s Therapeutic Research Institute appeared on a list of the top 10 labs and researchers who receive funding from the National Institutes of Health.
USC’s Information Sciences Institute stays at forefront of information processing and computer technologies
As the institute nears its 45-year anniversary, key projects focus on nanoelectronics, molecular anatomy and cyberthreats.
In memoriam: Daniel Lewis, 92, longtime leader of the USC Thornton Symphony
The emeritus professor was the first member of the USC Thornton faculty to be named a University Professor.
Students create app to improve post-stroke care
The app, created by four USC Viterbi undergrads, will vie for funding at the Grand Challenge business model competition.
USC researcher, and AI, give homeless youth a helping hand with HIV education
Eric Rice needed a better way to identify peer educators, and software was the answer.
New dining hall at USC Village favors flavor and a healthful menu
USC Hospitality’s food philosophy guides fresh ideas from Chef Nathan Martinez.
USC alum offers free oral cancer screenings to homebound seniors
With heavy dental gear in tow, Justin Urbano finds fulfillment by volunteering his services 16 hours each week.
Incoming scholar’s path to USC includes an escape from war-torn Syria
Born in Boston but raised largely in Damascus, the new freshman has big ideas — and a special calling based on what she’s seen firsthand.
A simple breath test could be the next step in diagnosing breast cancer
Clinical trial at USC and other cancer centers looks at effectiveness of a new device that could prevent unnecessary testing.
Barista at USC flashes a winning smile — and the confidence that comes with it
Coffee shop employee is happy to show his teeth because of dental work provided by the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC.
Sons and daughters of military families spend a summer studying at USC
Provost’s scholarship provides college-credit courses on diplomacy, economic development and international law.
With the click of a camera, USC professor tracks New York City’s transit development
Photos go to the USC Libraries’ Digital Library, where they will help other researchers analyze neighborhoods near subway stations.
Scientists have more data to back their findings: The Earth is getting warmer
An international group upgrades global database that tracks global shifts in temperatures.
Drinking coffee could lead to a longer life
Whether it’s caffeinated or decaffeinated, coffee is associated with lower mortality, which suggests the association is not tied to caffeine.
USC Libraries initiative aims at producing new research
The project puts curators in direct working relationships with scholars who will use the collections to produce findings at USC and beyond.
Medicare, Medicare Advantage physician rates nearly equal
USC researchers compare physician reimbursement by Medicare Advantage plans to traditional Medicare rates. Until now, experts knew little about the differences.
Alumnus turns to photography amid the peace and beauty of Buddhist culture in Bhutan
Dentist Barry Shaffer shoots striking pictures in the Himalayas — a land of ancient monasteries and sweeping vistas.
Trojan dentist uses her CPR skills to save a life
After a daylong CPR certification course, Diana Sedler never expected to have her skills tested just hours later at a sushi restaurant.
As temps soar, USC experts have hot ideas on what it means for us
Sweltering conditions can have an effect on flights, pollution and your health.
Training program leads to collaboration among grad students in chemistry and biology
Two-year program aims to build innovative thinkers and solve biological problems.
Jacob Soll takes on the finances of Greece — now, in Greek
The professor of history and accounting and USC President C. L. Max Nikias present Soll’s book to the prime minister of Greece.
Undocumented student at USC brings hope to others just like her
By working with a nonprofit, Guatemala native tries to fill gaps where the government and educational system are failing young people.
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles named top pediatric hospital in California by U.S. News & World Report
The Keck School of Medicine affiliate also makes the publication’s Honor Roll of Best Children’s Hospitals for excellence in multiple specialties.
Kale chips and gluten-free are the Prada handbag of the new elite
‘Aspirational class’ moves away from material goods, toward prudent decisions about health and kids, says USC professor.
Teen Court judges juvenile offenders with a jury of their peers — and gives them a second chance
USC Gould program in Boyle Heights offers high school students practical experience in criminal justice.