Zara Abrams
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Articles by Zara Abrams
PFAS exposure may limit improvements in blood sugar after bariatric surgery
A new USC study shows teens with higher blood levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) measured before bariatric surgery had smaller improvements in blood sugar over five years, including fasting glucose and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), which measures average blood sugar levels over the past 6090 days. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest sci-tech news updates.
PFAS exposure may limit improvements in blood sugar after bariatric surgery
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain A new USC study shows teens with higher blood levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) measured before bariatric surgery had smaller improvements in blood sugar over five years, including fasting glucose and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), which measures average blood sugar levels over the past 60–90 days.
Major review highlights latest evidence on real-time test for blood clotting in childbirth emergencies
Postpartum hemorrhage, severe bleeding after childbirth, is a leading cause of maternal mortality around the world. But many of these deaths can be prevented—and a real-time blood-monitoring technology called viscoelastic testing (VET) could play a crucial role. Though used in parts of Europe, VET is not yet a standard part of maternity care in the United States.
How PFAS disrupt healthy function in human liver cells
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), manmade chemicals that accumulate in the body over time, have been linked to liver disease and cancer, but it is not yet clear how they cause damage. Researchers from the Keck School of Medicine of USC have used a lab model of the human liver to analyze changes at the cellular level, finding that some PFAS triggered fat accumulation and others caused cell damage linked to cancer. The study is published in the journal Environment International.
Using new blood biomarkers, researchers find Alzheimer's disease trial eligibility differs among various populations
Some of the populations with the highest risk for Alzheimer's disease remain greatly underrepresented in clinical trials—and a new study helps explain why. Researchers from the Keck School of Medicine of USC found that participants from these high-risk groups are less likely to have elevated amyloid in the brain based on blood levels of p-tau217.
Low-cost blood test can measure proteins for early Alzheimer's detection
Researchers from the Keck School of Medicine of USC have developed a blood test that can identify early signs of Alzheimer's disease by measuring proteins linked to the condition. The new test, known as Penta-Plex Alzheimer's Disease Capture Sandwich Immunoassay (5ADCSI), detects five biomarkers simultaneously, which is more than existing blood tests and runs on equipment commonly used in many laboratories. A proof-of-concept study is published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.
Experimental compound targets circadian clock machinery in cells to fight glioblastoma
A series of preclinical studies show that a new compound, SHP1705, targets circadian clock proteins hijacked by glioblastoma stem cells, impairing the cancer cells' ability to survive and grow. SHP1705 is also the first clock-targeting compound to complete a phase 1 clinical trial, where it was found to be safe and well-tolerated in humans. A summary of the research is published in the journal Neuro-Oncology.
Blood pressure patterns during pregnancy predict later hypertension risk, study finds
Women with blood pressure levels in a range considered clinically normal during pregnancy but no mid-pregnancy drop in blood pressure face an increased risk of developing hypertension in the five years after giving birth. These women—about 12% of the population studied—would not be flagged as high-risk by current medical guidelines, but the new findings could help identify them as candidates for early intervention.
Air pollution exposure before pregnancy may influence child's BMI and obesity
In a study of more than 5,000 mothers and their children, exposure to air pollution during the three months before pregnancy predicted higher child body mass index (BMI) and related obesity risk factors up to two years of age. Findings from the study were published in the journal Environmental Research.
New evidence links dementia to problems with the brain's waste clearance system
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New evidence links dementia to problems with the brain's waste clearance system
A study from the Keck School of Medicine of USC has tested a biomarker linked to vascular dementia across four separate groups and proposed an explanation for how cognitive impairment arises. The findings are published in Alzheimer's & Dementia. Vascular dementia is the second most common form of dementia following Alzheimer's disease.
A new definition of Long COVID
Key points The National Academies has released a formal definition of Long COVID that outlines key points about the condition and its severity and includes explicit examples of common symptoms. All psychologists should be screening for Long COVID, especially because treating issues such as depression and anxiety will differ in patients with a chronic health condition. Research shows that helping patients manage depression and anxiety is helpful in treating Long COVID as a whole.
[Press Release] USC study finds link between PFAS, kidney function and gut health
By Zara Abrams | Keck School of Medicine of USC | October 17, 2024 Read the full article by Zara Abrams (Keck School of Medicine of USC) "New research has revealed that the connection between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, and kidney damage may be tied to dysregulation of the gut microbiome, which is made up of bacteria and other microorganisms that live in the digestive tract.
First genome-wide comparison of vapers and smokers finds similar DNA changes linked to disease risk
In the most comprehensive study of its kind, researchers from the Keck School of Medicine of USC compared epigenetic changes across the genome in young adults who vaped, smoked or did not use nicotine products, finding a tumor-suppressor gene among the top affected genes in vapers and smokers.
Managing political stress
Top takeaways Politics is increasingly recognized as a significant source of chronic stress, affecting both mental and physical health negatively across a broad swath of the population. Political anxiety is distinctly different from psychological conditions such as general anxiety, with its unique impact on emotional well-being and societal cohesion. Effective coping strategies include regulating exposure to political information and fostering positive social connections.
'Smart Bandages' May Improve Chronic Wound Monitoring and Healing
Chronic wounds, which include diabetic ulcers, surgical wounds, pressure injuries, and other problems, are deadlier than many people realize. Patients with chronic wounds have a five-year survival rate around 70%, worse than that of breast cancer, prostate cancer and other serious diseases. Treating wounds is also expensive, costing an estimated $28 billion each year in the U.S. alone.
Is it safe to get health advice from influencers? Psychologists and other experts share strategies to help you distinguish fact from fiction.
Lives are at risk as health information runs rampant online, with nonexperts promoting dangerous falsehoods about everything from alternative birth control to phony cancer treatments and promising quick fixes for a dizzying list of medical conditions. The flood of conflicting health advice has left social media users—especially young people, who frequently encounter anti-science views—vulnerable to deceptive information.
Standing firm against the escalating assault on equity, diversity, and inclusion
Equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI, also referred to as DEI) programs have flourished in recent years, helping academic institutions, industry, and other organizations promote equal opportunity, address bias, and reduce disparities while providing a sense of belonging at work or school. But a new wave of anti-EDI bills, lawsuits, and complaints have created barriers for the future of such efforts.
America’s students are falling behind. Here’s how to reimagine the classroom
It’s a familiar refrain: “America’s students are falling behind.” Academic progress stalled during the pandemic and has yet to recover. But historic declines in test scores and growing achievement gaps are just part of the problem. Youth mental health issues surged; behavioral problems increased; and more teachers left the profession—creating a situation many are calling alarming. “It should have been obvious to all of us that after a highly disruptive year, kids would come back with issues.
Schools in crisis: Here are science-backed ways to improve schools now
Pandemic-related learning loss, a youth mental health crisis, and growing strain on educators have left K–12 schools in a tough spot. But those challenges are being met with enthusiasm by psychologists and other experts, who are imagining ways to reinvent the nation’s classrooms to help both students and educators thrive and excel.
Large-scale study explores link between smoking and DNA changes across six racial and ethnic groups
Smoking changes the way genes are expressed, which later contributes to the development of lung cancer and other smoking-related illnesses. But the link between epigenetics (the study of mechanisms that impact gene expression) and smoking is not fully understood, especially in terms of differences across racial and ethnic groups.
Psychology programs prep for steep drop in college students
During the 2008 financial crisis, the birth rate plummeted. Nearly 18 years later, higher education is on the verge of feeling the impact. By some estimates, college enrollment will fall 15% by 2029 (College students predicted to fall by more than 15% after the year 2025, The Hechinger Report, 2018).
U.S. military is hiring thousands of psychologists to help reduce sexual assault
The U.S. military has launched an ambitious effort to hire and train more than 2,000 experts focused on preventing sexual assault and other harmful behaviors within its ranks. The move comes after an estimated 25% increase in military sexual assaults, which affected about 35,900 active duty service members in 2021, up from about 28,600 in 2018 (2021 Workplace and Gender Relations Survey of Military Members, Office of People Analytics, 2023).
More teens than ever are overdosing. Psychologists are leading new approaches to combat youth substance misuse
For years, students in middle and high schools across the country were urged to “just say no” to drugs and alcohol. But it’s no secret that the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program, which was typically delivered by police officers who urged total abstinence, didn’t work. A meta-analysis found the program largely ineffective and one study even showed that kids who completed D.A.R.E. were more likely than their peers to take drugs (Ennett, S.
How psychology is shaping the future of technology
Las Vegas — Technology leaders have turned their attention to psychological research for the science behind how humans can safely engage with innovations changing our world. From artificial intelligence to social media to gaming, psychologists are increasingly being asked to play a central role in developing the research needed to form a sustainable relationship with the technology shaping our lives.
Addressing equity and ethics in artificial intelligence
As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly permeates our world, researchers and policymakers are scrambling to stay one step ahead. What are the potential harms of these new tools—and how can they be avoided? “With any new technology, we always need to be thinking about what’s coming next.
What psychologists need to know about the evolution of generative AI
[This article is part of the 2024 Trends Report] Generative artificial intelligence (AI), which can rapidly produce original text, images, audio, and more, is here to stay. Psychologists are exploring how the new technology can simplify or amplify their efforts—and are increasingly leading efforts to bring behavioral insights into the creation and deployment of generative AI tools.
Monetizing mental health technology
[This article is part of the 2024 Trends Report] In 2020, interest rates were low and concerns about mental health were high. Funding for digital mental health poured in. But times have changed. Companies such as Better Therapeutics and Akili Interactive have laid off at least 30% of their workforces, and clinicians have often been among those let go.
Liver cancer rates increase in each successive generation of Mexican Americans, study finds
By Zara Abrams In the United States, liver cancer rates have more than tripled since 1980. Some groups, including Latinos, face an even higher risk than the general population—but researchers do not fully understand why. A study from the Keck School of Medicine of USC, funded by the National Cancer Institute, has shed new light on those disparities.
Social media posts that promote tobacco are increasing, AI detection technology finds
By Zara Abrams When teenagers and young adults see pro-tobacco content on social media, they face higher risks. They are more likely to report using tobacco products such as e-cigarettes (also called vapes), more likely to start using those products for the first time and less likely to view them as harmful.
Conversations are essential to our well-being. Psychologists are exploring the science of why they’re so powerful
Conversations hold immense power. They help us form new connections and deepen existing ones. But conversations don’t always go well. Some lead to conflict, harm, or resentment—others never even start because we fear discomfort or rejection. And because of their inherent complexity, conversations have long remained a mystery to psychologists.
USC researchers develop blood test for early-stage ovarian cancer
By Zara Abrams A new study on human tissue and plasma led by researchers at USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center shows the blood test may distinguish between cancerous and benign pelvic masses with up to 91% accuracy, surpassing other commercially available tests. High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) is the most common type of ovarian cancer.
USC Researchers Develop Blood Test for Early-Stage Ovarian Cancer
By Zara Abrams High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) is the most common type of ovarian cancer A new study on human tissue and plasma led by researchers at USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center shows the blood test may distinguish between cancerous and benign pelvic masses with up to 91% accuracy, surpassing other commercially available tests. High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) is the most common type of ovarian cancer.
Up to 19% of teens experience dating violence. Psychologists want to break the cycle
When adolescents start to explore dating, romance, and sex, a troubling number fall victim to violence. In the United States, up to 19% of teens experience sexual or physical dating violence, about half face stalking or harassment, and as many as 65% report being psychologically abused (“Teen Dating Violence,” Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, U.S. Department of Justice, 2022).
Helping First Responders Stay Psychologically Well
When it comes to staying psychologically healthy, police, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) face a conundrum. They regularly enter traumatic circumstances: responding to suicides, watching a critically injured patient die, and risking their own lives. At the same time, they are usually the ones providing help—rather than asking for it. “First responder culture is unique.
Exposure to certain chemicals raises the odds of a prior cancer diagnosis in women
By Zara Abrams In a large-scale analysis of chemical exposure and hormone-related cancers, researchers based at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and the University of Michigan found new associations that can inform future research and regulations relating to environmental health.
Conversations are powerful. Here are ways to embrace the awkward and deepen relationships
Conversations hold immense power. They help us form new connections and deepen existing ones. They can change minds, align brains, save lives—even prevent disaster on a global scale. Yet this powerful tool for connecting with others is also one of the hardest to study. In every conversation, word choice, word order, timing, structure, and nonverbal cues can all vary in infinite ways, so what makes these interactions “click” has long remained a mystery.
Teaching social-emotional learning is under attack
As battles rage over what can be taught in the nation’s classrooms, social-emotional learning (SEL) has been caught in the cross fire. Bills in at least eight states have sought to ban or limit SEL, and parents around the country are rallying against it. SEL teaches students interpersonal skills and how to understand, control, and express their emotions and has been part of education for decades under various names, including whole child education and character development.
Helping families deal with school avoidance: 3 questions for Naomi Fisher
Almost every kid complains about school from time to time. But for some children, attending school can be a major stressor. They may feel anxious at night, have outbursts in the mornings, or show signs of distress when the school day ends.
Discipline is still biased. How to reduce racial disparities in suspension rates
Despite attempts to eliminate bias from school discipline policies, Black students continue to receive harsher punishments than White students for the same infractions. But Jason Okonofua, PhD, an assistant professor of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley, is working to change that. He developed an intervention, known as empathic discipline, that helps teachers cultivate a growth mindset and respond with empathy when students act out.
AI is changing every aspect of psychology. Here’s what to watch for
In psychology practice, artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots can make therapy more accessible and less expensive. AI tools can also improve interventions, automate administrative tasks, and aid in training new clinicians. On the research side, synthetic intelligence is offering new ways to understand human intelligence, while machine learning allows researchers to glean insights from massive quantities of data. Meanwhile, educators are exploring ways to leverage ChatGPT in the classroom.
Even “safe” air pollution levels can harm the developing brain, study finds
In one of the first longitudinal studies of its kind, researchers from the Keck School of Medicine of USC found that everyday air pollution can alter brain development patterns in adolescents. By Zara Abrams Air pollution is known to contribute to disease, which is why regulators such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) set limits on emissions.
Academic independence under fire
When Candice Hargons, PhD, created a two-day racial equity training program for the University of Kentucky (UK) community, she dreamed of rousing sessions that would make campus a more inclusive place.
The science of friendship
American culture places a high premium on romantic love. In fact, relationship woes—or the lack thereof—are among the top reasons people seek therapy. And while romance can be a meaningful part of life, the benefits of friendships should not be overlooked. Psychological research suggests that stable, healthy friendships are crucial for our well-being and longevity. People who have friends and close confidants are more satisfied with their lives and less likely to suffer from depression (Choi, K.
Air pollution particles trigger cellular defense mechanisms
The link between air pollution and lung disease has long been recognized. Now a new USC study reveals one biological process that may be behind that link—a discovery which could provide new insights on better ways to treat or prevent diseases related to pollution exposure. "We know that diseases, especially lung diseases, can result from air pollution exposure.
Tuning In - Sesame Workshop
by Zara Abrams, American Psychological Association You play a key role in creating a caring connection with your child, setting them up for healthy relationships with peers, grown-ups, and themselves! Everything you do is an opportunity to build healthy habits and emotional well-being in children, now and over a lifetime. Research has shown that attunement — noticing, recognizing, and responding to your child’s emotions and needs — helps your child feel accepted, understood, and safe.
The power of science communication: 5 questions for Heather Berlin
Neuroscientist and clinical psychologist Heather Berlin, PhD, MPH, does what many of her colleagues do: she treats patients and conducts research. But she has broadened her career to carve out time to host TV shows, guest star on podcasts, and interview celebrities.
How ICMA Is Using Psychological Science to Boost Mental Health in the Workplace
Eight in 10 local officials—and many of their employees—have faced harassment, threats, or violence on the job, according to the National League of Cities (NLC). Public health officials have come under fire for mask and vaccine mandates—80% of those surveyed in Colorado were threatened since the pandemic began.
Abortion bans cause outsized harm for people of color
More than 60% of those who seek abortions are people of color and about half live below the federal poverty line, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a reproductive health research and policy group. And many people of color, including the majority of Black Americans, live in Southern states with some of the most restrictive abortion laws. Those laws—triggered by the June 24, 2022, U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Dobbs v.
The reality of pediatric long COVID
Lucas Denault, a high school senior from Littlestown, Pennsylvania, woke up one day in January 2021 with a stuffy nose. He tested positive for Covid-19, but felt better by dinnertime. Then, 10 weeks later, everything changed. In a matter of days, Denault went from running track, lifting weights, playing basketball, serving on the student council, and socializing with friends to barely being able to leave his bed.
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