In this issue, discover why Dornsife scholars are concerned about toxic mercury in the arctic, learn from Trojans about America’s loneliness epidemic and delve into how USC Dornsife scholars are using AI to revolutionize medical research.

Climate change is accelerating the release of mercury into the arctic environment, posing long-term health risks to communities there, and possibly globally.

Why it matters: The release of mercury from melting permafrost poses a health risk to wildlife and the 5 million people living in the Arctic.

In his words: “There could be this giant mercury bomb in the Arctic waiting to explode,” says lead researcher Josh West, professor of Earth sciences and environmental studies at USC Dornsife.

How it works: Natural atmospheric circulation moves pollutants like mercury toward high latitudes, where plants absorb it, die and become part of the frozen soil over millennia.

How they did it: USC Dornsife researchers collected sediment samples from two sites along Alaska’s Yukon River.

“To really get a handle on how much of a threat the mercury poses, we have to understand both the erosion and reburial processes,” West explains.

What they found: Mercury levels in sediment were consistent with previous studies’ higher estimates, confirming that sediment samples provide a reliable measure of environmental mercury.

What’s next? The researchers say they hope their methods will enable a more precise assessment of the “mercury bomb” in hopes it can be diffused.

America is mired in a “loneliness epidemic,” according to the U.S. surgeon general. USC Dornsife scholars explore why.

Why it matters: Loneliness can lead to depression, anxiety and other mental health issues.

The big picture: Nearly half of Americans reported measurable loneliness, even before COVID-19 struck.

Yes, but: Former USC Director of Belonging and USC Dornsife alumna Cat Moore emphasizes that loneliness is a normal experience and warns that labeling it an epidemic may wrongly stigmatize it.

Go deeper: Declining marriage rates, more adults choosing not to have children, and the rise in solo living are reducing daily social interactions and increasing loneliness among Americans.

What else? Online dating and social media, despite their promise of  connectivity, often hinder meaningful in-person relationships and increase loneliness, says Julie Albright of the Master of Science in Applied Psychology program.

The decline in religious participation, which once offered a ready-made community, may also be fueling the rise in loneliness.

What to do? Reducing screen time and actively seeking face-to-face interactions can help.

6, 2, 1

Number of gold, silver and bronze medals won by USC Dornsife students and alumni at the Paris Olympics last month.

A new AI tool developed by USC Dornsife researchers can predict how proteins interact with DNA, offering faster, more versatile insights for drug development and medical research.

Why it matters: Most current tools are limited to a single protein type, but this new AI tool can predict protein-DNA interactions across different protein families.

In his words: “It is important for researchers to have a method available that works universally for all proteins and is not restricted to a well-studied protein family,” says Remo Rohs, founding chair of the Department of Quantitative and Computational Biology.

The tool, called DeepPBS, employs a geometric deep learning model, a type of machine-learning that analyzes data using geometric structures.

Bottom line: DeepPBS could accelerate breakthroughs in cancer treatment, synthetic biology and RNA research.

From vast, diverse areas of study to world-class faculty, students are encouraged to explore their curiosities to create a lasting impact in their communities. That is what makes the USC Dornsife liberal arts education unique.

Just a few more days to enter the contest. Open to all USC Dornsife alumni, the USC Dornsife Magazine Creative Writing Contest is looking for original fiction, poetry, memoir or essays on the theme of “California.” Enter by Sept. 15 and win a chance to be published in the magazine!

USC’s newest alumni network just launched! The Trojan Sustainability Network’s mission is to amplify, educate, empower and inspire sustainability across the USC community and beyond. Activities will include seminars, career resources and networking events covering a wide range of sustainability topics gathered from across campus and around the world. For more information and to get involved, follow us on LinkedIn.

Join us for food and fun with your family at the 2024 USC Dornsife Homecoming Picnic on Saturday, Nov. 16. Early-bird registration opens next week.

Sign-up to receive NewsRound, a weekly listing of news stories featuring USC Dornsife scholars.

“Assessing financial vulnerability in older adults could help identify those who are in the early stages of mild cognitive impairment or dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.”

Duke Han of psychology was quoted by U.S. News & World Report about his study linking financial vulnerability to early Alzheimer’s signs.

“The Chinese government likes to claim to speak for all ethnic Chinese abroad.”

Audrye Wong of political science and international relations was quoted by the Associated Press about China’s subtle efforts to influence U.S. politics.

“There’s a feeling that we don’t exist in the culture. But we have to exist in order for there to be jokes.”

Danzy Senna of English was profiled by The New Yorker about her exploration of biracial identity and its complexities in contemporary America.

Listen to Laurence Tribe and Bob Shrum discuss the critical issues facing America followed by questions from viewers. Learn more >>

Join Nobel Laureate Sir Angus Deaton, a leading voice in economics, for a discussion about how flaws in modern capitalism are impacting society. Learn more >>

Listen to experts discuss the latest polling from eight California congressional districts that could determine who controls the U.S. House of Representatives with an audience Q&A to follow. Learn more >>

Discover the forgotten legacy of Wong Chin Foo, who fought for the rights of Chinese immigrants in the late 19th century.  Learn more >>

The USC Bookstore is the best place to get your official and exclusive USC Trojan apparel, alumni products, gifts and more. USC alumni qualify for a 10% discount — both in-store and online.