In this issue, USC Dornsife launches a new initiative to cool an increasingly hotter L.A. Also: Our researchers develop a system to help cargo ships go green, and the latest LABarometer reveals what Angelenos think about transit, fires and more.

USC announced ShadeLA, a new initiative spearheaded by USC Dornsife’s Public Exchange (PX) to expand tree canopy and shade infrastructure across Los Angeles.

Why it matters: Extreme heat causes about 1,500 excess emergency room visits per “heat day” in L.A. County, with vulnerable communities facing the greatest risk.

The big picture: Major sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup, Super Bowl, Olympics and Paralympics are coming to L.A., attracting millions of visitors and creating urgency for heat protection solutions.

Solution: Developing shaded areas will provide much-needed relief, since shade can feel 35–70 degrees cooler than areas in direct sun.

What’s new: The initiative is a partnership with the UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation and multiple other partners to add shade where Angelenos need it most.

In her words: “This campaign addresses heat not just as an environmental issue, but as a public health, infrastructure and community challenge,” said Monica Dean, PX climate and sustainability practice director.

The plan: ShadeLA focuses on four key goals:

What’s next: To launch the campaign, ShadeLA is introducing a set of activities to spark innovation, engage the public and guide smart investments.

A breakthrough system developed by USC Dornsife scientists in collaboration with CalTech could remove up to half the emissions from ships by turning CO_₂ into harmless ocean compounds.

Why it matters: Maritime shipping produces nearly 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, but current countermeasures are too expensive or impractical for long ocean voyages.

How it works: Ships pump seawater onboard, where CO_₂ from engine exhaust is absorbed, making the water slightly acidic.

In his words: “What’s beautiful about this is how simple it is. We’re speeding up a process the ocean already uses to buffer CO_₂” said William Berelson, co-inventor of the technology and professor of Earth sciences, environmental studies and spatial sciences.

How they did it: Berelson’s team tested the chemistry in controlled lab experiments that matched theoretical predictions.

The big picture: Widespread adoption could cut shipping CO₂ emissions by 50% — the scale needed to meaningfully fight climate change.

What’s next: Calcarea, a startup company working to bring the technology to market, is discussing pilot programs with commercial shippers while Berelson continues studying long-term ocean impacts.

The latest USC Dornsife LABarometer survey shows L.A. County residents are feeling more climate stress and less ready for disaster, even with the 2028 Olympics on the horizon.

Why it matters: L.A. is facing rising climate risks and a global spotlight — but many residents feel unprepared and skeptical of city infrastructure.

By the numbers:

The big picture: Angelenos feel even less prepared for disaster than previous years, with just 40% feeling ready, down from 45% in 2020.

What to watch: The 2028 Summer Olympics will test L.A.’s public transit, yet residents still aren’t embracing it.

Between the lines: Frequent bus riders are taking more trips — but casual users haven’t returned.

High note: Transit safety perceptions are improving.

What else: Despite climate urgency and EV pushes, most residents still drive gas-powered cars.

Go deeper: The full LABarometer survey is available online.

From active volcanoes to the ocean’s depths, USC Dornsife’s Karen Lloyd explores extreme environments to uncover how microbes survive in Earth’s harshest environments.

Lloyd answered questions about her work from students at two levels: elementary school and college.

Read more about Lloyd’s research in the new issue of USC Dornsife Magazine.

In Prof. Patricia George’s popular “Happiness: Research in Neuroscience and Positive Psychology” course, students explore gratitude, mood and well-being through science and discussion.

“One of the journalists said when [the Paris Morgue] closed in 1907 that it was the first free theater for the people.”

National Geographic quoted Vanessa Schwartz of art history and history for the article “Tourists flocked to Paris 200 years ago — to see decomposing corpses.”

“Taiwan has been closely watching Ukraine’s moves against its formidable neighbor.”

Nikkei Asia published an op-ed by Derek Grossman of political science and international relations titled “Ukraine's audacious asymmetric attack on Russia inspires Taiwan.”

“These meal engrams function like sophisticated biological databases.”

World Today News quoted Scott Kanoski of biological sciences for the article “Our Brain Has a ‘Meal Memory’ That Controls Hunger.”

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Bob Shrum and Mike Murphy host a virtual discussion with the fall 2025 CPF Fellows on the state of U.S. politics and what to expect ahead of the 2026 midterms. Learn more >>

Get free access to the Nurturing Together Program from Personify Health — available to USC Dornsife staff and faculty enrolled in USC’s PPO or EPO health plans. This program offers one-on-one support from prenatal nurses during pregnancy and for six weeks after birth.