In this issue, learn about the $59 million expansion of a USC Dornsife research tool to measure the pulse of America, find out which professors wrote books that are “the best of the 21st century,” discover why L.A. Metro is still struggling and explore an alumna’s ideas on the science behind Doctor Who’s alien anatomy.

The Understanding America Study (UAS) administered by USC Dornsife’s Center for Economic and Social Research (CESR) will expand significantly and support new studies regarding Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia, thanks to $59 million in grants from the National Institute on Aging. 

In brief: The UAS provides researchers with data on American attitudes toward various topics such as health, work, politics and religion.

Why it matters: A $42 million grant will increase the number of study participants by over 40% and integrate new data sources, including wearable technologies like smartwatches.

Two grants totaling $17 million will fund two novel research projects using UAS data.

In his words: “The UAS is already an unparalleled tool for giving researchers a broad, long-term view of what influences the daily lives of Americans. These grants will help us create a much more detailed picture for the research community, with important and unprecedented insight into Alzheimer’s disease and dementia that should help improve life for those needing care and their caregivers,” says Arie Kapteyn, CESR’s founder and director.

The New York Times has released its “Best Books of the 21st Century” list, and it includes three professors from USC Dornsife.

Why it matters: The honor reflects the excellence of USC Dornsife’s English department and the opportunity for students to learn from some of the nation’s top writers.

In brief: The New York Times Book Review surveyed 503 novelists, nonfiction writers, poets, critics and other literary luminaries, asking them to name the 10 best books published since Jan. 1, 2000.

What she said: “Having some of the most accomplished authors of the century on our faculty is a testament to the caliber of our department and the exceptional talent within it,” said Dana Johnson, chair of the English department. “I couldn’t be more proud that our students have the opportunity to learn from some of the nation’s greatest thinkers and writers.”

Former L.A. Metro riders still view the system as unsafe, preventing ridership numbers from climbing back to pre-pandemic levels, according to a USC Dornsife LABarometer report.

Why it matters: Reduced Metro ridership results in lower revenue. A decrease in revenue can impact service availability, which disproportionately affects lower-income individuals who depend on public transit.

By the numbers: The report shows that about 84% of all L.A. residents think riding Metro trains is currently unsafe — up from 76% pre-pandemic.

Increased violent crimes have heightened safety concerns among former Metro riders, leading many to continue avoiding the system.

Convenience is another factor for people who did not return.

In her words: “According to our latest survey, safety does seem to be one of the driving forces keeping people from returning to public transportation post-pandemic, especially for higher-income residents who don’t absolutely need to use it,” said Kyla Thomas, sociologist at USC Dornsife’s Center for Economic and Social Research and LABarometer director.

Bonus: The survey also found that increased adoption of solar panels and electric vehicles was primarily driven by economic considerations, such as tax incentives, rather than environmental concerns.

A human biology alumnus and Doctor Who fan, Amelia Marvit, wrote an article for Scientific American exploring the science behind the main character’s dual-heart physiology.

Why it matters: By combining her interests in hard science and science fiction, Marvit epitomizes the cross-disciplinary thinking that’s encouraged at USC Dornsife.

In brief: The protagonist of the long-running, popular television show Doctor Who comes from an alien species called the Time Lords, who travel through space and time and live for centuries.

Marvit analyzed data on cardiac incidents from 13 seasons of Doctor Who, looked over the cardiovascular literature on humans and other species and consulted experts.

A cardiovascular system with two hearts could be configured in two ways, she writes.

Earth creatures like cephalopods evolved multiple hearts to catch prey more effectively. Time Lords might have evolved two hearts for enhanced endurance and redundancy against cardiac injuries.

Did You Know? Some humans have two hearts.

Dornsife scholars are encouraged to apply for a free, all-expenses-paid workshop designed for natural scientists, social scientists and philosophers who want to become more effective in communicating their ideas to popular audiences.

The next Beyond the Ivory Tower workshop is Oct. 18 and 19. The deadline to apply is July 30.

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

“Young people across adolescence are needing healthy opportunities to contribute, to be part of communities, to develop a sense of purpose.”

Big Think featured Mary Helen Immordino-Yang of psychology and neuroscience in a video titled “The incredible powers of transcendental thinking, explained by a neuroscientist.”

“When people ask me why I love Los Angeles, I always answer it’s because it’s got the world’s biggest problems.”

The Los Angeles Times profiled Manuel Pastor of sociology and American studies and ethnicity in the article “Manuel Pastor: Activist scholar bringing the streets to the ivory tower.”

“This is saying to the people that hold the money, make the decisions and control the fossil fuels: ‘This is affecting you, too.’”

The Washington Post quoted Shannon Gibson of environmental studies in the article “Stonehenge spray-painted orange by protesters calling for climate action.”

Looking to visit the many theme parks and zoos in Southern California? The USC Ticket Office offers discounted tickets for faculty and staff.