In this issue, find out why Dornsife researchers are concerned about toxic mercury in the arctic, learn about America’s loneliness epidemic and discover a surprising early indicator for Alzheimer’s disease.

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 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.

65,000+

The number of USC Dornsife alumni.

In a first-of-its-kind study, USC Dornsife researchers found that financial vulnerability could be an early indicator of cognitive decline in older adults.

Why it matters: Nearly 7 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s disease, which is expected to result in $360 billion in health care costs this year alone.

How they did it: Researchers used MRI scans to examine a portion of the brain that commonly shows early signs of Alzheimer’s disease. They studied 97 participants, aged 52 to 83, and compared the scans with scores from a financial vulnerability test.

What they found: Participants with a thinner brain cortex in the region evaluated were more susceptible to financial scams, particularly those aged 70 and older.

In his words: “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,” said Duke Han, head of the study and professor of psychology and family medicine at USC Dornsife.

Yes, but: More research, including long-term studies with diverse populations, is needed before financial exploitation vulnerability can be considered a reliable cognitive assessment tool.

At USC Dornsife, scholars create knowledge in natural sciences, social sciences and the humanities, while students learn through hands-on experiences, active engagement and exploration.

Don’t miss this chance to meet Interim Dean Moh El-Naggar, faculty, staff and other USC Dornsife families. Learn about our long tradition of remarkable educational experiences across a diverse, innovative set of courses.

Unlock a world of opportunities in politics and civic engagement at the USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future. Learn about the plethora of nonpartisan programs designed to ignite a passion for political participation.

Listen to graduates share their experiences in environmental and sustainability fields, followed by an audience Q&A session.

Discover why students see archaeology as an exciting way to explore the world and history. The USC Archaeology Research Center lets visitors get their hands on the past with virtual reality displays and ancient artifacts that you can hold.