In this issue, discover a surprising early indicator of Alzheimer’s disease, learn about an innovative solution for plastic waste and delve into a course that takes students abroad to learn about human rights.

In a first-of-its-kind study, USC Dornsife researchers found that vulnerability to financial scams 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 their scans with their 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.

The USC Sea Grant Program received nearly $2 million from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to reuse plastic waste from oceans and investigate eco-conscious behavior.

Why it matters: Plastic waste is one of the most serious ocean pollution issues of the 21st century, poisoning marine ecosystems as it breaks down into microplastics.

How it works: The project aims to find ways to prevent future plastic debris from entering the ecosystem while simultaneously transforming existing debris into valuable resources.

Using a chemical/biological process, plastic waste from Southern California waterways will be converted into useful materials like eco-friendly dyes and enzymes for laundry detergents.

Addressing social barriers to consumer adoption of products made from plastic waste is also part of the project, along with educating the public about these sustainable technologies.

4

The number of USC Dornsife faculty who have won Nobel Prizes.

A study abroad course at USC Dornsife took students to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, where they met with activists, politicians and journalists to learn about the challenges and rewards of advocating for human rights.

Why it matters: Increasing acts of repression in Central Asia highlight the importance of inspiring students to consider careers in human rights, as they can play a key role in advocating for change.

The big picture: Authoritarianism is rising in Central Asia, with countries like Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan increasingly cracking down on dissent.

During the Maymester course, students heard from activists and public officials entrenched in the region’s ongoing human rights struggles.

In his words: “Before this program, I knew nothing about Central Asia. Now I see how Central Asia is vital to understanding Russia, Ukraine and the lingering Soviet legacy,” said Radulf Mohika, a philosophy, politics, and law major.

Alongside their human rights studies, students also immersed themselves in Central Asia’s local culture by engaging with communities, exploring traditional cuisine, and participating in cultural events.

News headlines and social media are filled with people questioning the validity of election polling. USC Dornsife’s Christian Grose, professor of political science and public policy, explains the challenges of polling and why they’re crucial to informing research and policy.

Enjoy delicious gourmet food stations, a full bar and a live DJ, while families have a blast with face painting and lawn games. Capture unforgettable memories in our unique photo booth and grab exclusive USC Dornsife swag! 

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“There’s sort of this little change that occurs in us when we find a way to laugh at ourselves.”

Danzy Senna of English was interviewed by PBS News Hour about her new novel, Colored Television.

“People don’t see the machine as sort of socially evaluating them in the same way that a person might.”

Jonathan Gratch of psychology was quoted in The Atlantic about chatbot conversations generating data for advertisers and concerns about privacy.

“It basically shows that we’re not always as liberal of a state as the national perception, certainly not as left-leaning progressive.”

Christian Grose of political science and public policy was quoted by the Wall Street Journal about results of polling he conducted.

Ask an expert panel about the issues driving engagement among underrepresented voters, the challenges they face and their potential impact on swing state results. Learn more >>

Discover how creativity can drive climate action as Jake Barton, a visionary designer known for award-winning immersive experiences, shares how storytelling can inspire solutions for climate change. Learn more >>

Explore political experts’ predictions for election night and which key states to watch. Get insights on campaign strategies and potential outcomes in this crucial moment for America. Learn more >>

USC Dornsife alumni can still access the extensive resources available at USC Libraries including borrowing materials, online reference assistance, and use of library scanners.