🍗Mmmmm. We can already smell the Turkey roasting! Wishing you a safe and joyful Thanksgiving connecting with friends and loved ones, and an opportunity to reflect on the things we are all grateful for.

In this issue, learn how tigers in captivity might save their wild cousins, uncover Angelenos’ feelings about housing and discover how USC Dornsife is ahead of the curve in reducing elementary school students’ anxiety.

A first-of-its-kind study on captive tigers, conducted by Jazlyn Mooney, professor of quantitative and computational biology, indicates that captive tigers could contribute to the conservation of wild tiger populations.

Why it matters: Many tiger populations have declined by up to 90% over the past century, which makes conservation efforts critical.

The big picture: There are more tigers in captivity in the U.S. than in the wild, largely due to the illegal wildlife trade, circus acts and cub petting facilities.

How they did it: The researchers analyzed the complete genomes of over 100 captive tigers to assess their genetic diversity and ancestry.

What they found: Captive tigers have genetic diversity comparable to wild populations, offering hope they could help boost wild populations.

Yes, but: “In theory, captive tigers with genetic diversity could be used to help boost numbers in the wild. But the issue is, how do we do that? We don’t know the answer,” cautions Mooney.

What else? The detailed tiger genetic data can also help government law enforcement trace confiscated tiger-derived products and tigers.

What’s next: The researchers plan to continue investigating the tiger genome, expanding their study to include more captive tigers from various sanctuaries worldwide.

The LABarometer Livability & Affordability survey, conducted by the Center for Economic and Social Research (CESR) at USC Dornsife, examines how residents of Los Angeles County feel about key issues like housing and homelessness.

Why it matters: Homelessness is a major concern in L.A. County with 93% of Angelenos considering it a problem and 64% feeling the impact in their neighborhoods.

Angelenos widely support construction of affordable housing and expansion of mental health services to address homelessness.

Yes, but: A divide exists between renters and homeowners.

Both groups, however, favor sweeps when they perceive homelessness as a problem in their neighborhood.

Those who experienced homelessness are more likely to blame the high cost of housing and racism.

Mental illness and substance abuse are commonly considered a contributing factor to homelessness.

In his words: “It’s surprising that mental health and addiction is more top-of-mind as a driver of homelessness than housing affordability. This underscores the need for better educating the public regarding the structural factors that contribute to homelessness,” said Jared Schachner of the USC Homelessness Policy Research Institute.

Rising rent also weighs on Angelenos, with average rents in the county 39% above the national average.

14

Number of Dornsife faculty members elected to the National Academy of Sciences.

Schools nationwide increasingly are embracing mindfulness practices, but USC Dornsife’s Little Yoginis program has been introducing yoga and children’s literature to students in inner-city elementary schools for more than a decade.

Why it matters: Mental health challenges among students in the United States continue to rise, and mindfulness practices can help support their mental well-being.

How it works: USC students enroll in a class offered through a collaboration between USC Dornsife’s Department of Physical Education & Mind Body Health and Joint Educational Project (JEP) to learn yoga practices and principles, and how to lead yoga sessions in elementary classrooms.

In her words: “We focus on helping … students develop a sense of calm and control in their daily lives. Through yoga and breathing techniques, we help them learn skills to center themselves, become more focused and build confidence,” explains JEP’s Tina Koneazny, who developed the program.

Service learning is the core of the Little Yoginis program — USC students apply academic skills to community service, benefiting both university and elementary students.

Says Koneazny: “It’s a two-way street. Our USC students teach, but they also grow through their connections with these young students. It’s a deeply rewarding experience on both sides.”

The awards honor scholars from USC Dornsife who engage with the public to improve its understanding of issues, influence policy and/or raise the level of public discourse.

🦃 Turkey dinner

🥡 Leftovers

🏈 Football

🥧 Pumpkin pie

📺 Classic Thanksgiving movie

🎈Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade

🛍️ Black Friday shopping

The beloved mountain lion that roamed Los Angeles and inspired a wildlife movement, artists and even musicians was first discovered living in Griffith Park by Miguel Ordeñana ’05.

Watch an online screening of the award-winning animated historical drama film exploring the political and religious conflict that led Roman-controlled Judea to war and the destruction of the Second Temple.

Join fellow veterans for a morning of camaraderie, connection, and recognition to celebrate your service and contributions to the Trojan community. 

Dive into the aftermath of a thrilling Election Night to uncover the surprises that shook voters and what lies ahead for American democracy. This in-depth analysis explores the climactic conclusion, pivotal political moments, and twists that few saw coming.

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

“The 4B movement came out in South Korea before that, but now it has been intensified because Yoon Suk Yeol scapegoated women.”

The Washington Post quoted Sunyoung Park of East Asian languages and cultures and gender and sexuality studies for the story “Trump win spurs interest in 4B, fringe South Korean movement to swear off men.”

“I would suggest part of it is the ballot language, and a lack of a strong campaign. Voters sometimes will vote no on ballot initiatives to which they have learned very little to maintain the status quo.”

The San Francisco Chronicle quoted Christian Grose of political science and public policy for the article “A California ballot measure to end slavery had no opposition. Why is it failing?”

“The community has long suspected that air pollution near the sea may be impacting children’s health, but this is the first scientific study to suggest that children living close to the receding shoreline may experience more severe direct health impacts.”

IFL Science quoted Jill Johnston of spatial sciences for the article “The Toxic Wind Of Salton Sea Is Impacting Kids’ Health In Southern California.”

USC faculty and staff get free admission to the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, located across the street from the University Park Campus.