Each year, USC programs and faculty research are highlighted in print, broadcast and online stories throughout the world. Highlights of recent news coverage are compiled by USC Media Relations.
USC in the News 7/3/2012
Featured Stories
Daily Mail (U.K.) featured research by Kathleen Page of the Keck School of USC and colleagues, finding that images of sugary foods induce cravings for the same foods, possibly contributing to diabetes and obesity. "Studies have shown that advertisements featuring food make us think of eating, but our research looked at how the brain responds to food cues and how that increases hunger and desire for certain foods," Page told California Watch. The study was also covered by Newsweek, Shape, The Jerusalem Post (Israel), Galileu (Brazil), Delfi (Lithuania), Lithuanian National Radio and Television (Lithuania), Polish Press Agency (Poland), Kvinner og Klaer (Norway), Vietnam Television Corporation (Vietnam), GlobalPost, HealthDay News, Independent Mail, io9, The Inquisitr and RedOrbit.
Daily Mail (U.K.) featured research by Mary Helen Immordino-Yang of the USC Rossier School and colleagues, on the benefits students get from daydreaming. "We focus on the outside world in education and don't look much at inwardly focused reflective skills and attentions, but inward focus impacts the way we build memories, make meaning and transfer that learning into new contexts," Immordino-Yang said. The study was also covered by Asian News International, RedOrbit and Latinos Post.
Slate ran a video featuring work by researchers at the USC Viterbi School and other institutions, who found a way to transmit data at speeds up to 2.56 terabits per second using twisted beams of light. The technology could be used to transmit data through satellite communication and fiber-optic cables at rates up to 85,000 times faster than that of broadband cable.
CNET featured technology at USC's Institute for Creative Technologies that helps treat veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). One device, Light Stage X, is used to create realistic digital images of human faces and virtual humans. These virtual characters have been used in online programs advising combat veterans on how to get help for PTSD — a subject vets may be uncomfortable discussing with others. Other tools include a virtual reality system that lets veterans revisit the situations that created their PTSD, while guided by a therapist.
MediaPost featured research by the USC Annenberg School finding that radio listeners form tight relationships with the radio hosts they listen to. "Our findings underscore the depth of the relationship, loyalty and trust between listeners and radio personalities," said Paula Patnoe-Woodley of the USC Annenberg School. The study found that radio personalities can influence their listeners to consider or purchase services or products they endorse, or which are advertised on their shows.
Truthdig ran a column by Josh Kun of the USC Annenberg School about Mexico's Yo Soy 132 movement, which protests cartel violence. Kun focused on the music that has driven the protest movement, noting that for a long time, the social issues sowing turmoil in Mexico weren't being reflected in popular songs. "Along with its online manifestos and massive offline street marches, the political expression of Yo Soy 132 has increasingly taken musical forms," Kun wrote.
Business Insider ran a column by Ira Kalb of the USC Marshall School about brand repositioning in the presidential race. "Politicians have a rich history of doing what they can to change the image of their opponents in the minds of the voting public," Kalb wrote. "Their aim is to place negative images about their competitors in the heads of voters."
Experts Quoted
The Wall Street Journal quoted Pamela Starr of the USC Dornsife College about the Mexican election. Excelsior (Mexico) and KPCC's "Patt Morrison" also quoted Starr.
BBC News (U.K.) interviewed Lisa Schweitzer of the USC Price School about a lack of funding for California high-speed rail.
The Times of India (India) quoted Kenneth Nealson of the USC Dornsife College about a study suggesting that the arrival of fleshy fungi species may have stopped the formation of coal deposits roughly 300 million years ago.
The National (United Arab Emirates) quoted Muhammad Sahimi of the USC Viterbi School about the impact of European Union sanctions on Iran.
Bloomberg News quoted Edward Kleinbard of the USC Gould School about the possibility of revisiting a century-old U.S. subsidy for oil drilling.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel quoted Richard Green of the USC Lusk Center for Real Estate about underwater mortgages.
The Arizona Republic quoted Dan Schnur of the USC Dornsife College about presidential priorities regarding immigration reform.
Phoenix Business Journal quoted Brian Cartwright, scholar in residence at the USC Marshall School, about U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission policy toward crowdfunding.
The Sacramento Bee quoted Dan Schnur of the USC Dornsife College about the U.S. Supreme Court health care ruling and the presidential race.
News at a Glance
The New York Times mentioned that the newly elected president of Egypt, Mohamed Morsi, is a USC alumnus. The story was also covered by The Citizen (Tanzania), The Times (South Africa), Haaretz (Israel), Arabian Business (Dubai), The Financial Express (India), Reuters, Associated Press, Scripps Howard News Service, Vermont Public Radio and Portsmouth Herald.
The Wall Street Journal mentioned that DancePad, an iPad app now being promoted by Jennifer Lopez, was first developed as an undergraduate project at USC. The story was also covered by USA Today, CNET and PC Magazine.
Los Angeles Times ran a review by Tim Page of the USC Annenberg School and USC Thornton School of a new Toscanini box set titled "The Maestro."
Inside Higher Ed reported that the USC Viterbi School is launching a master's of science in mechanical engineering with a specialization in nuclear power.
Times Higher Education (U.K.) mentioned that USC hosted a conference on biographies.
The Courier-Mail (Australia) highlighted Bandit, a robot created by the USC Viterbi School to help motivate physical therapy patients and guide them through exercises.
ABC News Los Angeles affiliate KABC-TV reported on a security breach following the hacking of a software system on campus. The story was also reported by CW News Los Angeles affiliate KTLA-TV.
Science Codex highlighted research by Joshua West of the USC Dornsife College on weathering of the earth's surface.
The Huffington Post stated that USC is one of the prestigious schools offering degrees in video game design.
The Advocate stated that prominent obesity researcher George Bray was a faculty member at USC in the 1980s.
Terra (Peru) ran a Reuters photo of Rodney King signing his book at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books at USC.
The Verge mentioned USC's video game design program, run by the USC School of Cinematic Arts and the USC Viterbi School.
VentureBeat mentioned independent game developers affiliated with the USC School of Cinematic Arts' Interactive Media Division and Electronic Arts Game Innovation Lab.
The Hollywood Reporter mentioned that governing members of the L.A.-India Film Council include representatives from the USC School of Cinematic Arts and other institutions.