Occupational Therapy kicks off $6 million fundraising initiative

By Mike McNulty

The USC Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy announced its entry into the Campaign for the University of Southern California on April 27 before a capacity crowd of over 400 Trojans gathered at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront hotel ballroom.

The kickoff celebration, scheduled to coincide with the annual conference of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), included live entertainment, a video presentation, and a toast from Associate Dean and Chair Florence Clark. … Read More »

May 16th, 2013|Announcements|

Buitrago named to Keck Medical Center of USC leadership team

By USC Health Sciences Public Relations and Marketing

A seasoned health care executive with decades of experience in the Los Angeles market has been tapped to lead Keck Medical Center’s managed care strategy.

Carol Buitrago joined USC April 30 and serves as executive administrator for managed care and community medical group development, leading the creation and implementation of a managed care strategy for the clinical enterprise. … Read More »

May 16th, 2013|Announcements|

New research elucidates a complex gene regulatory circuit

By Candace Pearson

Piece by missing piece, scientists at the Keck School of Medicine of USC are deciphering the powerful gene regulatory circuit that maintains and controls the potential of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) to form any type of cell in the body.

Recent findings by Andrew McMahon, director and Provost Professor, and Qilong Ying, associate professor of cell and neurobiology, at the Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at USC, underscore the essential role of basic science in paving the way for future medical breakthroughs. … Read More »

May 16th, 2013|Announcements|

CHLA speakers stress STEM subjects for girls

By Josh Grossberg

The message to the dozens of school-aged girls was simple—with hard work and diligence, they can achieve meaningful and successful careers in science, technology, engineering and math—the so-called STEM subjects.

And to prove the point, the message was delivered by some of the top female professionals in those fields during a recent symposium at The Saban Research Institute of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Among the presenters were several from Keck School of Medicine of USC who perform research at the institute.

The April 24 event, “Women in STEM: Designing, Discovering and Delivering Change,” was in part a response to First Lady Michelle Obama’s call last year to encourage more girls and women to study STEM subjects. … Read More »

May 16th, 2013|Announcements|

Director of global health sees cause for optimism on climate change

By Ina Fried

Images of shrinking glaciers and stranded polar bears give powerful evidence of the need for people to work together on the common problem of protecting the planet. Adding art and the voices of community leaders to the data scientists are compiling may help convince decision makers to take action to deal with climate change, said Jonathan Samet, director of the USC Institute for Global Health.

Samet spoke on challenges and opportunities in arts and health care and the need for stewardship of the planet at an Earth Day Forum on April 22 at Los Angeles City Hall. … Read More »

May 16th, 2013|Announcements|

CHLA names Levitt inaugural director of Developmental Neurogenetics

By Ellin Kavanagh

Pat Levitt, USC Provost Professor of Neuroscience, Pharmacy, Psychiatry, Pediatrics and Psychology, has been named inaugural director of the Developmental Neurogenetics Program of the newly created Institute for the Developing Mind within The Saban Research Institute of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

The Institute for the Developing Mind, envisioned to become an internationally recognized center for innovative research, diagnosis and treatment of neurodevelopmental and behavioral disorders, will provide comprehensive, interdisciplinary research and clinical services at CHLA and the Keck School of Medicine of USC. … Read More »

May 16th, 2013|Announcements|

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May 16th, 2013|Announcements|

Psychiatry resident wins two key awards

By Josh Grossberg

Beating out hundreds of entrants, a third-year psychiatry resident at the Keck School of Medicine of USC has recently been named the winner of two separate prestigious awards.

Sean Sassano-Higgins was one of only 13 people in the country chosen for a GAP Fellowship, awarded by the Group for the Advancement of Psychiatry. … Read More »

May 16th, 2013|Announcements|

Study shows dual targeting of HER2 and HR-positive metastatic breast cancer improves survival rates

By USC Health Sciences Public Relations and Marketing

A new study from the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center shows targeting both hormone receptors (HRs) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) in first-line treatment of metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients significantly increased overall survival times.

A team of researchers led by Debu Tripathy, professor of medicine at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, looked at data provided by RegistHER, a prospective, observational study of 1,023 newly diagnosed HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer patients. They found that hormonal therapy given with the anti-HER2 antibody trastuzumab (Herceptin) and chemotherapy is associated with improved survival and progression-free survival outcomes, compared to no hormonal therapy. … Read More »

May 16th, 2013|Announcements|

Alligator stem cell study gives clues to tooth regeneration

By Alison Trinidad

Alligators may help scientists learn how to stimulate tooth regeneration in people, according to new research led by the Keck School of Medicine of USC.

For the first time, a global team of researchers led by USC pathology professor Cheng-Ming Chuong, has uncovered unique cellular and molecular mechanisms behind tooth renewal in American alligators. Their study, titled “Specialized stem cell niche enables repetitive renewal of alligator teeth,” appears in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. … Read More »

May 16th, 2013|Announcements|

Cinical trial examines natural alternatives to estrogen

By Molly Rugg

Physicians and neuroscientists at USC are enrolling female volunteers into a National Institutes of Health-funded clinical trial studying the effects of soy supplements on menopause-related hot flashes and memory loss. Sponsored by the Keck School of Medicine of USC and USC School of Pharmacy, the clinical trial will examine how healthy peri- and post-menopausal women tolerate a nutritional supplement called phytoSERM.

PhytoSERMs are a food supplement that contain three different phytoestrogens: daidzen, genistein and equol. Phytoestrogens are naturally occurring compounds derived from plants and function like the primary female sex hormone—estrogen.

… Read More »

May 10th, 2013|Announcements|

Cutting-edge surgery

The USC Institute of Urology hosted “L.A. Live—International Robotic and Open Live Surgery Symposium,” which attracted more than more than 240 physicians to the Aresty Auditorium from May 1-2. A roster of 40 renowned international surgeons served as speakers and moderators for the event, which featured 10 live robot-assisted and open surgeries. The event was designed to help improve robotic skills for all levels of surgeons. … Read More »

May 10th, 2013|Announcements|

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May 10th, 2013|Announcements|

Norris Ambassadors learn about stem cells

From left, Stephen Gruber, director of the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center; Andrew McMahon, director of the Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at USC; and Art Ulene, a board-certified <span style=… Read More »

May 10th, 2013|Announcements|

ETC reopens after remodel, expansion

By Josh Grossberg

When the Evaluation and Treatment Clinic (ETC) opened at Keck Hospital of USC in 2009, it proved to be so successful that the need for expansion soon became apparent.

Nearly four years later, the newly remodeled—and much larger—clinic opened for patient care on April 23.

While the clinic formerly had to ‘make do’ with two small examination rooms, it now boasts five, including a larger room that can better accommodate bariatric patients. The clinic has nearly doubled in size from 562 to 1,028 square feet. … Read More »

May 10th, 2013|Announcements|

USC researchers reveal cellular process that thwarts viruses

By Robin Heffler

The human body has the ability to ward off viruses by activating a naturally occurring protein at the cellular level, setting off a chain reaction that disrupts the levels of cholesterol required in cell membranes to enable viruses to enter cells.

The findings, discovered by researchers in molecular microbiology and immunology at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, hold promise for the development of therapies to fight a variety of viral infections.

“Previous studies have shown that our bodies are already equipped to block viruses such as Ebola, influenza, West Nile and SARS,” said Jae U. Jung, principal investigator and distinguished professor and chair of the Molecular Microbiology and Immunology Department.

The study, “The antiviral effector IFITM3 disrupts intracellular cholesterol homeostasis to block viral entry,” was published in the journal Cell Host & Microbe on April 17. … Read More »

May 10th, 2013|Announcements|

USC honors Humayun for retinal prosthesis

At the April 22 event honoring Mark Humayun are, from left: Viterbi School Dean Yannis C. Yortsos, USC Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Elizabeth Garrett, Humayun and Keck School Dean Carmen A. Puliafito. Photo/Steve Cohn At the April 22 event honoring Mark Humayun are, from left: Viterbi School Dean Yannis C. Yortsos, USC Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Elizabeth Garrett, Humayun and Keck School Dean Carmen A. Puliafito. Photo/Steve Cohn

By Josh Grossberg

University officials recently honored Mark Humayun, a professor with joint appointments at the Keck School of Medicine of USC and the USC Viterbi School of Engineering, for his groundbreaking work in a retinal prosthesis that was recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Joining the April 22 celebration for Humayun were Keck School Dean Carmen A. Puliafito, Viterbi School Dean Yannis C. Yortsos and USC Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Elizabeth Garrett.

Humayun, the Cornelius J. Pings Chair in Biomedical Sciences and professor of ophthalmology, biomedical engineering, cell and neurobiology, was the principal member of a team that developed the Argus II—an implant that can restore sight to some people blinded by retinitis pigmentosa.

Puliafito called Humayun’s 25-year effort “audacious” and said few thought such a device would be possible. … Read More »

May 10th, 2013|Announcements|

USC breaks ground on Norris Healthcare Consultation Center

From left at the May 2 groundbreaking ceremony are: USC President C. L. Max Nikias; USC Trustee Harlyne Norris; Lisa Hansen, chair of the board of trustees for the Kenneth T. and Eileen L. Norris Foundation; and Senior Vice President and CEO for USC Health Tom Jackiewicz. From left at the May 2 groundbreaking ceremony are: USC President C. L. Max Nikias; USC Trustee Harlyne Norris; Lisa Hansen, chair of the board of trustees for the Kenneth T. and Eileen L. Norris Foundation; and Senior Vice President and CEO for USC Health Tom Jackiewicz.

By Amy E. Hamaker

It has been five years since Barbara Kral was first diagnosed with advanced myeloid leukemia. Although she is in remission, she continues to receive treatment every four weeks at the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Thanks to a lead gift by the Kenneth T. and Eileen L. Norris Foundation for construction of the Norris Healthcare Consultation Center, patients like Kral will soon have even more options for personalized, compassionate care.

“I’ve learned on my journey that when a person is facing cancer, the experience and capability of the facility and its staff are of prime importance, and next is the manner in which the patient is treated on a personal

basis,” said Kral to an audience of donors, administrators and physicians at a groundbreaking ceremony held on May 2. “The loving care I receive at Norris is an extremely important part of my overall treatment.”

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May 10th, 2013|Announcements|

Laboratory of Neuro Imaging Moves to USC

Arthur Toga Arthur Toga

By Suzanne Wu

USC is about to get even brainier. Already a leading center for research on the neurological basis of emotion, the university announced today a major cluster hire of an institute with 110 faculty, researchers and multidisciplinary staff in the field of brain mapping and neuroimaging—the critical work that allows us to actually see the physical structure and circuitry that generates our mind, behavior and consciousness.Headlining the move are Arthur W. Toga, professor of neurology and co-director of the Division of Brain Mapping in the Neuropsychiatric Institute at UCLA, and Paul Thompson, professor of neurology and psychiatry at UCLA. Toga is director of the Laboratory of Neuro Imaging (LONI), which will come to USC in the fall, bringing with it a full faculty contingent and international research collaborations.

“USC prides itself on recruiting transformative faculty who excel in their own fields of interest and whose affinity for collaboration helps erase the boundaries between disciplines,” said USC President C. L. Max Nikias. “This cluster hire will help us move one step closer to understanding the structure and function of the human brain. Professors Toga and Thompson—and their talented team—will enhance the quality of this research at USC and improve the lives of people around the world.”

… Read More »

May 10th, 2013|Announcements|