Whether you are grilling burgers, heading to a beach — or better yet, grilling burgers on a beach — we hope you are having a great summer!

In this issue: Can cargo ships go green? USC Dornsife researchers think so. Also: How we’re expanding a program to help neighborhoods devastated by wildfires — and why USC is putting ethics front and center in the age of AI.

A breakthrough system developed by USC Dornsife scientists in collaboration with CalTech could remove up to half the emissions from ships by turning CO₂ 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 CO₂ 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 CO₂” 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.

A million-dollar grant from FireAid — the nonprofit behind the post-fire benefit concert — will help USC researchers expand free soil testing in Los Angeles neighborhoods hit by January’s wildfires.

Why it matters: Residents need a convenient and cost-effective way to test for soil safety after federal agencies declined to provide it.

What’s new: The funding enables USC’s Contaminant Level Evaluation and Analysis for Neighborhoods (CLEAN) project to increase testing capacity and expand it to include heavy metals and other toxic chemicals.

USC Dornsife’s Public Exchange coordinated the collaboration between scientists in the Department of Earth Sciences and Keck School of Medicine of USC.

How it works: Residents can drop off soil samples at locations across L.A. County or mail them to USC scientists for free testing.

The big picture: When government support falls short, universities like USC are stepping up to address the need.

In his words: “We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished and we’re ready to do more so our work has a lasting impact in our communities,” says project co-lead Sam Silva, assistant professor of Earth sciences.

What’s next: The team will expand collection sites, host community events and launch an awareness campaign to reach more families.

We’re launching a new institute to help students and researchers think critically about how they use powerful technologies like AI.

Why it matters: AI is rapidly reshaping society — from medicine to hiring — but ethical guidance often lags behind the technology itself.

What’s new: The Institute on Ethics & Trust in Computing will offer education, research and public engagement on responsible tech development.

John Hawthorne, institute co-director and a USC Dornsife philosophy professor, brings a critical humanities lens to complex tech questions.

USC is betting that combining computer science with the humanities will lead to more trustworthy, human-centered innovation.

What’s next: The institute will host public events — including talks on AI, blockchain and medical technology — to foster broader dialogue.

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.

Professor Patricia George’s “Happiness: Research in Neuroscience and Positive Psychology” class is a popular, discussion-based course giving students tools to practice gratitude while studying the science of happiness to help improve their mood.

USC students can sign up for a student checking account at USC Credit Union. For a one-time membership fee of $9, you get a checking account with no monthly service charges and flexible ways to spend using a debit card or Zelle.