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Top Stories from USC News
The latest on how USC research, initiatives and people are shaping the future — in health, tech, policy and beyond. Visit the full USC News website.
Why AI influencers work better with a human friend
Research led by USC Marshall’s Luca Cascio Rizzo finds that showing an AI influencer interacting with a real person makes it seem more trustworthy, engaging and persuasive.
New ‘AI Essentials’ courses give students 3 important, varied perspectives on artificial intelligence
A three-course initiative from USC Dornsife, USC Marshall and USC Viterbi gives undergrads complementary perspectives on AI: How it works, how to use it and what it means for humanity.
Anthony B. El-Khoueiry named director of USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center
The medical oncologist has led the early-phase clinical trials program at the center and helped advance treatments for liver cancer.
What if AI came with a ‘nutrition label’?
A new framework applies a similar approach to artificial intelligence, giving people a clearer view of how the AI models they use may affect their well-being.
During Trojan Family Weekend, USC excellence is front and center
STORY and PHOTOS: The four-day event featured more than 200 programs showcasing USC excellence in teaching, research, academics, athletics, the arts and public service (and a big football win).
AI platform with USC roots earns approval to support veterans
Sidekick uses conversational AI to help vets navigate healthcare, employment, housing, education and benefits using information curated by VA specialists.
Featured from USC Trojan Family Magazine
![“I encounter a lot of people [in Los Angeles' cultural space] who have some connection to USC — the university tends to create a nice environment for networking within the culture industries,” Linkof says. (USC Photo/Caleb Griffin)](https://today.usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/linkof_crop-768x432.jpg)
At the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, Ryan Linkof PhD ’11 is expanding ideas about art that he first explored at USC.
USC offers unique opportunities for students to do hands-on, lifesaving research alongside faculty mentors.
USC researchers are creating immersive, high-tech simulations of ocean waves to better understand the benefits of surfing, the devastation of tsunamis and the dynamics of the ocean itself.
From diagnosing disease to accelerating drug development, USC researchers are using artificial intelligence to tackle urgent real-world challenges — while keeping ethics, empathy and human impact at the center of innovation.
‘Trojan Talks’: The USC President’s Podcast
Episode 12: Beong-Soo Kim talks with Paul Aisen and Steven Shapiro
The president sits down with two leading USC physician-scientists to discuss how close we are to preventing Alzheimer’s disease, and the role academic medicine can play in changing the future of healthcare.
Episode 11: Beong-Soo Kim talks with Emilio Ferrara, Eric Kramon and Gordon Stables
USC President Beong-Soo Kim joins three USC faculty experts to examine some of the major challenges facing democratic societies today.
Episode 9: Beong-Soo Kim talks with Assal Habibi
The president sits down with Assal Habibi, USC associate research professor of psychology and director of the USC Center for Music, Brain and Society, to discuss how music — something deeply woven into society and the human experience — helps shape the brain.
Experts on Trending Topics
USC Pressroom is the university’s official hub for journalists and public affairs professionals featuring the latest press releases, expert commentary and source alerts on timely issues.
A leading scholar with a record of innovation and collaboration across disciplines, Madigan will join USC Oct. 13 to lead its academic enterprise.
The veteran communications strategist has led University Communications since January with energy and innovation.
A vibrant hub of interdisciplinary collaboration and community connection, the plaza is named in honor of the global airline chaired by USC alumnus Walter Cho MBA ’06.
The Michigan Democrat will join Republican strategist Mike Murphy in leading the bipartisan center, bringing nearly two decades in Congress and a record of working across party lines. (Photo/Michael Bennett Kress)
A $200 million gift from venture capitalist Mark Stevens and his wife, Mary, will build on USC’s strengths by leveraging AI to accelerate breakthroughs in the health sciences, security, business and the arts.
A USC Dornsife-led study found that the Eaton fire’s daily carbon monoxide emissions far exceeded L.A. County’s average daily emissions from all human activity.
Research That Saves Lives
USC is one of the nation’s premier research institutions, where bold ideas and cross-disciplinary collaboration fuel discovery and innovation. Our researchers tackle society’s most urgent challenges, delivering solutions that save lives and improve communities around the world. We are deeply grateful for the trust the American taxpayer has placed in USC’s research enterprise that advances our nation’s global and economic competitiveness.
