In this issue, learn about the unintended consequences of reporting dementia diagnoses to the DMV, discover what’s shaking with the latest earthquake hazard model and find out how our scholars are pulling harmful carbon out of the air.

Some states require that physicians report a diagnosis of dementia to the DMV. A study from the USC Dornsife Center for Economic and Social Research (CESR) suggests these mandates may backfire.

Why it matters: Some states, concerned about the consequences associated with a growing number of elderly drivers, required dementia diagnoses to be reported to their DMVs. But no studies have examined the effects of such policies — until now.

By the numbers: The number of elderly U.S. drivers is growing.

At issue: Are physicians who are mandated to report dementia diagnoses less likely to establish such a diagnosis?

Key finding: The CESR study finds that physicians in states with mandatory reporting laws are 50% more likely to underdiagnose dementia, compared to those in states without such mandates.

What else? Knowing that their physicians must report a dementia diagnosis, patients might be more inclined to refuse further assessments.

Impact: If patients withhold symptoms, or physicians are reluctant to examine dementia symptoms, health outcomes could decline while costs increase.

A new, national earthquake hazard model, which helps engineers, policymakers and government agencies assess the risk of damage from earthquakes, has been developed, thanks in large part to USC Dornsife’s Statewide California Earthquake Center (SCEC).

Why it matters: The model helps communities prepare for seismic events and informs the development of building codes and insurance rates.

For the first time, the comprehensive update covers all 50 states.

The model includes two main components:

USC Dornsife alumnus Kevin Milner was a SCEC researcher when he helped build the new model by developing earthquake rupture forecasts.

Capturing carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere is a challenging but potentially powerful way to counter climate change and USC Dornsife scholars have developed an innovative way to do it.

Why it matters: Carbon capture can help some industries, such as agriculture, that can’t quickly lower their carbon output. Also, existing emissions continue to impact the climate even as new emissions are curbed.

Nature performs carbon removal through trees and oceans, but these processes can’t keep pace with climate change.

What’s new: Berelson is developing a carbon removal system that captures CO₂ produced by the shipping industry.

Yes, but: Some critics, like Joe Árvai, director of USC Dornsife’s Wrigley Institute for Environment and Sustainability, say carbon removal technologies could disincentivize efforts to end reliance on fossil fuels by offering a perceived quick fix.

Go deeper: Experts gathered during a Dornsife Dialogues event to explore these issues in depth.

Look out for the new issue of USC Dornsife Magazine — coming soon to your mailbox. After a year-long hiatus during which we undertook an extensive redesign, your freshly-minted magazine features innovative new sections, a greater variety of storytelling, professional photography and the return of “Alumni News” in print.

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!

Calling Alumni — USC Dornsife Magazine wants to hear about your latest professional achievements. Just fill out this short form to share your news with us.

The CEO of TRX, Randy Hetrick ’87, shares his founder’s story and how he leveraged his USC Dornsife history degree to build a global brand.

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

“There’s no question that having a female president would send a powerful message to Mexican women that there are greater possibilities for them and for their professional future than they might have perceived previously.”

Pamela Starr of political science and international relations was interviewed by U.S. News & World Report about Mexico’s historic presidential election.

“I think whether or not people verbalize it, they are looking for that recognition that there is more to life than our work and our money making.”

Diane Winston of religion was quoted by LAist about the increasing trend of religious disaffiliation in America.

“China’s growing clout in the Middle East includes not only a strengthening strategic partnership with Iran, but close ties with Saudi Arabia and other Persian Gulf states.”

Derek Grossman of political science and international relations wrote an op-ed for Nikkei Asia outlining China’s shifting stance in the Middle East.

Through the USC Ticket Office, alumni can purchase tickets for Trojan athletic events, concerts and distinguished speaker talks, as well as discounted tickets for attractions and entertainment venues across Southern California.