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 10/24/2012
The New York Times highlighted “Audistis Quia Dictum Est,” composed by Stephen Hartke of the USC Thornton School. The work sets biblical passages from the book of Matthew with harmonic writing “that shifts from glowing sustained sonorities to astringent cluster chords,” the story stated.
CNN highlighted research by Pia Pannaraj of the Keck School of USC on flu prevention among school-age children. The study followed 4,500 children in eight L.A. elementary schools, some of which were vaccinating and testing for flu. “We found that children who were vaccinated were three times less likely to get the flu and missed half the number of school days compared to children who were not vaccinated,” Pannaraj said. The research was also covered by Yahoo! News and CBS News Greenville, N.C., affiliate WNCT-TV.
Scientific American featured research by USC doctoral student Justin Hall and Michael Habib of the Keck School of USC suggesting that the dinosaur Microraptor gui had four wings. Habib and Hall proposed that the dinosaur could have kept the limbs under its body most of the time, until needed for banking in a turn. The extra surface area would have actually made straight-ahead moves more difficult, Science News reported. “For every surface, you pay a little drag tax,” Habib said.
MIT Technology Review featured a sensor-laden car developed at the USC Center for Body Computing and USC School of Cinematic Arts, which can monitor driving styles and a driver’s health. Leslie Saxon of the Keck School of USC said the car could check drivers’ heart rates while they are listening to certain music or visiting certain places. By integrating health metrics into a fun experience like driving, patients may get addicted to their data, Saxon said.
MIT Technology Review highlighted research by Mark Bolas of the USC School of Cinematic Arts on using the Microsoft Kinect system to track subtle human behaviors. Bolas noted that human beings evolved to communicate using their whole bodies. “Meat matters, and the Kinect brings that to computing,” he said.
Agence-France Presse highlighted Thomas Jordan of the USC Dornsife College, who heads the Southern California Earthquake Center at USC and was consulted by the Italian government after the 2009 L’Aquila earthquake. Jordan offered forecasting recommendations to the government, and now opposes the recent conviction of Italian earthquake experts for not providing sufficient warning to the public before the quake. “It’s incredible to me that scientists who were just trying to do their jobs have been convicted of manslaughter,” Jordan said. The story was also covered by Time, ABC Radio (Australia), Financial Times (U.K.) and CBS News Roanoke, Va., affiliate WDBJ-TV.
Jewish Telegraphic Agency featured an upcoming event sponsored by the USC Shoah Foundation Institute for Visual History and Education, covering sexual violence during the Holocaust. The event will be hosted by actress Jane Fonda, and will include a panel discussion with Stephen Smith, the institute’s executive director.
The Globe and Mail (Canada) ran a Q&A with Edward Lawler of the USC Marshall School about the need for human resources (HR) to be involved in business management. “HR has not, I think, done a good job of becoming an innovative partner in business development and business strategy,” Lawler said. The story noted Lawler and a co-author have written a book on human resources.
USA Today quoted John Matsusaka of USC’s Initiative and Referendum Institute about marijuana legalization initiatives around the country.
CNN interviewed Mike Chinoy of the USC U.S.-China Institute about discussions regarding China during the third presidential debate.
Fox News interviewed Susan Estrich of the USC Gould School about Gallup Poll results finding that former Gov. Mitt Romney has a lead over President Obama among likely voters.
ABC News Los Angeles affiliate KABC-TV interviewed Jeffrey Upperman of the Keck School of USC about children being hit by cars as a result of being distracted by smart phones.
CBS News Los Angeles affiliate KCBS-TV interviewed Lawrence Picus of the USC Rossier School about negative attack ads involving Propositions 30 and 38.
HLN’s “Dr. Drew” interviewed Charite Ricker of the Keck School of USC about genetic testing for breast cancer.
The Chronicle of Higher Education noted that The Village at USC redevelopment was approved by the Los Angeles City Council’s Planning and Land Use Management Committee, and will include housing, retail and academic facilities.
The Herald mentioned that the USC School of Social Work provides training to support trauma-stricken veterans and military families.
Science Codex covered research by Edy Soffer of the Keck School of USC and colleagues, analyzing electrical stimulation treatment for unresolved reflux symptoms.
KPCC-FM mentioned the deaths of two USC students. The story was also covered by NBC News Los Angeles affiliate KNBC-TV.
Bravo’s “Inside the Actors Studio” interviewed USC School of Cinematic Arts alumnus Matthew Weiner, creator and writer of “Mad Men.” “I had a really great experience there,” Weiner said.
The Record highlighted a lecture by Douglas Thomas of the USC Annenberg School about the intersection of technology, education and culture.