Air pollution and genetics combine to increase risk for autism

By Alison Trinidad

Exposure to air pollution appears to increase the risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among people who carry a genetic disposition for the disorder, according to newly published research led by scientists at the Keck School of Medicine of USC.

“Our research shows that children with both the risk genotype and exposure to high air pollutant levels were at increased risk of autism spectrum disorder compared to those without the risk genotype and lower air pollution exposure,” said the study’s first author, Heather E. Volk, PhD, MPH, assistant professor of research in preventive medicine and pediatrics at the Keck School and principal investigator at The Saban Research Institute of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. … Read More »

January 14th, 2014|Announcements|

Keck School alumnus helps bring $1 million gift to Keck Medicine

By Amy E. Hamaker

The strength of a university can often be measured by the commitment of its alumni. Nowhere is that more apparent than at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, where alumnus Tony Alamo (’91), MD, recently helped bring a gift of $1 million to the school from a family friend.

At a lunch between Alamo, Keck School Dean Carmen A. Puliafito, MD, MBA, and Mike Ensign, retired chairman of the board of directors/CEO of Mandalay Resort Group, Alamo suggested a gift to benefit physicians, Keck Hospital of USC and Keck School students. … Read More »

January 14th, 2014|Announcements|

Exploring the connection between Alzheimer’s disease and stroke

By Shelby Roberts

Alzheimer’s disease is the No. 6 cause of death in the United States, and stroke is the No. 4 cause.

Helena Chui, MD, chair, Department of Neurology, Raymond and Betty McCarron Chair in Neurology, and professor of neurology and gerontology at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, recently gave a presentation on Alzheimer’s disease and its relation to stroke on Nov. 6 as the sixth lecture in an ongoing Stroke Seminar Series at the Rio Hando Community Center in Downey, Calif. The event was hosted by the Roxanna Todd Hodges Stroke Foundation. … Read More »

December 24th, 2013|Announcements|

Top Trojan scientists converge at Neuroscience 2013

By Robert Perkins

Several key faculty members from USC presented the latest pioneering research in neuroscience at the Society for Neuroscience’s annual meeting in San Diego in November.
More than 30,000 scientists and collaborators from 80 countries gathered for presentations by luminaries in the field, including USC’s Antonio Damasio, MD, PhD, Berislav Zlokovic, MD, PhD, and Dan Campbell, PhD. … Read More »

December 23rd, 2013|Announcements|

BEST OF THE WURST

Students, faculty and staff on the Health Sciences Campus were treated to German music and a feast of bratwurst, sauerkraut, German potato salad, beer and pretzels to celebrate the coming of October — and the USC Good Neighbors Campaign. … Read More »

December 23rd, 2013|Announcements|