USC study shows large pollution exposure reductions possible with car ventilation setting choices

By Leslie Ridgeway

Based on a new study, USC environmental health researchers have advice for drivers who want to reduce their exposure to harmful traffic pollutants: The car ventilation choice you make can be effective in reducing exposure to on-road particle pollution.

Scott Fruin, DEnv, assistant professor of preventive medicine, and Neelakshi Hudda, PhD, research associate in the environmental health department of the Keck School of Medicine of USC, recently conducted the first systematic measurements of in-vehicle exposure that included a full range of car types and operating conditions, and for all types of particulate pollution. Read More »

October 2nd, 2013|Announcements|

USC researchers to study national tobacco product regulations

By Leslie Ridgeway

Despite decades of efforts to control its use, tobacco continues to be the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the United States. USC is one of 14 academic institutions designated to receive significant funding to contribute to a new, first-of-its-kind regulatory science tobacco program intended to support tobacco product regulations.

The Keck School of Medicine of USC Department of Preventive Medicine will receive $20 million over five years, establishing one of 14 Tobacco Centers of Regulatory Science (TCORS) in Los Angeles. Read More »

September 27th, 2013|Announcements|

Researchers to study tobacco addiction in African-Americans

By Josh Grossberg

Researchers at the Keck School of Medicine of USC have been awarded a five-year, $1.8 million grant to study the links between genetics, tobacco addiction and withdrawal in African-Americans.

Adam Leventhal, assistant professor of preventive medicine and psychology and director of the USC Health, Emotion and Addiction Laboratory, will be the principal investigator of the study, which is being funded by the American Cancer Society.

“(African-Americans) have a lower rate of smoking,” Leventhal said. “And they smoke fewer cigarettes a day than whites, but they have a higher risk of cancer, which makes it critical to study the causes of nicotine addiction in African-Americans.” Read More »

July 26th, 2013|Announcements|