Dornsife Dialogues

Send us Fan Mail What actually happens to a man when he becomes a father — in his brain, his body and his sense of who he is?  Darby Saxbe , professor of psychology at USC Dornsife, draws on the research behind her new book, Dad Brain , to share what science reveals about the ways fatherhood changes men and how being a dad can shape workplaces and society.  Learn more about the Dornsife Dialogues...

Send us Fan Mail Life is emerging where scientists once thought it impossible — deep beneath Earth’s surface, under crushing pressure, extreme heat, and total darkness. These discoveries are redefining the limits of biology and expanding the search for life beyond Earth, from Mars to the icy moons of distant planets. USC Dornsife Dean James Bullock conducts a conversation with USC researcher Karen...

Send us Fan Mail Commemorate California’s 175th anniversary by exploring defining moments that have shaped the Golden State — from its 1850 admission to the Union to today’s tech-fueled transformation. Moderated by historians William Deverell and Elizabeth Logan of USC Dornsife’s Institute on California and the West , this conversation with guest scholars spotlights the forces that shaped signific...

Send us Fan Mail Quantum computing is set to transform how we solve some of the world's biggest problems, from accelerating medical breakthroughs to tackling climate challenges. But how does it work, and why is it so powerful? In this Dornsife Dialogues, leaders in the field explained the basics of quantum computing and discussed the incredible potential it holds for shaping our future. Moder...

Send us Fan Mail Danzy Senna , USC Dornsife professor of English and celebrated author of the novel Colored Television , joins her fellow author (and former student) Jonathan Escoffery for a lively discussion of her literary journey, central themes in her work — including mixed-race identity, artistic ambition and bohemianism — and more. Lauded by The New York Times, The Washington Post and others...

Send us Fan Mail The presidency may be determined by razor-thin margins in swing states this November. Voters from groups traditionally less likely to turn out – such as non-college-educated individuals, low-income Americans and voters of color – could play a pivotal role in the outcome. Our panel explores the key issues driving engagement among these underrepresented voters, the challenges they m...

Send us Fan Mail A healthy brain is crucial for a long, enjoyable life, and growing evidence suggests that the gut plays a significant role in cognitive function. Beyond that, your gut microbiome influences diverse aspects of health, including mood, nutrition, and numerous chronic diseases. Listen to this discussion with USC Dornsife researchers to learn about how our diet, gut, and microbiome int...

Send us Fan Mail As climate change intensifies across the planet, attention is turning toward technologies that offer novel ways to decarbonize our economy and our atmosphere. These include options for capturing, storing, and reusing carbon, and geoengineering techniques that directly manipulate the Earth's climate and environment. These methods may provide a critical boost to our attempts to...

Send us Fan Mail Marking the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) 75th anniversary, USC Dornsife scholars examine the transatlantic alliance’s evolution from a Cold War bulwark to its current role. Is it time to strengthen, transform, or even retire it? Our political science and global security scholars convened for a critical dialogue on NATO's relevance and future as the next U....

Send us Fan Mail Join us for a compelling discussion on the enduringly popular playwright, William Shakespeare. Four centuries after his final curtain call, his influence still resonates deeply in our culture, our language, and our understanding of human nature. We'll explore the man behind the myth, the truths and misconceptions that have shaped his portrayal in popular culture, how race inf...

Send us Fan Mail In this age of constant connectivity, social media has become more than just a means of expressing ourselves and connecting with others. The powerful algorithms that underpin these platforms are shaping how we communicate with others, what information we take in, and our perceptions of events (and ourselves). Its pervasive presence has brought a maze of challenges that have impact...

Send us Fan Mail In a groundbreaking shift, more voters now identify as independent than with any specific political party. This evolution is predominantly driven by millennials and Gen Z voters, who often prioritize issues over party allegiance. Many people also feel a growing disconnect or disillusionment with the traditional parties. Join us for an enlightening discussion regarding the profound...

Send us Fan Mail Dive deep into the shadows of cinema with us as we explore the captivating world of horror films. Originating from the haunting tales of the late 1800s, the horror genre has not only stood the test of time but has flourished, spawning billion-dollar franchises and passionate fan conventions. But beyond the spine-tingling suspense and heart-pounding scares, what deeper truths do th...

Send us Fan Mail We hear a lot about how automation will reshape human life in the age of artificial intelligence. From revolutionary new techniques in health care to job losses in creative industries, our world may look radically different in the near future. Alongside these great transformations comes a great amount of anxiety about our place in this world. We usually pay the most attention to t...

Send us Fan Mail Peter Kuhn, a founding member of the USC Michelson Center for Convergent Biosciences, discusses breakthrough technology in the fight against cancer in the latest Dornsife Dialogues. Kuhn serves on President Biden's "cancer moonshot" initiative which is working to reduce the national death rate from cancer by 50%.   In this discussion with distinguished cancer resear...

Send us Fan Mail As Earth's temperature rises due to the effects of climate change, cooling the air in our lived environments is increasingly crucial. It’s not just about comfort, it’s about health, productivity, and survival. Dependence on conventional air conditioning systems presents a paradox – while it offers immediate heat relief for those who have it, it contributes to global warming t...

Send us Fan Mail Considering AI tools can now effectively mimic human communication, robots can ace the Turing test, and lobsters and crabs have been classified by some nations as sentient, the topic of consciousness has never been more timely or interesting. Join this fascinating discussion on the latest developments and research regarding consciousness, including philosophical and scientific app...

Send us Fan Mail For nearly 200 years, stand-up comedians haven’t just been reflecting society, they’ve been influencing it through pointed social commentary. Join us for a discussion about the evolution of the art form, some of the most influential comedians, the growing challenge of censorship, and much more. Featuring: Lanita Jacobs , associate professor of American studies and ethnicity and an...

Send us Fan Mail For many, the start of a new year signals a renewed interest in healthier eating. But what does that mean today? The research regarding what — and when — we should eat has evolved quite a bit. Learn from our experts about how people of all ages can improve their health through better eating. Including tips on what foods to eat — and when — for a longer life. Featuring: Valter Long...

Send us Fan Mail The COVID-19 pandemic made us all much more concerned about eradicating germs. Hand sanitizer is now a household staple and HEPA air filters have become the norm in offices and other indoor spaces. But many microscopic organisms we call “germs,” particularly bacteria, are actually beneficial. Join Susan L. Forsburg , Distinguished Professor of Biological Sciences at USC Dornsife a...

Send us Fan Mail Nuclear energy is hot again. After decades of activism to close nuclear reactors and shift to other forms of energy, a growing number of political leaders and environmentalists support a renewed investment in nuclear power. Concerns around energy security and the growing need for decarbonization are also giving many nuclear plants life extensions. Why have opinions shifted, are th...

Send us Fan Mail At times revered and at other times persecuted, witches and the phenomenon of witchcraft span global cultures and centuries of history, remaining popular even today. But what exactly is a witch and what do they practice? Were those famously persecuted for witchcraft throughout Europe and colonial America really witches? And, what’s up with those pointy hats?   USC Dornsife scholar...

Send us Fan Mail To become the major metropolis it is today, Los Angeles periodically engaged in less than reputable means to secure the water it desperately needed -- particularly for a city built on a semi-arid coastal plain, surrounded by desert on three sides and an ocean on the fourth. From the freshwater battle to obtain drinking water and irrigation to the saltwater battle regarding the Por...

Send us Fan Mail Though it’s been 66 million years since dinosaurs have walked the Earth, they’ve never been more popular. What do film and TV shows get right about dinosaurs and what’s often wrong about the way they’re depicted? Could there ever actually be a Jurassic Park? Was it really a meteor that caused the extinction of dinosaurs? What did dinosaurs actually sound like? Enjoy this fascinati...

Send us Fan Mail If the trend of remote work persists, how is it likely to affect workers’ quality of life, the profitability of firms, and the economic geography of cities and suburbs? Urban economist Matthew Kahn argues that remote work presents especially valuable opportunities for flexibility and equity in the lives of women, minorities, and young people, and even for those whose jobs do not a...