iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Keck School of Medicine of USC @keck.usc.edu · 28/09/2026

Dean's POV 🔎 Last week, Carolyn Meltzer, MD, transitioned into a new role. Her leadership advanced research, strengthened our clinical enterprise, and shaped countless careers. I'm grateful for that impact, and look forward to keeping the momentum going. — Interim Dean Papadopoulos

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Keck School of Medicine of USC @keck.usc.edu · 25/09/2026

Can #StemCell based organoids and assembloids finally give scientists a real model for kidney disease? Zhongwei Li, PhD at USC Stem Cell just got a $240,000 PKD Foundation grant to find out. bit.ly/3Vh8AQg 📸 Carrie Zhang/Li Lab/USC Stem Cell

A lab-grown kidney organoid made of human collecting duct cells shows elongated tubules—the segment of the kidney primarily affected by the incurable genetic condition called autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD).

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Keck School of Medicine of USC @keck.usc.edu · 24/09/2026

USC BME marked its 50th anniversary: from the first retinal prosthesis approved to restore partial sight to an implant that restores memory. Now a joint dept with @viterbischool.usc.edu and @keck.usc.edu, here's to the next 50 yrs of turning engineering into care. bit.ly/4yQNFC1

A large group of people are sitting and standing in a spacious conference room, smiling and holding up the "V" sign. The room is well-lit with modern design elements. A presentation screen is visible on the right side of the image.

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Keck School of Medicine of USC @keck.usc.edu · 22/09/2026

Last Friday, the Molecular Pathology & Experimental Medicine Master’s Program hosted its Pathology Research Open House. Faculty presented their current projects, giving students a chance to explore potential thesis topics, connect with mentors, and learn about the department's range of research.

A person stands at a lectern in a classroom, speaking to a group of seated individuals. The room has a whiteboard and a Crest of Florida State University is visible on the lectern.

A group of individuals seated in a lecture hall; each appears focused and engaged. Some are using laptops or mobile devices. The desks display signs saying "Eat Happy" and logos for Mendocino Farms. Drinks and boxes are visible on the tables.

A speaker is presenting in a lecture hall at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. The presentation slide is titled "Beyond the Bugs: Redefining the Fight Against Infection and Inflammation." Attendees sit at desks facing the speaker, focusing on the screen.

A person is standing at a podium giving a presentation in a lecture hall. The presentation slide mentions the name Khan. The audience is seated in rows, attentively listening. A clock is visible on the wall.

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Keck School of Medicine of USC @keck.usc.edu · 22/09/2026

A device the size of a coffee cup could change how cancer is detected. Keck School of Medicine of USC researchers are building a platform to make PET scan tracers faster and more accessible, backed by a $2.6M NIH grant. #KeckSchoolOfMedicine bit.ly/4yRJFkW

A medical PET scan image showing cross-sectional and full-body views. Bright areas indicate high metabolic activity, commonly used for diagnosis. The scans display detailed internal structures against a dark background.

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Keck School of Medicine of USC @keck.usc.edu · 18/09/2026

Dr. Anthony El-Khoueiry, USC oncologist and researcher, shares why patients should take the time to research their options. Being informed can help patients make decisions with confidence. Learn more about clinical trials for you and your loved ones at gastriccancer.org/clinicaltrials

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Keck School of Medicine of USC @keck.usc.edu · 17/09/2026

New in Nature Communications: @uscloni.bsky.social researchers introduce CCSI, comparing 7-Tesla MRI blood flow to cortical cell density across 360 brain regions. Alignment was strongest in visual and sensorimotor cortex. #AlzheimersResearch bit.ly/4yNh8Ns

A detailed medical image showing two types of brain scans. The left scan is colorful, depicting various levels of brain activity. The right scan is black and white with outlined regions, displaying the structure of the brain. Text at the bottom credits the USC Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute and Keck School of Medicine of USC.

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Keck School of Medicine of USC @keck.usc.edu · 17/09/2026

A new Science Advances study led by the Keck School of Medicine of USC finds Australopithecus paired ape-like arm strength with human-like leg strength, a movement strategy unmatched by any living species today. bit.ly/4hcznEA

A digital illustration of two Australopithecus individuals against a plain background. Both figures are standing upright with one holding a stick-like object. The skeletal structure of their arms, legs, and hips is visible, overlayed on their bodies. A bare tree trunk is in the background.

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Keck School of Medicine of USC @keck.usc.edu · 10/09/2026

A blood-based screening algorithm is a clinical trial tool that flags Alzheimer's risk using plasma biomarkers, cutting unnecessary PET scans from over 70% to 31% in the AHEAD 3-45 study. Published in Alzheimer's & Dementia. #AlzheimersResearch bit.ly/4xeUPyG

A healthcare professional is preparing to take a blood sample from a person sitting in a medical examination room. The professional is applying a red and white band labeled "SARSTEDT" to the person's arm. Medical equipment and supplies are visible in the background.

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Keck School of Medicine of USC @keck.usc.edu · 01/09/2026

CW: depression/suicide. SENTINEL: an ARPA-H funded study (up to $4M) will track ~210 USC students for 36 months, using EEG, wearables and smartphone data to model risk and resilience for depression and suicide. bit.ly/3UlopoL

A person wearing headphones around their neck is using a blue smartphone while writing on paper. They are wearing a smartwatch on their wrist.

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Keck School of Medicine of USC @keck.usc.edu · 31/08/2026

Dean's POV 📸 So much fun enjoying ice cream and açai bowls with students at the Welcome Social last week. Great conversations, great energy, and an even better sign of things to come this year.

A group of six people seated at a large wooden picnic table outdoors, with drinks and flowers on the table. They are smiling at the camera. In the background, various people are socializing near a white picket fence.

A group of people sitting outdoors at picnic tables, with one person smiling and talking while others listen. There are trees and a white picket fence in the background.

A group of four people seated at a picnic table outdoors, smiling at the camera. The table has a small flower arrangement. Other groups and individuals are visible in the background, standing and sitting.

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Keck School of Medicine of USC @keck.usc.edu · 26/08/2026

#PFAS are in nearly every American's blood and half the country's drinking water. Keck School of Medicine of USC and @uscnorris researchers now have $7.5M in NIH funding to find out if it's fueling liver and endometrial cancer. bit.ly/4glIsvQ

The image features several bubbles containing the acronym "PFAS," with the words "Forever Chemicals" prominently highlighted in red within an oval shape.

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Keck School of Medicine of USC @keck.usc.edu · 24/08/2026

Dean's POV 📸 A selfie with the Class of 2030 before their white coats went on. Already inspired by what this class is going to bring to medicine. Wishing you all the best as you get started.

A person in a white coat stands smiling at the front of a lecture hall, holding up a peace sign. Behind, a large group of people, some in white coats and some in formal attire, are seated and smiling. The setting appears to be Keck School of Medicine.

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Keck School of Medicine of USC @keck.usc.edu · 20/08/2026

Stay in the loop! Follow us on social media for medical facts, research, and student information.👇 Instagram: instagram.com/keckschoolusc/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@keckschoolusc X: x.com/KECKSchool_USC LinkedIn: linkedin.com/school/kecks... Facebook: facebook.com/KECKschoolUSC

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Keck School of Medicine of USC @keck.usc.edu · 20/08/2026

New Keck School of Medicine of USC Stevens INI study: superficial white matter health may soften the cognitive impact of gray matter loss. Analyzed in 459 older adults across India, published in Alzheimer's & Dementia. bit.ly/4xdpnBX

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Keck School of Medicine of USC @keck.usc.edu · 18/08/2026

New Keck School research: Stevens INI researchers found PM2.5 and NO2 exposure linked to divergent cortical thickness patterns in Alzheimer's-vulnerable regions: thinner in older women, thicker in younger men. Published in NeuroToxicology #AlzheimersResearch bit.ly/4bZmEDv

This image displays brain MRI scans from two studies: WHIMS and VETSA. The WHIMS scans on the left are colored in shades of red, while the VETSA scans on the right are in shades of blue. Each study shows lateral and medial views with a color scale indicating values from -0.06 to 0.8. The logos of Keck School of Medicine and USC Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute are at the bottom.

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Keck School of Medicine of USC @keck.usc.edu · 13/08/2026

Stevens INI researchers at the Keck School of Medicine of USC built an open-source MRI pipeline that standardizes stroke injury measurement across 6 labs, matching human expert analysis. keck.usc.edu/news/usc-researchers-d…

This image shows a grayscale scan of a brain with colored concentric circles highlighting an area on the upper right. The colors range from blue to red. University of Southern California and Keck School of Medicine logos are present in the corners.

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Keck School of Medicine of USC @keck.usc.edu · 12/08/2026

Welcome to medical school, Class of 2030!🥼 The white coat ceremony marks a pivotal milestone for the Class of 2030. Students don their white coats for the first time, symbolizing their formal entry into the medical profession.

A group of three individuals, wearing lab coats and smiling, take a selfie together. They are standing in an indoor setting with brick walls and informational signs in the background.

Two individuals in white coats are standing and smiling. One person is wearing a bright orange outfit. They are shaking hands on a stage with a podium and colorful flowers visible in the background. A partial view of a sign reads "Medical."

A person in a black dress is being helped into a white coat by someone on a stage. Other individuals in white coats are present, and a sign in the background displays the letters "Ke M".

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Keck School of Medicine of USC @keck.usc.edu · 10/08/2026

Dean's POV 📸 Putting community first. During orientation, our incoming students spent a day serving LA. Events included volunteering at Homeboy Industries, the largest gang rehabilitation and re-entry program in the world. This is how we build measurable health improvements, together.

A group of people in matching red shirts are gathered inside a cafe. They are smiling and posing for a selfie. The cafe has a sign saying it is supported by the Annenberg Foundation. The setting appears lively and welcoming.

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Keck School of Medicine of USC @keck.usc.edu · 06/08/2026

Depression may shrink a specific hippocampus region tied to memory, independent of Alzheimer's risk factors like amyloid and tau. New @keck.usc.edu study in Translational Psychiatry. #AlzheimersResearch bit.ly/4xlXHKF

Image showing two 3D brain scans: the left shows a "Healthy Hippocampus" and the right shows an "Atrophied Hippocampus." The healthy hippocampus appears larger and more robust, while the atrophied one is smaller and shrunken. Both images are credited to USC Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute and Keck School of Medicine of USC.

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Keck School of Medicine of USC @keck.usc.edu · 05/08/2026

New NIH-funded work at Keck School of Medicine of USC probes thymulin, a thymus hormone, as a driver of "inflammaging" and a potential lever for improving anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy response in aged mouse models of breast cancer and melanoma. bit.ly/3TGssLV #cancerresearch

Anatomical illustration of a human upper torso. The image shows transparent lungs with highlighted thymus gland in red, set against a dark blue background.

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Keck School of Medicine of USC @keck.usc.edu · 05/08/2026

It all begins with the white coat. Watch the livestream of our White Coat Ceremony this Friday, August 7th, 2026, at 11:00 AM.✌️🩺 bit.ly/452Ovin

A group of people in white coats stand in rows in a theater-like setting, holding papers. The audience is seated nearby, and red signs are visible. The venue has large windows and a balcony with additional seating.

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Keck School of Medicine of USC @keck.usc.edu · 30/07/2026

New in Women's Health Issues: Keck School of Medicine of USC researchers led an expert panel synthesizing 100+ studies on intimate partner violence among veterans, recommending broader VA screening and a "no wrong door" clinical approach. bit.ly/4fhucUe

One individual, wearing a white coat, is holding a clipboard and appears to be talking to another individual seated on an exam table in a well-lit room. The setting looks like a medical office.

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Keck School of Medicine of USC @keck.usc.edu · 29/07/2026

New in Communications Medicine: Keck School of Medicine of USC researchers tested Lumipulse G p-tau217 and PrecivityAD2 blood assays in 39 adults with Down syndrome, finding accuracy nearly matching general population results for detecting amyloid pathology #alzheimersresearch bit.ly/4wleb5C

A smiling woman with Down syndrome talks with a clinician in blue scrubs holding a tablet, in a clinical exam room.

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Keck School of Medicine of USC @keck.usc.edu · 28/07/2026

New NIH grant funds Keck School of Medicine of USC and Rancho Los Amigos research mapping how stroke disrupts brain to bladder connectivity via fMRI and diffusion MRI, testing whether imaging biomarkers can predict response to spinal cord stimulation. bit.ly/4vXIa2H Photo/Stevens INI

A 3D view of the brain shows white matter pathways (multicolored fibers) connecting regions involved in bladder control, identified through urodynamic functional MRI (red and yellow). Researchers will examine how stroke damages this communication network and whether the resulting patterns can help predict response to treatment.

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Keck School of Medicine of USC @keck.usc.edu · 23/07/2026

USC in the house at Comic-Con✌️ @summerin3d.bsky.social, PhD, and @virtuallyjon.bsky.social, PhD, from USC's 3D lab, the Center for Innovation in Medical Visualization (CIMV), hit the stage at Comic-Con Friday July 24 at 10am. Get your #FightOn sign ready when they're introduced! #SDCC #SDCC2026

Jonathan Ford and Summer Decker stand together smiling in front of a San Diego Comic-Con International backdrop, both wearing Comic-Con badge lanyards

Screenshot of a Comic-Con International schedule listing for the panel "3D Viz and 3D Printing in Medicine, Mummies, and Animals," Friday, July 24, 2026, 10 to 11am PDT, Grand 10 and 11, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, with a description of the panel and its speakers.

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Keck School of Medicine of USC @keck.usc.edu · 23/07/2026

New in Genome Biology: USC researchers used Region Capture Micro-C and CRISPR to show prostate cancer enhancers form hierarchical 3D networks, not isolated switches. Deleting "central hub" enhancers silenced cancer genes and slowed tumor growth. #CancerResearch bit.ly/4fdBdFC

An artistic representation of DNA strands surrounded by red and blue cells, illustrating a biological or genetic theme. The scene is vibrant, with light effects highlighting the complex interplay of cellular structures.

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Keck School of Medicine of USC @keck.usc.edu · 23/07/2026

MS affects every patient differently, but a new study of 42,000+ U.S. deaths is revealing patterns linked to age, race and geography. High blood pressure and cardiac arrest also linked to rising mortality. #MultipleSclerosis bit.ly/4vEXReV

A healthcare professional is gently advising a patient seated on an exam table. The patient is wearing a blood pressure cuff, and the setting appears to be a medical examination room with a diagram of the human anatomy on the wall.

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Keck School of Medicine of USC @keck.usc.edu · 21/07/2026

New in @natcomms.nature.com: Keck School of Medicine of USC researchers identify thymulin, a thymus-derived hormone, as a driver of age-related inflammation. Restoring it in older mice improved cancer survival and anti-PD-1/PD-L1 response. #CancerResearch bit.ly/3Tbywfi

A digital illustration showing the human thoracic cavity. The image highlights the thymus gland in orange, situated centrally above the heart and between the lungs, which are depicted in blue.

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Keck School of Medicine of USC @keck.usc.edu · 21/07/2026

Dean's POV 📸 White Coat ceremony X 4 Every August, a new class puts on that white coat for the first time. I've stood at enough of these now to know the moment never gets old. This year's ceremony is August 7, and I'm already looking forward to it. #HealOn ✌️

Dean Meltzer smiling and looking off to the side onstage in her white coat, dark curtain backdrop.

Dean Meltzer shaking hands with a student in a red dress at an outdoor white coat ceremony, seated guests visible behind them under a tent.

Dean Meltzer helping a student into her white coat at a podium, greenery backdrop, red carpet underfoot.

Dean Meltzer applauding and smiling upward from her seat at an outdoor ceremony, green backdrop behind her.

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Keck School of Medicine of USC @keck.usc.edu · 17/07/2026

PET Scan, CT, & MRI: What each one tells your doctor Break it down with Dr. Kim, resident physician in molecular imaging and therapy.

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Keck School of Medicine of USC @keck.usc.edu · 16/07/2026

New in Gastroenterology: Keck School of Medicine of USC researchers identify a DR5/Lig3 feedback loop that helps explain why MSI and dMMR colorectal cancers respond better to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Human tumor data backs up the mouse model findings. #CancerResearch bit.ly/4wJ2N3t

A detailed illustration depicting a cancer cell under attack by white blood cells. The cancer cell is shown as a large, brown, irregular mass in the center, with smaller white blood cells surrounding it. The background is a blurred red and pink gradient, representing tissue or blood.

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Keck School of Medicine of USC @keck.usc.edu · 09/07/2026

An FDA commissioned review from the Keck School of Medicine of USC finds ADHD stimulant misuse among U.S. adults under 30 fell from 7.5% (2016) to 3.7% (2023) across 64 studies. Frequent misuse in a smaller subgroup stays an open question. #ADHD bit.ly/4h4en4v

A prescription pill bottle lying on its side with several round pills spilled out on a light surface. A white cap is nearby.

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Keck School of Medicine of USC @keck.usc.edu · 07/07/2026

Hearing studies use pure tones, but real ears handle speech and music that shift constantly in pitch and volume. Karolina Charaziak, PhD (Keck School of Medicine of USC) won a $3.3M NIH R01 to study how the cochlea processes sound. #Audiology bit.ly/4p6yC3H

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Keck School of Medicine of USC @keck.usc.edu · 07/07/2026

Dean's POV 📸 It was wonderful to share thoughts and USC experiences with a group of faculty at our sign-up faculty lunch last week. Conversations like these are part of why I love this job, grateful for the time and honesty everyone brought to the table.

Seven people standing in a room with large windows, smiling at the camera. Several individuals are wearing professional attire, while others are in medical scrubs and ID badges.

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Keck School of Medicine of USC @keck.usc.edu · 02/07/2026

New in @science.org : USC researchers mapped an unrecognized developmental axis in the human kidney, then engineered synthetic organizer cells to guide kidney organoid formation more faithfully. stemcell.keck.usc.edu/synthetic-or... #RegenerativeMedicine

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Keck School of Medicine of USC @keck.usc.edu · 29/06/2026

Dean's POV 📸 Taken from my office window when the Lineage fire broke out in Boyle Heights. Our fac/staff/students distributed thousands of masks/air purifiers, activated community health workers & generated real-time data on air quality to protect the most vulnerable.

The image shows the Keck School of Medicine of USC building under a sky filled with dark smoke. The structure is modern, surrounded by trees and a well-maintained courtyard with pathways.

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Keck School of Medicine of USC @keck.usc.edu · 23/06/2026

Too many people in underserved communities still face barriers to timely breast cancer care. @USC.edu and @novartis.bsky.social are working together to improve #BreastCancer screening, access, and outcomes in underserved communities. bit.ly/4eYRBJR

A person is having a mammogram, with a healthcare professional assisting and adjusting the machine. The setting appears to be a medical facility.

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Keck School of Medicine of USC @keck.usc.edu · 22/06/2026

Dean’s POV 📸 Celebrating our incredible faculty 🎉 Gregory Harlan, M.D., M.P.H. – Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award Enrique L. Ostrzega, M.D. – Kaiser Permanente Excellence in Teaching Award, Clinical Science Kevin A. Nash, Ph.D. – Kaiser Permanente Excellence in Teaching Award, Basic Science

three people standing outside. one is in a red dress with a black blazer, in the middle a man with glasses in a suit with a blue tie holding a certificate, and the man on the right in a suit and pink tie with glasses. they are all smiling at the camera

three people standing outside. one is in a red dress with a black blazer, in the middle a man with glasses in a suit with a striped‘ tie holding a certificate, and the man on the right in a suit and pink tie with glasses. they are all smiling at the camera

three people standing outside. one is in a red dress with a black blazer, in the middle a man in a blue shirt and khaki pants holding a certificate, and the man on the right in a suit and pink tie with glasses. they are all smiling at the camera

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Keck School of Medicine of USC @keck.usc.edu · 17/06/2026

New in Alzheimer's & Dementia: a Stevens INI team at the Keck School of Medicine of USC analyzed amyloid PET data from 17,000+ adults via GAAIN. APOE ε4 predicted amyloid pathology more weakly in Hispanic participants. A case for diverse cohorts. bit.ly/4ehYyWk #AlzheimersResearch

A detailed illustration of a human head with a focus on the brain. The brain is depicted with vibrant neural connections extending throughout. In the background, there are multiple MRI scan images.

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Keck School of Medicine of USC @keck.usc.edu · 16/06/2026

USC's first psychedelic trial pairs psilocybin with mindfulness meditation, asking whether contemplative training deepens the therapy's effects. It enrolls 72 adults and tracks EEG, fMRI, and biological markers before and after treatment. #Neuroscience bit.ly/4a7oWQa

An illustration of colorful mushrooms in the foreground with an outline of a brain in the background, set against a purple gradient backdrop.

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Reposted by Keck School of Medicine of USC

USC Stem Cell @stemcell.keck.usc.edu · 04/06/2026

📢 USC Stem Cell and SPARK at USC have launched the Innovation Catalyst Grant in Regenerative Medicine, supporting innovative therapeutics, diagnostics, and AI-enabled technologies. Applications due June 30, 2026. Learn more and apply: bit.ly/3SjmbF6

stemcell.keck.usc.edu

2026 USC Stem Cell/SPARK at USC Innovation Catalyst Grant in Regenerative Medicine

The USC Stem Cell/SPARK at USC grant is focused on the support of regenerative medicine innovation (therapeutics or diagnostics). Integration of AI technology is highly encouraged.The new SPARK at USC...

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Reposted by Keck School of Medicine of USC

USC Stem Cell @stemcell.keck.usc.edu · 12/06/2026

When Tiffany Wang arrived at USC as a first-generation student, she was searching for belonging. Four years later, she's graduating as an award-winning researcher, student leader, COMPASS Fellow, and QuestBridge Scholar. Read more here: bit.ly/3QgHqXu

gero.usc.edu

2026 BS in Human Development and Aging Grad Finds Belonging, Embraces Research and Leadership

A first-generation college student, BS in Human Development & Aging grad Tiffany Wang treasures the support she found at the USC Leonard Davis School.

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Keck School of Medicine of USC @keck.usc.edu · 15/06/2026

Dean's POV 📸 Pride Month is a time to celebrate who we are and affirm who we welcome. To our LGBTQ+ students, faculty, staff, and patients: you are seen, valued, and celebrated here. 🏳️‍🌈 (USC Photo/Richard Carrasco III)

A person with short red hair and blue mirrored sunglasses smiles outdoors, wearing a cream blazer, a lanyard with a USC Keck School of Medicine badge, a 'love' button pin, and holding a Progress Pride flag. Trees and foliage are visible in the background.

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Keck School of Medicine of USC @keck.usc.edu · 10/06/2026

Nearly all people with Down syndrome develop Alzheimer's brain changes by age 40. A $3.3M gift to USC is funding five new clinical trial sites and a first-of-its-kind program hiring Research Ambassadors with Down syndrome to change that. bit.ly/4uwjJJ0

Two people are outdoors at an easel. One person is holding a paintbrush, and both appear to be enjoying the painting activity together. The setting is a grassy area with trees in the background.

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Keck School of Medicine of USC @keck.usc.edu · 10/06/2026

Bipolar disorder isn't about one broken brain region, it's about wiring. USC Stevens INI mapped 959 brains/16 sites and found less efficient networks in circuits tied to emotion & reward.https://keck.usc.edu/news/usc-study-maps-brain-network-changes-linked-to-bipolar-disorder-severity-and-treatment/

A colorful 3D visualization of a human brain's neural network, displaying intricate pathways in vibrant colors such as blue, green, red, and purple against a black background. The image is credited to the USC Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute and Keck School of Medicine of USC.

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