Welcome to a new academic year and a fresh season of discovery at USC Dornsife!

In this issue, learn how a microscopic invention could revolutionize electronics. Also, get to know our new dean, discover how the world views extreme wealth and more!

Physicist Kelly Luo, with researchers from partner institutions, has developed a microscopic device that can detect and manipulate electron spin in so-called “antiferromagnetic” materials, paving the way for faster, more energy-efficient electronics.

Why it matters: These unique materials can operate at mind-boggling speeds — trillions of cycles per second — and could be used in high-speed communications, quantum computing, medical imaging and more.

In brief: Antiferromagnets are solids in which electrons spin in opposite directions, canceling each other’s spin.

How it works: The team built a device, just a few atoms thick, capable of altering the spin of an electron.

What they’re saying: “We’ve shrunk the technology down to a size that makes practical applications possible. That’s what makes this so exciting,” says one study author.

Two USC Dornsife international relations experts, Robert English and Steve Swerdlow, examine the complex dynamics of the conflict, offering divergent viewpoints on fundamental issues such as the broader threat to democracy and potential paths to peace.

A new global study reveals why extreme wealth sparks admiration in some and condemnation in others. The answer lies in deep cultural and moral instincts, not just economics.

Why it matters: With the richest 1% now controlling half the world’s financial assets, understanding attitudes toward extreme wealth helps explain political divisions and policy conflicts.

How they did it: Study co-author and psychology PhD candidate Jackson Trager and colleagues surveyed 4,300 people across 20 countries, asking whether having “too much money” is morally wrong.

What they found: Globally, most people don’t condemn extreme wealth, but cultural background shapes opinions.

Individuals who prioritize economic equality often perceive extreme wealth as immoral. Those who value merit, loyalty and authority are generally more accepting of significant wealth.

Why are some billionaires seen as villains and others as heroes? It depends on a person’s moral compass.

In his words: “Understanding these moral instincts helps explain not just individual reactions to wealth, but why societies disagree so fiercely about what’s fair and what’s obscene,” says Trager.

James Bullock shares his perspective on USC Dornsife’s strengths, the power of public scholarship, and why asking life’s biggest questions matters.

“In today’s society, we often define progress in terms of curing diseases, improving technology, building more sustainable energy systems, etc. — and the liberal arts are essential to all of that.”

“We’re losing the variance and perspective that we see in human societies. And this is going to affect our reasoning as well.”

CBC quoted Morteza Dehghani of psychology for the article “Chatbots learned to write from us. Can AI now change the way we think?”

“There’s something to the idea that small amounts of vigorous activity are really beneficial.”

Greater Milwaukee Today quoted David Raichlen of biological sciences and anthropology for the article “‘Japanese walking’ promises big health gains in 30 minutes. Health experts are skeptical.”

“And so it seems like there’s sort of this collective wishful thinking that somehow this critical infrastructure will take care of itself.”

Fast Company quoted Laura Messier of the Spatial Sciences Institute for the article “Cities clearly have a sidewalk problem. It’s less clear who should fix it.”

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Discover cutting-edge research and proven strategies for communicating about Earth’s rich ecosystems and the urgent threats they face. Learn more >>

Explore Japan’s hidden layers at a dynamic talk revealing how today’s Japan emerges from living intersections of past and present across overlooked towns, beliefs, cuisines and landscapes. Learn more >>

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