Science (Audio): Recent Episodes
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Authentic autism representation begins with listening to autistic people and including them in stories about their lives. Seth Bakke, producer, writer and director of The Rescue, explains how his autistic cousin Aaron and a poem by autistic typer Peter Tran inspired the film. Bakke describes working with Aaron on screen, consulting the Tran family and adapting the set to support his needs. Autistic typers Otto Lana and Peter Tran, joined by Steven Tran, a postdoctoral researcher at UC San Diego, discuss where the film reflects their experiences, where it simplifies communication through typing and why creative freedom must remain grounded in lived experience. They address presuming competence, the difference between hearing and listening, and the need for autistic actors and advisers. Their participation challenges stereotypes and helps audiences see they should be full participants in their own stories. Series: "Autism Tree Project Annual Neuroscience Conference" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Arts and Music] [Show ID: 41175]
Scientific progress depends on curiosity, investment and the freedom to take risks. Nobel Laureate and UC San Diego alumnus Fred Ramsdell traces his path from community college to biotechnology and a discovery that reshaped understanding of immune regulation. He explains how decades of publicly funded research made that breakthrough possible and why failed experiments are essential steps toward discovery. Ramsdell discusses threats to federal research funding, the private sector’s limited tolerance for risk and the need for scientists to communicate clearly. Rebuilding trust, he argues, starts with listening, finding shared values and explaining how basic research leads to new treatments, economic value and national security. Sustained support for science matters because no one can predict where the next major breakthrough will begin. Series: "Deep Look Public Speaker Series" [Science] [Show ID: 41113]
With the success of Artemis II, NASA is preparing for humanity’s return to the Moon through the ambitious Artemis Project. In this lecture, Professor Neil Farber explores the future Artemis missions, the spacecraft and technologies designed to support them, and the challenges NASA faces in sending astronauts back to the lunar surface. Building on the legacy of the Apollo program, Artemis represents a new era of exploration focused not only on reaching the Moon, but on establishing a sustainable long-term presence and preparing for future missions to Mars. Professor Farber examines why returning to the Moon today presents more difficulties than during the Apollo era, including modern engineering demands, funding realities, mission complexity, astronaut safety, and the logistical challenges of deep space travel. The lecture also highlights how NASA’s goals have evolved since Apollo and why the Moon remains central to the future of human space exploration. Series: "Osher UC San Diego Distinguished Lecture Series" [Science] [Show ID: 41597]
Human brain organoids help researchers study neurodevelopmental disorders that are difficult to examine directly in developing brain tissue. Giorgia Quadrato, USC, uses cortical organoids derived from human pluripotent stem cells to examine SYNGAP1, an autism risk gene associated in the transcript with intellectual disability, epilepsy, and global developmental delay. Quadrato describes how SYNGAP1 appears in progenitor cells as well as neurons, and how SYNGAP1 haploinsufficiency is linked to disrupted radial glia organization, altered cell division, and faster maturation of cortical projection neurons. She also discusses newer work focused on enteric neurons, gastrointestinal symptoms, and gut motility. By connecting brain development, autism genetics, and the enteric nervous system, this research points to models that may help test therapies and better understand symptoms that affect families. Series: "Autism Tree Project Annual Neuroscience Conference" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 41174]
As chatbots trained on Large Language Models become more sophisticated, their responses can sometimes seem uncanny, as if they come from a source that is mysterious, inexplicable, or even divine. Webb Keane, Professor of Anthropology at the University of Michigan, examines what happens when people treat artificial intelligence as a kind of “metahuman.” He explains how this reflects a broader human tendency to project authority onto technologies we do not fully understand. Keane explores how that sense of authority emerges through social interaction, and how the unequal ways humans and metahumans address one another can make AI’s power feel intuitively real. Series: "Ethics, Religion and Public Life: Walter H. Capps Center Series" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 41542]
Hard optimization problems often look impossible through worst-case analysis, but real-world problems can contain structure that helps algorithms work faster. Ellen Vitercik, Ph.D., of Stanford University explains how machine learning can improve algorithm design for NP-hard optimization problems while preserving the formal guarantees that make solvers useful. She discusses beyond worst-case analysis, problem-specific heuristics, and the gap between tools that perform well in practice and methods that prove optimality. Vitercik also describes research on LLM reasoning using data structure tasks, where answers can be checked programmatically and failures reveal when models rely on pattern matching rather than true generalization. Her work helps clarify how AI may support stronger algorithms, more useful benchmarks, and more reliable reasoning systems. Series: "Data Science Channel" [Science] [Show ID: 41179]
Heart regeneration faces two connected challenges: replacing lost muscle and keeping transplanted cells safe and accepted by the body. Charles Murry, M.D., Ph.D., of USC explains why the adult heart heals major cardiomyocyte loss with scar tissue rather than new muscle, leading to progressive heart failure. Murry describes how stem cell derived cardiomyocytes can be manufactured at scale, transplanted into injured hearts, and tested for function in animal models. He also examines major barriers, including graft related arrhythmias, calcium handling stress, immune rejection, and the need for practical immunosuppression or immune edited cells. By connecting cell manufacturing, electrophysiology, immunology, and clinical trial planning, this research shows why heart regeneration is difficult and why careful translation matters for patients with severe heart injury. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 40853]
Hematopoietic stem cells make blood across the lifespan, but they do not all behave the same way. Stephanie Xie, Ph.D., Scientist at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, examines how these rare cells self-renew, differentiate, and respond to inflammatory stress, asking whether differences in the stem cell pool help explain why aging affects people so differently. Xie identifies two hematopoietic stem cell subsets, including one that retains inflammatory memory after stress recovery, and connects this state to aging, clonal hematopoiesis, sickle cell disease, post-COVID recovery, and mortality risk markers in blood. Her research also raises questions about whether targeting the inflammatory environment, including through GLP-1 receptor agonists or metformin, could help mitigate clonal hematopoiesis. Understanding these patterns could clarify how inflammation shapes blood production, cancer risk, and immune health over time. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 41406]
Rare disease research is creating new paths for diagnosis, treatment, and broader medical discovery. Gene therapy can repair or replace faulty genes, and work on cystinosis has led to a stem cell platform now being applied to Danon disease, Sanfilippo syndrome C, Friedreich’s ataxia, and Alzheimer’s research. Funding programs support gene therapy, clinical trials, and new platform approaches for rare diseases. CAR-T cell research is also advancing treatment possibilities for pediatric brain tumors, including early results in children with DIPG and diffuse midline glioma. A patient advocate shares her daughter’s diagnostic odyssey and treatment for TUBB4A leukodystrophy. Together, these stories show why rare disease research matters beyond rarity. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 41402]
Health data affects artificial intelligence in important ways. Camille Nebeker, Ed.D., M.S., UC San Diego, explains why ethically sourced data is foundational to building trustworthy, AI-ready health data repositories. Nebeker examines how ethical sourcing applies across the full data lifecycle, including consent, governance, transparency, data quality, privacy, stewardship, and community engagement. She also shows how ideas from supply chain management and value sensitive design help teams identify ethical tensions and improve decision-making. This work helps explain why ethics cannot be added at the end of AI development and points toward more accountable data practices that support public trust and stronger downstream performance. Series: "Exploring Ethics" [Science] [Show ID: 41368]
Pre-cancer and cancer can begin when stressed blood-forming stem cells lose their normal controls. Catriona Jamieson, M.D., Ph.D., UC San Diego, explains how inflammation-linked editing enzymes, repetitive elements in the genome, and stem cell stress shape the progression from myeloproliferative neoplasms to acute myeloid leukemia. Jamieson examines how spaceflight accelerates stem cell aging, how some astronauts mobilize a resilient regenerative stem cell population, and how tumor organoids in space help reveal drug responses by activating the enzyme ADAR1. This work helps explain how cancer starts, why it can return, and how space-based research may speed the development of therapies that stop malignant stem cells before disease advances. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 41473]
Space healthcare depends on connected health data that can follow people wherever care happens. Peter DeVault, Epic, explains how electronic health record tools built for hospitals, labs, and patients can also support healthcare in space. DeVault describes patient-facing tools like MyChart, interoperability across health systems, structured genomics and pharmacogenomics in the patient record, and Cosmos, Epic’s patient data aggregation platform with about 300 million longitudinal records. He also examines AI capabilities that can generate possible future health scenarios and expand to telemetry and molecular data collected before, during, and after a mission. This work helps explain how records, data sharing, and predictive tools could support astronaut health and resilience and why those capabilities may be necessary for the future of space medicine. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 41481]
Brain aging and disease research can gain new insights from space. Aline M.A. Martins, Ph.D., UC San Diego, explains how neuroscience studies in space use brain organoids, proteomics, and single-cell analysis to understand cognition decline, space-induced neurosenescence, and disease-related changes. Martins examines molecular markers of senescence, mitochondrial impairment, and neuroinflammation in organoid models, including Rett syndrome, while also comparing how space affects organoids of different ages. She shows that space can accelerate aging-related changes and affect cell types differently, helping clarify how space biology may speed drug discovery and reveal biomarkers for disease. This work helps explain how space research can inform treatments on Earth and points toward faster preclinical testing and broader understanding of brain disease. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 41478]
Environmentalist and author Bill McKibben has helped shape how the world understands climate change. In this conversation with Marco Werman, host of The World, McKibben offers a clear-eyed look at the climate crisis and the solutions that could help reduce the damage of a warming planet.As part of the Burke Lectureship at UC San Diego, McKibben also explores the moral and spiritual questions at the heart of climate change. More than three decades after The End of Nature brought climate change to a broad audience, his work continues to connect science, ethics, and grassroots action, including the global climate campaign 350.org and the fossil fuel divestment movement. Series: "Burke Lectureship on Religion and Society" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 41265]
How does global warming connect to the extreme weather people experience close to home? Drawing on the work of the Weather Extremes and Climate Impacts Analytics group, Sasha Gershunov of Scripps Institution of Oceanography outlines the accelerating warming trend, the role of fossil fuels and carbon dioxide, and the greenhouse effect, and how it relates to extreme weather. He also traces key milestones in climate science, including the long-term carbon dioxide measurements begun by Charles David Keeling. The discussion then turns to how climate change may affect heat waves, floods, droughts, storms, wildfires, and sea level rise. Series: "Osher UC San Diego Distinguished Lecture Series" [Science] [Show ID: 41412]
Microgravity can change biological systems in ways that may open new paths for biomedical research and commercialization in space. Twyman Clements, Space Tango, explains how “middleware” helps connect research use cases with space infrastructure by adapting terrestrial processes and supply chains for a spaceflight environment. Clements examines how long-duration microgravity creates different physical conditions, how Space Tango packages experiments into flight-ready lab systems, and how commercial space stations and reentry systems could help increase scale, throughput, and production value. He also points to more robotic systems that could support on-orbit sampling, imaging, and experiment assembly. This work helps explain how space-based biomedical research could move beyond small experimental missions and toward more practical, scalable platforms for discovery and development Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Science] [Show ID: 41480]
Stem cell health in space matters for astronaut health and cancer research. Jessica Pham, UC San Diego, explains how spaceflight shapes normal hematopoietic stem cells and cancer stem cells through nano bioreactor studies, astronaut blood analysis, and tumor organoid work in low-Earth orbit. Pham examines increased cycling and reduced dormancy in space, reduced self-renewal after return, and ongoing research on cancer stem cells and their microenvironment, helping clarify how stem cells respond to spaceflight. This work helps explain how space conditions may change stem cell fitness over time and points toward a better understanding of astronaut health, long-duration missions, and cancer stem cell behavior. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 41477]
Privacy-preserving computation can help hospitals and researchers use sensitive health data without exposing it. Farinaz Koushanfar, Ph.D., UC San Diego, explains how secure computation and distributed learning make it possible to collaborate on medical data while protecting patient privacy. Koushanfar examines secure multi-party computation, zero-knowledge proofs, and federated and split learning, helping clarify how health systems can work together despite data silos, incompatibility, security threats, and re-identification risk. This work helps explain how medical AI can learn from private data more safely and points toward more secure, robust, and trustworthy healthcare systems. Series: "Exploring Ethics" [Health and Medicine] [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 41367]
Computer-based assessment can change how students practice, test, and learn. Craig Zilles, Ph.D., University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, explains how PrairieLearn supports mastery-oriented teaching through immediate feedback, auto-grading, randomized question generators, and repeat practice. Zilles examines asynchronous exams, frequent small tests, retake opportunities, and question banks designed around specific learning objectives, helping clarify how assessment systems can reduce administrative overhead while giving students more chances to demonstrate learning. He also discusses fairness in randomized exams, the balance between auto-grading and manual grading, and the emerging role of AI in formative feedback. This work helps explain how digital testing tools can support flexible assessment without forcing instructors to simplify what they teach. Series: "Computer Science Channel" [Science] [Education] [Show ID: 41409]
Architect Drew Hubbell explores the intersection of sustainable design and architectural artistry, highlighting how thoughtful, aesthetically rich structures can also embody strong environmental principles. He presents several recent projects, with particular attention to their fire-resistant strategies and materials. Against the backdrop of increasingly destructive wildfires across California, Hubbell addresses the urgent need for resilient design. He discusses practical approaches and innovative ideas for architects, designers, and homeowners seeking to build, or rebuild, with fire in mind. Drawing on his professional experience, he offers clear insights to help audiences make informed, forward-thinking decisions about creating homes that are both beautiful and better equipped to withstand fire. Series: "Osher UC San Diego Distinguished Lecture Series" [Science] [Show ID: 41530]
Artificial intelligence affects how we understand the behavior of machine learning systems. Stefano Soatto, VP of Applied Science, Amazon Web Services, explains how ideas from information geometry shape emerging theories of how these artifacts work. Soatto examines the natural gradient, the connections between geometry and concepts such as probability distributions, entropy, mutual information, and KL divergence, and the challenge of defining information in trained models, helping clarify how reasoning and learning can be understood in the era of AI. Series: "Kyoto Prize Symposium" [Science] [Show ID: 41494]
Youth mental health is increasingly shaped by how teens use AI for emotional support outside clinical care. Cinnamon Bloss, Ph.D., UC San Diego, explains how growing use of conversational AI reflects major gaps in care and changing preferences for support. Bloss examines the appeal of AI’s accessibility and nonjudgmental responses, concerns about replacing human connection, and the need to monitor harms, helping clarify how AI fits into a fast-changing mental health landscape. She also points to the importance of listening to young people, improving AI credibility and transparency, expanding safety and privacy discussions in schools, and preparing clinicians and online safety workers for this new reality. This work helps explain why teens are turning to AI and points toward a more thoughtful balance between safety and access to mental health support. Series: "Exploring Ethics" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 41366]
Brain aging and neurological disease are hard to study because living human brain tissue is difficult to access. Alysson Muotri, Ph.D., UC San Diego, explains how brain organoids sent to space can model accelerated aging, reveal changes in neural networks, and help test potential treatments for brain disorders. Muotri examines space-induced senescence, fragmented network activity linked to dementia and Alzheimer’s patterns, and Rett syndrome findings showing inflammation tied to endogenous retroviruses and response to antiretroviral drugs in preclinical models. He also explores using brain organoids in space to screen neuroprotective compounds, including candidates identified from Amazon plants. This work helps explain how space biology can speed research on autism, Rett syndrome, Alzheimer’s disease, and other neurological conditions, and points toward new ways to test therapies on Earth. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 41475]
Shun-ichi Amari received the Kyoto Prize in Advanced Technology, specifically in the field of Information Technology, for his work on neural network dynamics and learning theory. His studies also elucidate our understanding of brain activity in perceptual systems such as vision. Amari established a new academic field that he named “information geometry,” which considers statistical models and probability distribution, laying the foundation for the development of practical algorithms. His research plays an essential role in the evolution of artificial intelligence. Series: "Kyoto Prize Symposium" [Science] [Show ID: 41116]
Humans live in a world of ideas—born in the brain, shared through language, accumulated in culture across generations, and made reality. From the first flaked stone tools to the building of shelters, from figurative and symbolic art to abstract thought, our brains are engines of imagination—an “idea organ” that has transformed both our species and the planet itself. The distinct biology of the human brain, scaffolded by language and culture, allows ideas to be formed, named, shared, and accumulated across generations. This process of cumulative culture, knowledge built upon knowledge, has propelled humans far beyond the cognitive landscapes of other large-brained animals, including our closest living and extinct relatives. This symposium explores how the human brain develops, functions, and maintains its role as the seat of ideas. We trace its story from molecules, cells, neuronal migration and circuitry, to the maternal, parental, and social influences that shape its growth, including the countless ways that brain function can be compromised at any stage of life. We examine how the uniquely human interplay of biology and culture gave rise to a brain capable of perceiving and remaking the world around us. By examining the evolutionary roots of our “idea organ,” we aim to illuminate how this singular capacity emerged—and how it continues to drive human innovation. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Science] [Show ID: 41359]
Bias in health AI can shape who gets care, how fairly risk is measured, and whether automation helps or harms patients. Karandeep Singh, M.D., M.M.S.C. explains that predictive AI can reflect historical, representation, measurement, learning, evaluation, and deployment bias, especially when models are trained on limited populations or use flawed proxies for illness and access to care. Singh also describes generative AI as a system trained first to predict text and then to follow instructions, with bias entering through training data, instruction tuning, prompts, and outside information sources. Alongside these risks, he highlights practical uses such as AI-assisted sepsis quality review and patient outreach workflows, while emphasizing governance, human oversight, disclosure, and careful measurement of whether these tools actually improve care. Series: "Exploring Ethics" [Health and Medicine] [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 41365]
The extraordinary abilities of the cerebral cortex are central to what sets humans apart from other species. A defining feature of the cortex is its organization along a sensorimotor-to-association (S–A) axis, extending from primary sensorimotor areas to transmodal association regions that support abstract cognition. This axis varies across species and has been profoundly remodeled in humans. Nenad Sestan, professor of neuroscience at Yale, discusses his recent work on the molecular and cellular mechanisms that govern the development and evolution of the cortical S–A axis, with particular emphasis on the prefrontal cortex and its broader distributed transmodal association networks as well as their evolutionary expansion, functional roles, and vulnerability in neurological and psychiatric disorders. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Science] [Show ID: 41361]
Human brain expansion is often discussed in terms of the genetic and molecular innovations that drove uniquely human cognitive abilities. Yet evolution is fundamentally a process of tradeoffs. Disproportionate expansion of forebrain structures increases the demands placed on long-range connectivity, metabolism, and cellular maintenance, imposing costs that scale with brain size. Alex Pollen, associate professor of neurology at UC San Francisco, discusses using stem-cell-derived brain organoids to investigate the development of human-specific connectivity differences in dopaminergic neurons and to test whether these cells deploy compensatory mechanisms to cope with the metabolic and structural demands of large brains. His research findings support a model in which human brain evolution involves not only mechanisms driving greater computational capacity, but also the emergence of cellular adaptations that mitigate the costs of large, highly connected brains. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Science] [Show ID: 41357]
AI in healthcare raises urgent questions about bias, privacy, and power. Safiya U. Noble, Ph.D., examines how AI systems can reproduce social and racial inequities when they rely on incomplete data, hidden assumptions, and proxies such as healthcare spending. Noble points to problems in search engines, image generation, facial recognition, and medical algorithms, including cases where systems mislabel darker skin, fail more often on Black women, or favor white patients over sicker Black patients. She also highlights the risks of turning sensitive public and patient data over to large technology companies. Rather than treating AI as a neutral solution, Noble emphasizes the need for human judgment, community participation, stronger data protections, and smaller expert models with local control so healthcare decisions better reflect people’s real lives and social context. Series: "Exploring Ethics" [Health and Medicine] [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 41364]
Dr. Bruce Miller, director of the UCSF Edward and Pearl Fein Memory and Aging Center, examines what neurodegenerative disease reveals about the neural basis of creativity and the social mind. Research in frontotemporal dementia (FTD) shows that visual creativity is not rare: a subset of patients—particularly those with left anterior temporal degeneration—develop new or intensified artistic abilities early in the disease course. These findings suggest that damage to language-dominant left hemisphere regions may release posterior visual networks from inhibition, leading to enhanced visual–spatial expression. Miller situates these observations within human evolution, proposing that art emerges with Homo sapiens, possibly linked to changes in the parietal lobe and the development of the social brain. In contrast, behavioral variant FTD erodes empathy and altruism through right frontal degeneration. Together, these patterns suggest brain asymmetry is central to our creative and social capacities. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Science] [Show ID: 41356]
Azim Surani, Director of Research at the Gurdon Institute and Professor Emeritus at University of Cambridge, received the Kyoto Prize in Basic Sciences, specifically in the field of Life Sciences and Medicine, for his work in demonstrating how male and female mammalian genomes receive distinct imprints during germ cell development. Genomic imprinting introduced a novel concept to Mendelian genetics and is a now fundamental principle in the life sciences. Surani's research has contributed to developmental biology and epigenetics, along with a wide range of life science fields including physiology, regenerative medicine, reproductive medicine, and plant science. Series: "Kyoto Prize Symposium" [Science] [Show ID: 41117]
From stone tools and shelters to symbolic art and abstract thought, human history is shaped by a brain built to form and share ideas. Joseph Paradiso, Professor in Media Arts and Sciences at the MIT Media Lab, explores what comes next after the early visions of ubiquitous computing have largely arrived in today’s Internet of Things world, where low-power sensors and interfaces are embedded in smart devices across our environments and connect seamlessly to widespread networking infrastructure. He asks how this information connects to people, and how perception, cognition, and identity might expand beyond our corporeal confines. Drawing on recent projects from his Responsive Environments research group, he examines sensing at multiple scales in the physical world, including wearables, smart buildings, connected landscapes, and space missions, and the different ways sensed or inferred information can connect to people. Examples include smart buildings as “prosthetic” extensions of their inhabitants, manifesting sensed or inferred phenomena in virtual analog environments, and interfaces modulated by user attention and focus or augmented by real-time AI. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Science] [Show ID: 41327]
Cognitive resilience depends on how the brain responds to environment, aging, and inflammation. J. Tiago Gonçalves, Ph.D., studies the hippocampus to examine how spatial memory is shaped by factors such as cognitive enrichment, exercise, social interaction, disease, and age. Gonçalves explains how adult neurogenesis and microglia help support the brain’s ability to encode information, and how disruptions in these systems can affect memory. He also shows that aging and systemic inflammation can weaken spatial encoding while still revealing signs of adaptation and recovery over time. By connecting brain plasticity, immune activity, and memory formation, Gonçalves presents a broader view of how cognition changes across the lifespan and how these mechanisms may inform future strategies for addressing cognitive decline Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 40848]
Trustworthy machine learning requires models that still work when real-world data changes, and Adam Klivans, Ph.D., Director of the Institute for Foundations of Machine Learning (IFML), emphasizes learning under “distribution shift” as a major barrier to relying on models to predict disease across different patient populations. IFML focuses on foundational algorithms and mathematical techniques that push generative AI forward, including better methods for training and inference in deep learning and advances in diffusion approaches. Klivans highlights robustness and safety as core priorities, asking how to trust a model trained in one setting when it is applied in another. IFML connects these foundations to use-inspired domains such as imaging, protein engineering and biologics, and AI for mathematical discovery. Series: "Data Science Channel" [Science] [Show ID: 40972]
A fundamental question in biology is: how did humans acquire their unique characteristics? What allows us to stand upright, while our primate ancestors walked on all fours? What brain alterations drove our increased intelligence and allowed us to perceive our own mortality? One of the mechanisms that has been hypothesized to be involved is changes in gene expression elicited by nucleotide alterations in non-coding regions of the human genome. Miles Wilkinson, a professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences at UC, San Diego, discusses a class of DNA sequences hypothesized to have this role. These human accelerated regions (HARs) are segments of DNA that exhibit 3 characteristics that—together—make them prime candidates for specifying human-specific traits by altering patterns of gene expression. First, HARs have rapidly changed in sequence specifically in the human lineage. Second, HARs are highly conserved in sequence, indicating they that must have been selected for the ability to confer one or more function in higher organisms. Third, the vast majority of HARs are in the non-coding portion of animal genomes, indicating that most are likely to have a regulatory function. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Science] [Show ID: 41300]
Humans excel at transmitting ideas, skills, and knowledge across generations, and at building on those competencies in a cumulative manner. James Rilling, Professor of Psychology at Emory University, explores how the transmission of our cumulative culture is assumed to depend on both language and mental perspective-taking, or theory of mind. If humans have specialized abilities in these domains, we must have neurobiological specializations to support them. Our research has used comparative primate neuroimaging to attempt to identify such specializations. The arcuate fasciculus is a white matter fiber tract that links Wernicke’s and Broca’s language areas. It is known to be involved in multiple, high level linguistic functions such as lexical semantics, complex syntax, and speech fluency. Using diffusion weighted imaging and tractography, we have demonstrated human specializations in the size and trajectory of the arcuate fasciculus that may partially explain human linguistic abilities. Theory of Mind depends on a set of cortical regions that belong to a neural network known as the default mode network that is functionally connected, highly active at rest, and deactivated by attention-demanding cognitive tasks. We and others have used functional neuroimaging to show that chimpanzees and other primates appear to have a default mode network that is similar to that of humans. However, the non-human primate default mode network seems to have weaker connectivity between certain key nodes, suggesting that these connections could play a role in human theory of mind specializations. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Science] [Show ID: 41329]
The distinct biology of the human brain, scaffolded by language and culture, allows ideas to be formed, named, shared, and accumulated across generations. Dean Falk, Professor of Anthropology, Florida State University, explains how paleoneurologists study the brains of human ancestors by producing endocasts from fossilized skulls and measuring cranial capacities. Dated skulls indicate brain size more than tripled in hominins during the Stone Age that began around 3.5 million years ago, while endocasts can also preserve traces of blood vessels and convolutions, even though sulci are often fragmentary and difficult to interpret. Falk describes how sulcal patterns differ most noticeably between great apes and humans in the lateral prefrontal cortex and in the parieto-occipital association cortices, and she addresses long-running debate about whether the lunate sulcus in evolving hominins marked the anterior border of primary visual cortex as it does in living monkeys and apes. Because few fossils exist from the earlier “Botanic Age,” she outlines how comparative primatology and evolutionary developmental biology can extend the study of brain evolution by considering brain development and locomotion, including bipedalism. She applies this extended paleoneurological synthesis with special attention to auditory entrainment and complex grammatical language. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Science] [Show ID: 41328]
Our brains are engines of imagination—an “idea organ” that has transformed both our species and the planet. Genevieve Konopka, Chair of the Department of Neurobiology in the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, asks how genes drive the development of the cell types that build the human brain and give rise to cognition, and how cognitive behavior emerges from evolutionarily adapted genomic programs. Because the human brain is comprised of heterogenous cell types, she examines gene expression patterns and chromatin states within specific cell types to gain insights into brain evolution and the development of cognitive disorders. Using single cell genomics to compare human and nonhuman primate brains, her work uncovers human brain innovations, including changes in the proportions of immature oligodendrocytes in the neocortex. She recapitulates this result in vitro using stem cell derived models from humans and nonhuman primates, highlighting the intersection of cellular genomics with brain evolution and function. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Science] [Show ID: 41298]
Humans live in a world of ideas—born in the brain, shared through language, accumulated in culture across generations, and made reality. From the first flaked stone tools to the building of shelters, from figurative and symbolic art to abstract thought, our brains are engines of imagination—an “idea organ” that has transformed both our species and the planet itself. The distinct biology of the human brain, scaffolded by language and culture, allows ideas to be formed, named, shared, and accumulated across generations. This process of cumulative culture, knowledge built upon knowledge, has propelled humans far beyond the cognitive landscapes of other large-brained animals, including our closest living and extinct relatives. This symposium explores how the human brain develops, functions, and maintains its role as the seat of ideas. We trace its story from molecules, cells, neuronal migration and circuitry, to the maternal, parental, and social influences that shape its growth, including the countless ways that brain function can be compromised at any stage of life. We examine how the uniquely human interplay of biology and culture gave rise to a brain capable of perceiving and remaking the world around us. By examining the evolutionary roots of our “idea organ,” we aim to illuminate how this singular capacity emerged—and how it continues to drive human innovation. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Science] [Show ID: 41358]
Humans live in a world of ideas—born in the brain, shared through language, accumulated in culture across generations, and made reality. Professor Alysson Muotri, UC San Diego Departments of Pediatrics and Cellular and Molecular Medicine, examines how human brain evolution reflects the interplay between genetic innovation and environmental pressures, focusing on Neuro-oncological ventral antigen 1 (NOVA1), an evolutionarily conserved splicing regulator essential for neural development with a protein-coding substitution unique to modern humans compared with Neanderthals and Denisovans. By reintroducing the archaic NOVA1 allele into human induced pluripotent stem cells and studying cortical organoids, the work finds accelerated maturation, increased surface complexity, altered synaptic marker expression, and changes in electrophysiological properties. Muotri also analyzes long-term lead exposure using fossilized teeth from multiple hominid species spanning over two million years, revealing pervasive exposure across extinct and extant hominids. Lead exposure selectively disrupted FOXP2 expression in cortical and thalamic organoids carrying the archaic NOVA1 variant, and findings were independently validated in NOVA1 humanized mouse models with altered vocalization. Together, these results suggest gene–environment interactions may have influenced neural circuit development, social behavior, and complex language capacity. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Science] [Show ID: 41297]
If you love seafood, you’re not alone — but every bite comes from a complex and fragile marine ecosystem. To keep our ocean ecosystems thriving and our seafood resources abundant, we need a deeper scientific understanding of how they function. Colleen Petrik, a professor of oceanography at UC San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography, talks about her work studying the changing ecosystem of the ocean from fishing to coastal development. Series: "Jeffrey B. Graham Perspectives on Ocean Science Lecture Series" [Science] [Show ID: 41301]
A common model of AI suggests that there is a single measure of intelligence, often called AGI, and that AI systems are agents who can possess more or less of this intelligence. Cognitive science, in contrast, suggests that there are multiple forms of intelligence and that these intelligences trade-off against each other and have a distinctive developmental profile and evolutionary history. Exploitation, the pursuit of goals, resources and utilities, is characteristic of adult cognition. Alison Gopnik, professor of psychology and affiliate professor of philosophy at the UC Berkeley, and a member of the Berkeley AI Research Group, argues that two very different kinds of cognition characterize childhood and elderhood. Childhood is characterized by exploration. In particular, children seek out information about the world. However, forgoing reward for exploration requires support, care and teaching from others. Care and teaching are particularly characteristic of elders and the intelligence of care has a distinctive structure – it involves empowering others – giving them the resources they need to be effective. The combination of these different kinds of intelligence across the course of a life explains human success. Series: "UC Berkeley Graduate Lectures" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 41068]
The extractive linear economy and policies focused on endless growth have produced unparalleled socioeconomic inequality and the climate crisis. Communities around the world are calling for new economic models that are regenerative towards people, place, and ecosystems. Ancestral ʻŌiwi (indigenous Hawaiian) economic systems were built around people's relationships and understandings of wai (water). Kamanamaikalani Beamer, Director of the Kamakakūokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies at the University of Hawaiʻi, explores the lessons that can be drawn from the Hawaiian Ancestral Circular Economy and the resurrection of peoples' ancestral relationships to love and protect water. Series: "Ethics, Religion and Public Life: Walter H. Capps Center Series" [Public Affairs] [Science] [Show ID: 41295]
Dramatic advances in ancient DNA technologies have revolutionized our understanding of the human past. As part of the CARTA symposium on Ancient DNA, the panelists answer questions about the diverse applications of archaeogenomics in shaping not only a new vision of the human past, but also in creating a greater understanding of the present and our shared human future. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Science] [Show ID: 41202]
Genetic data is transforming the understanding of our own species and refining historical chapters at different scales around the globe. However, despite the globalization of biotechnologies to analyze the human genome, indigenous populations from the Americas and Oceania remain underrepresented in large-scale genomic studies. Andrés Moreno-Estrada, Cinvestav, discusses recent efforts to characterize the genetic profile of Indigenous Americans throughout the analysis of ancient and modern DNA, as well as their relationship within and beyond the continent, including the possibility of prehistoric contacts with Pacific Islanders. This topic poses challenges and opportunities to adequately study human diversity not only for the benefit of genetic research and science, but also for the benefit of the local communities, which are bearers of a unique evolutionary history that has been recorded in their DNA. This rapidly evolving field also raises questions about the best practices when studying the DNA of underrepresented ancestries while conducting cutting-edge science in a more equitable way. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Science] [Show ID: 41201]
Large-scale optimization and machine learning shape modern data science, and Courtney Paquette, Ph.D., McGill University, studies how to design and analyze algorithms for large-scale optimization problems motivated by applications and data science. Paquette draws on probability, complexity theory, and convex and non-smooth optimization, and examines scaling limits of stochastic algorithms. Speaking with Saura Naderi, UC San Diego, Paquette describes an unconventional path from finance to pure mathematics and explains how persistence and comfort with uncertainty support long-term research. She highlights the challenge of building missing foundations while advancing through graduate training, and she connects that experience to the realities of doing original work. Paquette also reflects on rapid progress in machine learning and frames AI systems as tools that can be used thoughtfully. Series: "Science Like Me" [Science] [Show ID: 41119]
The human genetic history of South Asia has been shaped by its pivotal location at the crossroads of East and West Eurasia, dramatic landscapes such as the Himalayas, and longstanding socio-cultural practices like endogamy. A consequence is the diversity of East and West Eurasian genetic ancestral lineages found in South Asians today. Maanasa Raghavan, professor at the University of Chicago, explains that the increasing genome-wide data from ancient and present-day humans are providing emerging insights into the demographic processes that underlie present-day genetic diversity of South Asians and how they interface with evidence from archaeology, anthropology, linguistics, and oral histories. Human history in South Asia is also closely intertwined with the animals that humans domesticated, traded, and moved with them, offering yet another window into the dynamics of human mobility and connectivity in the past. Raghavanon's talk focuses on ancient and modern DNA insights into the origins of present-day human genetic diversity in South Asia, evolutionary history of domesticates, and broader implications for our understanding of human movements and interactions across Eurasia. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Science] [Show ID: 41200]
Stem cell science is reshaping treatment for complex disorders of the brain and spinal cord. Researchers develop cell based therapies to replace lost dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson’s disease, fill gaps across spinal cord injuries, and calm seizure networks in refractory epilepsy by restoring the balance of inhibition and excitation. Teams test immune cell therapies against Epstein Barr virus infected B cells in multiple sclerosis and collaborate to move treatments across the blood brain barrier to reach diseased cells. Clinicians combine imaging in the operating room, surgical tools, and research on biological age and the pace of aging to understand disease and guide treatment. Patient advocates describe challenges and hopes for better options, and contemporary art reflects on perception in digital and physical worlds. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 40992]
Ancient DNA has revolutionized the study of the human past, providing unprecedented insights into ancient migrations and interactions among populations. Central Asia, due to its geographic location between Europe and Asia, has seen experienced diverse human and hominin migrations, which have been a focus of genetic, archaeological, linguistic, and historical research. Ainash Childebayeva, professor at the University of Texas at Austin, discusses recent advances in population genetics which have revealed the complex ancestry of Central Asian groups, both modern and ancient. Significant progress has also been made in understanding the role of natural selection in shaping genetic variation across the region. Childebayeva presents recent developments in our knowledge of Central Asia’s genetic history, integrating findings from both modern and ancient genomic studies. Additionally, she highlights the selective pressures that have influenced the genomes of Central Asians through time, shedding light on the dynamic interplay between admixture, adaptation, and cultural change. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Science] [Show ID: 41199]
We’re surrounded by digital devices — from phones and tablets to streaming platforms and social media. In this excerpt, Kristy Hamilton, Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication at UCSB, shares findings on how cognitive self-esteem can change if a person is using a personal mobile device. Series: "GRIT Talks" [Science] [Show ID: 41214]
Over the past decade, archaeogenetics has analyzed more than 15,000 ancient genomes spanning 45,000 years of western Eurasian prehistory, uncovering dozens of migrations that reshaped Europe. Johannes Krause, Max Planck Institute, traces the earliest, unsuccessful attempts of modern humans to settle Europe after leaving Africa around 50,000 years ago, when they also interbred with Neandertals. Krause examines two major genetic turnovers of the Neolithic: the spread of early farmers from Anatolia about 8,000 years ago, who brought agriculture and domesticated animals and later mixed with indigenous hunter-gatherers; and the arrival of mobile herders from the Pontic steppe around 5,000 years ago, who introduced pastoralism and possibly Indo-European languages. Finally, he considers migrations triggered by the collapse of the Roman Empire, showing how large-scale mobility created the multiple ancestral strands found in modern Europeans. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Science] [Show ID: 41198]
Dramatic advances in ancient DNA technologies have revolutionized our understanding of the human past. Since the publication of the first ancient human genomes in 2010, the field of archaeogenomics has grown at an astonishing pace, and today the genomes of more than 10,000 ancient humans have been sequenced. Kicking off this symposium are CARTA Co-Director and Salk Institute President Jerry Joyce and event co-chair Johannes Krause. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Science] [Show ID: 41194]
How do most organisms in the natural world communicate? It's through the language of chemistry. Scripps Institution of Oceanography marine biologists Bradley Moore and Natalie Grayson explore how ocean life uses molecules as a language. Examples include a pigment that lets squid and octopus change color for camouflage, a coral and its microbial partners that produce biologically active compounds, and a chemical now in phase three human clinical trials to treat glioblastoma, an aggressive cancer of the brain. Their research has applications for new materials in biotech, and improving the food supply and human health. Series: "Jeffrey B. Graham Perspectives on Ocean Science Lecture Series" [Science] [Show ID: 41190]
How do you navigate a nonlinear, “squiggly line” career in science and public health? Dr. Katelyn Jetelina, an epidemiologist and scientific communicator, explores challenges of science communication within academia—from cultural resistance to misaligned incentives—and why so much vital research never reaches the public. Joined by Dr. John Schwartzberg, Professor Emeritus, School of Public Health, they discuss the growing opportunities for scientists both within and beyond academia, and what needs to change to better support public impact across all career paths. Series: "UC Berkeley Graduate Lectures" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Education] [Show ID: 41067]
We’re surrounded by digital devices — from phones and tablets to streaming platforms and social media. In this excerpt, Kristy Hamilton, Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication at UCSB, shares research on how digital media shapes the way we see ourselves and the way we behave. Series: "GRIT Talks" [Science] [Show ID: 41215]
The Kazakh and Mongolian Steppes span 5,000 kilometers west to east along the northern latitude of Asia. This unique ecozone allowed rapid movements of people, animals, goods, and ideas across Eurasia since prehistory and harbored numerous polities of pastoralists that made tremendous impacts on human history. However, the region’s dynamic genetic history has been emerging only recently from archaeogenomic studies. Choongwon Jeong of Seoul National University discusses the current understanding of the region’s genetic history, including the divergent genetic history of the Kazakh and Mongolian Steppe populations, the genetic interaction between the steppe pastoralists and their neighbors, and a comparison between the genetic history of human and domesticated animal populations. The emerging genetic view illuminates the poorly recorded history of the Kazakh and Mongolian Steppes and provides an interconnected perspective on the history of Eurasia. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Science] [Show ID: 41197]
Humans have a deep and complex relationship with microbes. Beyond disease, microbes also profoundly shape human health and behavior through their activity in the microbiome and their diverse roles in food and cuisine. And yet we know very little about the origin, evolution, or ecology of the trillions of microorganisms that call us home. Christina Warinner of Harvard University discusses recent advances in genomic and proteomic technologies that are opening up dramatic new opportunities to investigate the complex and diverse microbial communities that have long inhabited our human bodies and our food systems - both in sickness and in health. From infectious disease to the microbiome, microbes are the invisible and often overlooked figures that have profoundly shaped human culture and influenced the course of human history. Warinner focuses on the long arc of human-microbial relationships preserved by ancient DNA over the past 100,000 years, and explores how emerging research on pathogen evolution and the recent loss of commensal microbes is changing how we understand human health – both today and in the past. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Science] [Show ID: 41196]
David Gokhman of the Weizmann Institute of Science explores how changes in gene regulation shaped recent human evolution. His team used massively parallel reporter assays in skeletal and neural cells to test 71,443 genetic variants that distinguish Neanderthals and Denisovans from modern humans, building a catalog that reveals hundreds of noncoding variants that alter gene expression. The work uncovers evolutionary trends and examples of convergent evolution, including an enhancer of KDM8, a gene involved in tumor progression, that was completely silenced in both archaic and modern human lineages through different mechanisms: motif disruption in Neanderthals and Denisovans, and hypermethylation in modern humans. Gokhman also introduces a way to reconstruct anatomical profiles from DNA sequence and methylation, using it to model Denisovan anatomy and scan the fossil record. The results suggest that the Harbin and Dali fossils were likely Denisovans, while Kabwe may have been related to the ancestor of Neanderthals and Denisovans, helping to clarify the regulatory changes underlying human evolution. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Science] [Show ID: 41195]
Peter Godfrey-Smith, Professor of History and Philosophy of Science at the University of Sydney, explores the evolutionary roots of consciousness by surveying animal evolution and the emergence of felt experience in several lineages. He examines two central philosophical questions: how such experience might arise gradually, existing in partial forms, and whether it represents a single unified feature with variations or instead a cluster of distinct traits. Author of "Darwinian Populations and Natural Selection," and "Living on Earth: Forests, Corals, Consciousness and the Making of the World," Godfrey-Smith brings his expertise in philosophy of biology and mind to illuminate how consciousness may have emerged and why its origins remain a profound puzzle. Series: "UC Berkeley Graduate Lectures" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 41065]
The sequencing of genomes from archaic humans, such as Neanderthals and Denisovans, has transformed our understanding of human evolutionary history. These ancient genomes reveal that modern humans did not evolve in isolation but interbred with now-extinct groups, leaving lasting genetic legacies. To date, genomic sequences from 31 archaic human individuals, including four sequenced to high coverage, have provided unprecedented insights into the population structure, social organization, and adaptation of this now-extinct lineages, allowing us to reconstruct our own evolutionary history and the mechanisms that led to modern human success. Diyendo Massilani of Yale University School of Medicine reviews nearly three decades of research on archaic human DNA and what we have learned about how these groups lived, as well as how admixture between different lineages may have contributed both to the extinction of archaic humans and the thriving of modern humans. Ultimately, ancient genomes show that the success of our species was not predetermined but forged through encounters, exchanges, and adaptations, and that the legacies of archaic humans live on in our biology today, continuing to influence what it means to be human. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Science] [Show ID: 41193]
Alejandro Sánchez Alvarado, Ph.D., argues that real progress in understanding regeneration comes from studying whole organisms rather than cells grown under artificial conditions. Sánchez Alvarado shows how observations from intact animals reveal organizing rules that narrow laboratory systems can miss. He presents evidence that stem cells in a studied animal lack detectable junctions with neighboring cells and instead respond to signals that travel across tissues. Sánchez Alvarado links this communication to extracellular vesicles that carry RNA and to metabolic support involving creatine, highlighting how distant tissues influence repair. Using imaging and molecular analyses, he tracks how signals move through the body and how specific cell populations change state during recovery. Sánchez Alvarado concludes that broad, comparative research is essential for uncovering general principles that govern how adult tissues restore form and function. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 40454]
Climate investor and philanthropist Tom Steyer, recipient of the 2025 Charles David Keeling Memorial Lecture, talks about the current and future state of energy. In a conversation with Scott Lewis of Voice of San Diego, Steyer argues that capitalism and policy must work together at scale, and highlights the marketplace rise of renewables like solar and EVs alongside challenges like slow fossil-plant retirement, grid constraints, and the need for longer-duration storage. He also discusses emerging options such as advanced geothermal and nuclear. The Keeling Memorial Lecure is given by a prominent member of the global change community able to speak on topics that reflect the legacy of Keeling's work. [Science] [Business] [Show ID: 41034]
The genome sequences of Neandertals and Denisovans have provided a wealth of new information about the origins, migrations, and interactions of ancient humans. These genomes have revealed that mixture between hominin groups was common: all modern humans outside Africa carry around 2% Neandertal DNA from a single major episode of Neandertal gene flow, while the ancestors of present-day Asians and Oceanians also met and mixed with multiple, genetically distinct Denisovan populations. Archaeological evidence suggests multiple dispersals of modern humans out of Africa, with early fossils identified in East and Southeast Asia over 50 thousand years ago. In contrast, genomic studies indicate that all present-day non-African populations descend primarily from a single dispersal after ~50 ka, though the migration routes of ancestral populations across Eurasia and Oceania remain unclear. Janet Kelso, professor at Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, shows how using the distribution of Neandertal and Denisovan ancestry in ancient and present-day modern humans can determine when, where and how often modern and archaic humans met and mixed. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Science] [Show ID: 41192]
An in vivo brain organoid platform reveals how human neurons and glia interact across development, aging, and disease. Fred H. Gage, Ph.D., generates three dimensional organoids from induced pluripotent stem cells and examines their maturation, synapses, and network activity with two-photon imaging and single-cell profiling. Gage integrates human microglia and astrocytes to study immune signaling, injury responses, and support functions that shape circuit behavior. Transplantation enables vascularization, reduces cell death, and yields features consistent with a blood brain barrier. Analyses identify diverse astrocyte types and trajectories, while patterns of tau expression inform Alzheimer’s disease modeling. Gage also converts adult fibroblasts into age retaining neurons that assemble into 3D spheroids, creating complementary models to connect genes, cells, and circuits with pathology and to guide strategies for prevention and therapy. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 41160]
It is well known that inside nearly every living cell on this planet, there are instructions powering the dynamics of everything in the cell, known as deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Enoch Yeung, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at UC, Santa Barbara, explains how DNA is the genetic code that tells cells where to live, how to live, and how to adapt when things get tough. Editing DNA has unlocked new potential in biology, enabled new therapeutics, diagnostics, and modes of treating diseases. Since DNA is double-stranded, it literally maintains a backup copy of itself to proof-read and facilitate stability of code. The double-stranded nature of DNA also means it can sometimes encode two messages in a given length! In short, DNA is amazing. Series: "GRIT Talks" [Science] [Show ID: 41040]
Clinical trials turn scientific discoveries into real options for patients and volunteers, advancing care while safeguarding participants. Sheldon Morris, M.D., M.P.H., explains how independent oversight, core ethical principles, and stepwise phases evaluate safety and benefit, and clarifies participants’ rights and responsibilities. Sandip Patel, M.D., F.A.S.C.O., highlights how carefully designed studies open access to promising cell and gene-based approaches while balancing risks and benefits. Robert A.J. Signer, Ph.D., underscores why participation—including consenting to share samples and data—helps researchers understand disease and accelerate better treatments. Morris, Patel, and Signer point audiences to practical ways to locate studies through registries and national databases, discuss what costs are typically covered, and advise asking questions about study design and safety. They also caution against unproven “stem cell tourism” and emphasize informed decisions. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 40438]
Nature has been running chemistry experiments for over 4 billion years—yet today, much of modern organic chemistry still depends on wasteful, resource-heavy methods that rely on oil-based solvents. These solvents aren’t recycled, and when burned, they release CO2, adding to climate change. But what if chemistry could be done differently? Bruce Lipshutz, Distinguished Professor of Chemistry at UC Santa Barbara, shows how it’s possible to carry out organic reactions in water—nature’s own solvent. His research demonstrates that chemistry in water isn’t just more sustainable, it can also be faster, cheaper, and more effective than traditional approaches. Series: "GRIT Talks" [Science] [Show ID: 41029]
We’re surrounded by digital devices—from phones and tablets to streaming platforms and social media. With so many options at our fingertips, each of us faces choices about when and how to use technology in ways that align with our goals and values. In this talk, Kristy Hamilton, Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication at UCSB, shares research on how digital media shapes the way we see ourselves and, in turn, influences our everyday technology use. Hamilton uses experimental methods to study the strengths and challenges of human memory and cognition in digital environments, with the aim of helping people become more effective thinkers in today’s media landscape. Series: "GRIT Talks" [Science] [Show ID: 41030]
Wine down with Chancellor May as he meets up with some of the students, staff and faculty from the Department of Viticulture and Enology — recognized as one of the best programs in the world. Chancellor May tours the winery and vineyard, learns about the winery's cutting-edge technology and sustainability practices, and even helps crush grapes before sampling the final product with his "partner in wine." Series: "UC Davis News" [Public Affairs] [Science] [Show ID: 41062]
What does it really mean to go zero waste? At UC Davis, the answer is both innovative and inspiring.Episode 4 of ‘Sustainably UC Davis’ explores how the university is moving toward a zero-waste future—from converting campus food scraps into renewable energy, to phasing out single-use plastics in food service. Featured in the episode are Joseph Yonkoski, Facilities Management superintendent of thermal infrastructure and former READ facility supervisor, Kelli O’Day, UC Davis Sustainability Assessment Program Manager, and Zero Waste Student Coordinators Grae Mordhorst and Sophie Fayet-Faber. Series: "UC Davis News" [Public Affairs] [Science] [Show ID: 41059]
Batteries have become an essential component of our daily life. They power our smartphones, laptops, tablets, and many of the cars around us. They are also key to the renewable energy transition. Building better batteries requires the design of materials whose chemical composition and structure evolve drastically on charge and discharge, yet those changes must be perfectly reversible for the device to sustain hundreds or thousands of charge-discharge cycles. Raphaële Clément, Associate Professor of Materials Department at UC Santa Barbara, explains why this is a challenging task that necessitates an atomic-level understanding of the inner workings of battery materials. Clément is working to establish materials design rules and optimize materials processing approaches to advance electrochemical energy storage. Series: "GRIT Talks" [Science] [Show ID: 41031]
Marisa Korody, Ph.D., leads groundbreaking work at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s Beckman Center for Conservation Research, where scientists use advanced genetic and stem cell technologies to protect endangered species. Korody highlights efforts to save the critically endangered northern white rhino by developing induced pluripotent stem cells that can be transformed into egg and sperm precursors, offering a potential path to revive the species. This research is part of a broader conservation mission that includes global projects in genetics, reintroduction, and community engagement. By combining cutting-edge science with wildlife management, the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance works to preserve biodiversity and ensure the survival of species threatened by habitat loss, poaching, and climate change, demonstrating the critical role of innovation in conservation. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 40451]
Advances in precision medicine and patient advocacy are transforming the way cancer is understood and treated. Nikoo McGoldrick shares her personal journey with metastatic breast cancer, emphasizing the importance of patients having a voice in their care. Sheldon Morris, M.D., M.P.H., explains how regenerative medicine progresses through stem cell therapies, gene therapies, CAR-T cell treatments, and small molecules, with clinical trials addressing cancer, autoimmune disorders, and neurological diseases. Sandip Patel, M.D., F.A.S.C.O., highlights cancer stem cells as key drivers of relapse and resistance, describing precision medicine approaches, novel CAR-T therapies, and the role of artificial intelligence in cancer detection and treatment. Rebecca Shatsky, M.D., focuses on breast cancer as a systemic disease linked to dormant cancer stem cells, underscoring the need for genomic and immune-based therapies, including innovative antibody treatments and targeted clinical trials. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 40910]
Scott A. Armstrong, M.D., Ph.D., of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, studies how certain aggressive forms of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) develop and survive. His work centers on a protein called menin, which helps leukemia cells keep cancer-promoting genes switched on. Armstrong’s team has found that blocking menin with specially designed drugs can shut down these gene programs, push leukemia cells to mature, and slow or stop the disease in lab models and patients. While some leukemias adapt by developing mutations in menin or finding other ways to survive, his research is revealing why certain genes are especially dependent on menin and how to target them more effectively. These discoveries are now shaping new treatments, drug combinations, and potential strategies for other cancers that rely on similar mechanisms. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 40875]
Conservation at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego. [Science] [Show ID: 41072]
What’s the best way to get college students interested in nature? By getting them outside and teaching them valuable skills in wildlife conservation and habitat restoration. Associate Professor Laci Gerhart’s popular “Wild Davis” course does just that, and students who complete the course can earn California Naturalist Certification. Series: "UC Davis News" [Science] [Show ID: 41070]
At the UC Davis Student Farm, students bring sustainable food systems to life.In Episode 2 of 'Sustainably UC Davis', we explore student-led efforts in sustainable agriculture. Environmental and social sustainability remain central to the Student Farm’s mission, from organic practices to food justice. Hear about these topics and more from Colin Dixon, Director of the Student Farm, as well as staff and student leads from the Market Garden, Fresh Focus, and Green Fellowship programs. Series: "UC Davis News" [Public Affairs] [Science] [Agriculture] [Show ID: 41057]
Why does amber light ease stress and anxiety? One theory is that it’s similar to the natural orange light experienced in nature, like sunsets and campfires. Thanks to interest and funding in color psychology research, discoveries like this will improve emotional and mental health for everyone, especially those who need it most like hospital patients and those in elder care housing. Series: "UC Davis News" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 41054]
UC Davis students from multiple disciplines are learning to design enzymes that address challenges in food, energy and health. Through the Design2Data program, they gain hands-on experience in enzyme engineering, preparing for careers in science and research that make a real-world impact. See how our students contribute to solving important human needs. Series: "UC Davis News" [Science] [Show ID: 41052]
Coastal Santa Barbara is considered one of the most idyllic locations on the North American West Coast, but its beauty is frequently disrupted by fast-spreading, wind-driven wildfires. The east-west oriented Santa Ynez Mountains (SYM), rising abruptly over 1,000 meters from the coastal plain, create a distinct climatic environment by separating the cool, stable air over the Pacific from the much drier atmosphere of the Santa Ynez Valley. This topography leads to unique regional wind patterns, including the Sundowner winds, which occur along the southern slopes of the SYM. Leila Carvalho, Professor of Geography and a researcher at the Earth Research Institute at UC Santa Barbara, studies regional and large-scale climate variability and change, including monsoon dynamics, tropical-extratropical interactions, extreme precipitation and temperature events, mountain weather and climate, and regional modeling. Series: "GRIT Talks" [Science] [Show ID: 41039]
Stanley Chodorow, Emeritus Professor of History at UC San Diego, traces the evolution of food preservation, preparation, and production from ancient times to the modern era. He explores early methods such as drying, salting, and ice cellars, advances like iceboxes, refrigeration, and flash freezing, and innovations in cooking technology from open fires to gas and electric stoves. Chodorow examines the domestication of animals, the development of agriculture, and transformative tools like the wheeled plow and horse harness. He highlights the rise of industrialized food, refrigerated transport, and global trade in products such as sugar, chocolate, and processed foods. Concluding with the health impacts of dietary changes since the shift from hunter-gatherer to agricultural societies, he offers a sweeping view of how technology has shaped what—and how—we eat. Series: "Osher UC San Diego Distinguished Lecture Series" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 40966]
UC Davis is a powerhouse for breakthroughs and impact. Our interdisciplinary research plays a vital role in building the region’s economy. Our research improves the quality of life of residents and contributes to America’s global leadership in technology and innovation. Through collaboration between our top-ranked hospital and veterinary school, as well as our science and engineering discoveries, our research directly improves American lives. Series: "UC Davis News" [Science] [Show ID: 41053]
From sourcing ingredients to sorting waste, sustainability is baked into every part of campus dining.Episode 3 of ‘Sustainably UC Davis’ highlights how Student Housing and Dining Services (SHDS) makes on-campus dining more sustainable—from procurement, to waste audits, to educational programming. Featured in the episode are Chamayo Yniguez, Director of Dining Operations; Samuel Orellana, Sustainability Specialist; and April Engelmeier, Sustainability Peer Educator. Series: "UC Davis News" [Public Affairs] [Science] [Show ID: 41058]
Sean Morrison, Ph.D., from the Children’s Medical Center Research Institute at UT Southwestern, investigates how stem cells function, regenerate, and interact with their surrounding environment in the bone marrow. His research reveals how leptin receptor-positive cells—key components of the bone marrow niche—regulate hematopoietic stem cell maintenance and regeneration, influence platelet production, and respond to physiological stress like pregnancy. Morrison uncovers a reciprocal relationship between these niche cells and peripheral nerves, showing that disrupting nerve signals impairs bone marrow recovery after chemotherapy or radiation. His work also links retrotransposon activation during pregnancy to increased red blood cell production, with implications for maternal health and transplant medicine. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 40449]
Deepak Srivastava, MD, explores how cellular reprogramming offers new hope for treating heart disease. He highlights innovative strategies to regenerate damaged heart tissue by stimulating adult cardiomyocytes to divide and converting fibroblasts into heart-like cells. His team develops a nonviral delivery system using lipid nanoparticles and investigates the role of specific gene regulators in restoring heart function in animal models. Srivastava also discusses a potential oral therapy for aortic valve disease, driven by insights into cellular fate changes caused by NOTCH1 mutations and telomere shortening. Additionally, he reveals how trisomy 21 may trigger congenital heart defects by altering the identity of specialized heart cells. Through pioneering research in genetics and regenerative medicine, Srivastava demonstrates how understanding developmental biology can lead to transformative clinical advances. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 40447]
Considered the godfather of A.I. music, UC Santa Cruz professor and composer David Cope, who died in May, 2025, developed the computer program EMI, or Experiments in Musical Intelligence, in the 1980s. It was one of the earliest computer algorithms used to generate classical music. This documentary film by UC Santa Cruz's Bob Giges looks at the impact of Cope's genius on the world of music. Series: "Arts Channel " [Science] [Arts and Music] [Show ID: 40968]
Asteroids, often called “fossils of the solar system,” are remnants from its formation that offer clues about planetary origins and the potential beginnings of life. Dr. Neil Farber, Solar System Ambassador for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, explains that some, known as near-Earth objects, pose impact risks—though large, dangerous collisions are rare—and NASA’s Near-Earth Object Surveyor mission aims to detect and track them to inform planetary defense strategies. Asteroids may also hold resources, such as metals or water, that could one day support space exploration, though current technology limits mining feasibility. Recent missions like OSIRIS-REx, Lucy, and Psyche are expanding our understanding of asteroid composition, history, and diversity, with findings including evidence of past water, amino acids, and nucleotide bases—key building blocks of life—raising intriguing questions about whether asteroids helped seed life on Earth. Series: "Osher UC San Diego Distinguished Lecture Series" [Science] [Show ID: 40964]
Chef-turned-chemist Vayu Hill-Maini has a passion: to turn food waste into culinary treats using a fungus called Neurospora intermedia. Visit the postdoctoral researcher in the lab and in the kitchen to learn how this mold could make our food system more sustainable and delicious. Series: "UC Berkeley News" [Science] [Show ID: 40983]
Hear about cutting-edge advances in regenerative medicine, from lab breakthroughs to patient impact. Catriona Jamieson, MD, PhD, introduces efforts at the Sanford Stem Cell Institute to develop therapies that enhance the body’s ability to heal itself. Dan Kaufman, MD, PhD, shares progress in cancer immunotherapy using engineered natural killer cells derived from pluripotent stem cells. Karen Christman, PhD, explains how her team creates injectable hydrogels from pig heart tissue to support heart repair and regeneration after a heart attack. Tiffani Manolis highlights industry support for making cell and gene therapies more accessible. Patient advocate Justin Graves describes his life-changing experience receiving a stem cell-based therapy for epilepsy, underscoring the real-world promise of these innovations. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 40705]
AI and genetic medicine are converging to transform how we diagnose, treat, and prevent disease. Gene Yeo, Ph.D., unites RNA biology with artificial intelligence to speed the path from genome sequencing to personalized RNA therapeutics. Advances in sequencing have reduced costs dramatically, making interpretation and translation into treatments the real challenge. Using deep learning and large datasets of RNA-binding proteins, Yeo predicts disease vulnerabilities and identifies therapeutic targets, including in neurodegeneration and muscular diseases. Alexis Komor, Ph.D., focuses on DNA, explaining human genetic variation—particularly single-nucleotide variants—and how genome editing technologies like CRISPR can target them. She highlights strategies to correct harmful mutations and explores precise, programmable interventions. Together, their research drives discovery and enables more effective, personalized therapies. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 40459]
As. Warshaw draws on her experience in global biotech and healthcare communications, while Signer shares real-world lessons from academic science and public engagement. Together, they highlight how clarity and creativity can elevate a researcher’s voice, build trust with diverse audiences, and drive impact across fields. The session is filled with actionable insights for scientists aiming to connect their work with the world. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 40460]
UCLA’s Avishek Adhikari, PhD, presents new research on the role of GABAergic neurons in the brain’s periaqueductal gray (PAG) region. Previously studied for their involvement in fear and defensive behaviors, these neurons were found to promote food-seeking behavior when activated—even in fully fed mice. Using calcium imaging and optogenetics, Adhikari’s team discovered that these neurons are active during food approach but suppressed during eating. The effect is stronger for high-value foods like chocolate or crickets and depends on the mouse’s prior experience with that food. A key finding is that these neurons influence behavior through a specific projection to the zona incerta, a subthalamic region. Rather than signaling hunger, this pathway appears to drive food seeking based on reward value, highlighting a new motivational circuit in the brain. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 40444]
The land we now call Scripps Oceanography has been home to the Kumeyaay people for thousands of years. A history of encroachment, colonization and displacement from coastal lands has challenged Kumeyaay ocean traditions and practices. Today, Kumeyaay-Iipay-Tipay people are actively revitalizing Indigenous ocean culture. As part of Perspectives on Ocean Science Lecture Series, Stan Rodriguez and Priscilla Ortiz Sawah of the Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel, and Andrew James Pittman of the Los Coyotes Band and Cupeño Indians, talk about the history of the Kumeyaay culture in the region. Through community efforts, they are rebuilding traditional ha kwaiyo (tule boats), harvesting ha shupill (grunion) and teaching language about the ocean (ha silowik). These intergenerational practices embody Indigenous resilience, resistance and revival — nurturing and evolving Indigenous ocean knowledge, culture and traditions. Series: "Jeffrey B. Graham Perspectives on Ocean Science Lecture Series" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 40596]
It's time for a new narrative for the ocean, one that reflects current scientific knowledge and acknowledges innovative new partnerships and solutions that center the ocean in our future. In this program, Jane Lubchenco, Professor of Marine Biology at Oregon State University and with expertise in the ocean, climate change, and interactions between the environment and human well-being, talks about the two current dominant narratives for the ocean are anchored in the past. The older one considers the ocean to be so vast, bountiful, and resilient that it is simply too big to fail. This first narrative drives pollution and over-exploitation of resources. A second, more recent narrative is that the ocean is now so depleted, polluted, and disrupted, and the drivers of those outcomes are so powerful and complex, that the ocean is simply too big to fix. A third, new narrative is emerging, based on scientific findings, existing solutions, and innovative partnerships and policies. This new narrative acknowledges that the ocean is central to a safe, clean, healthy, just, and prosperous future. This new narrative tells us that the ocean is neither too big to fail, nor is it too big to fix. But it is too important and too central to our future to ignore. Series: "UC Berkeley Graduate Lectures" [Public Affairs] [Science] [Show ID: 40427]
Three major global challenges – climate change, loss of biodiversity and its benefits, and inequality and inequity among people – are typically tackled within three separate silos. However, scientific knowledge tells us that the three are inextricably linked. If the problems are not considered together, solutions to one may undermine solutions to the others. Moreover, more holistic, integrated solutions can deliver multiple co-benefits. Success requires integrated solutions. Jane Lubchenco, Professor of Marine Biology at Oregon State University, talks about the historically ambitious, innovative policies implemented by the Biden-Harris Administration to achieve this integration. Lubchenco is a marine ecologist with expertise in the ocean, climate change, and interactions between the environment and human well-being. From 2021-2025, she served as Deputy Director for Climate and Environment in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Series: "UC Berkeley Graduate Lectures" [Public Affairs] [Science] [Show ID: 40426]
The human body has traits that evolved at different times, from 1.5 billion to 2 million years ago, each bringing health benefits and risks. Multicellularity enabled organs and cancer. The immune system defends us but can cause inflammation. Breastfeeding supports infant health but relates to breast cancer risk. Menstruation and invasive placentas improved reproduction but led to pain and cancer risks. Human-specific traits like bipedalism and aging brought new issues like back pain and childbirth problems. Hair loss and sweat glands helped us stay cool but increased skin cancer risk. Our hunter-gatherer past shaped our microbiome and health, but also made us prone to modern diseases from lifestyle changes. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 40702]
Humans have long been exposed to three main types of smoke: from early domestic fires, modern wildfires, and more recently, tobacco and fossil fuel pollution. All release tiny particles from partly burned plants, containing harmful chemicals like nitrogen oxides and carcinogens. These particles raise risks for lung cancer, dementia, and even childhood obesity. Studies show that air pollution can disrupt brain chemistry, increase Alzheimer’s-related proteins, and activate stress-related genes (NFkB, Nrf2). A new drug (GSM-15606) shows promise in reducing brain damage from pollution in mice. People with the ApoE4 gene may be more vulnerable, while the ApoE3 gene, possibly evolved 200,000 years ago, may offer some protection. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 40700]
The human gut microbiome is tightly linked our health. Our analyses of diverse human populations from around the globe, ranging from hunter-gatherer to industrialized, show that the gut microbiome is profoundly influenced by lifestyle. With a large collaborative team, we conducted deep metagenomic sequencing of the gut microbiomes of Tsimane horticulturalists from Bolivia and compared them to those of Hadza hunter-gatherers from Tanzania. We are also investigating whether diet and microbial therapies can address deficiencies in the industrialized gut community. Molecular mechanisms of host-microbial interaction are pursued using an array of technologies and experimental approaches including gnotobiotic and conventional mouse models, quantitative imaging, and a metabolomics pipeline focused on investigating microbiota-dependent metabolites. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 40698]
The essence of Being Human is the practice of Biocultural Reproduction (BCR). BCR is defined as the set of marriage and kinship based rules for extra-maternal cooperation in the production, feeding, and care of offspring. Human evolution theory needs to explain how people successfully combined a vastly extended period of offspring dependency and delayed reproduction with helpless newborns — with large heads and much body fat (even with problems giving birth) -- a short duration of breast-feeding, an adolescent growth spurt, and vigorous post-menopause valuable grandmothers. Are these characteristics a package or a mosaic? Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 40697]
Musculoskeletal disorders are one of the most important challenges of modern medicine worldwide. They are often attributed to maladaptations of our body to our peculiar form of locomotion, upright bipedalism. This lecture will explore the evolutionary origin of major musculoskeletal disorders such as back problems and hip joint osteoarthritis. I will show that these problems represent a relatively recent phenomenon, occurring only during the last few decades, and thus are unrelated to our skeletal adaptations. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 40696]
UC Davis researchers are exploring the effects of Klamath River dam removal on salmon populations and habitat restoration. Watch as we uncover the journey of salmon regaining access to 400 miles of historical spawning grounds. This study not only highlights the ecological benefits of river dam removal but also the cultural significance to Indigenous tribes. Series: "UC Davis News" [Science] [Show ID: 40179]
Lucy's 50-year legacy as a superstar in human evolution is undeniable. Yet, with newer, older fossils and a growing understanding of her ancient world, her status as our ancestor is questioned. This talk delves into how these discoveries reshape Lucy's narrative and our understanding of human evolution, likening her to a middle-aged celebrity facing new challengers. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 39827]
Catherine Yeung, Pharm.D., Ph.D., M.P.H., discusses groundbreaking advancements in kidney-on-a-chip technology, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize human health. She delves into the role of environmental toxins, such as okra toxin A, microplastics, and plasticizers, in contributing to chronic kidney disease, particularly in regions with specific dietary practices. Yeung also addresses the challenges of replicating adult kidney cells from stem cells, which often retain a fetal phenotype, and underscores the value of stem cell-derived models for genetic manipulation and disease research. Additionally, she highlights the increased risk of kidney stones in astronauts post-spaceflight and the broader implications of organ-on-chip technology for studying therapies and diseases. Series: "Women in Science" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 39458]
Curious about what happens to our cells as we age and how it affects our health? Shiri Gur-Cohen explores the role of tiny chemical tags on our DNA, like methylation, in influencing our healing and overall well-being. Gur-Cohen discusses how these tags might be shaped by our body's systems, such as the lymphatic system, and could even help repair or regenerate various parts of our body. Gur-Cohen proposes that uncovering these processes could lead to innovative ways to slow aging or boost our body’s natural healing capabilities. Series: "Women in Science" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 39979]
Learn about the California Transformative Climate Communities Program by taking a journey with UCLA into three communities - Fresno, Ontario and Watts - leading comprehensive, collaborative, equitable, and innovative climate action that changes lives. [Science] [Show ID: 40150]
Since Lucy's 1974 discovery, African heritage management and paleoscientific research have evolved significantly. Partnerships with international organizations have supported these efforts, leading to flourishing research and collaborations. However, foreign researchers' access restrictions have hindered efficiency, innovation, collaboration, and diversity. Balancing access restrictions with scientific openness and responsible stewardship is crucial. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 39826]
Michael Lane, Ph.D., shares his work investigating the effects of cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) on breathing and upper extremity function, focusing on the potential for spontaneous functional recovery, or "plasticity." Lane also discusses efforts to develop and test strategies to promote beneficial plasticity and recovery following cervical SCI, with a particular emphasis on improving respiratory function and activity in respiratory muscles. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 39457]
Humans are a spectacular outlier among the millions of species of life on planet earth, with incredibly unique biological success. Slowly, scientists have begun to understand the traits that interacted to make us unique, such as cumulative culture, unique scales of cooperation, cognitive abilities, language, and a unique life history and mating system. However, the sequence of evolutionary events that led to our unique species was very much a mystery until the discovery of early bipedal hominins like the australopithecine, Lucy. Here, Kim Hill explains how we have learned so much about this improbable sequence and evolutionary pathway by discovering that early hominins were fully bipedal but still had small brains and little evidence for human mating and life history patterns or cumulative cultural evolution. Lucy helped us understand why the evolution of bipedality was a critical first step that led to an amazing evolutionary sequence that resulted in our spectacular outlier species. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 39825]
Human activities can increase levels of harmful microorganisms and pollutants in our water systems that have the potential to make us sick or threaten our food supply. Join microbial ecologist Dr. Sarah Allard as she presents emerging research from Scripps Oceanography that sheds light on seafood-related food borne illnesses. Series: "Jeffrey B. Graham Perspectives on Ocean Science Lecture Series" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 40082]
The connection between paleoanthropology and primatology began with Darwin's theory of human origins. Lucy's discovery challenged existing ideas, coinciding with observations of wild primates. This sparked a surge of research on primate behavior, enriching our understanding of human evolution. Despite behavior not fossilizing, studying living primates has deepened insights into ancestral lifestyles. By examining their social and ecological dynamics, researchers unravel the origins of complex behaviors like cooperation and culture, shedding light on human adaptations. This interdisciplinary approach has refined methods for studying social processes and their biological effects. Fifty years since Lucy's find, these tools continue to shape our understanding of human evolution and its relevance today. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 39824]
Giorgia Quadrato, Ph.D., explores cerebral organoids as models for neural development and disease research. Using live calcium imaging, Quadrato observes increased neuronal coordination attributed to inhibitory neurons, validated through pharmacological and genetic methods. Quadrato contrasts their organoid generation protocol with previous methods, emphasizing complex patterning, long-term cultures, and co-culture with mouse brain cells for improved physiological relevance. Microfluidics are utilized for enhanced oxygenation and physiological conditions. Future efforts focus on incorporating microglial cells for synaptic pruning studies and overcoming challenges in cryopreservation. Overall, the research aims to advance understanding of neural mechanisms and diseases, enhancing organoid fidelity for biomedical applications. Series: "Women in Science" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 39456]
Lucy's 1974 discovery reshaped our understanding of early hominins. Geological studies dated her to 3.21 million years ago. Questions arose about her life and death, leading to investigations into her burial site and skeletal preservation. Found scattered on the surface, less than 40% of her skeleton was preserved. Some parts were articulated, indicating rapid burial, possibly by a river. Missing elements suggest scavenging and erosion. Debate surrounds her cause of death, with theories including a fall or predation. Bone fractures hint at trauma, but the exact circumstances remain unclear. Geological evidence disputes death by mudslide or flood. Tooth marks on her bones lack conclusive evidence of predation. These debates underline Lucy's enduring influence on paleoanthropology, sparking ongoing research into human evolution. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 39823]
The AI revolution and other innovations are bolstering equitable, community-centered solutions to major societal issues from disease to wildfire, and technologies piloted at UC San Diego are laying the groundwork for a better future. UC San Diego’s experts are making the case for why public higher education institutions must be a driving force to ensure that ethical, people-centered technology is at the center of AI advancements, and why the U.S. must invest in infrastructure that ensures institutions like UC San Diego are able to work alongside industry and government to develop the next generation of AI technology and advocate for responsible development, regulation and investment. Series: "A Deep Look into the Future of Biology" [Humanities] [Science] [Education] [Show ID: 39709]
Lucy's discovery in eastern Africa reshaped human origins research, highlighting our ancestors' diverse habitats. Initially thought vegetarians like chimpanzees, Lucy's group were adaptable omnivores. Recent findings suggest they used tools and hunted, challenging notions of early human development. This raises questions about when humanity's defining traits emerged. Did Lucy's dietary flexibility pave the way for our intelligence and tool use? Ongoing research aims to unravel these mysteries, using innovative methods to understand ancient diets and behaviors. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 39822]
The discovery of Lucy in 1974 gave insight into early hominin body form but lacked hand bones. Subsequent findings revealed Australopithecus afarensis hand morphology. New discoveries and research since then, including associated hand skeletons and archaeological evidence, have enhanced our understanding of hominin hand evolution and tool use. These advancements inform us about Lucy's tool-related abilities and dexterity, reshaping our interpretation of early human behavior. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 39821]
Lucy is one of the most famous fossils of all time. The discovery of this species had a major impact on the science of human origins and evolution. Why? What was that impact? The symposium speakers—each a prominent scientist in their field—will address this question and specifically discuss the discovery’s impact through time, starting with the first few years after the discovery, the lasting impact, and the state of the art in that research area today. We're celebrating the 50th anniversary of the discovery of the fossil skeleton “Lucy” with the aim of reigniting a global interest in how we “became human” and promoting the importance of connecting our human past to the global future on the planet. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 39829]
Benjamin Freedman, Ph.D., delves into the creation and functionality of kidney organoids. He discusses their focus on filtration over hormone functions, and answer intriguing questions about urine characterization and the necessity of organoid structures. Freedman explores the use of scaffolds for implants and ponder the philosophical implications of off-target cells in organoids, questioning whether these cells are a natural part of organ development. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 39455]
Paleoanthropology is booming with discoveries, reshaping our understanding of human evolution. Lucy's 1974 find stands as a milestone, providing crucial insights into early hominins. Her species, Australopithecus afarensis, remains a key reference, revealing bipedalism and dietary adaptations. Recent findings suggest bipedality evolved from arboreal upright apes, not chimpanzee-like ancestors. Earlier australopiths show bipedality predates dietary changes, indicating walking aided dietary shifts. Some australopiths may have used stone tools before significant brain enlargement in Homo. Lucy's discovery led to an explosion of insights, showing she was part of a diverse group of bipedal apes in the mid-Pliocene. Lucy remains central to understanding human evolution, highlighting the importance of her discovery in shaping our knowledge. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 39820]
Please join us for the annual Keeling lecture in honor of Scripps Professor Charles David Keeling’s life and invaluable contributions to climate science and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Tereza Cavazos's will present an overview of relevant climate drivers shared in the US-Mexico western border region, as well as their possible changes and impacts. From extreme weather to droughts, from the monsoon rains to the jet stream and El Niño events, these variations see no artificial borders; however, adaptation to climate change poses major challenges particularly south of the border. Delays in finding feasible and equitable actions can have severe consequences for present and future generations. Series: "Jeffrey B. Graham Perspectives on Ocean Science Lecture Series" [Science] [Show ID: 39650]
The savanna hypothesis suggests that early human ancestors evolved in open grasslands. Raymond Dart's 1925 discovery of Australopithecus africanus at Taung supported this idea. Lucy's 1974 discovery confirmed bipedalism in Australopithecus species but raised questions about their tree-dwelling habits. Studies since then have refined our understanding of ancient habitats and climates, showing that human evolution involved interactions with various environments, not just savannas. This requires a nuanced view of biomes, climates, and habitats to understand how early humans adapted and evolved. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 39819]
In 1974, understanding early human evolution was limited. Lucy's discovery provided insights into one early hominin, while her species, Australopithecus afarensis, revealed broader patterns. The abundance and quality of A. afarensis fossils help understand diversity, relationships, and the pace of evolution among hominins. Lucy's ilk sheds light on crucial topics such as taxic diversity, phylogenetic relationships, and the tempo of evolution within the hominin clade. They are key to unlocking the secrets of hominin evolutionary history before and after A. afarensis, offering valuable context for fossils found in southern and eastern Africa. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 39818]
Owing to its morphological and temporal placement, the Lucy species, Australopithecus afarensis, plays a pivotal role in our understanding of the human evolutionary career. Though many more fossil remains were recovered subsequent to Lucy’s discovery, the impact of the latter cannot be overstated not least its role as a trove of scientific data as well as its iconic nature. Research on Lucy and its species and continued fieldwork have inspired many research projects across Africa especially the Afar region of Ethiopia. One such project is the Dikika Research Project, which has discovered the earliest and most complete skeleton of a juvenile A. afarensis, dating back to 3.32 million years ago, filling in a major gap in our knowledge of the species. Here, I will briefly discuss what we learn from this skeleton about the Lucy species and what that implies to our knowledge of the many descendants of A. afarensis including our own species. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 39817]
The discovery of Lucy, a fossil from the 1970s, changed paleoanthropology. Before Lucy, scientists saw human ancestors as rough guides, not distinct species. This mindset dominated the interpretation of fossils. Lucy's discovery, representing a new species called Australopithecus afarensis, showed the need to define species clearly. The clash of old and new views was seen in a 1981 debate between Richard Leakey and Donald Johanson. Leakey's refusal to offer an alternative emphasized flaws in traditional practices. This marked a shift towards a better understanding of human origins and diversity, despite some scientists holding onto old ways. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 39816]
Can we not only live longer but better, healthier lives? Robert A.J. Signer and Shiri Gur-Cohen describe how stem cell research may hold the key to longevity. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 39869]
Andrew Yoo, Ph.D., provides insight into the ongoing research on neurodegeneration and neuronal reprogramming, highlighting the complexities and challenges in modeling and understanding these processes. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 39454]
Yian Ma, an assistant professor in the Halıcıoğlu Data Science Institute at UC San Diego talks about his research using scalable inference methods for credible machine learning. This involves designing Bayesian inference methods to quantify uncertainty in the predictions of complex models; understanding computational and statistical guarantees of inference algorithms; and leveraging these scalable algorithms to learn from time series data and perform sequential decision making tasks. Series: "Science Like Me" [Science] [Show ID: 39710]
Since entering into the field of paleoanthropology in 1970, Donald Johanson has found a more focused and rigorous implementation of an expanded collaborative, multinational, transdisciplinary strategy of inquiry with the application of new theoretical and technical innovations that has resulted in a richer picture of our origins and a deeper understanding of how we became human—not only in Africa, but Eurasia as well. The discovery of Lucy 50 years ago provides an appropriate benchmark by which to contrast what we know in 2024 versus what we thought we knew prior to her discovery in 1974. Knowledge of the environment in which our ancestors lived and interacted and successfully navigated the challenges of survival is now coming into clearer focus. We are in a period of specialization, and it is imperative to embrace an integrated approach that melds biological and cultural evolution. Only in this way can we continue to provide a more far-reaching vision of our ancestry. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 39815]
Over the last two winter seasons atmospheric rivers have impacted California and the west with extreme precipitation and the cascading consequences of these events. The meteorology that causes atmospheric rivers is complex, but scientists at the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes (CW3E) are working to help better predict them and understand what they mean for rainfall and snowfall across the state. Join CW3E Deputy Director Julie Kalansky to learn how scientists are researching the causes and consequences of these rivers in the sky, and are working to understand the impact of climate change on the frequency and intensity of these amazing weather phenomena. Series: "Jeffrey B. Graham Perspectives on Ocean Science Lecture Series" [Science] [Show ID: 39649]
Almost every child born in the United States undergoes state-mandated newborn screening within the first 48 hours of life. The blood collected from a "heel stick" helps test for 80 different serious but treatable genetic disorders. These disorders can be either genetic (passed down in families) or congenital (present at birth). But... what if we could go further? What if we could test a newborn's entire genetic sequence? Pediatric geneticist Ingrid Holm discusses the risks, benefits, costs and ethics of genomic sequencing in newborns. Series: "Exploring Ethics" [Health and Medicine] [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 39266]
Why explore stem cells in space when we have the comfort of Earth's laboratories? Join Robert A.J. Signer, Ph.D., alongside Catriona Jamieson, M.D., Ph.D., and Alysson Muotri, Ph.D., as they delve into the untapped potential of space experiments for expediting medical breakthroughs. Patient advocate Alexandria Allen offers a poignant narrative, revealing the profound impact such research has had on her personal health journey. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 39733]
As the influence of artificial intelligence expands through our daily lives, questions have emerged about how AI is being integrated in health and medicine. AI is now being implemented inside operating rooms, critical care units for patient evaluation and even within our homes to support those with disabilities. Along with the promise of AI comes ethical and social implications — which are crucial when applied in health care — including the representativeness of datasets used in algorithm training to avoid perpetuating health inequities. Four leading experts share their views on how society is navigating the new frontiers of artificial intelligence and the future of heath care. Series: "A Deep Look into the Future of Biology" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 39247]
Medical advances have significantly improved the survival of preterm babies and term neonates with brain injuries due to environmental hypoxia or genetic causes. Anca Pasca, M.D., shares her work to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental disorders associated with fetal and neonatal brain injury. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 39453]
The 2023 Kyoto Prize Laureate in Basic Sciences, Professor Elliott Lieb presents snapshots of his seventy-year journey through the world of science, first as a would-be engineer, then as a physicist and later as a mathematician and a mathematical physicist. In many encounters with colleagues in different areas of research he learned that mathematics and a mathematical perspective can be pivotal in developing our thinking about physics. This fundamental connection between mathematics and physics was not always accepted at the beginning of my career, and it was even vigorously denied by some mathematicians and physicists. Lieb mentions some of his work to illustrate the value of mathematical physics for theoretical physics and to pure mathematics, the first being the Polaron bound found with K. Yamazaki in Kyoto in 1957. Another is the "ice problem", where he calculated the number of ways to color a chess board with only three colors so that neighboring squares never have the same color. Series: "Kyoto Prize Symposium" [Science] [Show ID: 39424]
Join Los Angeles Times environment reporter and author of the new book California Against the Sea Rosanna Xia and Scripps Institution of Oceanography coastal resilience specialist Laura Engeman for a discussion on communicating the science and impacts of sea-level rise and California’s changing relationship with the ocean. Engeman will also discuss how Scripps Oceanography is advancing science and technology to understand sea-level rise across California and beyond. Xia will also do a reading from the book and be on hand afterward to sign copies and meet audience members. Series: "Jeffrey B. Graham Perspectives on Ocean Science Lecture Series" [Science] [Show ID: 39648]
Born and raised in Hokkaido, Japan, Professor Ryuzo Yanagimachi, the 2023 Kyoto Prize Laureate in Basic Sciences, developed a love for nature. He became fascinated with the fertilization process of sea urchins. After studying the fertilization of fish and the life cycle of parasitic barnacles, he realized little was known about mammalian fertilization. He went on to train with Professor M.C. Chang at the Worcester Foundation for Experimental Biology, the father of mammalian in vitro fertilization and then started his own lab at the University of Hawai'i. His basic studies contributed to understanding the hidden capacity of sperm and eggs and overcoming human fertility problems. Professor Yanagimachi passed away in 2023 at the age of 95, just a few months before he was to receive his Kyoto Prize award. Dr. W. Steven Ward, Director of the Institute for Biogenesis Research at the University of Hawai’i will present Prof. Yanagimachi’s life and work. Series: "Kyoto Prize Symposium" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 39423]
Explore cutting-edge research at the intersection of neuroscience, space exploration, and medical innovation. Researchers discuss revolutionary experiments with brain organoids cultivated from stem cells, conducted both in terrestrial labs and aboard the International Space Station. They investigate accelerated aging, neuroprotective agents, and potential treatments for conditions like Alzheimer's and ALS. The dialogue also delves into the transformative impact of space environments on scientific discoveries, from understanding bacterial growth to developing novel therapies. Through collaborative efforts, they strive to revolutionize healthcare, offering hope for patients and pushing the boundaries of human knowledge. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 39632]
Marking the one-year anniversary of the Global Astrobiotechnology Hub, an esteemed panel convenes to envision the future of space exploration and stem cell research. Central to their discussion is the imperative to enhance accessibility and expedite scientific inquiry in space. They advocate for a shift towards establishing regular access to space, enabling frequent dispatches of payloads and experiments. They highlight the pressing need to advance technology to democratize space research, opening doors for nontraditional researchers from industry, academia, and beyond. They emphasize the significance of scientist-astronauts who possess a nuanced understanding of research methodologies. Emphasizing the importance of public engagement, they underscore the need to disseminate research findings widely and mentor the upcoming generation of scientists. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 39528]
As AI becomes more prevalent, many people are asking how it will impact health care. In this program, Dr. Ida Sim, Professor of Medicine and Computational Precision Health at UCSF and Cora Han, attorney and Chief Health Data Officer for University of California Health, discuss the issues surround health care and AI. Sim outlines the current thinking around the role of transparency and explainability in AI governance and oversight, and in earning and maintaining trust of various stakeholder communities. Han discusses AI governance efforts across UC Health, and state and federal efforts to develop resources for ensuring that AI systems are developed, integrated, and deployed in a trustworthy manner. Series: "UC Center Sacramento" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 39603]
Despite effective computer tutoring software, no adaptive tutoring system has been developed and open-sourced to the field. In this program, Zachary Pardos, Associate Professor of Education at UC Berkeley, talks about efforts to create more equitable access to adaptive learning technology with the introduction of the first open-source adaptive tutoring system based on Intelligent Tutoring System principles. This system, called Open Adaptive Tutor, and its adaptive textbook library, have been iteratively developed over three years. Pardos describes how this system can be used as a foundation for exploring integrations of generative AI and will share nascent results from their first evaluations of ChatGPT for content generation. Series: "UC Center Sacramento" [Science] [Education] [Show ID: 39583]
Permanent body modification is a unique and variable practice among humans, not observed in other mammals. Despite being costly and risky, it is regularly performed. Scientific understanding of this phenomenon is nascent, prompting a symposium aiming to assess current research status and prioritize questions for the next decade. The event brings together academics and industry practitioners, exploring historical and contemporary practices like tattooing, piercing, finger amputation, and cranial modification. The symposium aims to investigate the 'when' and 'where' of permanent body modification and understand the motivations behind it, considering personal justifications and scientific hypotheses. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 39476]
Claudia H. Kawas, M.D., addresses Alzheimer's disease and related conditions in older adults, noting the challenge of accurate diagnosis and the resemblance of other brain conditions to Alzheimer's. She introduces "resistance" and "resilience," explaining how some individuals remain cognitively intact despite brain changes. Kawas suggests declining dementia risk due to improved vascular health management, emphasizing the complexity of cognitive decline and the need for further research. Series: "Brain Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 39532]
Southern California’s giant kelp forests are ecosystems that are potentially vulnerable to the region’s warming waters, but unlike terrestrial forests, changes in these underwater ecosystems are largely invisible to most of us. Join biologist Mohammad Sedarat and artist Oriana Poindexter in an exploration of their collaboration on the aquarium’s new art exhibition, Hold Fast, an immersive journey through our local giant kelp forests. Learn how their unique perspectives are combined to provide visitors with insight into climate change through the lens of art. Series: "Jeffrey B. Graham Perspectives on Ocean Science Lecture Series" [Science] [Show ID: 39556]
In the literature on lip plates in Southern Ethiopia there has been a strong emphasis on their socio-cultural importance and little information about their biocultural significance. Shauna LaTosky proposes that cultural keystone species theory and cultural keystone place theory could provide a useful frameworks for understanding relationships between the agro-pastoralist Mursi of Southern Ethiopia and the plant species and places that are integral to maintaining their cultural bodily practices. Keystone designations are applied here to the indigenous fruit tree lomay (Ximenia americana) and special clay pits in recognition of their role in the success of permanent body modification practices such as the piercing and stretching of women’s lower lips, but also in the promotion of health, social well-being and a sustainable environment. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 39470]
How is AI reshaping industries and everyday life? And what are the ethical and societal implications of these changes? Brandie Nonnecke, Ph.D., Founding Director of the CITRIS Policy Lab at UC Berkeley, is navigating the intricate landscape of artificial intelligence, from its basic forms — such as narrow AI focused on specific tasks — to the aspirational concepts of generative AI that can be applied across various domains. In this program, Nonnecke gives a comprehensive understanding of AI, cutting through the hype to reveal its actual potential and limitations and preparing attendees for the nuanced reality of an AI-integrated future. Series: "UC Center Sacramento" [Science] [Show ID: 39566]
Across continents, material evidence of body piercing jewelry abounds in the archeological record. However, the varying procedures and processes of piercing, healing, and stretching these wounds for adornment remains unfamiliar to most archeologists. This talk discusses the early self-experimentations that led to the development of the Euro-American body piercing industry. From the late 19th throughout the 20th centuries shared personal correspondence, illustrations, and photographs document the adaptations, innovations, successes, and failures that came to coalesce a current community’s collective knowledge. Understanding the processes of these secretive explorations provides insights into many of the cross-cultural practices of the past for which no clear records remain. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 39474]
What is bionic vision? Michael Beyeler, director of the Bionic Vision Lab and assistant professor of computer science at UC Santa Barbara, talks about how technology is being used to help people see again using bionic vision. Series: "GRIT Talks" [Science] [Show ID: 39443]
Archaeological research in Mexico and Central America reveals insights into cultural practices, focusing on the history of body modification. Examining long-term patterns helps unravel motivations for adoption, change, and abandonment of these practices. The talk emphasizes how body modification histories in this region illuminate shared identities across linguistic, ethnic, and political boundaries, while also highlighting distinctions within regional traditions and individual societies. It suggests that indigenous societies viewed the human body as shaped by the community, challenging the notion of a universal boundary between the natural body and the social person. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 39469]
This talk offers an overview of the many forms of permanent genital modifications embedded in human cultures, where they occur, the reasons why, the archaeological investigations of origins, and future trends. Included are female clitoridectomy, excision, infibulation, and other practices that affect about five percent of females worldwide; and the male practices that affect one-third of males: circumcision, superincision, and subincision. Why have so many cultures invented and preserved these modifications as part of their valued heritage? Controversies abound: the current human rights opposition to all female practices is met with backlash, and others question the “justifications” for continuing male circumcision. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 39471]
Bioarchaeological studies of Pleistocene populations, examining practices like tooth ablation, facial piercing, and cranial modification, contribute to our understanding of social identities and population dynamics. Recent analyses of Ohalo II H2 in southwestern Asia and Oldupai Hominid 1 in Tanzania reveal dental evidence of intentional body modifications. Ohalo II H2 likely represents the earliest case of intentional incisor ablation in Southwest Asia, a common practice in Iberomaurusian and Natufian cultures. Oldupai Hominid 1 exhibits dental wear suggestive of facial piercings, a previously unknown practice in Late Pleistocene/Early Holocene East Africa. These early cases shed light on the cultural practices and social identities of Pleistocene populations. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 39468]
Today, permanent body modification (PBM) is very popular. Studies suggest that well over a billion living people have experienced one or more types of PBM. But what is the history of PBM? When did the different types originate? Were they invented recently, or do they have a long history? Did they appear simultaneously or at different times? This presentation examines evidence in non-human animals and extinct hominins, delving into early archaeological and historical records of seven main PBM types: tattooing, scarification, amputation, piercing, genital modification, dental modification, and bone shaping. Strong evidence supports human PBM for at least 15,000 years, with intriguing hints suggesting a history dating back as far as 80,000 years. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 39467]
Our ability to adapt our bodies to culture has ancient origins. We suggest a timeline for how the culturalization of the human body evolved, starting around 500-300 thousand years ago. This timeline highlights key moments at 140 thousand years, 70 thousand years, and 45 thousand years, followed by a faster pace linked to the rise of production economies. The underlying idea is a gradual growth in the complexity of technologies shaping the body, along with increased time and effort invested in obtaining and transforming necessary materials. Simultaneously, the development of symbolic codes required the creation of specific cognitive functions and neural circuits, allowing for the decoding of intricate messages conveyed by these cultural practices. These practices likely became more intricate in terms of techniques, symbolic codes, and the involvement of specialized individuals over time to ensure their continuation and potential further development. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 39466]
Permanent body modification is a unique and variable practice among humans, not observed in other mammals. Despite being costly and risky, it is regularly performed. Scientific understanding of this phenomenon is nascent, prompting a symposium aiming to assess current research status and prioritize questions for the next decade. The event brings together academics and industry practitioners, exploring historical and contemporary practices like tattooing, piercing, finger amputation, and cranial modification. The symposium aims to investigate the 'when' and 'where' of permanent body modification and understand the motivations behind it, considering personal justifications and scientific hypotheses. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 39475]
This talk presents a new account of the development of professional tattooing in Britain and America since the late 19th century. Research based exclusively in primary sources reveals that the story of what kickstarted the creation of commercial tattooing, and what sustained it, ultimately becomes intelligible as a small and interconnected network of transnational artists and – crucially – clients. These newly clarified networks problematise both the date and form of the customary notion of a “Tattoo Renaissance” in the 1970s and 80s. Moreover, this research presents a more diverse account of the transmission of design, technology and influence throughout Euro-American tattooing than had previously been understood both within the industry, and beyond. Research is drawn from Dr Lodder’s next book on the history of the modern Euro-American tattoo industry, due to be published in late 2024 with Yale University Press. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 39473]
Bioengineering, also known as biomedical engineering, is a multidisciplinary field that applies principles and methods of engineering, biology, and medicine to solve problems and develop technologies related to healthcare and biology.Bioengineers design and create a wide range of medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and therapeutic techniques. They work on projects such as artificial organs, medical imaging systems, drug delivery systems, tissue engineering, genetic engineering, and more. UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering Dean Al Pisano shares a conversation with the founding chair of the Department of Bioengineering, Dr. Shu Chien, and local bioengineering entrepreneur Dr. Gene Lay discussing the impact of bioengineering and how the field continues to drive innovation in medicine, improve patient outcomes, enhance quality of life, and is shaping the future of healthcare. [Science] [Show ID: 39399]
Tristan Brugère, a Ph.D. student in the Halıcıoğlu Data Science Institute at UC San Diego discusses his research at The Institute for Learning-enabled Optimization at Scale (TILOS). Specifically, how he is working on optimal transport and neural networks on graph generative models with applications to chip design. Series: "Science Like Me" [Science] [Show ID: 39342]
This talk explores the 1000-year practice of "footbinding" in ethnically Han Chinese families, involving modifying young girls' feet by wrapping the toes under the sole, often resulting in broken toes. Two main hypotheses—Labor Market and Evolutionary Social Sciences—are considered for explaining the origins, maintenance, and cessation of footbinding. This talk presents evidence from autopsy results, medical examinations, anthropological records, interviews, and historical texts. It argues that evolutionary social and psychological principles related to hypergyny, mate guarding, parental competition, mate competition, and paternal uncertainty offer better explanations for the origins and maintenance of footbinding than labor market factors. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 39472]
How can we use raw materials to improve the environment? In this program, Susannah L. Scott, professor of chemistry at UC Santa Barbara, discusses how to efficiently use catalytic conversion of unconventional materials, such as biomass and synthetic polymers to create sustainable routes to renewable energy, fuels and chemicals. Series: "GRIT Talks" [Science] [Show ID: 39440]
Join Professor Drew Lucas from Scripps Institution of Oceanography as he delves into the intriguing phenomenon of red tides. In this enlightening talk, you'll discover the behaviors of Lingulodinium polyedra, the primary organism behind these glowing marine events. Professor Lucas's groundbreaking research, featuring tools like an underwater microscope and a wave-powered profiling device, sheds light on the 2020 red tide's secrets. Gain insights into the complex swimming patterns of phytoplankton, their nutrient uptake strategies, and the resulting effects on marine ecosystems. This program offers an in-depth look at marine ecology and underscores the vital role of technological innovation in oceanographic research. Series: "Jeffrey B. Graham Perspectives on Ocean Science Lecture Series" [Science] [Show ID: 39251]
In the coming decades, individuals around the world must adapt to changing environmental conditions, often driven by climate change. Adaptation requires significant resources, prompting the question of whether existing economic and social inequities may be exacerbated when adaptation become accessible to some, but not others. Kyle Meng, associate professor of economics at UC Santa Barbara, explores what happens when one of the world’s most unequal cities experiences an unprecedented, nearly catastrophic environmental disaster. In 2017, following years of prolonged drought, the city of Cape Town announced an impending "Day Zero", at which point pipes would run dry. Using a variety of data sources, we show how households of different wealth levels adapted to Day Zero and discuss the long term implications of Day Zero for Cape Town's water use and public finances. Series: "GRIT Talks" [Science] [Agriculture] [Show ID: 39334]
Hanna Mikkola, M.D., Ph.D., shares her work in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and their complex renewal process. Her research aims to unravel these cells' behavior in mice and humans, offering potential insights for future medical advancements. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 39258]
Tara Javidi, an Electrical and Computer Engineering professor at UC San Diego's Jacobs School of Engineering discusses her research in artificial intelligence and large scale wireless networks. Series: "Science Like Me" [Science] [Show ID: 39163]
Comparative Anthropogeny (CompAnth) is the study of distinctly human traits and characteristics in the context of comparisons with our closest living relatives, the “great apes.” This symposium, the third of CARTA's CompAnth series, will present a collection of distinctive human traits, ranging from molecular, cellular, and anatomical biology to behavioral, societal, and cultural features. Given the large number of human traits for which no counterparts have yet been described in nature, the limitations of the comparative method will also be addressed and alternative approaches to the singularity that is the human phenomenon will be discussed. The goal is a better understanding of human origins and a full appreciation of our species’ planet altering effects. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 39281]
Anna Beaudin, Ph.D., delves into the intricacies of how prenatal inflammation impacts the immune system's blueprint, shaping its long-term function. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 39257]
Brian A. Boyd, Ph.D., explores the health challenges faced by autistic individuals, especially those in diverse gender and sexual orientation groups. He highlights the impact of societal barriers on their mental and physical health. Boyd emphasizes the need for research considering race, income, and state healthcare laws. He discusses the importance of understanding intersectional identities and promoting inclusivity in autism research. Boyd stresses the significance of cultural humility, diverse representation, and systemic interventions to address disparities. He urges a comprehensive approach acknowledging the complexity of people's lives to improve the well-being of autistic individuals across diverse communities. Series: "Autism Tree Project Annual Neuroscience Conference" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 39169]
Comparative Anthropogeny (CompAnth) is the study of distinctly human traits and characteristics in the context of comparisons with our closest living relatives, the “great apes.” This symposium, the third of CARTA's CompAnth series, will present a collection of distinctive human traits, ranging from molecular, cellular, and anatomical biology to behavioral, societal, and cultural features. Given the large number of human traits for which no counterparts have yet been described in nature, the limitations of the comparative method will also be addressed and alternative approaches to the singularity that is the human phenomenon will be discussed. The goal is a better understanding of human origins and a full appreciation of our species’ planet altering effects. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 39280]
Human language is a strong contender for the title of most often named species-specific feature in the literature. But why is that? In this talk, Eva Wittenberg explores what we could mean by "human language", and how different conceptions of language inevitably lead to different answers about whether it is species-specific. While syntax is a central feature, it is only one of several, and the uniqueness of human language is that it arose from a combination of, perhaps, ordinary ingredients. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 39277]
Artificial intelligence has captured the minds and curiosities of people and industries around the world. From commerce to education to medicine, the AI revolution offers promises and pitfalls in virtually every realm of society. You will hear four perspectives on the future of AI—from futuristic AI-based simulations for developing new medicines and vaccines; to navigating the frontiers of science with mind-boggling image analysis; to unprecedented explorations of how the brain works. You’ll also hear from the life sciences industry about how AI is pioneering innovation and new product development. Series: "A Deep Look into the Future of Biology" [Science] [Show ID: 39246]
Human ovulation lacks visible signs, unlike chimpanzees and bonobos with conspicuous genital swellings during fertility. This led to the concept of "concealed ovulation," seen as a human adaptation. Proposed reasons include encouraging paternal investment, confusing paternity to deter infanticide, enabling secret mating and female choice, and reducing female rivalry. Many non-human primates also have unsignaled ovulation. While self-reported human mating doesn't match ovulation, debates persist on subtle reproductive cycle influences. Some cultures use menstrual taboos to disclose fertility status. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 39275]
Join us for an eye-opening and heartfelt exploration of the intricate world surrounding autism, focusing on an often-overlooked perspective: the experiences of siblings. This compelling show delves deep into the lives of individuals whose stories are intricately woven with the journey of their autistic siblings, offering a poignant and illuminating portrayal of their challenges, triumphs, and the unbreakable bond that ties them together.Featuring:Giacomo Vivanti, Ph.D.Drexel UniversityJeniece Stewart-DortchSpecial Needs Siblings Inc. Heather Nuske, Ph.D.University of Pennsylvania Eric GollEmpowering Ability Series: "Autism Tree Project Annual Neuroscience Conference" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 39168]
Life history theory suggests that inter-birth intervals (IBIs) depend on a trade-off between maternal investment in current and future offspring, influenced by the mother's energy and somatic maintenance. Normally, IBI aligns with maternal and infant body size, larger relative infant size leading to slower breeding. In contrast, humans have relatively shorter IBIs due to cooperative breeding, support from the social group. Some other species with cooperative behaviors also exhibit shorter IBIs, possibly aided by factors like meat-eating enabling early weaning around 2.5 million years ago in the Homo lineage. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 39276]
High-altitude adaptation stands out as one of the most notable examples of evolution within our species. Despite similar challenges of decreased oxygen availability, human groups on different continents have followed unique evolutionary trajectories. I will discuss how genomic, molecular, and physiological discoveries reveal key insights into human-specific evolutionary changes, examine comparative findings and limitations, and consider alternative approaches for understanding distinct facets of this extraordinary human phenomenon. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 39274]
Young children’s learning may be an important model for artificial intelligence (AI). In this program, Alison Gopnik, professor of psychology and member of the Berkeley Artificial Intelligence Research (BAIR) Lab at UC Berkeley, says that comparing children and artificial agents in the same tasks and environments can help us understand the abilities of existing systems and create new ones. In particular, many current large data-supervised systems, such as large language models (LLMs), provide new ways to access information collected by past agents. However, they lack the kinds of exploration and innovation that are characteristic of children. New techniques may help to instantiate childlike curiosity, exploration and play in AI systems.This program is co-hosted with the UC Berkeley College of Computing, Data Science, and Society and the UC Berkeley Artificial Intelligence Research (BAIR) Lab.About the Series: CITRIS Research Exchange delivers fresh perspectives on information technology and society from distinguished academic, industry and civic leaders. Free and open to the public, these seminars feature leading voices on societal-scale research issues. Series: "Data Science Channel" [Science] [Show ID: 39351]
Robert T. Fremeau, Jr., Ph.D., delves into Rett syndrome, a complex neurological condition. His research with brain organoids unveils its origins and progression. Fremeau uncovers disease markers and innovative treatments, offering insight into the pursuit of breakthrough therapies. Series: "Autism Tree Project Annual Neuroscience Conference" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 39167]
The human genome contains segments of DNA with non-human origins. This introgressed genetic material is remnants of mating events between early modern humans and their archaic contemporaries (e.g., Neanderthals and Denisovans). In this talk, Andrew Schork will review the evidence for such genetic material, its consequences on phenotypic diversity in modern humans, and discuss if this process - archaic introgression - is typical among other great ape species. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 39273]
Researchers used to define objectives for artificial intelligence (AI) agents by hand, but with progress in optimization and reinforcement learning, it became obvious that it's too difficult to think of everything ahead of time and write it down. Instead, these days the objective is viewed as a hidden part of the state on which researchers can receive feedback or observations from humans — how they act and react, how they compare options, what they say. In this talk, Anca Dragan, Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences at UC Berkeley, discusses what this transition has achieved, what open challenges researchers still face and ideas for mitigating them. Dragan discusses applications in robotics and how the lessons there apply to virtual agents like large language models. Series: "Data Science Channel" [Science] [Show ID: 39350]
Eric Courchesne, Ph.D., explores autism, highlighting its complexity beyond the brain and its connection to genetics and brain development. He focuses on the "temporal cortex," a crucial area in autism research associated with gene regulation and social processing. Courchesne also shares how his personal journey with polio has informed his thinking on neurodiversity, research, and beating the odds. Series: "Autism Tree Project Annual Neuroscience Conference" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 39171]
Do scientists in the fields of genomics, materials research and other areas deemed important to society have an obligation to educate the general community about their research? Fleet Science Center's Scientist Engagement Manager Andrea Decker discusses the idea of broader impact, and how it affects a researcher's project to benefit society or advance desired societal outcomes. Series: "Exploring Ethics" [Science] [Show ID: 39264]
Experts discuss the immense potential of conducting experiments and manufacturing goods in space. They explore how this could enhance our understanding of health issues, unveil new discoveries, and produce innovative technology for use on Earth. The conversation encompasses collaborations between various industries and scientists, aiming to explore the distinct conditions in space to enhance life for all.Featuring:Catriona Jamieson, M.D., Ph.D.UC San DiegoJana Stoudemire, M.Bio.Axiom SpaceAlain Berinstain, Ph.D.Space TangoMarc Giulianotti, Ph.D.Sierra SpaceKevin Engelbert, M.S.F.NASAMichael Roberts, Ph.D.CASISArun Sharma, Ph.D.Cedars Sinai Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 39072]
The most complex organizations in the living world beside those of humans are the colonies of ants. Mark Moffett will argue that points of comparison between sharply different organisms like ants and humans are exceptionally valuable to science, and indeed that modern humans are in many ways much more like certain ants than we are to our nearest relatives, the chimpanzees. He considers such issues as the role of individuality and group identity in ant societies; the advantages to ants of flat organizations without leaders or hierarchies; and what we can learn from ants with respect to direct and indirect communication, self-organization, job specialization, labor coordination, and global domination. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 39272]
Join a diverse panel discussing neurodiversity's power and potential. They share personal stories, advocating acceptance, and envisioning a future where differences are strengths, not limitations. Discover the beauty of embracing unique perspectives and supporting each other in this enlightening conversation.Featuring:Garret HoffDuke Law School Neurodivergent Students AssociationJeff SnyderNeurodiverse AdvocateMeagan McKennaActress & Television CreatorAndrew ArboeAutistic Self-Advocate & Public Speaker Serena DeJesusFirst Female Autistic MMA Fighter Thomas DoughertyArtist & Children's Book Author Series: "Autism Tree Project Annual Neuroscience Conference" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 39173]
As sailors use constellations, wind direction, and current to determine their heading, so, too, do animals process diverse sensory information to set their course. Via this sensory processing, the animal’s brain develops a sense of direction, a prerequisite for navigating between points. To understand how the sense of direction is generated in the brain, we interrogate neurons in the brain of the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster. With numerous tools that allow observing the neural network structures and activities and perturbing them, we begin to understand how the brain transforms sensory information into a sense of direction. Series: "GRIT Talks" [Science] [Show ID: 39332]
Ethnology, also known as cross-cultural analysis or comparative anthropology, involves comparing features of historically documented human societies. It has historical ties to archaeology, with notable figures like Augustus Pitt Rivers and Lewis Binford being proponents. Despite this, it's not commonly seen as a vital archaeological tool. This talk argues for its importance, citing both theoretical and practical benefits. Including ethnology in archaeological education can expedite our understanding of patterns in the archaeological record. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 39271]
Karen Pierce, Ph.D., explores using eye tracking to diagnose and treat autism. Her work identifies patterns in children's attention, aiming to streamline diagnosis, predict symptom severity, and tailor treatments. The focus is on early intervention by making social stimuli engaging for kids with varied attention patterns. Series: "Autism Tree Project Annual Neuroscience Conference" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 39170]
Increasingly destructive wildfires are one of the most consequential impacts of our changing climate, often precipitating a cascade of related disasters including landslides, debris flows, dangerous air pollution and degradation of water quality in our rivers, streams and reservoirs. Join geophysiscist Dr. Neal Driscoll as he describes how ALERTCalifornia is working to use camera systems, artificial intelligence and a variety of sophisticated remote sensing techniques to prepare, respond and recover from the ravages of wildfire on the environment. Series: "Jeffrey B. Graham Perspectives on Ocean Science Lecture Series" [Science] [Show ID: 39250]
Join a captivating discussion where diverse voices, including neurodiverse speakers, take the stage to advocate for representation in literature and media. Explore the power of authentic storytelling and the impact of inclusive characters in shaping our understanding and empathy. This panel dives deep into the importance of diverse narratives, offering a compelling view on fostering connection and understanding through the art of storytelling.Featuring:Michael Levy, M.D., Ph.D.UC San DiegoOtto LanaNeurodiverse Self-Advocate & Multi-Modality CommunicatorBella SantoyoNeurodiverse Self-Advocate & Multi-Modality CommunicatorWilliam Del RosarioNeurodiverse Self-Advocate & Multi-Modality CommunicatorAngie KimAuthor, "Happiness Falls"Janelle BrownAuthor, "Pretty Things" Series: "Autism Tree Project Annual Neuroscience Conference" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 39172]
In this program, Jaron Lanier, Microsoft's prime unifying scientist, discusses a piece he published in The New Yorker (“There Is No AI”) about applying data dignity ideas to artificial intelligence. Lanier argues that large-model AI can be reconceived as a social collaboration by the people who provide data to the model in the form of text, images and other modalities. This is a figure/ground inversion of the usual conception of AI as being a participant or collaborator in its own right. Explanations of model results and behaviors would then center around the relative influence of specific inputs through a provenance calculation mechanism. This formulation suggests new and different strategies for long-term economics in the context of high-performance AI, as well as more concrete approaches to many safety, fairness and alignment questions.This program is co-hosted with the UC Berkeley College of Computing, Data Science, and Society and the UC Berkeley Artificial Intelligence Research (BAIR) Lab. The CITRIS Research Exchange delivers fresh perspectives on information technology and society from distinguished academic, industry and civic leaders. Series: "Data Science Channel" [Science] [Show ID: 39326]
Clive Svendsen, Ph.D., leads groundbreaking experiments using stem cell transplants, uncovering unexpected findings. These trials aimed at improving ALS treatments, revealed higher success with upper motor neuron transplants compared to spinal cord methods. Svendsen's exploration of cortical transplants hints at a potential breakthrough. Moreover, his study of stem cell behavior in space opens doors to exciting medical advancements. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 39068]
Since humans split from their primate ancestors, their brains evolved with a larger mass relative to body weight, more cortical neurons, and distinct connectivity patterns. Human neurons mature more slowly, a trait known as neoteny, likely influencing these differences. Gene regulation, not new genes, may underlie species differences, particularly in the primate lineage. The role of these regulatory mechanisms in human neuron development remains poorly understood. This lecture explores the molecular factors affecting prolonged human neuron maturation and its implications for human development and neurodevelopmental diseases. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 39270]
Daniel Geschwind, M.D., Ph.D., explains autism's genetic roots using a polygenic model, where multiple genes, including common variations, contribute to the risk. Geschwind stresses a continuum in social behavior, showcasing features like synesthesia and exceptional talents as part of human variation. Geschwind,emphasizes the complexity of autism, urging recognition of strengths and vulnerabilities in the spectrum of human cognition and behavior. Series: "Autism Tree Project Annual Neuroscience Conference" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 39166]
Effective management of thermal-fluids transport has become a critical challenge in many energy, water, and electronic applications due to the increasing power density and shrinking length scales. In this talk, I will first describe our effort to manipulate multi-phase fluid motion using light-responsive surfactants. Upon illuminating droplets and bubbles with light, the surfactants at the fluid-fluid interfaces go through photo-isomerization, which changes the local interfacial tension and introduces a Marangoni flow. The resulting interfacial shear stress generates a net force on the bubble or the droplets, causing them to depart or slide along the surface. We demonstrate real-time manipulation of multi-phase fluidic systems using low intensity light which can potentially enhance phase change heat transfer. I will also describe our effort to achieve passive salt-rejecting solar thermal desalination by thin-film condensation in microporous membrane which utilizes ample three-phase contact area, salt diffusion and a low vapor transport resistance. With our design, we demonstrate continuous desalination of seawater for 7-days in one Sun with no salt precipitation. These examples demonstrate the potential of combining fundamental thermo-fluid science and advanced micro/nano engineering approaches to address many of the pressing thermal challenges in energy and water systems. Series: "GRIT Talks" [Science] [Show ID: 39330]
Artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) have been extremely successful in predicting, optimizing, and controlling the behavior of complex interacting systems. Robustness and explainability of existing AI/ML methods, however, remain big challenges, and clearly new approaches are needed. In this program, Ambuj K. Singh, Distinguished Professor of Computer Science at the UC, Santa Barbara, explains that the human brain motivated the early development of the field of deep learning, and neuroscientific concepts have contributed to the profound success of deep learning algorithms across many areas. The next leap in AI/ML may again come from a deeper understanding of modularity, robustness, and adaptability of brain architectures. Series: "GRIT Talks" [Science] [Show ID: 39331]
Rob Knight, Ph.D., delves into the incredible world of our gut microbiome and its potential impact on our health, particularly its role in conditions like autism. By examining various dietary strategies and their effects on the gut, Knight reveals the remarkable potential of tailored diets in managing health conditions, offering hope for new, more accessible treatments. Moreover, Knight discusses the complex relationship between probiotics, their benefits, and potential risks, highlighting the importance of evidence-based choices. Knight underlines the crucial link between our diet, our gut, and our overall health, shedding light on the exciting future of microbiome-focused interventions in medicine. For parents, caregivers, and anyone interested in improving their health, this lecture provides valuable insights into how the foods we eat can be harnessed to nurture a healthier gut and, in turn, a healthier life. Series: "Autism Tree Project Annual Neuroscience Conference" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 39165]
Hans Clevers, M.D., Ph.D., shares his research at the intersection of medicine and biology. Clevers discusses revolutionary advances in personalized medicine, where patient-specific treatments can be developed by studying small samples of patients' tissues. He explores the role of specialized cells known as "best for cells" in gastrointestinal health, shedding light on how they may help fight infections. Additionally, he highlights how mini-organs, or organoids, grown in the lab help us understand complex cellular functions and diseases. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 39066]
We know Homo sapiens started in Africa, but we're uncertain about how they spread. Limited fossils and data have hindered our understanding. I'll discuss popular theories about our origins and how recent genetic data from Khoe-San people in southern Africa sheds light on this. Our research suggests a complex history, with population structures dating back to about 120,000-135,000 years ago. Early populations had connections, or gene flow, for hundreds of thousands of years. These "weakly structured stem" models explain genetic diversity that was once thought to come from other hominin species. Unlike previous ideas of interbreeding with archaic humans, our models predict that fossils from these populations should be genetically and physically similar. This variability in theories stems from not considering different possibilities, highlighting the importance of exploring various models to gain more accurate insights into our deep history. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 39269]
Water on Earth sustains and connects us, but human activities can increase levels of harmful microorganisms and pollutants in our water systems that have the potential to make us sick or threaten our food supply. Join microbial ecologist Dr. Sarah Allard as she presents emerging research from Scripps Oceanography that sheds light on how natural microbial systems respond to these harmful contaminants in systems as diverse as freshwater river ecosystems and marine invertebrate digestive tract microbiomes. Series: "Jeffrey B. Graham Perspectives on Ocean Science Lecture Series" [Science] [Show ID: 39249]
Carla Kim, Ph.D., explains how aging impacts lung cell biology and its potential to reshape our understanding of diseases, including lung cancer. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 39254]
Siddhartha Jaiswal, M.D., Ph.D., discusses clonal hematopoiesis and its impact on aging and diseases. Jaiswal highlights the role of genetic variations, focusing on a specific gene, TET2, and its link to clonal expansion. He explains that certain genetic variations can slow clonal expansion, potentially offering insights into treatments or interventions to mitigate its effects. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 39260]
Astronaut Peggy Whitson, Ph.D., and Lisa Carnell, Ph.D., discuss various aspects of space exploration, life in microgravity, and the future of space science and research. They delve into the challenges astronauts face, from taste differences in space to innovative 3D printing solutions. The conversation also highlights the importance of stem cell research, personalized medicine, and drug development in space. Whitson's unique perspective offers insights into the awe-inspiring views of Earth from space and the collective responsibility to protect our planet. This thought-provoking discussion exemplifies the intersection of science, space exploration, and the promise of a future beyond our planet. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Science] [Show ID: 39073]
Ronald DePinho, M.D., explains how telomerase, typically linked to telomere maintenance, serves as a transcriptional co-activator in the brain. Epigenetic repression of TERT, the gene for telomerase, occurs with aging, contributing to aging hallmarks like cellular senescence and inflammation. DePinho's team developed a compound that reactivates TERT, which, when administered to mice, reverses age-related changes. It restores cognitive function, reduces amyloid plaque, and alleviates inflammation. This suggests that maintaining TERT levels can counteract age-related cognitive decline and neurodegeneration, offering potential for treating neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. DePinho's work expands our understanding of telomerase's multifaceted role in aging and neurodegeneration, holding promise for interventions against these age-related processes. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 39071]
Leonard Zon, M.D., discusses cutting-edge research on the intricate relationship between macrophages, stem cells, and the development of leukemia using the zebrafish model. He delves into the fascinating interactions between these cell types, highlighting the role of a "don't eat me" signal and the influence of the leukemic niche. Through cellular barcoding and single-cell RNA sequencing, he unveils a potential therapeutic target which may offer promising insights into treating leukemia by disrupting the stromal activities that support it. Zon showcases the power of zebrafish models in advancing our understanding of hematopoiesis and cancer, promising new avenues for research and treatment. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 39064]
Are you curious about the future of medical treatments and how they might impact your health? Malcolm Moos, Jr., M.D., Ph.D., shares how cellular therapies are revolutionizing medical treatments. Explore how cells hold the potential to provide new hope for individuals facing various health challenges. Delve into the concept of personalized medicine, discover how regulatory agencies are safeguarding patients' well-being, learn the science behind cell behavior and genetics, and how these processes influence innovative medical treatments and so much more. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 38330]
Groundwater is often referred to as an invisible resource, hidden beneath our feet. Groundwater wells—the infrastructure used to access groundwater—are small, distributed, and lost among landscapes. By contrast, our surface water infrastructure is large and visible—reservoirs that support water supply and recreation, dams, and . In this talk, Debra Perrone reveals the results of a five-year research project to record the location and construction details of millions of groundwater wells. The research provides vital insights into the haves and have nots of water and identifies strategies to minimize the impacts of groundwater depletion. Series: "GRIT Talks" [Science] [Show ID: 39278]
This episode of TecHype features Yoel Roth, former Head of Trust and Safety at Twitter. Yoel provides first-hand insights into how one of the largest online platforms in the world built out its trust and safety operations to better ensure its service was helpful, harmless, and aligned with user expectations While at Twitter, Dr. Roth found himself the target of a coordinated harassment campaign on the platform, one instigated by the current CEO Elon Musk. His years of work building out the trust and safety operations had become personal. In this episode, Dr. Roth provides professional and personal perspectives on the real benefits and risks of platform trust and safety efforts, the current state-of-the-art of the field, and where it’s going. Series: "UC Public Policy Channel" [Public Affairs] [Science] [Show ID: 39285]
Aparna Bhaduri, Ph.D., shares insights into human brain development and its intricate processes. Explore the intriguing reappearance of developmental cell elements in brain cancers like glioblastoma. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 38329]
UC Davis Professor, Dr. Frank Mitloehner, and CLEAR Center members took to Mexico to attend the Congress Internationale de la Carne in León, Guanajuato, Mexico, where they met and discussed sustainability efforts with the Minister of Agriculture. In addition to meeting with beef cattle producers and others in the livestock industry to share research coming from the UC Davis CLEAR Center, we got to tour feedlots and discuss sustainable practices that are currently being implemented. For example, rotational grazing can improve forage quality and soil carbon sequestration while implementing shade for cattle can improve efficiencies in production, and promote animal welfare. [Public Affairs] [Science] [Show ID: 39161]
Joan Donovan, a leading disinformation researcher specializing in media manipulation, explains how social media platforms have become the new battleground for public persuasion. Co-author of “Meme Wars: The Untold Story of the Online Battles Upending Democracy in America,” Donovan uncovers the ways memes and social media enable fringe groups to lure in new recruits and spread their ideologies. In this episode, Donovan provides expert guidance on technical and policy strategies necessary to mitigate the weaponization of social media. Series: "UC Public Policy Channel" [Public Affairs] [Science] [Show ID: 39286]
Toshihiro Kobayashi, Ph.D., presents his research on the mechanisms driving cell fate choices in early mammalian embryos. He also discusses the potential application of these principles in future regenerative medicine. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 38328]
Explore UC Davis discoveries that have improved modern life in unexpected ways. Series: "UCTV Prime" [Science] [Show ID: 39211]
TecHype is a groundbreaking series that cuts through the hype around emerging technologies. Each episode debunks misunderstandings around emerging tech, provides insight into benefits and risks, and identifies technical and policy strategies to harness the benefits while mitigating the risks.This episode of TecHype features Prof. Stuart Russell from UC Berkeley, a world-renowned expert in artificial intelligence and co-author (with Peter Norvig) of the standard text in the field. We debunk misunderstandings around what “AI” actually is and break down the benefits and risks of this transformative technology. Prof. Russell provides an expert perspective on the real impacts AI will have in our world, including its potential to provide greater efficiency and effectiveness in a variety of domains and the serious safety, security, and discrimination risks it poses. Series: "UC Public Policy Channel" [Public Affairs] [Science] [Show ID: 39284]
Joseph C. Wu, M.D., Ph.D., shares his pioneering research on cardiovascular disease mechanisms using patient-specific stem cells. Learn about accelerated drug discovery, "clinical trials in a dish," and precision medicine's impact on treatment. Explore genomics, stem cells, imaging, and more. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 38327]
Researchers deployed a fleet of 100 semi-autonomous vehicles to test whether a new AI-powered cruise control system can help smooth the flow of traffic and improve fuel economy. In a massive traffic experiment, scientists tested whether introducing just a few AI-equipped vehicles to the road can help ease “phantom” jams caused by human behavior and reduce fuel consumption for everyone.(Video: Roxanne Makasdjian, Alan Toth, and CIRCLES ConsortiumMusic: Dyalla - Organic Guitar House) Series: "UC Berkeley News" [Public Affairs] [Science] [Show ID: 39225]
TecHype is a groundbreaking series that cuts through the hype around emerging technologies to get to what matters. Each episode debunks misunderstandings around emerging tech, provides insight into benefits and risks, and identifies technical and policy strategies to harness the benefits while mitigating the risks of emerging technologies. This episode of TecHype features Prof. Hany Farid from UC Berkeley, a world-renowned expert in the analysis of digitally manipulated images. We take a deep dive into determining what a 'deepfake’ is and explore how these AI-generated images, videos, and audio can be used for both amusing and alarming purposes. Farid highlights the increasing prevalence of deepfakes and their impact on society. From revolutionizing the entertainment industry, bolstering creativity, and championing advocacy campaigns to their use in impersonating public figures in ways that manipulate elections or personal contacts to commit fraud. The episode concludes with a discussion of targeted strategies that can be pursued to keep you safe from harmful deepfakes, such as digital watermarking and detection tools. Series: "UC Public Policy Channel" [Public Affairs] [Science] [Show ID: 39244]
UC Berkeley drills a 400-foot borehole to explore geothermal heating on campus.UC Berkeley plans to decommission its 40-year-old cogeneration plant and replace its current steam heating system with a new system that uses water pipes to heat and cool buildings on campus. While the cogeneration plant burns natural gas to produce electricity and steam heat for the campus, the new system will use electricity for both power and thermal needs. By using clean energy sources, such as wind and solar, to produce this electricity, the campus’s future power, heating and cooling needs would be entirely carbon-free.(Video: Roxanne Makasdjian, Alan Toth, Adam Lau) Series: "UC Berkeley News" [Public Affairs] [Science] [Show ID: 39224]
The human penchant for storytelling is universal, early-developing, and profoundly culture-shaping. Stories (folk tales, narratives and myths) influence the costs of social transactions and organize societies at every scale of human interaction. Story as a mode of communication is also unprecedented in the animal kingdom: although we are compelled to tell stories about other animals, they are not likewise compelled to tell stories about us (or anything else, for that matter). Even our ability to manage urgent human problems such as global health and climate change are affected by the stories and myths humans choose to tell. This symposium explores several stories about how the evolution of story-telling shaped, and continues to shape, the human epoch. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 39006]
Animals and tricksters are highly prominent beings in the mythology of the San Bushmen of southern Africa, as well as of hunter-gatherers in other regions of the world. Their actions and interactions provide the plot lines for most of the stories people tell about myth time. Why are these two beings so preeminent in San mythology and storytelling? Is there a connection between the two beings? Mathias Guenther discusses these two questions and the answer reveals a deep – and deep-rooted –mystical connection also between animals and humans. The hunting-gathering people that provide the cultural context for my talk are the San Bushmen of southern Africa, amongst whom I have done ethnographic field work. I will also consider hunter-gatherers from other parts of the world, both from present or recent times and from prehistory. These considerations may shed some light on certain aspects of prehistoric cave paintings. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 39004]
Political, financial and environmental crises coupled to the rise of social media have, in recent years, created a perfect storm of mis- and disinformation that leverage long standing reservoirs of belief within and across communities. These stories on social media mirror face-to-face storytelling and other storytelling environments in that they allow for the negotiation of cultural ideology (norms, beliefs, values), yet they also change the scope, speed and amplification of that storytelling. Importantly, storytelling has real world effects, and often motivates people to take action. We present a graphical model of the underlying narrative frameworks, estimated from the data itself, and show how various network based methods can form the basis for understanding the narrative coherence—and their possible outcomes—even when the discussions on social media are incomplete and noisy, as conversations in real life often are. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 39003]
Welcome to our wine processing course — a hands-on journey into the art and science of winemaking. Get a behind-the-scenes look at how students learn to taste, blend, age, fine, filter and package their own wines, all under the guidance of industry professionals and seasoned faculty. Our students’ coursework transforms into practical skills needed in the wine industry. The course, a part of the university’s viticulture and enology program, is held in our Teaching and Research Winery, the most advanced and sustainable winery in the world. Sustainability is a recurring theme, with students exploring every opportunity to make their process greener. Stay tuned for the opportunity to taste the fruits of our students’ hard work and innovation. With new state legislation that recently passed, UC Davis will soon be able to sell student-made wine, bringing the vineyard to your table. Series: "UCTV Prime" [Science] [Show ID: 39217]
In the foundational texts of Western civilisation (the Bible, Iliad), plagues are symbols of divine retribution, signifying Godly displeasure with human misdeeds. But in Thucydides’ classic account of the mysterious plague that swept Athens in 430 BC, Camus’s La Peste, and Emily St John Mandel’s Station Eleven, literary accounts of plagues and pandemics are also morality tales and metaphors for the dissolution of the social bonds necessary for the functioning of modern societies. In this talk, I bring the history of plague writing into dialogue with the history of trust, to examine what plague texts tell us about our foundational myths and our obsession with calamities and crises. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 39002]
As the response to global warming leads towards a fundamental recalibration of our relationship to fire it is timely to look back into deep time at the origins of our entanglement with combustion. This brief talk draws on my experience working on the recovery of early evidence for human use of fire at the sites of Wonderwerk Cave, South Africa and Evron Quarry, Israel. I will argue that we should not think of an origin of human use of fire but rather of an emerging relationship between humans and fire. The hallmark of this relationship is that fire draws together technology and society; material and the intangible; adaptation and the sacred. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 39001]
Elsy Buitrago-Delgado, Ph.D., shares how spatial analysis of RNA distribution during early mouse embryogenesis suggests that the first cell fate choice is made at the 4-cell stage. She also discusses how notch signaling regulates cell fate choices during early human development. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Science] [Show ID: 38888]
Humans have been telling stories about animals as long as humans have been telling stories. One story humans tell about animals is the one about how, with enough care and patience humans might one day listen to the stories animals themselves have to tell. Some folks see this story as nonfiction, a truth about animals manifest in the dance of bees, the grunts of monkeys, the antics of their dogs and cats, or the signs produced by trained gorillas. In this talk, I attempt examine these conflicting views. Despite the fact that animals do not sit around fires telling stories, are their minds organized in story-like formats? Do their mental representations of the events of the past, present and future constitute general narratives? Do they construct and reflect on their own personal narratives? And finally, and perhaps more paradoxically, are our scientific answers to these questions a better reflection of the internal world of animals or the humans who study them? Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 39000]
The Science & Technology Ethics Center (STEC) is proud to present a series of lectures and a panel discussion that explores the intersection of genomics, medical ethics, and patient rights. This thought-provoking session delves into the ethical considerations surrounding genetic testing, data privacy, and informed consent. It examines the challenges and opportunities presented by advancements in genomics and how they impact patient care. The panel will discuss the importance of advocating for patients' rights, ensuring equitable access to genetic information, and fostering a patient-centered approach in genomic medicine. Throughout this presentation, you will grasp a deeper understanding of the ethical complexities in genomics and the critical role of patient advocacy in shaping responsible and inclusive genomic practices. Series: "Exploring Ethics" [Health and Medicine] [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 38940]
Paul A. Northcott, Ph.D., St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, shares his work in multi-omic bulk and single-cell approaches to decipher molecular landscapes and developmental origins of medulloblastoma. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 38889]
Renowned psychologist Richard Atkinson, president emeritus of the University of California and professor emeritus of cognitive science and psychology at the UC, San Diego, presents an in-depth exploration of the Atkinson-Shiffrin model, a fundamental theory in memory research. The model proposed memory comprises three components: sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory. Information moves from sensory to short-term memory with attention, and through rehearsal, it can transfer to long-term memory. The model highlighted attention and rehearsal's significance and laid a foundation for memory research, leaving a lasting impact on psychology. [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 38852]
Over 65 million people around the globe are affected by epilepsy. Jenny Hsieh's research explores the underlying causes and mechanisms of epilepsies. Using stem cell-based models, including patient-derived neurons, she investigates how genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of these conditions and potential therapies. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 38326]
The confluence of the accelerating climate crisis, more frequent and severe disasters, widespread systemic injustice and oppression, and any number of additional coinciding crises paint a dark picture of our future. Climate professionals often feel inadequately trained to facilitate, navigate and lead communities through the transformative changes we all face. This program will offer directions on how these essential workers — and all of us — can grow the necessary skills and capacities to face and navigate our future. It is those very skills that may yet make us homo sapiens sapiens — “wise humans.” Series: "Jeffrey B. Graham Perspectives on Ocean Science Lecture Series" [Science] [Show ID: 38692]
The human body is made up of billions of cells. These cells are the basic building blocks of life, and they work together to form tissues, organs, and systems that enable our body to function and carry out various activities. Each cell has its own specific function and role in maintaining the overall health and functionality of the body. From the skin to the brain, muscles to blood, and everything in between, these countless cells collaborate harmoniously to keep us alive and well, but how do these cells know what to do? When a cell divides, how does it know that it's exact counterpart should do the same thing as the original. Researchers at the Goren Lab at UC San Diego are working to determine just that. They discuss some of the work they are doing to learn more about the human body beyond the cellular level [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 38259]
ChatGPT has the potential to enhance learning by providing instant answers, explanations, and personalized assistance to students. It can offer additional support, especially in areas where teachers may be limited. However, concerns arise regarding overreliance on artificial intelligence, as it lacks human understanding and may provide incorrect or incomplete information. Educators must consider the ethical and practical implications of integrating ChatGPT into educational settings for optimal learning outcomes. A panel of experts from UC San Diego discuss the benefits and pitfalls of the chatbot's use in education settings. Series: "Data Science Channel" [Science] [Education] [Show ID: 38936]
The hunting hypothesis proposes that the dietary shift to meat procurement was the catalyst favoring a suite of transformative human biological and behavioral adaptations. Evolutionary changes in the human diet are associated with the emergence of food sharing, the division of labor and pooled energy budgets. To balance this discussion, I revisit several misconceptions linked to the hunting hypothesis. Revising myths about the centrality of hunting to more closely reflect the archaeological and ethnographic records has important implications for updating the entrenched emphasis on male behaviors. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 38999]
The human penchant for storytelling is universal, early-developing, and profoundly culture-shaping. Stories (folk tales, narratives and myths) influence the costs of social transactions and organize societies at every scale of human interaction. Story as a mode of communication is also unprecedented in the animal kingdom: although we are compelled to tell stories about other animals, they are not likewise compelled to tell stories about us (or anything else, for that matter). Even our ability to manage urgent human problems such as global health and climate change are affected by the stories and myths humans choose to tell. This symposium explores several stories about how the evolution of story-telling shaped, and continues to shape, the human epoch. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 39005]
Some 350 to 400,000 years ago when our ancestors gained control of fire, the day was extended to provide many hours for social interaction, undisturbed by economic activities. How were those hours spent in societies that only had firelight after nightfall? In most preindustrial societies, music, dance, healing and storytelling fill the darkness. Myths and legends create common understandings on such matters as the origins of humans, social groups, rituals or features of the landscape. Hilarious trickster traditions explore the successes and failures of those who have the pluck to break with social norms. Stories about the adventures of real people add other dimensions, a topic Polly Wiessner addresses here. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 38998]
Why are humans a compulsively storytelling species? Why especially do we invent stories, why do we tell one another stories that both teller and audience know to be untrue? Why do many of us come to believe some invented stories? What difference has our compulsion to tell stories made to us as individuals, societies, and a species? How do we understand stories so seemingly effortlessly? Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 38995]
Artificial intelligence can generate human-like responses, making it possible for malicious actors to misuse it to spread false information. The use of AI and deepfakes on social media platforms raises concerns about the potential amplification of disinformation campaigns. Efforts are underway to address this issue, including developing strategies to detect and counteract misinformation. Halıcıoğlu Data Science Institute professor Stuart Geiger breaks down the consequences of AI and ChatGPT's use on social media. Series: "Data Science Channel" [Science] [Show ID: 38935]
For more than a century, folklorists have indexed a vast number of the world’s folkloric narratives according to varying structures (i.e. tale types) and to discrete elements (i.e. motifs) that commonly appear across cultures. This talk will introduce and analyze several examples of motifs indexed in folklorist Stith Thompson’s system. Ultimately, I ask whether stories about origins (human origins or otherwise) might constitute a genuine cultural universal? And if so, what might the folkloric representations of human origins say about a contemporary science of anthropogeny? Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 38996]
Generative AI machines can create artwork, music, and even realistic text that resembles human creations. However, these AI systems can also produce misleading or harmful content. The ethical implications involve issues like intellectual property, authenticity, and accountability. Who owns AI-generated art? How can we ensure transparency and trust in AI-generated information? Can AI infringe upon human creativity and job security? Halıcıoğlu Data Science Institute professor David Danks discusses how we need to strike the right balance between technological advancement and ethical considerations. This requires careful thought, regulation, and ongoing discussions to navigate the ethical landscape of generative AI responsibly. Series: "Data Science Channel" [Science] [Show ID: 38932]
Growing up, Daniella Valdez-Jasso, Ph.D., and her family moved around a lot and her love of math was always a constant. Valdez-Jasso shares how she found her path to a career in bioengineering and how she hopes to make STEM careers inclusive for all. Series: "Education Channel" [Science] [Education] [Show ID: 38361]
ChatGPT is a smart computer program that's transforming healthcare, business, research, and art. In healthcare, it helps doctors with information and supports patients. In business, it enhances customer service and automates tasks. In research, it assists scientists in finding information and making discoveries. In art, it inspires creativity and suggests new ideas. While it brings exciting possibilities, we need to consider privacy, fairness, and human involvement. It's like having a helpful friend, but we must use it responsibly and remember the unique value humans bring to these fields. Artificial intelligence is here to assist, but we must ensure ethical and thoughtful usage. Series: "Data Science Channel" [Science] [Show ID: 38933]
This series on artificial intelligence explores recent breakthroughs of AI, its broader societal implications and its future potential. In this presentation, Pamela Samuelson, professor of Law and Information at UC Berkeley, discusses whether computer-generated texts and images fall under the copyright law. She says that early on, the consensus was that AI was just a tool, like a camera, so humans could claim copyright in machine-generated outputs to which they made contributions. Now the consensus is that AI-generated texts and images are not copyrightable for the lack of a human author. The urgent questions today focus on whether ingesting in-copyright works as training data is copyright infringement and whether the outputs of AI programs are infringing derivative works of the ingested images. Four recent lawsuits, one involving GitHub’s Copilot and three involving Stable Diffusion, will address these issues.
Samuelson has been a member of the UC Berkeley School of Law faculty since 1996. She has written and spoken extensively about the challenges that new information technologies pose for traditional legal regimes, especially for intellectual property law. She is a member of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences, a fellow of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), a contributing editor of Communications of the ACM, a past fellow of the John D. & Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, a member of the American Law Institute, and an honorary professor of the University of Amsterdam. Series: "The Future of AI" [Science] [Business] [Show ID: 38859]
While exercise helps us stay healthy, what is happening on the molecular level? Matthew A. Romero, Ph.D., shares his work to understand how muscle in general and other cells specifically are transcriptionally regulated by exercise and how this affects their general behavior and how this is impacted by diseases such as obesity. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 39033]
This series on artificial intelligence explores recent breakthroughs of AI, its broader societal implications and its future potential. In this presentation, Sergey Levine, associate professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at UC Berkeley, discusses AI reinforcement learning methods. Levine asks what it would take to create machine learning systems that can make decisions when faced with the full complexity and diversity of the real world, while still retaining the ability of reinforcement learning to come up with new solutions? He discusses how advances in offline reinforcement learning can enable machine learning systems to learn to make more optimal decisions from data, combining the best of data-driven machine learning with the capacity for emergent behavior and optimization provided by reinforcement learning.
Levine received a BS and MS in Computer Science from Stanford University in 2009, and a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Stanford University in 2014. He joined the faculty of the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences at UC Berkeley in fall 2016. His work focuses on machine learning for decision making and control, with an emphasis on deep learning and reinforcement learning algorithms. Applications of his work include autonomous robots and vehicles, as well as applications in other decision-making domains. His research includes developing algorithms for end-to-end training of deep neural network policies that combine perception and control, scalable algorithms for inverse reinforcement learning, deep reinforcement learning algorithms, and more. Series: "The Future of AI" [Science] [Show ID: 38857]
The COVID-19 pandemic ushered in a new era of how we interact and function in society. Our brains and behaviors experienced unprecedented upheavals, forcing us to adapt to new ways of living. In recent years, science has made bold advances in understanding how the brain and its wiring manage new situations and stress. Leading experts in cognitive science, neurobiology and psychology present perspectives on the brain and the fascinating ways it adapts to change and stress. Hear about what happens inside the brain during times of stress; how to self-regulate your brain and bodily states; as well as ideas on mindfulness, radical honesty and how to build emotional resilience. Series: "A Deep Look into the Future of Biology" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 38938]
The COVID-19 pandemic forced researchers and scientists to find ways to predict how the virus was spreading across the United States and around the World. Using computer models that take into account factors like population size, interactions, and disease characteristics. Duke University Statistical Science professor Jason Xu explains how data is now helping to predict epidemics. Series: "Data Science Channel" [Science] [Show ID: 38735]
This series on artificial intelligence explores recent breakthroughs of AI, its broader societal implications and its future potential. In this presentation, Stuart Russell, professor of computer science at the UC, Berkeley, discusses what AI is and how it could be beneficial to civilization. Russell is a leading researcher in artificial intelligence and the author, with Peter Norvig, of “Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach,” the standard text in the field. His latest book, “Human Compatible,” addresses the long-term impact of AI on humanity. He is also an honorary fellow of Wadham College at the University of Oxford. Series: "The Future of AI" [Science] [Show ID: 38856]
As humans, we benefit immensely from the ecosystems around us — including the ocean — in obvious and not-so-obvious ways. As climate change continues to affect these ecosystems, we must ask ourselves — what can we gain by safeguarding them? Join Bernie Bastien and Raiza Pilatowsky in an interactive talk that explores the need to recognize what we value about nature in order to find new and inspiring ways to protect our planet, and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come. Series: "Jeffrey B. Graham Perspectives on Ocean Science Lecture Series" [Science] [Show ID: 38691]
This series on artificial intelligence explores recent breakthroughs of AI, its broader societal implications and its future potential. In this presentation, Michael Jordan, professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and Statistics at UC Berkeley, discusses the how to connect research in economics with computer science and statistics, with a long-term goal of providing a broader conceptual foundation for emerging real-world AI systems, and to upend received wisdom in the computational, economic and inferential disciplines.
Jordan argues that AI has focused on a paradigm in which intelligence inheres in a single agent, and in which agents should be autonomous so they can exhibit intelligence independent of human intelligence. Thus, when AI systems are deployed in social contexts, the overall design is often naive. Such a paradigm need not be dominant. In a broader framing, agents are active and cooperative, and they wish to obtain value from participation in learning-based systems. Agents may supply data and resources to the system, only if it is in their interest. Critically, intelligence inheres as much in the system as it does in individual agents.
Jordan's research interests bridge the computational, statistical, cognitive, biological and social sciences. He is a member of the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and a foreign member of the Royal Society. He was a plenary lecturer at the International Congress of Mathematicians in 2018. He received the Ulf Grenander Prize from the American Mathematical Society in 2021, the IEEE John von Neumann Medal in 2020, the IJCAI Research Excellence Award in 2016, the David E. Rumelhart Prize from the Cognitive Science Society in 2015 and the ACM/AAAI Allen Newell Award in 2009. Series: "The Future of AI" [Science] [Business] [Show ID: 38858]
Responses are generated based on the patterns and information it has acquired during training. While ChatGPT lacks genuine understanding and operates based on statistical patterns rather than true comprehension, it has the ability to talk like a human. But, how does ChatGPT actually work? Halıcıoğlu Data Science Institute professor Jingbo Shang breaks down how the large language model and artificial intelligence actually works. Series: "Data Science Channel" [Science] [Show ID: 38931]
It is an incredible computer program that can chat with you just like a person would. It's like having a super-smart friend who knows a lot about everything! This program has been trained using tons of information from books, articles, and the internet, so it has a wide range of knowledge, but what truly is ChatGPT? Halıcıoğlu Data Science Institute Assistant Professor Justin Eldridge breaks down the large language model chatbot and helps us understand the breakthroughs and implications of this new artificial intelligence. Series: "Data Science Channel" [Science] [Show ID: 38930]
Gaia Navarino shares her work on disorder-causing genetic mutations at the system, cellular and molecular level. With a focus on autism spectrum disorder, she explains techniques used to identify common pathophysiological mechanisms in ASD and how that could provide a framework for the development of effective pharmacological therapies. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 38325]
In this program, UC San Diego computer science professor Sanjoy Dasgupta talks about unsupervised learning, which is a mix of AI, statistics and algorithms. He is one of the few machine-learning researchers whose work combines algorithmic theory with geometry and mathematical statistics. Series: "Science Like Me" [Science] [Show ID: 38939]
Very large-scale integration technology (VLSI) is the magic that helps us cram a huge amount of electronic components onto a tiny microchip, enabling the creation of smaller and more powerful electronic devices that we use in our daily lives. VLSI technology is a continually evolving field, and new advancements and innovations continue to be made by researchers and engineers worldwide. Carver Mead, the 2022 Kyoto Prize Laureate in Advanced Technology is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of modern microelectronics having made significant contributions to the field of VLSI technology and semiconductor devices. Mead is joined by John Smee and Sanjay Jha for a roundtable discussion hosted by UC San Diego professor Andrew Kahng to demystify the technology and explore future possibilities for VLSI. Series: "Computer Science Channel" [Science] [Show ID: 38823]
Scripps Ocean Atmosphere Research Simulator (SOARS) is a unique installation that's changing the way oceanographers study and understand processes that occur at the boundary between the ocean and the atmosphere. Join oceanographer Dale Stokes for an insider’s look at this one-of-a-kind ocean research laboratory. Learn how SOARS allows scientists to simulate varying ocean environments by controlling winds, waves and more! Series: "Jeffrey B. Graham Perspectives on Ocean Science Lecture Series" [Science] [Show ID: 38690]
What's the future look like with a changing climate? And who will lead the way to help us mitigate the environmental, economic and social impacts? In this program, internationally acclaimed author Kim Stanley Robinson talks about what motivates him to write science fiction that focuses on the environment. Robinson is author of more than 20 books, including "The Ministers for the Future," the "Mars" trilogy and "2312," which was a New York Times bestseller nominated for all seven of the major science fiction awards — a first for any book. He was named a “Hero of the Environment” by Time magazine and asteroid 72432 was named “Kimrobinson” in his honor.The program also features four UC San Diego students who talk about their research on dealing with climate change. Series: "Writers" [Public Affairs] [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 38733]
Nobel Laureate and physicist Barry Barish, professor at UC Riverside, reflects on his life in science, being curious, experiencing imposter syndrome, and working in the field of physics with Brian Keating, host of the "Into the Impossible" podcast and professor of physics at UC San Diego. [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 38727]
Modern slavery, which encompasses 45 million people around the world, is intricately linked to the economy, politics, violence and war, gender and the environment. In this panel discussion, Kevin Bales, professor of contemporary slavery and research director of the Rights Lab at the University of Nottingham, talks about the impact of contemporary slavery with three UC Berkeley professors, Arlie Hochschild, professor emerita, Department of Sociology, Enrique Lopezlira, Ph.D., director, Low-Wage Work Program, and Eric Stover, adjunct law professor and faculty director, Human Rights Center.Slave-based activities, like brick making and deforestation, are estimated to generate 2.54 billion tonnes of CO2 per year – greater than the individual emissions of all the world’s nations except China and the U.S. Globally, slaves are forced to do work that is highly destructive to the environment. This work feeds directly into global consumption in foodstuffs, in minerals – both precious and for electronics – construction materials, clothing, and foodstuffs. Most of this work is unregulated leading to extensive poisoning of watersheds, the clear-cutting of forests, and enormous and unregulated emissions of carcinogenic gases as well as CO2. Political corruption supports this slave-based environmental destruction and its human damage. Series: "UC Berkeley Graduate Lectures" [Humanities] [Science] [Business] [Show ID: 38615]
The origin of humans is a difficult scientific problem in evolution that is grounded in biology and molded by culture. Recent advances in neuroscience and artificial intelligence have led to synergies and surprising new hypotheses. Mysteries such as the origin of language and human sociality are being illuminated by these advances. This CARTA symposium will be explored by researchers at the frontiers of A.I., machine learning, language and sociality. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 38688]
Pragmatics poses a headache to developers of artificial systems. But how did language evolve to efficiently relay so much pragmatic trickery? Eva Wittenberg presents a new paper that builds on the idea that grammar evolved gradually, and with it, pragmatics. We argue that the simpler a grammar is, the stronger the reliance on pragmatic inferences for many aspects of meaning, including even basic questions such as who did what to whom. As grammars gradually evolve towards more complex systems, these coarse pragmatic inferences give way to pragmatic processes that are different in character: Syntax, semantics, and the lexicon evolve to contain reliable and systematic triggers for highly structured pragmatic phenomena. Our account thus links a gradualist scenario of the evolution of syntax that triggers distinct qualitative processes in pragmatic reasoning. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 38685]
There are 45 million enslaved people in the world today. The links between slavery, conflict, environmental destruction, economics and consumption began to strengthen and evolve in the 20th century. The availability of people who might be enslaved dramatically increased in line with population growth. According to Kevin Bales, professor of contemporary slavery and research director of the Rights Lab at the University of Nottingham, the large and negative environmental impact of modern slavery is just now coming to light. Slave-based activities, like brick making and deforestation, are estimated to generate 2.54 billion tonnes of CO2 per year – greater than the individual emissions of all the world’s nations except China and the U.S. Globally, slaves are forced to do work that is highly destructive to the environment. This work feeds directly into global consumption in foodstuffs, in minerals – both precious and for electronics – construction materials, clothing, and foodstuffs. Most of this work is unregulated leading to extensive poisoning of watersheds, the clear-cutting of forests, and enormous and unregulated emissions of carcinogenic gases as well as CO2. Political corruption supports this slave-based environmental destruction and its human damage. Kevin Bales, CMG, FRSA is Professor of Contemporary Slavery and Research Director of the Rights Lab, University of Nottingham. He co-founded the American NGO Free the Slaves. His 1999 book Disposable People: New Slavery in the Global Economy has been published in twelve languages. Desmond Tutu called it “a well researched, scholarly and deeply disturbing expose of modern slavery.” The film based on Disposable People, which he co-wrote, won the Peabody Award and two Emmys. The Association of British Universities named his work one of “100 World-Changing Discoveries.” In 2007 he published Ending Slavery: How We Free Today’s Slaves (Grawemeyer Award). In 2009, with Ron Soodalter, he published The Slave Next Door: Modern Slavery in the United States. In 2016 his research institute was awarded the Queens Anniversary Prize, and he published Blood and Earth: Modern Slavery, Ecocide, and the Secret to Saving the World. Check out his TEDTalk. Series: "UC Berkeley Graduate Lectures" [Humanities] [Science] [Business] [Show ID: 38614]
Parallel Architecture is a theory of the mental representations involved in the language faculty. These representations are organized in three orthogonal dimensions or levels: phonology, syntax, and semantics, correlated with each other through interface links. Words are encoded in all three levels and serve as part of the interface between sound and meaning. In the representation of an entire sentence, the words are spread out across the combinatoriality of the three levels. An important requirement for a theory of language is that it must offer an account of how we can talk about what we see. It is proposed that conceptual structure in language interfaces with a level of physical space – which in turn interfaces with visual, haptic, and proprioceptive perception, and with the planning of action. Thus, the basic principles of the Parallel Architecture for language can be extended to major aspects of mental function. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 38684]
Vocal learning is one of the most critical components of spoken language. It has only evolved several independent times among mammals and birds. Although all vocal learning species are distantly related and have closer relatives that are non-vocal learners, humans and the vocal learning birds have evolved convergent forebrain pathways that control song and speech imitation and production. Erich Jarvis presents an overview of the various biological hypothesis of what makes vocal learning and spoken language special, how it evolved, and what differs about the molecular and neural mechanisms compared to other behavioral traits. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 38686]
Common sense is shared knowledge about people and the physical world, enabled by the biological brain. It comprises intuitive psychology, intuitive physics, and intuitive sociality. Unlike deep neural networks, common sense requires only limited experience. Human intelligence has evolved to deal with uncertainty, independent of whether big or small data are available. Complex AI algorithms, in contrast, work best in stable, well-defined situations such as chess and Go, where large amounts of data are available. This stable-world principle helps to understand what statistical algorithms are capable of and distinguish it from commercial hype or techno-religious faith. Gerd Gigerenzer introduces the program of psychological AI, which uses psychological heuristics to make algorithms smart. What we need is a fusion of the adaptive heuristics that embody common sense with the power of machine learning. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 38683]
UC San Diego's School of Biological Sciences presents another event in their Deep Look series focusing on Earth Day. UC San Diego researchers will offer perspectives from a range of scientific disciplines relevant to the planet and its future. How are wildflowers adapting to climate change? How can humans sustainably co-exist with one of the world’s largest vertebrates, the Asian elephant? How is modern genetics being used to aid the future of the California Condor? Plus, UC San Diego has launched a new Center for Nature, Science and Society to explore the nexus of climate change, biodiversity and human impacts. Series: "A Deep Look into the Future of Biology" [Public Affairs] [Science] [Show ID: 38861]
The emergence of language is routinely regarded as a major (or even the main) evolutionary transition in our species’ history. Much less attention and awe has been dispensed to the fact that humans evolved the capacity to successfully create, learn, and use a myriad of different languages which, while similar in some aspects, are radically different in many others. In this presentation, I will argue that these differences have observable consequences for non-linguistic aspects of cognition and behavior. Finally, I will discuss how these effects play out in the design, testing, and deployment of AI, as the linguistic peculiarities of behemoth languages like English are extrapolated to the world’s languages. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 38681]
Bryan T. Grenfell is a population biologist and professor of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology and Public Affairs at Princeton University. He proposed phylodynamics as a methodology to predict the infectious disease dynamics of RNA viruses by considering viral evolution, thus contributing to the development of research fields that integrate immune dynamics, epidemiology, and evolutionary biology. These achievements have been instrumental in understanding infection mechanisms of viruses such as COVID-19 and proposing effective infectious disease control policies. Awarded with the 2022 Kyoto Prize in Basic Sciences, Grenfell will discuss population biology and the evolution of infectious diseases in his lecture, "Epidemiological and Evolutionary Dynamics of Pathogens in Time and Space". Series: "Kyoto Prize Symposium" [Science] [Show ID: 38573]
Carver Mead is a pioneer of modern microelectronics. He proposed a new methodology, very large-scale integration (VLSI), that would make it possible for creating millions or billions of transistors on a single integrated circuit (microchip). His research investigated techniques for VLSI, designing and creating high-complexity microchips. This design process has advanced electronic technologies and transformed the lives of most of the people inhabiting our planet. Mead also paved the way to VLSI design automation and facilitating the revolutionary development of today's VLSI-based electronics and industry. For his work and contributions, Mead was awarded the 2022 Kyoto Prize in Advanced Technology. In his talk entitled, "Engineering Concepts Clarify Physical Law" Mead will discuss a simplified theory that might serve as an entry point for further development by generations of young people who feel disenfranchised by the existing establishment. Series: "Computer Science Channel" [Science] [Show ID: 38572]
Highly organized social groups require well-structured and dynamic communication systems. Naked mole-rats form some of the most rigidly structured social groups in the Animal Kingdom, exhibiting eusociality, a type of highly cooperative social living characterized by a reproductive division of labor with a single breeding female, the queen. Using machine learning techniques we demonstrated that one vocalization type, the soft chirp, encodes information about individual identity and colony membership. Colony specific vocal dialects can be learned early in life--pups that were cross-fostered acquire the dialect of their adoptive colonies. We also demonstrate that vocal dialects are influenced in part by the presence of the queen. Alison Barker summarizes these findings and highlight our current work investigating how social and vocal complexity evolved in parallel in closely related species throughout the Bathyergidae family of African mole-rats. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 38680]
The origin of humans is a difficult scientific problem in evolution that is grounded in biology and molded by culture. Recent advances in neuroscience and artificial intelligence have led to synergies and surprising new hypotheses. Mysteries such as the origin of language and human sociality are being illuminated by these advances. This CARTA symposium will be explored by researchers at the frontiers of A.I., machine learning, language and sociality. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 38687]
Tage S. Rai is a psychologist who studies ethics, culture, and violence. Drawing on both qualitative and experimental methods, he examines the social-relational nature of morality, its origins, and its consequences. In recent work, he has found that when perpetrators are motivated by moral sentiments, they may humanize rather than dehumanize their victims, experience greater rather than lesser self-control when harming them, and respond irrationally to material costs and benefits. Moving forward, he is especially interested in developing psychological approaches to the study of organizational and institutional violence. Series: "Exploring Ethics" [Health and Medicine] [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 38800]
Large language models (LLMs) have now achieved many of the longstanding goals of the quest for generalist AI. While LLMs are still very imperfect (though rapidly improving) in areas like factual grounding, planning, reasoning, safety, memory, and consistency, they do understand concepts, are capable of insight and originality, can problem-solve, and exhibit many faculties we have historically defended vigorously as exceptionally human, such as humor, creativity, and theory of mind. At this point, human responses to the emergence of AI seem to be telling us more about our own psychology, hopes and fears, than about AI itself. However, taking these new AI capacities seriously, and noticing that they all emerge purely from sequence modeling, should cause us to reassess what our own cerebral cortex is doing, and whether we are learning what intelligence, machine or biological, actually is. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 38679]
The cell phone revolutionized how we communicate with each other, but its origins are extremely different from the device you use to talk, text and even surf the internet with on a daily basis. Its roots could be traced back to the early 1970s when the head of Motorola’s communications systems division, Martin Cooper was tasked with developing a device that would make the up and coming car phone obsolete technology. On April 3, 1973, Cooper made the very first handheld cell phone call while standing on Sixth Avenue outside the New York City Hilton in midtown Manhattan to engineer Joel Engel, head of AT&T’s rival project. In a conversation with Al Pisano, Dean of UC San Diego’s Jacobs School of Engineering, Cooper reflects on the past fifty years including what it took to develop the world’s first cellular telephone, the impact it’s had on the world and the future of smartphone technology. [Science] [Show ID: 38819]
Evolution always presented life forms with new challenges -- due to changes in weather, terrain, competition between different organisms, and other reasons. To increase the chance of survival, instead of solely optimizing current performance, it is in an agent's interest to maximize its ability to adapt to changes. Possibly this old evolutionary trait manifests itself in modern humans in their ability to adapt to new tasks and challenges quickly. Even if we consider a lifetime of a human, the ability to adapt is critical. An open question is what enables humans to adapt, a trait that modern AI systems lack. Frivolous play prepares infants for future life by laying down the foundation of a high-level experimentation framework to quickly understand how things work in new environments for constructing goal-directed plans. Pulkit Agrawal discusses how the idea of experimentation can be leveraged to construct robots that improve with experience and solve novel problems presented to them. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 38678]
Have questions about publishing in academic journals? Sheila Chari, Ph.D., editor in chief of Cell Stem Cell, explains the process from pre-submission through publication. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 38722]
Feedback interconnections are widespread in the brain; yet clear explanations for most of them are currently lacking. Carmen Amo Alonso and John Doyle explore current experimental evidence on the relationship between the auditory and motor parts of the brain during speech perception and production. These models provide a plausible explanation for how the structure of language, as described in the Parallel Architecture, is implemented in the brain. Together, they provide a plausible account for how the Parallel Architecture of language originates as a result of functional constrains in the sensorimotor system. They compare the brain’s implementation of the language capacity with other cognitive capacities, such as vision or motor planning and control, which also have massive internal feedbacks that our new theory explains for the first time. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 38682]
How do visions and norms of scientific progress inform, encourage or constrain democratic governance of science? How do questions of warrant, purpose, and benefit get asked and answered? Andy Murray, Ph.D., sits down with Carrie Wolinetz, Ph.D., National Institutes of Health (NIH), Maria Millan, M.D, California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM, Derek Thompson, The Atlantic, and Sheila Jasanoff, J.D., Ph.D., Harvard University, to explore these questions and more. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Science] [Show ID: 38731]
Just a hundred miles to the East of San Diego, one of the largest inland lakes in the West is drying up as a result combined human activity and climate change. The exposed lake bed is rapidly turning into a source of dust, worsening the frequent dust storms that impact the people who live in the surrounding areas. Learn about the intersection of architecture and science in this stark but magnificent landscape in a conversation with Climate Scientist Amato Evan and Architect Gillian Shaffer Lutsko. Discover how collaborations with local activists, policy groups, scientists and indigenous communities inspired an architectural project that envisions how we can unite conversations around redevelopment, the climate crisis, public health and community-led design. Series: "Jeffrey B. Graham Perspectives on Ocean Science Lecture Series" [Public Affairs] [Science] [Show ID: 38689]
How do we set practical policies that allow scientific discovery to thrive while keeping an eye to risks and benefits for all? Carrie Wolinetz, Ph.D.,National Institutes of Health (NIH), looks at current and past policy and shares her insights on the democratic governance of science. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Science] [Show ID: 38745]
Data science is relevant now, because of the large amounts being generated by smart phones, tablets and computers. With all the information out there, who has access to it? UC San Diego professor Brad Voytek discusses how data scientists are using the huge amounts of structured and unstructured data available to them and how that research is changing the world around us. Voytek also dives into how data is being used to bridge the gap in neuroscience and helping understand how the brain works. Series: "Data Science Channel" [Science] [Show ID: 37837]
How do research communities contend with controversial science? J. Benjamin Hurlbut, Ph.D., Arizona State University, Alysson Muotri, Ph.D., UC San Diego, Matthew Porteus, M.D., Ph.D., Stanford University, and Jacob (Yaqub) Hanna, M.D., Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, explore controversial case studies and the limitations of scientific deliberation/dissent/ambivalence. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 38729]
The identity of somatic and pluripotent cells can be epigenetically reprogrammed and forced to adapt a new functional cell state by different methods and distinct combinations of exogenous factors. The aspiration to utilize such in vitro reprogrammed pluripotent and somatic cells for therapeutic purposes necessitates understanding of the mechanisms of reprogramming and differentiation and elucidating the extent of equivalence of the in vitro derived cells to their in vivo counterparts. Jacob (Yaqub) Hanna, M.D., Ph.D., presents his group’s recent advances toward understanding these fundamental questions and further details ongoing efforts to generate developmentally unrestricted human naive pluripotent cells with embryonic and extra-embryonic developmental potential. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 38323]
Why is the ocean — and this team of researchers — looking pretty in pink? For science! Scientists at UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography have launched the PiNC (Plumes in Nearshore Conditions) experiment to study the coastal zone where a river meets the ocean. Using a non-toxic, environmentally safe pink dye and a suite of instruments, researchers released the dye in the mouth of the Los Peñasquitos Lagoon at Torrey Pines State Beach near San Diego, California in the winter of 2023. Rivers and estuaries play an important role in delivering freshwater and materials such as sediments and contaminants to the coastal ocean, but little is known about how these plumes of more buoyant, fresher water interact with the denser, saltier and often colder nearshore ocean environment, particularly as the plumes encounter breaking waves. This experiment enables scientists to track the processes that take place when small-scale plumes of freshwater meet the surfzone. Series: "Scripps Institution of Oceanography" [Science] [Show ID: 38739]
Anthropogeny, has provided many new discoveries over the past decade, ranging from new fossil finds to ancient DNA data, including from extinct hominins. New methods and multi-disciplinary collaborations are providing exciting new insights into the complicated evolutionary journey that gave rise to our species. However, we remain far from understanding some of the most striking human-specific characteristics: the reasons for our bipedality, the factors selecting for our dexterity at creating and using tools, and the true age of fire use in our distant ancestors. This CARTA symposium features advisory committee members who highlight where they hope future efforts should be focused and what type of novel collaborations are most promising for improving our understanding of the human phenomenon. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 38305]
When not teaching at computer science at the UC San Diego, Barna Saha serves as the director of The Institute for Emerging Core Methods in Data Science (EnCORE). EnCORE is a National Science Foundation (NSF) Transdisciplinary Research in Principles of Data Science Phase II (TRIPODS) program housed at UC San Diego's Halıcıoğlu Data Science Institute. She talks with Saura Naderi about her early interest in data science and some of the amazing work being done with EnCORE. She also talks about the importance of getting more young women interested in STEM fields like data science. Series: "Science Like Me" [Science] [Show ID: 38550]
Anthropogeny, has provided many new discoveries over the past decade, ranging from new fossil finds to ancient DNA data, including from extinct hominins. This CARTA symposium highlights where the future efforts should be focused and what type of novel collaborations are most promising for improving our understanding of the human phenomenon. Evan Eichler talks about the discovery and resolution of genetic variation is critical to understanding disease and evolution. The data suggests that large-scale genome structural variation continues to play a crucial role in the evolution of the human species.Daniel Geschwind discusses human cognition and how human brain evolution are particularly susceptible to disruption of neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Education] [Show ID: 38630]
Anthropogeny, has provided many new discoveries over the past decade, ranging from new fossil finds to ancient DNA data, including from extinct hominins. This CARTA symposium highlights where the future efforts should be focused and what type of novel collaborations are most promising for improving our understanding of the human phenomenon. Pascal Gagneux offers a zoological view of the human cultural animal. Robert Kluender talks about the evolution of language structure and the future of linguistics. Anne Stone discusses ancient DNA research and the surprising insights into human evolutionary history. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Education] [Show ID: 38633]
Anthropogeny, has provided many new discoveries over the past decade, ranging from new fossil finds to ancient DNA data, including from extinct hominins. This CARTA symposium highlights where the future efforts should be focused and what type of novel collaborations are most promising for improving our understanding of the human phenomenon. Yohannes Haile-Selassie discusses the importance of fossil based human origin research. Carol Marchetto talks about the use of stem cells to study human origins. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Education] [Show ID: 38632]
Anthropogeny, has provided many new discoveries over the past decade, ranging from new fossil finds to ancient DNA data, including from extinct hominins. This CARTA symposium highlights where the future efforts should be focused and what type of novel collaborations are most promising for improving our understanding of the human phenomenon. Terry Sejnowski discusses how large-scale neural network models have inspired major advances in artificial intelligence. Sarah Tishkoff talks on how Africa is thought to be the ancestral homeland of all modern human populations. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Education] [Show ID: 38631]
Systems neuroscience aims to understand how brain cells and circuits are organized to produce behavior in living organisms. Julio Martinez-Trujillo, M.D., Ph.D., shares his research studying how neurons interact with one another and other cell types within a circuit during ex vivo and in vivo conditions. He also looks to the future and discusses how stem cell technologies can provide unique access to study human circuits and new insights into the nervous system. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 38322]
Increasingly frequent and intense wildfires in California and the western US are impacting communities across the state. Even areas not prone to fires suffer from degraded air and water quality – direct consequences of these extreme events. ALERTCalifornia combines a state-wide fire camera network with state-of-the-art sensor technology to support data-driven decision making before during and after wildfires. Join Dr. Neal Driscoll as he describes the scientific and technological expertise at UCSD that is being brought to bear on making California more resilient to climate change. Series: "Jeffrey B. Graham Perspectives on Ocean Science Lecture Series" [Science] [Show ID: 38459]
As a mechanical engineer, Jin-Hyung Shim, Ph.D. has a unique perspective on tissue and organ regeneration. He discusses the present and potential of 3D printed biomaterials. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 38321]
Marion Nestle, Ph.D., MPH, reflects on her late-in-life career as a world-renowned food politics expert, public health advocate, and a founder of the field of food studies after facing decades of low expectations. She discusses her new memoir, "Slow Cooked," that tells her personal story, including her rise from bench scientist to the pinnacles of academia, while overcoming the barriers and biases facing women of her generation and finding her life's purpose after age 50. Series: "Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies" [Health and Medicine] [Humanities] [Science] [Business] [Show ID: 38620]
Current knowledge of our deep past is primarily derived from ancient fossils of our ancestors that paleoanthropologists search for and discover in some of the most remote areas of the world. In the last two decades, significant fossil discoveries have been made and these discoveries have re-written some parts of our deep past. However, the fossil record is still far from complete, primarily due to the absence of fossils from some critical geological times and the lack of robust samples for the species already identified. The best way to fill temporal gaps in the fossil record and meaningfully increase the sample size is by conducting surveys and exploration to locate new areas of paleoanthropological significance. If we want to fully understand our evolutionary history, especially how we became who we are today and where we are going, continued paleoanthropological fieldwork is of paramount importance. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 38499]
Anthropogeny, has provided many new discoveries over the past decade, ranging from new fossil finds to ancient DNA data, including from extinct hominins. New methods and multi-disciplinary collaborations are providing exciting new insights into the complicated evolutionary journey that gave rise to our species. However, we remain far from understanding some of the most striking human-specific characteristics: the reasons for our bipedality, the factors selecting for our dexterity at creating and using tools, and the true age of fire use in our distant ancestors. This CARTA symposium features advisory committee members who highlight where they hope future efforts should be focused and what type of novel collaborations are most promising for improving our understanding of the human phenomenon. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 38296]
Lei Li is an assistant professor in Computer Science Department at University of California Santa Barbara. His research interest lies in natural language processing, machine translation, and AI-powered drug discovery. He received his B.S. from Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Ph.D. from Carnegie Mellon University. Series: "Institute for Energy Efficiency" [Science] [Show ID: 38476]
Rob Ober is Chief Platform Architect of NVIDIA’s data center products, and works with global Hyperscales to architect AI and Deep Learning clusters, develop systems and platform architecture, and influence NVIDIA hardware and software platform roadmaps. His background is in processor and system architecture, with experience in networking, storage, memories, and wireless. Rob has over 40 international patents in processor architecture, low power design, storage, networks, wireless, and mobile devices. Series: "Institute for Energy Efficiency" [Science] [Show ID: 38472]
Yufei Ding joined the Department of Computer Science (with a joint appointment in the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering), University of California at Santa Barbara as an Assistant Professor in Nov 2017. Her research interests lie in the broad fields of domain-specific language design, architecture and compiler optimization, and hardware acceleration. Her current research focuses on building high-performance, energy-efficient, and high-fidelity programming frameworks for emerging technologies such as quantum computing, machine learning, and deep learning. Series: "Institute for Energy Efficiency" [Science] [Show ID: 38474]
Katharine E. Schmidtke received a B.Sc. Degree in physics and mathematics from Keele University, UK, in 1989 and Ph.D in laser physics and non-linear optics from the University of Southampton in 1993. She went on to do post-doctoral research in epitaxial growth of non-linear optical materials at Stanford University, CA, USA. She has a 25-year career in the optical communications industry including roles at Finisar, JDS Uniphase and New Focus. For the past 7 years she has worked at Facebook, Menlo Park, CA where she has driven the technology strategy for data center optical interconnects. She is currently Director of Sourcing for ASICS and Custom Silicon focused on AI/ML applications. Dr. Schmidtke is a fellow of the Optical Society of America and has been an invited speaker and served on committees for numerous international conferences, including Optical Fiber Communication Conference (OFC) European Conference on Communications (ECOC) and the Optical Interconnects Conference. Series: "Institute for Energy Efficiency" [Science] [Show ID: 38480]
Martin Fischer is the Kumagai Professor of Engineering at Stanford University and directs the Center for Integrated Facility Engineering. He is known globally for his work and leadership in developing and applying digital methods to increase the productivity of construction project teams, enhance building performance, and create new strategic opportunities for firms in the construction industry. His award-winning research results have been used operationally and strategically by many industrial and government organizations around the world. He has co-authored the book “Integrating Project Delivery” published by Wiley in 2017, written over 100 refereed journal articles and book chapters, and given over 100 keynote lectures on his research. His work has been recognized by the ASCE Peurifoy Construction Research Award and with elections to the National Academy of Construction in the US and the Royal Academy of Engineering Sciences in Sweden. Series: "Institute for Energy Efficiency" [Science] [Show ID: 38479]
Join UC San Diego’s School of Biological Sciences for the next event in our Deep Look public speaker series. As we move into the holidays and the winter season, society continues to grapple with challenges to our mental health and wellbeing, from the lingering uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic, to an ongoing war, the climate crisis and the struggles of daily living. Long-ignored issues related to mental health have now come to the forefront of our collective consciousness and become less stigmatized. Join us as we explore the mental health crisis on college campuses, views from underserved communities and international perspectives on mental health. Series: "A Deep Look into the Future of Biology" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 37832]
Cliff Young is a software engineer in Google Research, where he works on codesign for deep learning accelerators. He is one of the designers of Google’s Tensor Processing Unit (TPU) and one of the founders of the MLPerf benchmark. Previously, Cliff built special- purpose supercomputers for molecular dynamics at D. E. Shaw Research and was a Member of Technical Staff at Bell Labs. Cliff holds AB, MS, and PhD degrees in computer science from Harvard University. Cliff is a member of ACM and IEEE. Series: "Institute for Energy Efficiency" [Science] [Show ID: 38473]
Mead Rusert is President of Automated Logic, a leading provider of innovative building automation and energy management solutions that maximize energy efficiency and ensure occupant comfort and engagement. With over 30 years of industry experience, he brings a broad background to the position including executive roles in engineering, product management, and marketing for commercial HVAC products at Carrier Corporation. He holds three patents related to temperature control algorithms. Mead earned a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Master’s degree in business administration from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University. Series: "Institute for Energy Efficiency" [Science] [Show ID: 38477]
Surendra Anubolu is a Distinguished Engineer at Broadcom in the Switch Group. He is currently working on benchmarking and enhancing performance of distributed AI work loads and telemetry for network applications. Since joining Broadcom in 2015, Surendra worked on the Tomahawk and Trident line of products. Prior to Broadcom, Surendra worked at Cisco as Director of Engineering responsible for delivering Ethernet switch silicon. Surendra Anubolu holds an MS from Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. Series: "Institute for Energy Efficiency" [Science] [Show ID: 38475]
Growing up in Fontana, California, Maritza Sanchez developed a love of math and science early on. A native Spanish speaker, she found that numbers made sense in every language. With the support of her parents, friends, and a her high school teachers, she found herself on the path to college. Sanchez shares how she not only switched majors but transferred schools, how she found her academic path, and what it means to pursue a Ph.D. in materials science. Series: "Education Channel" [Science] [Education] [Show ID: 38266]
For the past 30 years, the frontiers of language science have been in the areas of neurolinguistics and genetics, both of which arose in conjunction with new technologies emerging in the 1990s. It is probably safe to say that these trends will continue apace as technology in these areas continues to advance, allowing for increasingly sophisticated and fine-grained analysis. From its inception, the study of language has been inextricably linked with cultural anthropology and the arts. It was only in the 20th century that linguistics was able to break free of its sister disciplines and establish itself as an autonomous field all its own. In this talk, I first look backwards in time, in a review of the provenance and history of linguistics as a field. The idea is to take stock of where we have come from in order to get a sense for where we might be headed. Much of what we do today in linguistics has its roots in what the Sanskrit grammarians did several millennia ago. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 38300]
Human cognition and behavior are highly heritable and so is liability to disorders that affect them. This includes neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We have started to integrate genetic risk data with the emerging maps of gene regulation to study human specific aspects of gene expression and gene regulation. These analyses indicate that human specific aspects of gene regulation, such as genes regulated by human specific enhancers, are indeed enriched in mutations or common genetic variants that increase risk for ASD and allied neurodevelopmental disorders. This provides evidence that genetic elements underlying human brain evolution are particularly susceptible to disruption in disease. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Education] [Show ID: 38299]
Bharath Muthiah is a Technical Lead in Meta’s Infrastructure team and leads technical sourcing for large scale AI HW cluster technologies and solutions. In this capacity, Bharath engages extensively with Meta’s strategic technology partners, industry consortiums, hyperscale peers, and academic partners in influencing customization and optimizations for Meta’s key AI use cases. Prior to this, Bharath led the technical sourcing and enabling efforts for Meta’s Compute and Video Infrastructure efforts as well as jump starting Meta’s technical engagements in the custom silicon and ASIC spaces. Prior to Meta, Bharath had 15 years of experience in the Datacenter and Cloud Infrastructure spaces spanning various strategy, product management, and engineering roles at Intel. Series: "Institute for Energy Efficiency" [Science] [Show ID: 38471]
Africa is thought to be the ancestral homeland of all modern human populations within the past 300,000 years. It is also a region of tremendous cultural, linguistic, climatic, and genetic diversity. Despite the important role that African populations have played in human history, they remain one of the most underrepresented groups in human genomics studies. A comprehensive knowledge of patterns of variation in African genomes is critical for a deeper understanding of human genomic diversity, the identification of functionally important genetic variation, the genetic basis of adaptation to diverse environments and diets, and the origins of modern humans. We have characterized genomic variation in thousands of ethnically and geographically diverse Africans in order to reconstruct human population history and local adaptation to variable environments and have identified candidate loci that play a role in alcohol metabolism and skin color. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Education] [Show ID: 38304]
Michael Levy, M.D. discusses how adolescence impacts autism. He is joined by a panel who discuss how the arts - from comic books to performance - have impacted their lives on the spectrum. Series: "Autism Tree Project Annual Neuroscience Conference" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 38395]
Our species is between 300,000 and 200,000 years old. For most of this one-quarter of a million years, up until just 12,000 years ago, it appears that our ancestors lived in small populations, in small-scale societies of which we can only guess the real nature. We remain in the dark about the age of some of the most diagnostic features of our species: our striding bipedalism, complex tool manufacture and use, fire use, language and societies defining their own identities, collaborating with and competing against neighboring societies. Data from studies of non-human animal behavior remind us of the underappreciated capacities of many other species. However, it has so far not provided evidence for any other species that shares the long list of distinctly human characteristics; chief among those, our species’ capacity to not only simultaneous modify and threaten planetary ecosystems but also document and study such ecosystems across the globe. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 38298]
UC Santa Barbara's Clint Schow discusses how to bring low-power O-band coherent optics to data centers. Schow received B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Texas at Austin. After positions at IBM and Agility Communications, Dr. Schow spent more than a decade at the IBM T.J. Watson Research Center in Yorktown Heights, NY, as a Research Staff Member and Manager of the Optical Link and System Design group. He has led international R&D programs spanning chip-to-chip optical links, VCSEL and Si photonic transceivers, nanophotonic switches, and new system architectures enabled by high- bandwidth, low-latency photonic networks. In 2015, Dr. Schow joined the faculty of the University of California at Santa Barbara. Dr. Schow has been an invited speaker and served on committees for numerous international conferences. He is a Fellow of the OSA and the IEEE, has published more than 200 journal and conference articles, and has 33 issued patents. Series: "Institute for Energy Efficiency" [Science] [Show ID: 38468]
Ravi Agarwal is a technical sourcing manager at the Facebook Infrastructure group. In this role, he is responsible for driving advanced packaging architectures and foundry for both networking and AI/ML compute applications to meet Facebook future workloads. He is driving Chiplet Business Workstream in Open Domain-Specific Architecture (ODSA) Sub-Project within the Open Compute Project (OCP) working with ecosystem partners to enable Chiplet marketplace. Prior to Facebook, he spent 12+ years at Intel Corporation and Amkor Technologies, where he held several leadership positions. In his last role at Intel, he was Chief of Staff to Intel Global Supply Chain Corp. Vice President. Ravi received PhD dual major in Materials Science & Engineering and Polymer Science from North Carolina State University and MBA from University of California Berkeley. Series: "Institute for Energy Efficiency" [Science] [Show ID: 38469]
The discovery and resolution of genetic variation is critical to understanding disease and evolution. Our most recent work sequences diverse human and nonhuman primate genomes using both ultra-long and high-fidelity long-read sequencing technologies. Advances in this area have made possible the first telomere-to-telomere assemblies of the human genome and much more complete chimp, gorilla and orangutan genomes providing new biological insights into regions typically excluded from human genetic and comparative studies. We have discovered mega basepairs of duplicated sequence and/or rapidly evolving sequence present in humans that are absent from other non-human primates. These changes have predisposed our species to recurrent rearrangements associated with disease but also have led to the emergence of new genes important in the expansion of the human frontal cortex of the brain. Our data suggest that large-scale genome structural variation has played and continues to play a crucial role in the evolution of the human species. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 38297]
Neuroscience has made great strides in the last decade following the Brain Research Through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative, a science and engineering grand challenge that has greatly accelerated research on large-scale recordings from neurons and reconstructions of neural circuits. Large-scale neural network models have in turn inspired major advances in artificial intelligence. These network models have been trained on large-scale data sets to recognize objects in images, caption photographs, and translate text between languages. The most recent advance has been the emergence of pre-trained foundational language models that are self-supervised and can be adapted with fine tuning to a wide range of natural language tasks, each of which previously would have required a separate network model. This is one step closer to the extraordinary versatility of human language. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Education] [Show ID: 38302]
Ram Huggahalli is a Principal Hardware Engineer in Microsoft's Azure Hardware Systems and Infrastructure group. His focus areas are hyper-scalar systems architecture, SoC/platform-level interconnects and accelerator architecture strategies for the next 2-4 years. Prior to Microsoft, Ram has been with Intel Corporation contributing to memory and I/O subsystem directions in various Xeon processors and platforms, large scale HPC interconnect product roadmaps and system level simulation methodologies. Ram has MS degrees in Electrical Engineering and Engineering Management from Missouri University of Science and Technology. Series: "Institute for Energy Efficiency" [Science] [Show ID: 38464]
Alysson Muotri discusses modeling Pitt-Hopkins syndrome (PTHS) using stem cells and brain organoids. He shares how rescuing TCF4 expression with CRISPR-mediated epigenetic induction of AAV vector delivery provides a gateway for targeted therapeutics for PTHS and related conditions. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 38516]
Rob Stone is a member of the infrastructure team at Meta, focusing on next generation optics and networking. Prior to Facebook, Rob was a distinguished engineer at Broadcom within the switch architecture team. He is active in industry communities including IEEE and other MSAs. Rob holds a D.Phil. in Physics from The University of Oxford. Series: "Institute for Energy Efficiency" [Science] [Show ID: 38463]
The human brain has a larger mass with respect to body weight, increased cortical neurons with respect to size, an expanded proliferative zone, and unique connectivity patterns. Human-specific neurodevelopment is not only marked by physical differences, but also by temporal changes. Human neurons, during both prenatal neurodevelopment and adult neurogenesis, exhibit an exceptionally delayed time course, a characteristic termed neoteny. Signatures of human-specific neoteny have been observed and reproduced across different systems including induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) and brain organoids models. We compared neurogenesis across stem cells from five primate species - rhesus, gorilla, bonobo, chimpanzee, human - and assessed the differences in transcriptional dynamics. We identified a pioneer transcription factor, GATA3, that exhibited elevated neuronal expression only in humans. This finding provides evidence for the divergence of gene regulation as a contributor to human neoteny. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Education] [Show ID: 38301]
When not teaching at the University of Pennsylvania, CJ Taylor is part of the Robotics team working on The Institute for Learning-Enabled Optimization at Scale (TILOS) at UC San Diego's Halıcıoğlu Data Science Institute. He talks with Saura Naderi about his upbringing, his early interest in data science and his current position. He also talks about his involvement in projects that benefit the community. Series: "Science Like Me" [Science] [Show ID: 38501]
The American Physical Society has designated UC San Diego’s Mayer Hall as a historic site in recognition of research conducted by physicists Walter Kohn and Lu Jeu Sham on density functional theory. Their development of the "Kohn-Sham equation" inside Mayer Hall became the foundation for the computation of the material properties of electrons and nuclei. Understanding the electronic properties of complex systems is essential to the design and engineering of new materials and drugs. Kohn and Pierre Hohenberg on sabbatical in Paris developed a theorem for the electron ground state energy to depend on the electron density distribution instead of the usual potential energy due to the nuclei. In Building C (later named Mayer Hall), from 1964-66, Kohn and Sham laid the foundation of a computation method, based on a single-particle equation composed of its quantum kinetic energy and the potential energy including the interaction effects. That became the basis for computation of material properties of the electrons and the nuclei. For this work, Kohn received the 1998 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. [Science] [Show ID: 38313]
What is gene therapy and how does it relate to autism? Alysson Muotri, Ph.D., contextualizes the autism spectrum, defines gene therapy, shares how human stem cells can contribute to research, and lays out how gene therapy could be used in the future. Series: "Autism Tree Project Annual Neuroscience Conference" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 38387]
John E. Bowers holds the UC Santa Barbara Fred Kavli Chair in Nanotechnology and is the Director of the Institute for Energy Efficiency and a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Dr. Bowers received his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from Stanford University and worked for AT&T Bell Laboratories and Honeywell before joining UC Santa Barbara. Dr. Bowers is a member of the National Academy of Engineering, the National Academy of Inventors, a fellow of the IEEE, OSA and the American Physical Society. Series: "Institute for Energy Efficiency" [Science] [Show ID: 38470]
Chris Cole is advising several companies including II-VI Inc. and Quintessent Inc., on advanced optical interfaces. Before, he was VP of Advanced Development, Finisar Corp. where he led the definition and development of 10 through 400 Gb/s optical interfaces for datacom and telecom applications. He delivered multiple generations of optical transceivers leading to ~$1billion of Finisar revenue. The 40G, 100G, 200G and 400G interfaces he defined and proposed for IEEE standardization constitute the majority of optical datacom links in datacenters, and account for billions of optics industry revenue. Prior, at Hughes Aircraft Company (now Boeing Space), and MIT Lincoln Laboratory he contributed to multiple communication and imaging satellites. Then, for TI DSP Group and Silicon Systems Inc. (now Analog Devices), he developed voiceband datacom algorithms and ASICs, respectively. Series: "Institute for Energy Efficiency" [Science] [Show ID: 38467]
Thomas C. Südhof, M.D., Stanford University, discusses facets of the fundamental cell biology of ApoE and APP analyzed in stem cell-derived human neurons. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 38405]
Environmental scientist Jesse Ausubel, awarded the 2022 Nierenberg Prize for Science in the Public Interest, discusses whether the human species can continue to improve—much like cars, computers, or other technology—or whether our species has reached its peak.
In a career spanning more than four decades, Ausubel has conceived, developed, and led numerous projects to observe and better understand the environment. This includes high-profile work on several major programs to survey and catalog the planet’s biodiversity, including the the Census of Marine Life, the International Barcode of Life initiative and the the Encyclopedia of Life.
The Nierenbergy Prize is presented annually by Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego and the Nierenberg Family to honor the memory of William A. Nierenberg, an esteemed physicist and national science leader who served Scripps Oceanography as director for two decades. Series: "Science in the Public Interest" [Science] [Show ID: 38495]
Derrick J. Rossi, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Convelo Therapeutics has a long history of pioneering methods to make stem cell–based treatments for disease a reality. He shares stories of science making its way from the lab and into biotech with the intention of improving the lives of patients. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 38404]
Ever wonder what lives in the deepest parts of the ocean? Curious how many species of fish swim under the waves? Collections like those at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) are a way for everyone to engage and understand the world underwater. Greg Rouse, curator of the Benthic Invertebrate Collection at SIO, shares how collections can effectively communicate with the public and make science accessible to all. He also discusses how programs like SeadragonSearch, a community-based research initiative with a mission to collect data about wild seadragon populations across Australia through underwater photography, can encourage citizen scientists and enable new discoveries. Series: "Exploring Ethics" [Science] [Show ID: 38410]
Frank Furnari, Ph.D., of UC San Diego, shares his work using stem cells as a vehicle to generate models of brain cancer. Focusing on glioblastoma, he explains how tumor avatars could lead to new therapies. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 38514]
Scripps Institution of Oceanography marine biologist Stuart Sandin illuminates his work leading the 100 Island Challenge, a project that uses high tech ecological surveys to capture snapshots of coral reef ecosystems found in the tropical waters of the Pacific, Caribbean, and Indian oceans. His team uses large-area imaging and 3-D visualizations to make unprecedented detailed observations of how coral reefs are faring. While some reefs are struggling, others have been able to adapt in response to changing climate and other human impacts. By combining ocean observation with modern techniques like genetic sequencing and data analysis, Stuart and his team aim to elucidate which corals are surviving and how. By decoding nature’s incredible capacity for adaptation, these scientists are paving the way for using this new knowledge to aid coral reef recovery. Series: "Jeffrey B. Graham Perspectives on Ocean Science Lecture Series" [Science] [Show ID: 38458]
Jeffrey Magee, M.D., Ph.D., of Washington University in St. Louis, discusses how mechanisms that regulate hematopoietic stem cells change with age and how this shapes the biology of pediatric leukemia. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 38398]
CIRM-funded Alpha Stem Cell Clinics are a network of California medical centers that specialize in delivering stem cell clinical trials to patients. Sandra Dillon shares how their work has impacted treatments for her rare cancer. Maria T. Millan, M.D., Mehrdad Abedi, M.D., Daniela A. Bota, M.D., Ph.D., Sheila Chari, Ph.D., Noah Federman, M.D., Catriona Jamieson, M.D., Ph.D., Sean Turbeville, Ph.D., and Leo D. Wang, M.D., Ph.D., discuss current clinical trials and the future of stem cell research. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 38400]
How do epithelial stem cells enable renewal and regeneration of organs in adults? Ophir Klein, M.D., Ph.D., explains his research in stem cell-fueled tooth renewal and intestinal stem cells. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 38318]
Coastal regions are susceptible to a host of threats to the natural environment and our quality of life as a result of climate change. Our beaches and coastal bluffs are being eroded by ocean storms and sea level rise, ongoing drought leaves us vulnerable to wildfires and habitat and wildlife loss, and our dependence on water from distant sources puts us at risk for severe water restrictions. Although climate adaptation and resilience planning already are underway in many communities, the threats associated with climate change make it increasingly important to design these efforts in ways that bring scientists, planners, practitioners, and community representatives together in planning processes. An expert panel is presenting how a cross-jurisdictional, interdisciplinary, collaborative approach leads to science-based and cost-effective strategies for building resilience in the face of climate change. Series: "Jeffrey B. Graham Perspectives on Ocean Science Lecture Series" [Public Affairs] [Science] [Show ID: 38381]
As humans have evolved, so has our ability to drastically alter the planet we call home. In this collection of talks from the CARTA symposium, "Humans: The Planet-Altering Apes" you will learn about specific examples on how humans have changed Earth and what can be done to prevent its cataclysmic demise. David Holway addresses the challenges of emerging invasive species in our ecosystem. Oliver Ryder discusses the accelerated rate of loss of species due to human activities. Patricia Hunt talks about how human made chemicals and pollutants are impacting global fertility rates. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 38207]
As humans have evolved, so has our ability to drastically alter the planet we call home. In this collection of talks from the CARTA symposium, "Humans: The Planet-Altering Apes" you will learn about specific examples on how humans have changed Earth and what can be done to prevent its cataclysmic demise. Rob Knight will talk about how all microbiomes that have been studies are impacted by human activity. Alice Goramn discusses how accumulating space debris surrounding our planet that may prevent us from leaving the Earth in the future. Asher Rosinger addresses the global water challenges that humans may face as climate change begins to affect water supplies. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 38206]
As humans have evolved, so has our ability to drastically alter the planet we call home. In this collection of talks from the CARTA symposium, "Humans: The Planet-Altering Apes" you will learn about specific examples on how humans have changed Earth and what can be done to prevent its cataclysmic demise. Walter Willett will discuss how climate change is having devastating effects that will undermine our ability to feed the world’s growing population. Jessica Thompson talks about humans transformed the environment and the damage it has done to our ecosystem. Finally, David Tilman addresses the global alteration of Earth's nitrogen cycle, and what it means for u as a species moving forward. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 38205]
As part of the 2022 Carbon Sequestration Symposium at California State University, Bakersfield, Climate Now founder and host James Lawler moderates a panel discussion on how to capture and store carbon dioxide in order to meet climate action goals. The panelists are Ken Haney, California Resources Corporation Bakersfield, Lorelei Oviatt, director of Kern County Planning and Natural Resources and Sarah Saltzer, Managing Director for Stanford Center for Carbon Storage and the Stanford Carbon Initiative. Series: "Sustainable California" [Science] [Show ID: 38158]
As part of the 2022 Carbon Sequestration Symposium at California State University, Bakersfield, Climate Now founder and host James Lawler moderates a panel discussion on how to capture and store carbon dioxide in order to meet climate action goals. The panelists are Ken Haney, California Resources Corporation Bakersfield, Lorelei Oviatt, director of Kern County Planning and Natural Resources and Sarah Saltzer, Managing Director for Stanford Center for Carbon Storage and the Stanford Carbon Initiative. Series: "Sustainable California" [Science] [Show ID: 38158]
Su-Chun Zhang, M.D., Ph.D., shares how neural transplantation cell therapies can be used to treat neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 38203]
Su-Chun Zhang, M.D., Ph.D., shares how neural transplantation cell therapies can be used to treat neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 38203]
This CARTA public symposia will address specific examples of how humans have drastically altered the planet. Acknowledged experts will discuss clearly defined global-scale negative impacts on planet earth, our life support system (other than climate change, population growth and infectious diseases, which are well-known). Each talk will succinctly describe a specific impact, the role that our species has played, and conclude with ongoing or potential approaches to mitigation. In the process, we are coming full circle to Anthropogeny, asking how a single species could have evolved the ability to so drastically alter the entire planet. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 38009]
This CARTA public symposia will address specific examples of how humans have drastically altered the planet. Acknowledged experts will discuss clearly defined global-scale negative impacts on planet earth, our life support system (other than climate change, population growth and infectious diseases, which are well-known). Each talk will succinctly describe a specific impact, the role that our species has played, and conclude with ongoing or potential approaches to mitigation. In the process, we are coming full circle to Anthropogeny, asking how a single species could have evolved the ability to so drastically alter the entire planet. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 38009]
There is increasing awareness that health disparities are largely a result of the socioeconomic position in which you are born, the housing and neighborhood where you reside, and the accessibility of educational and job opportunities. These are known as the social and structural determinants of health. By the time a person arrives at a hospital, their health outcome or their chance of survival may have already been pre-determined. Can technological advances in health devices and health-care delivery mitigate the social and structural determinants of health and eliminate disparities? Series: "Design at Large" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 38222]
There is increasing awareness that health disparities are largely a result of the socioeconomic position in which you are born, the housing and neighborhood where you reside, and the accessibility of educational and job opportunities. These are known as the social and structural determinants of health. By the time a person arrives at a hospital, their health outcome or their chance of survival may have already been pre-determined. Can technological advances in health devices and health-care delivery mitigate the social and structural determinants of health and eliminate disparities? Series: "Design at Large" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 38222]
Why does history keep repeating itself? And what can cats tell us about this? Ashley Poust, Ph.D., is a paleontology researcher at the San Diego Natural History Museum. He focuses on vertebrates and evolutionary biology and explains how the study of extinct cats, like the sabertooth, can help us reconstruct ancient environments, gain a better understanding of our origins, see deeper into life's processes, and at the highest level, have a new view of the world. Series: "Triton Talks" [Science] [Show ID: 38073]
Why does history keep repeating itself? And what can cats tell us about this? Ashley Poust, Ph.D., is a paleontology researcher at the San Diego Natural History Museum. He focuses on vertebrates and evolutionary biology and explains how the study of extinct cats, like the sabertooth, can help us reconstruct ancient environments, gain a better understanding of our origins, see deeper into life's processes, and at the highest level, have a new view of the world. Series: "Triton Talks" [Science] [Show ID: 38073]
Can we leverage stem cells to help live longer, healthier lives? Robert A.J. Signer, Ph.D., and Shiri Gur-Cohen, Ph.D., examine the process of aging at the molecular and cellular level to show how stem cells may be the key to preventing age-related health problems. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 37968]
Can we leverage stem cells to help live longer, healthier lives? Robert A.J. Signer, Ph.D., and Shiri Gur-Cohen, Ph.D., examine the process of aging at the molecular and cellular level to show how stem cells may be the key to preventing age-related health problems. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 37968]
Climate change is an existential threat. The U.S. will face more frequent and extreme disasters in the coming years due to climate change. How can we harness the power of technology and indigenous knowledge to reduce risks to save lives and property, especially for the most vulnerable communities? This program looks at wildfires, one of California’s biggest climate threats, how to optimize the state for a transition to clean energy, and how we can be good stewards of our natural resources. Series: "Design at Large" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 38124]
Climate change is an existential threat. The U.S. will face more frequent and extreme disasters in the coming years due to climate change. How can we harness the power of technology and indigenous knowledge to reduce risks to save lives and property, especially for the most vulnerable communities? This program looks at wildfires, one of California’s biggest climate threats, how to optimize the state for a transition to clean energy, and how we can be good stewards of our natural resources. Series: "Design at Large" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 38124]
The ocean is a critical component of climate solutions. Not only does the ocean have the potential to provide food security, but it can provide critical minerals for the energy transition, species with biopharmaceutical and biotechnology potential, a source of income through sustainable tourism, and innovation of renewable power technologies. Samantha Murray who is the Executive Director of the Marine Biodiversity and Conservation program at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and Assistant Director for Ocean, Science and Technology for the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, Amanda Netburn discuss how further exploration of the ocean may help scientists learn more about future climate solutions and improve biodiversity conservation. Series: "Institute of the Americas" [Public Affairs] [Science] [Show ID: 38165]
Through the Earth Microbiome Program and complementary efforts, we have sampled a broad range of microbiomes from across the planet. All microbiomes that have been studied are impacted by human activity — the effects of industrialization on the human microbiome are best characterized, but capture of animals in zoos, domestication, modification of soils through agricultural practices, and modification of freshwater and marine microbiomes have all been well characterized. Indeed, the pervasive role of environmental microbiomes in biogeochemical cycles necessary to sustain life led to a position paper entitled "Scientists’ warning to humanity: microorganisms and climate change”, the title of which speaks for itself. However, there is hope. Efforts such as the Microbiota Vault will be especially important in this respect, but also new monitoring and modeling approaches will be understand where to look globally for the best specimens and microbes to preserve. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 37909]
The State of California has been steadfast in battling climate change having passed several pieces of legislation including the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 which established a comprehensive program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from all sources throughout the state. California is at the forefront of working towards 100-percent renewable energy by 2045. Siva Gunda, the Vice Chair of the California Energy Commission and Wade Crowfoot, the Secretary of California Natural Resources Agency discuss lessons learned from the state's adaptation to the growing threat of climate change and the action policymakers are taking to prevent that threat from continuing to grow. Series: "Institute of the Americas" [Public Affairs] [Science] [Show ID: 38164]
The 2022 Carbon Sequestration Symposium at California State University, Bakersfield, focuses on engaging the community, industry, policymakers and academia in the topic of carbon sequestration. According to several studies, Kern County has been identified as a prime location for the geological sequestration of carbon dioxide. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory's Roger Aines, Ph.D., and Kim Mayfield, Ph.D., discuss efforts underway to capture and store carbon dioxide as a viable option to mitigate climate change. Series: "Climate Solutions " [Science] [Show ID: 38157]
The United States Southern Command's (USSOUTHCOM) is responsible for providing contingency planning, operations, and security cooperation for Central and South America, and the Caribbean. USSOUTHCOM is one of the eleven unified combatant commands in the Department of Defense. While regional security is an important aspect of its mission, climate change is having an affect on its area of responsibility. Climate change is impacting our national security and the security of our partners and allies. USSOUTHCOM's area of responsibility faces increased demand for humanitarian and disaster relief assistance during a hurricane season that could see a record number of storms. This comes as several Central and South American countries face a drought. Former U.S. Ambassador to Paraguay, Leslie Bassett moderates a discussion with the commander of USSOUTHCOM, GEN. Laura Richardson who underlines the effort being made to help combat climate change in the region. Series: "Institute of the Americas" [Public Affairs] [Science] [Show ID: 38163]
Join Birch Aquarium’s Senior Director of Animal Care, Science and Conservation, Jenn Moffatt, for a first-hand account of how our new exhibit went from concept to reality. Get an inside look at the Little Blues’ journey, from the arrival of the birds from Australia, to a time lapse record of the construction of the penguin habitat over the last 9 months. Learn how the Birch husbandry team cares for these charismatic birds, Scripps researchers study penguins and how we’re working to establish a successful breeding colony to responsibly support and sustain Little Blue Penguin populations within the accredited zoos and aquariums community. Series: "Jeffrey B. Graham Perspectives on Ocean Science Lecture Series" [Science] [Show ID: 37916]
In 1957, the USSR launched Sputnik 1, the first human object to leave Earth. In the 65 years since then the region of Earth orbit has become filled with satellites and space junk. The proliferation of debris has led to the prediction of Kessler Syndrome, a state where a never-ending cascade of collisions between orbital objects renders parts of space unusable for human purposes. However, there are many different ways to look at the space junk surrounding Earth. For example, it is also an archaeological record of humanity’s first steps into outer space, a cultural landscape created by the combined effects of natural and cultural processes, and a technological signature of the same kind that SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) researchers are looking for around exoplanets in other solar systems. It’s unclear when or whether the tipping point into Kessler Syndrome might be reached, but if humanity is confined to Earth in the future, what will this mean? Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 37913]
Spanning nearly 63 million square miles from California to China, the Pacific Ocean is by the far the largest of the world's ocean basins. The Pacific contains more than half of the free water on the planet and is the deepest ocean on Earth. Climate change impacts are being felt around the globe, but what do we do about it. Much of the ocean is still waiting to be explored, but human activities like industrial fishing, deep-sea mining, and fossil-fuel burning are already changing it in significant ways. Scripps Institution of Oceanography professor Brice Semmens moderators a discussion with NOAA Administrator, Richard Spinrad and State Department Deputy Assistant Secretary of Ocean, Fisheries and Polar Affairs, Maxine Burkett on the State of the Pacific Ocean and how the hemisphere can work together to combat the growing effects of climate change. Series: "Institute of the Americas" [Public Affairs] [Science] [Show ID: 38162]
Using carbon dioxide removal (CDR) strategies to mitigate climate change is a land-intensive endeavor. To capture one gigatonne of CO2 through direct air capture requires a facility & energy production footprint of at least hundreds, but potentially tens of thousands of square kilometers. To capture one gigatonne of CO2 via reforestation requires about 862,000 square kilometers of arable land (nearly the size of the Kalahari Desert). We currently release about 40 gigatonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere every year, so…do the math.
And land that is allocated for CDR must compete with other land use claims: for urbanization, agriculture, biodiversity, and renewable energy technologies.
But what if our perspective was slightly… more aqueous?
Oceans, which make up 70% of the Earth’s surface, already absorb more than 10 billion tonnes of CO2 annually. Would it be more effective to sequester CO2 in the oceans, rather than on land? If so, how would we facilitate increased ocean CO2 uptake safely? What processes and technologies exist today, and how well do we understand them? Series: "Climate Solutions " [Science] [Show ID: 38190]
Data is everywhere but how can it be effectively harnessed to answer questions and guide meaningful research? Cue the data science librarian! With a skill set that includes sourcing and vetting data as well as the ethical implications, the librarian is a key resource to researchers and students alike. UC San Diego's Stephanie Labou shares what it is like to be one of the first data science librarians and how data is changing our world. Series: "Data Science Channel" [Science] [Show ID: 37196]
Who has access to data and what can be done with that data? Shannon Ellis, Ph.D., shares how she is training undergraduate students to be effective, inclusive and ethical data scientists. She discusses how data can be used, the limits of data science, and the barriers and biases that may shape data sets and potential conclusions. Series: "Data Science Channel" [Science] [Education] [Show ID: 37838]
What's the future of engineering education look like? This discussion by three engineers from UC Davis - Chancellor Gary May, Dean Richard Corsi, and Vice Provost Jean-Pierre Delplanque - focuses on the latest in educating the next generation of engineers. [Science] [Education] [Show ID: 38000]
Soil - that mixture of degraded bedrock, decomposing organic matter, and microorganisms that nourish the root systems of plants and trees - holds 4x more carbon than vegetation. By changing how we manage our soils, we can increase the rate of CO2 trapping from the atmosphere into the soil carbon bank, while at the same time enhancing the agricultural productivity of a region. Dr. Asmeret Asefaw Berhe, Professor of Soil Biogeochemistry at University of California, Merced, is a global leader in the carbon storage potential of soils. She sat down with Climate Now to explain why soils are so good at trapping carbon, how much they could hold, and what we can do to increase soil carbon storage. Series: "Climate Now Conversation" [Science] [Show ID: 38057]
We are experiencing an accelerated rate of loss of species due to human activities. This anthropogenic phenomenon extends beyond extinction. It encompasses an expanded loss of biodiversity as the genetic diversity of species diminish, reducing gene pools to “gene puddles.” We know details of species extinctions events from the fossil record, historical record, and from ancient DNA studies, and that historical processes shape extinction risk. Habitat loss and changing eco-environmental conditions, competition, and other factors produce genomic impacts, also influencing extinction risk. The legacy of past events impacts resiliency of species in the current environment in interpretable ways. Demographic trajectories reveal vulnerability to extinction. Remarkable advances in genomics technologies portend a deeper understanding of the evolution of life and the vulnerability of extant species to changes now taking place through human agency. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 37906]
Thorold Theunissen, Ph.D., of the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis shares his work using naive stem cells to model trophoblast development, Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 37674]
Humans now annually add more biologically available nitrogen to the Earth’s land surfaces than do all natural processes. For 3 billion years, available nitrogen had been the major limiting currency for life on Earth. The recent human disruption of the global nitrogen cycle is causing major environmental harm, including water and air pollution, marine dead zones, 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and species extinctions. Three major ways to solve this nitrogen problem are: (1) much more efficient global use of nitrogen fertilizers; (2) shifts to lower-meat and healthier diets; and (3) halting the conversion of food crops into biofuels, such as US corn ethanol used for transport. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 37910]
Plastic is everywhere. There are 17 trillion tons of the stuff on the planet. While plastic is convenient and cheap, it can take hundreds of years to decompose. Michael Burkart, Ph.D., professor of chemistry and biochemistry at UC San Diego, works on inventing new types of renewable, biodegradable plastic made from algae, including the world's first algae surfboard as well as flip flops and sneakers. Burkart is a founder and has an equity position in Algenesis Materials. Series: "Triton Talks" [Science] [Show ID: 38075]
Amazing new technologies in developmental biology and genetics research are allowing scientists to begin to answer long standing questions such as – how does a single fertilized egg cell transform into a complex animal? Why does the embryo of a marine organism like a sea slug develop differently from that of a sea urchin? Join Scripps Developmental Biologist Deirdre Lyons as she describes how she and her colleagues are pushing the limits of our knowledge to understand these intriguing questions and the long history and diversity of life on our planet. Series: "Jeffrey B. Graham Perspectives on Ocean Science Lecture Series" [Science] [Show ID: 37915]
In order to reach global net-zero emissions by 2050, we must remove CO2 from the atmosphere as well as prevent further emissions. Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) can be accomplished naturally -- through forests, soil sequestration, or mineralization -- and technologically. In fact, we will need both natural and technological CDR methods to get to net-zero. So what methods exist that remove carbon from the atmosphere? What are their respective costs, how do they compare, and which are already on the market? Series: "Sustainable California" [Science] [Show ID: 38045]
We are losing species much more rapidly now than in the last two million years! At that pace, we may lose a large proportion of vertebrates, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fishes, in the next two to three decades. Modern extinctions caused by human activities is higher that the normal or natural extinction rate. This is important because it would let us understand if we are causing a mass extinction. In the history of life on Earth, there have been five mass extinctions – episodes where large numbers of species became extinct in a short period of time. All mass extinctions have been caused by natural catastrophes, such as the impact of a meteorite. We are the only species that has the capability to save all endangered animals. Paradoxically, saving them is the only way to save humanity. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 37904]
The field of performance studies is interested in not just performance but how it intertwines with social and cultural contexts. It sees value in taking a scholar practitioner approach. Monica Stufft, PhD, shares how she uses performance to tackle issues surrounding the climate crisis and science communication. Series: "Exploring Ethics" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 37318]
Beginning with Homo erectus at least a million years ago, hominins have used fire to engineer the world around them. The earliest uses of fire surely included cooking, changing the energy yields of foods. Such innovations altered the course of our evolution, facilitating the evolution of species that could adapt quickly using tools and social ingenuity. After 200,000 years ago, hominins also used fire to change the material properties of stone, pigments, sap, and wood. Although these changes represent a fundamental shift in the role of humans as dominant shapers of their environments, ecosystems adjusted as early humans remained embedded within them. Although we built our ability to bend environments to our needs on millions of years of evolution and innovation, humans are not now simply shifting to another sustainable balance. Rather, we continue to push environmental thresholds across one tipping point after the next. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 37907]
This CARTA public symposia will address specific examples of how humans have drastically altered the planet. Acknowledged experts will discuss clearly defined global-scale negative impacts on planet earth, our life support system (other than climate change, population growth and infectious diseases, which are well-known). Each talk will succinctly describe a specific impact, the role that our species has played, and conclude with ongoing or potential approaches to mitigation. In the process, we are coming full circle to Anthropogeny, asking how a single species could have evolved the ability to so drastically alter the entire planet. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 38008]
Humans have adapted to meet their water needs across disparate environments over time using behavioral adaptations. Yet, as temperatures rise and freshwater sources become depleted, it is critical to understand 1) how populations modify their environments to meet their water needs, and 2) the consequences of these anthropogenic - or human caused changes - on the environment and further on human health. This talk will provide an overview of different global water challenges and focus on a couple of case studies to highlight how development projects in remote areas that provide easier access to water, which may be high in salt or other contaminants, can unintentionally worsen health outcomes and hasten water depletion. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 37908]
Human-made chemicals with the unexpected ability to interfere with our body’s endocrine system have become prominent contaminants in daily life. Because the hormones produced by our endocrine system create complex signaling networks that control our growth, maturation, fertility, immunity, behavior, and sleep, these endocrine disrupting chemicals, or EDCs, can exert powerful biological effects. Declines in human fertility evidenced by falling sperm counts and increases in the incidence of infertility raise concern that daily exposure to EDC contaminants already is impacting human fertility. By design, all species are responsive to their environment. In humans, this responsiveness means that changes in our environment can affect the production of eggs and sperm, the growth and development of the fetus, and adult susceptibility to disease. Thus, in a 21st century world characterized by environmental crises, EDCs represent a planetary health problem with the potential to affect future generations. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 37912]
The world is facing a health crisis due to increasing rates of obesity and diabetes, and the consequences of this pandemic will accumulate over the coming decades. Simultaneously, climate change is accelerating and is already having devastating effects that will undermine our ability to feed the world’s growing population. In turn, our food systems contribute importantly to greenhouse gas emissions, water and land use, and multiple forms of pollution. Thus, a solution to feeding what will be about 10 billion people by 2050 diets that are both healthy and environmentally sustainable presents an opportunity to mitigate many global challenges.
The EAT-Lancet commission addressed this challenge by defining healthy diets quantitatively, determining whether these can be produced within planetary boundaries for greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental factors, and identifying strategies to achieve these goals. Any solution must assume that we rapidly shift from fossil fuels to green energy. The commission found that global adoption of a flexitarian dietary pattern that could include up to about two servings per day of animal sourced foods, together with improvements in agricultural practices and reductions in food waste, would have major benefits for human health and allow us to stay within planetary boundaries. Achieving this will require the engagement of governments at all levels, civil society, and individuals. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Health and Medicine] [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 37911]
Dilek Colak, PhD, shares the results of recent work identifying aberrant Ca2+ signaling in ASD astrocytes as a mechanism that contributes to specific behavioral and neuronal deficits. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 37673]
California is a pioneer in researching the impacts of and solutions to climate change. Getting to carbon neutral - or net zero carbon emissions - is key to curbing our increasingly warming planet. Dr. Roger Aines of the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory talks with Climate Now's James Lawler about the latest research on ways to capture carbon. Series: "Sustainable California" [Public Affairs] [Science] [Show ID: 37993]
UC Davis's dean of engineering, Richard L. Corsi, Ph.D., P.E., is an internationally recognized expert in the field of indoor air quality, with a specific interest in physical and chemical interactions between pollutants and indoor materials. Corsi discusses "pandemic engineering" and approaches to disrupt transmission by reducing the inhaled dose of respiratory aerosols, including the highly effective and relatively low-cost do-it-yourself air cleaner for respiratory aerosols that has become known as the "Corsi-Rosenthal box." [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 37997]
The Pacific footballfish is a large but rarely encountered deep-sea anglerfish known from only 31 specimens recovered worldwide. Strangely, over the course of last year (2021), three footballfish were found washed up on beaches in San Diego and Orange Counties. Scripps scientists aren't quite sure why these rare creatures are suddenly showing up on our beaches, but were lucky enough to collect, preserve and archive one of these unusual animals in Scripps world class oceanographic collections. This specimen, a true oddity, is now on display for a very limited time at Birch Aquarium. To see the footballfish and learn more about it, join us and Scripps Collections Manager, Ben Frable, for a deep dive into the fascinating story of this mysterious fish, where and how it lives, the biology of anglerfishes, and how Scripps scientists are preserving this animal for future research. Series: "Jeffrey B. Graham Perspectives on Ocean Science Lecture Series" [Science] [Show ID: 37914]
This CARTA public symposia focuses on the long and short-term impact of humans on the planet that we inhabit, and the consequences for the future of our species. This also gives us the opportunity to celebrate the memory of the late Paul Crutzen, who coined the term “Anthropocene.” It is relevant to ask how a single species evolved the capacity to completely alter the surface of an entire planet and dominate its governing environmental and ecological processes. This symposium brings together experts regarding human impact on the planet and also addresses the current and future implications for our species. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 37937]
Kate Crawford, author of "Atlas AI: Power, Politics and Planetary Costs of Artificial Intelligence," is a leading international scholar of the social and political implications of artificial intelligence. This program looks at the intersection of art, activism and artificial intelligence. Series: "UC Berkeley Graduate Lectures" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 37967]
Dr. Songi Han, professor in the Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Chemical Engineering at UC Santa Barbara, talks about her research into the function of proteins in the body and how changes like protein Tau tangles can lead to neurological diseases like Alzheimer's. Series: "GRIT Talks" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 37869]
Kyoto Prize laureate Robert Roeder has revealed the principle of the regulatory mechanism of gene transcription in eukaryotes through more than 50 years of research, by identifying the functions of a series of factors — including three distinct RNA polymerases, basic transcription factors, one of the first gene-specific factors, and regulators in transcription from chromatin. Through his achievements, he has made significant contributions to the development of the life sciences. Copyright of the drawing of Leonardo Da Vinci Illustration is held by Design Forms Of Art. Series: "Kyoto Prize Symposium" [Science] [Show ID: 37923]
This CARTA public symposia focuses on the long and short-term impact of humans on the planet that we inhabit, and the consequences for the future of our species. This also gives us the opportunity to celebrate the memory of the late Paul Crutzen, who coined the term “Anthropocene.” It is relevant to ask how a single species evolved the capacity to completely alter the surface of an entire planet and dominate its governing environmental and ecological processes. This symposium brings together experts regarding human impact on the planet and also address the current and future implications for our species. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 37875]
Speakers Leslie Aiello, Michael Purugganan and Vanessa Ezenwa discuss humanity's past, present and future of the Anthropocene. Aiello speaks on how the human capacity to change the planet is not something new, but is rooted in our deep evolutionary past. One of the hallmarks of humans is our large brain size, which began to expand about 2 million years ago. Purugganan discusses how domesticated species are an interesting group of organisms that have co-evolved with Homo sapiens, and have been important in human survival and fitness. Ezenwa explores the idea that interactions between climate change and infectious diseases can increase disease prevalence in human and animal populations, but disease, in turn, may exacerbate climate change. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 37936]
UC San Diego Professor of Sociology and Co-Director of the Institute of Practical Ethics, John Evans discusses the work of Kyoto Prize laureate Bruno Latour with UC San Diego Professor Emerita of Communication and Science Studies Chandra Mukerji. Latour has revolutionized the conventional view of science by treating nature, humans, laboratory equipment, and other entities as equal actors, and describing technoscience as the hybrid network of these actors. His philosophy re-examines "modernity" based on the dualism of nature and society. He has a large influence across disciplines, with his multifaceted activities that include proposals regarding global environmental issues. Included is Latour's acceptance address delivered in Kyoto on the occasion of his being honored with the prestigious award. Series: "Kyoto Prize Symposium" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 37922]
UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering computer science and engineering professor Russell Impagliazzo hosts a one-on-one conversation with 2021 Kyoto Prize laureate Andrew Chi-Chih Yao. Yao created new trends in computer science and made great contributions to cutting-edge research in various areas, especially in security, secure computing, and quantum computation through establishing innovative fundamental theories for computation and communication. His achievements are continuing to influence current real-world problems such as security, secure computing, and big data processing. Included is Yao's acceptance address delivered in Kyoto on the occasion of his being honored with the prestigious award. Series: "Kyoto Prize Symposium" [Science] [Show ID: 37924]
Speakers Mark Moffett, Charles Kennel and Martin Rees discuss humanity's past, present and future of the Anthropocene. Moffett examines the effects of the most aggressive ants on the environment, arguing that certain invasive species resemble humans in their capacity for global conquest and environmental destructiveness. Kennel speaks about the connections between past and present human exploitation of the environment, the coming crisis of the Anthropocene and what we humans can do to alleviate the crisis. Rees explores potential utopian and dystopian futures for humans on Earth. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 37934]
Speakers V. Ramanathan, Nancy Knowlton and Jonah Western discuss humanity's past, present and future of the Anthropocene. Veerabhadran Ramanathan has had the privilege and pleasure of collaborating with Paul Crutzen for more than 40 years. Crutzen is one of the most creative, innovative and original geo-scientists of his generation. Nancy Knowlton speaks on how the ocean is enormous, indeed so large that for centuries we assumed there was nothing we could do to substantially harm it. Unfortunately, we now know that this is not true. David (Jonah) Western emphasizes how conservation is common to all societies which learned to live within ecosystem limits. If we use our unique capacity for cooperation and planning, there is hope for combating global warming and sustaining the diversity of life globally. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 37935]
Brenna Henn (Stony Brook Univ) explores patterns of genetic diversity across Africa and models for modern human origins in this talk. She discusses whether genetic data is concordant with archaeological data and suggests directions for future research. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Science] [Show ID: 30979]
With relentless focus on scalability and innovation, how does society navigate the environmental impact of our global computing needs? George Porter, PhD, shares a path forward with an emphasis on how we teach students about computer science and how we design and build networked systems. Series: "Exploring Ethics" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 37317]
The ocean is enormous, indeed so large that for centuries we assumed that there was nothing we could do to substantially harm it. Unfortunately, we now know that this is not true. We are having success on some fronts, such as saving species from extinction, protecting ocean waters, fishing more sustainably, and restoring damaged ecosystems by replanting critical species and reducing pollution. Even actions on land, such as removing dams from rivers and rats from islands, can make an important difference to marine life. Of course, we still need to do much more, and do it faster. In the future, we can turn to new tools drawn from the natural and social sciences. Big data and genetic interventions have a role to play, as do ocean-based renewable energy sources and new financing schemes. Perhaps most important is the growing recognition that success depends on empowering local communities in efforts to create a healthier ocean. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 37775]
The last decade has seen a dramatic capture of digital material for machine learning production. This data is the basis for sense-making in AI, not as classical representations of the world with individual meaning, but as mass collections: ground truth for machine abstractions and operations. What happens when data is seen as an aggregate, stripped of context, meaning, and specificity? In what ways does training data limit what and how machine learning systems interpret the world? And most importantly, what forms of power do these approaches enhance and enable? Professor Kate Crawford is a leading international scholar of the social and political implications of artificial intelligence. In this lecture, Crawford shares new work that reflects on what’s at stake in the architecture and contents of training sets, and how they are increasingly part of our urban, legal, logistical, and commercial infrastructures. Series: "UC Berkeley Graduate Lectures" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 37729]
The human capacity to change the planet is not something new, but is rooted in our deep evolutionary past. One of the hallmarks of humans is our large brain size, which began to expand about 2 million years ago. This expansion did not come without consequences, and two are particularly important. The first is the additional energy requirements needed to fuel this larger brain size together with the concomitant life history factors such as shorter inter birth intervals, more dependent offspring and longer periods of growth and development, and longer lifespans. The second is the solution to these energy requirements that involve cooperative breeding and the development of the high risk/high return hunting and gathering foraging strategies. From this foundation we trace the increasing capacity of humans to extract more energy from the environment through the development of a reliance on fire, the agricultural revolution leading to the industrial revolution and modern times. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 37770]
Nicolas Rivron, PhD, shares his lab's work to better understand healthy embryo development. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 37672]
Domesticated species of crops are an interesting group of organisms that have co-evolved with Homo sapiens, and have been important in human survival and fitness. We trace the origin and spread of these domesticated crop species over the last 12,000 years, discussing both their impacts on human society as well as to the climate and human evolution. We will also present the challenges in modern agriculture and food security. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 37771]
Sheldon Solomon explores how humans manage the terror of death, and the larger implications of this quest for immortality via death denial. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Science] [Show ID: 32056]
Veerabhadran Ramanathan has had the privilege and pleasure of collaborating with Paul Crutzen for more than 40 years. During the year 2000, when he announced to the world about his Anthropocene concept, Crutzen and Ramanathan were in the midst of a major field study on Atmospheric Clouds over the Indian Ocean. Crutzen is one of the most creative, innovative and original geo-scientists of his generation. Ramanathan describes the Anthropocene using the lens of a climate scientist. He concludes with speculation about how and when we will transition from the current adolescent age of the Anthropocene subject to multiple assaults on the environment to a mature, sustainable and safe Anthropocene. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Science] [Show ID: 37769]
Conservation is common to all societies which learned to live within ecosystem limits. In breaking the evolutionary and biological straight-jackets constricting other species, we became the ultimate multi-niche free-ranging species. Our rise to global conquest and ecological emancipation from nature through domestication and manufacturing expanded conservation for survival to saving whales, elephants, the Acropolis and Mona Lisa. The universal rules for overcoming a tragedy of the commons locally offers hope for combating global warming and sustaining the diversity of life globally—if we use our unique capacity for cooperation and planning. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 37776]
The International System of Units (the SI), the modern metric system, has recently undergone its most revolutionary change since its origins during the French Revolution. The nature of this revolution is that all of the base units of the SI are now defined by fixing values of natural constants. Our measurement system is now, both philosophically and practically, strongly quantum. Nobel Prize recipient William Phillips, Ph.D., a Distinguished University and College Park Professor of Physics at the University of Maryland, talks about why this reform was needed and how it is done. Series: "UC Berkeley Graduate Lectures" [Science] [Show ID: 37728]
Climate change is one of the hallmarks of the Anthropocene. Rising global temperatures are having profound effects on ecosystems and the organisms that inhabit them, including disease-causing organisms such as viruses, bacteria, and parasitic worms. However, much less is known about the potential for infectious agents to contribute to changes in climate. Many infectious agents have the potential to affect greenhouse gas emissions via effects on their hosts. In her talk, Vanessa Ezenwa explores the idea that interactions between climate change and infectious diseases are not solely unidirectional, specifically, that climate change can increase disease prevalence in human and animal populations, but disease, in turn, may exacerbate climate change. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Health and Medicine] [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 37774]
Dr. B.S. Manjunath, distinguished professor in the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering at UC Santa Barbara, discusses the use of computer video technology to assist with visual analysis of issues like human stress and disease, methane gas release, and underwater mapping. He also discusses what we know about human vision, how it works compared to how computer vision works. Series: "GRIT Talks" [Science] [Show ID: 37871]
This century is the first in Earth's history when the catastrophic threats to the entire planet can be induced by one species, humans. We have an ever-heavier collective footprint on the planet. We’re empowered by ever more powerful technologies that can be hugely beneficial, but which if misapplied could trigger calamitous setbacks to civilization. Such events could be global: we’re so interconnected that no continent would be unscathed. It’s an ethical indictment of humanity that the gap between the actual state of the world, and the way it could be, is widening rather than narrowing. COVID-19 has been a wake-up call. It has shown that our increasingly interconnected civilization is vulnerable - but also that well-directed science can be our salvation. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 37777]
At the beginning of the 20th century, Einstein changed the way we think about time. Now, early in the 21st century, the measurement of time is being revolutionized by the ability to cool a gas of atoms to temperatures millions of times lower than any naturally occurring temperature in the universe. Nobel Prize recipient William Phillips, Ph.D., a Distinguished University and College Park Professor of Physics at the University of Maryland, talks about laser cooling and ultracold atoms and how they relate to time.
Atomic clocks, the best timekeepers ever made, are one of the scientific and technological wonders of modern life. Such super-accurate clocks are essential to industry, commerce, and science; they are the heart of the Global Positioning System (GPS), which guides cars, airplanes, and hikers to their destinations. Today, the best primary atomic clocks use ultracold atoms. Series: "UC Berkeley Graduate Lectures" [Science] [Show ID: 37727]
Connections between past and present human exploitation of the environment, the coming crisis of the Anthropocene and what we humans can do to alleviate the crisis. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 37773]
This talk considers the effects of the most aggressive ants on the environment, arguing that certain invasive species resemble humans in their capacity for global conquest and environmental destructiveness. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 37772]
Michele De Luca, MD, shares his research in gene therapy for epidermolysis bullosa and cell therapy for ocular burns. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 37671]
Dr. Todd Oakley, evolutionary biologist and professor in the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology at UC Santa Barbara, discusses his research on the evolutionary origins of complex features, like eyes, bioluminescence, and nervous systems. Series: "GRIT Talks" [Science] [Show ID: 37868]
A model of human cortical development could be used to instruct novel computational learning approaches. Alysson Muotri, Phd, Sujeeth Bharadwaj, PhD, Weiwei Yang, and Gabrial Silva, MSc, PhD, discuss the promise, the problems, and the potential when biology and artificial intelligence meet. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 37556]
Don Cleveland, PhD, shares new research on the role of chromothripsis, targeting cancers driven by ecDNA and more. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 37586]
Dan Kaufman, MD, PhD, David Traver, PhD, Gene Yeo, PhD, MBA, discuss the impact of genomics in relation to stell cell research including potential therapeutics for MDS and the role of the somite in hematopoietic stem cell fate. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 37561]
There are at least 2,500 proteins that bind RNA. Gene Yeo, PhD, MBA, explains how his lab studies these RNA binding proteins and their impact on human health. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 37589]
How can electronic medical records be used to improve patient care and outcomes? Epic Systems Judy Faulkner explains how data systems are being used to analyze trends in healthcare, COVID-19 protocols, cancer rates and more. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Science] [Show ID: 37563]
How are stem cells being used in regenerative medicine? Adam Engler, PhD, Sharon Gerecht, PhD, Laura Niklason, MD, PhD, and Jordan Miller, PhD, explain the promising research as well as the challenges. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 37555]
Social media content ranges from benign to traumatizing - but who is responsible for deciding what is appropriate for a given audience? Kristen Vaccaro, PhD, examines the history of content moderation, current practices, and future models. Series: "Exploring Ethics" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 37316]
Why is machine learning looking to biology for inspiration? Sujeeth Bharadwaj, PhD shares how an information theoretic approach to learning moves research forward. Series: "Sanford Stem Cell Symposium" [Science] [Show ID: 37778]
Erik Viirre, MD, PhD, Christopher Mason, PhD, Jana Stoudemire, and Brinda Rana, MD, discuss how what we learn from space flight could impact terrestrial health as well as the health of future astronauts. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 37559]
What is the relationship between machine learning and artificial intelligence? Where do they overlap and how can they compliment each other to further our understanding of ourselves and the world around us? Weiwei Yang explains the path forward for AI and how we can observe and measure the process of learning in the biological world to enhance AI. Series: "Sanford Stem Cell Symposium" [Science] [Show ID: 37779]
How can we improve the number of years we can live healthy lives? Jennifer Trowbridge, PhD, shares her recent work looking at hematopoietic stem cell aging. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 37590]
UC Berkeley’s Ting Xu and her students have come up with one solution for the global problem of single-use plastics: embed enzymes in the plastic, so that once the bag or cup is no longer wanted, it will self-destruct with a little heat and water. Series: "UC Berkeley News" [Science] [Show ID: 37840]
How can we better study the complexities of the brain? Gabriel Silva explains how organoids may be the best way to understand the brain's biologic algorithms. Series: "Sanford Stem Cell Symposium" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 37780]
How are hematopoietic stem cells born during the development of the vertebrate embryo? David Traver, PhD explains his work with zebrafish to understand these processes and the role of the somite in instruction of these cells. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 37588]
If we can build living tissue whose form is patterned off natural organs, will it have the same function? Jordan Miller, PhD discusses the design space of engineered living tissues and the challenges presented. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 37581]
Using a global collaboration established to find antibodies to fight Ebola, scientists have joined together to discover treatments for COVID-19. Erica Ollmann Saphire, Phd, of the La Jolla Institute for Immunology, shares how this collaboration, known as CoVIC, furthers science and public health while creating a template for rapid discovery. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 37669]
Sharon Gerecht, PhD, explains how the microenvironment regulates vascular fate in assembly. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 37579]
What are the obstacles that stand between us and engineering functional lungs? Laura Niklason, MD, PhD outline the promises and challenges of lung regeneration. She details current studies that may unveil a roadmap for building functional lung aveolus. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 37580]
What is it like to be an adult with autism? A panel shares their journeys as well as the impact the pandemic has had on their lives. Series: "Autism Tree Project Annual Neuroscience Conference" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 37656]
Join a panel of typers as they explore the underlying themes of Daniel Keyes' "Flowers for Algernon." Series: "Autism Tree Project Annual Neuroscience Conference" [Health and Medicine] [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 37657]
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in unprecedented changes in routines across the globe. For individuals with autism (ASD) changes in routine can have a direct impact on behavioral symptoms. Doris Trauner, MD examines the effect the pandemic has had on children with moderate to severe autism. Series: "Autism Tree Project Annual Neuroscience Conference" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 37654]
Constance Smith-Hicks, MD, PhD provides an overview of the sensory challenges in autism spectrum disorder and explains how the sensory system develops. Learn about the somatosensory system as well as current treatments. Series: "Autism Tree Project Annual Neuroscience Conference" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 37653]
Through the lens of the study and impact of aerosols, Vicki Grassian argues that collaboration, innovation, and implementation are the only way forward for successful science and a healthy society. She addresses the role of research institutions, traditional science boundaries, and the need for interdisciplinary work. Series: "Exploring Ethics" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 37402]
What is the prevalence of epilepsy in individuals with autism? Brian Moseley, MD explores the connection and influencing factors. Series: "Autism Tree Project Annual Neuroscience Conference" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 37660]
How can the principles of precision medicine apply to autism? Elizabeth Torres, PhD, shares how it has shaped her research. She also explains the three contemporary revolutions in science that have impacted research - neuroscience, genomics, and wearables. Series: "Autism Tree Project Annual Neuroscience Conference" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 37659]
Alpha Stem Cell Clinics is a network of clinics providing stem cell clinical trials to patients. Directors of these clinics throughout the state of California share what the future of these trials looks like, what the future holds for alpha clinics, funding for research, and patient impacts. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 37560]
How can employers and universities better support individuals with autism? A panel of experts including parents, employers, and researchers discusses the support programs that currently exist and what needs to change to make sure neurodiverse people are successful in the world of work and in post-secondary education. Series: "Autism Tree Project Annual Neuroscience Conference" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 37655]
Jonathan Sebat, PhD shares current research on how combinations of rare gene mutations and complex common variant risk factors contribute to autism. Series: "Autism Awareness Programs" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 37658]
Sir Simon Baron-Cohen examines the changing nature of autism research and how it should become participatory and co-designed by the autistic community. He emphasizes the need for research and society to address neurodiversity and disability. He is joined by autism advocate Becca Lory Hector and special education advocate Michelle McGowan for an engaging discussion rooted in the perspective of the autism community. Series: "Autism Awareness Programs" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 37652]
As the second anniversary of the start of the COVID-19 pandemic approaches, along with the specter of outbreaks during the winter season, the world continues to grapple with uncertainties of the pandemic. Join UC San Diego experts who describe how epidemic modeling and data-driven approaches led to the strategies behind UC San Diego’s Return to Learn program. Scientists also discuss the latest research on proteins known as interferons and their promise as anti-viral COVID-19 therapeutics. And finally, hear from evolutionary biologists about what we’ve learned about disease transmission, changes from the initial Wuhan virus strain and what these variants could mean for the future of this pandemic. Series: "A Deep Look into the Future of Biology" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Education] [Show ID: 37692]
For several Latin American & Caribbean (LAC) countries, notably Mexico, Ecuador, Brazil, Argentina and Guyana, the production of oil and gas is vital for their fiscal health. This dilemma has only been exacerbated by the economic challenges derived from the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, countries in the region face growing pressure to de-carbonize their economies. To support LAC countries on the path towards net-zero objectives, international financial institutions and multilateral development banks – including the Inter-American Development Bank – are now de-emphasizing funding for fossil fuel-related projects. The Institute of the Americas hosts Jessica Bedoya, Chief of Staff and Chief Strategy Officer for the Inter-American Development Bank to address these issues, including the challenge of balancing energy transition and job growth with the realities of securing badly needed external financing to support economic recoveries. Series: "Climate Crisis" [Public Affairs] [Science] [Show ID: 37481]
UC San Diego professor Carol Marchetto discusses how a comparative gene expression analysis of human and non-human primates revealed differences in the regulation of a class of transposable elements LINE1 retrotransposons between species. University of Southern California professor Joseph Hacia discusses studies profiling phytanic acid levels in red blood cells obtained from humans and captive non-human primates all on low phytanic acid diets. Emory University professor James Rilling discusses the difference of arcuate fasciculus between human and non-human primate brains and how the specialization of speech has helped humans evolve. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 37527]
This symposium addresses several important distinctly human characteristics that range from molecules, to metabolism, anatomy, disease, and behavior. Goals include transdisciplinary interactions, improved self-understanding, promotion of ethically sound studies to explain known differences, and the generation of new, potentially unexplored, insights on uniquely-human specializations. Given the interest in understanding our evolution, this symposium will also help to organize how and in what sequence distinctly human physical, mental, social, and cultural features evolved. Such understanding may help explain the origin of our species and how it came to now directly shape the planet, giving rise to the Anthropocene (a proposed geological epoch distinguished by human influence on climate and the environment). Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 37534]
Unlike our closest primate relatives, chimpanzees and bonobos, humans form strong intergroup ties which can mitigate coalitionary aggression and make peace possible. However, such bonds can also be used to build larger alliances that take such conflicts to a new level of magnitude, supported by cultural and linguistic proficiencies. Arizona State University and University of Utah professor Polly Wiessner addresses intergroup ties between humans, chimpanzees and bonobos, explores some of the possible evolutionary developments that contributed to the human disposition to form mutually supportive external bonds, and then discusses the impact of social ties on coalitionary action. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 37383]
Oscar Vasquez-Mena, PhD, shares his story of growing up in the Mexican state of Chiapas and how he found his passion for science and engineering. He believes that the university should provide a sense of community and explains how he uses his research, the arts, and academic programs to support first generation students as they pursue a college education. Series: "Education Channel" [Public Affairs] [Science] [Education] [Show ID: 36424]
Identifying cellular and molecular differences between human and non-human primates is essential to the basic understanding of the evolution and diversity of our own species. While preserved tissues are the main source of comparative studies between humans, chimpanzees and bonboos, the samples do not accurately represent the traits of live cell behavior and cannot be genetically manipulated. UC San Diego professor Carol Marchetto discusses how a comparative gene expression analysis of human and non-human primates revealed differences in the regulation of a class of transposable elements (Long Interspersed Nuclear Element 1 or LINE1 retrotransposons) between species. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 37377]
Emory University professor Dietrich Stout discusses an evolutionarily motivated definition of technology that highlights three key features: material production, social collaboration, and cultural reproduction; UC San Diego professor Pascal Gagneux discusses how recent comparative genome studies have revealed that this polymorphic system is ancient and shared between humans and non-human primates, this despite the fact that none of the great ape species carries all four ABO blood types; and University of Utah professor James O’Connell discusses food sharing, evaluates one hypothesis that focuses on males acquiring big game meat and marrow to provide for mates and offspring. The other hypothesis surrounds how certain kinds of savanna plant food set up the forager interdependence which propelled all aspects of life history change. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 37528]
Arizona State University and University of Utah professor Polly Wiessner addresses intergroup ties between humans, chimpanzees and bonobos and explores some of the possible evolutionary developments that contributed to the human disposition to form mutually supportive external bonds, and then discusses the impact of social ties on coalitionary action; UC San Diego professor Rafael Nuñez discusses the comparative analysis of “quantity” and “number”, and the implications it has for debates about the origins of other human special capacities such as geometry, music, and art; and UC San Diego School of Medicine professor Nissi Varki discusses the incidence of carcinomas, including the rarity of occurrence of common human carcinomas in captive chimpanzees. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 37529]
Julio Barreiro Guerrero grew up in a public housing project in Acapulco de Juarez. Inspired by a junior high teacher, he found his passion for science. Through hard work and focus he found himself the recipient of scholarships that opened up a world of opportunity in physics. Today, he runs a lab at UC San Diego focused on quantum science and technology. He shares his story and a message of inspiration for young scholars starting on their academic journeys. Series: "Education Channel" [Science] [Education] [Show ID: 36430]
This symposium addresses several important distinctly human characteristics that range from molecules, to metabolism, anatomy, disease, and behavior. Goals include transdisciplinary interactions, improved self-understanding, promotion of ethically sound studies to explain known differences, and the generation of new, potentially unexplored, insights on uniquely-human specializations. Given the interest in understanding our evolution, this symposium will also help to organize how and in what sequence distinctly human physical, mental, social, and cultural features evolved. Such understanding may help explain the origin of our species and how it came to now directly shape the planet, giving rise to the Anthropocene (a proposed geological epoch distinguished by human influence on climate and the environment). Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 37447]
Technology is clearly central to human life and evolution but remains hard to define and study. Emory University professor Dietrich Stout discusses an evolutionarily motivated definition of technology that highlights three key features: material production, social collaboration, and cultural reproduction. This perspective has important implications for the way we conceptualize and study the origins and evolution of human technologies. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 37385]
Humans and many other species have biologically endowed abilities for discriminating “quantities” to some degree (e.g., subitizing), but only humans, via the distinct capacity of “symbolic reference” exhibit “number” — i.e., exact symbolic quantification. Language, with its symbolic properties although present in all human cultures, is a necessary condition for “number” but it is not a sufficient condition for it. UC San Diego professor Rafael Nuñez discusses the comparative analysis of “quantity” and “number”, and the implications it has for debates about the origins of other human special capacities such as geometry, music, and art. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 37386]
The impacts of climate change and the urgency to act have not gone unnoticed in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). The Institute of the Americas (IOA) has released a policy white paper entitled, Nationally Determined Contributions Across the America: A Comparative Hemispheric Analysis in an effort to better assess progress made to date by countries across the Americas in delivering on their climate commitments. The white paper provides a timely snapshot of progress made, while also highlighting the serious funding gaps that remain if LAC countries are going to deliver on their previously agreed upon climate pledges. Series: "Climate Crisis" [Public Affairs] [Science] [Show ID: 37455]
Sialic acid-recognizing immunoglobulin-type lectins (Siglecs) are a family of cell surface proteins prominently expressed on immune cells in mammals. Siglec-11 is an example of an inhibitory Siglec. It was the first protein in the brain found to be “human-specific”: non-human primates express Siglec-11 in other tissues but not in the central nervous system. UC San Diego School of Medicine professor Ajit Varki discusses the importance of Siglec-11 and the paired receptor Siglec-16, and how they play significant roles in regulating inflammation, and have several uniquely human features including expression in brain. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 37380]
Language is a human cognitive specialization, and as such, is expected to be supported by human neurological specializations. The arcuate fasciculus is a white matter fiber tract that connects Wernicke’s and Broca’s language areas in the human brain, and also connects the homologues of Wernicke’s and Broca’s areas in non-human primate brains. Emory University professor James Rilling discusses the difference of arcuate fasciculus between human and non-human primate brains and how the specialization of speech has helped humans evolve. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 37381]
During embryogenesis, the three germ layers (endoderm, ectoderm, mesoderm) differentiate into epithelial and non-epithelial cells, which eventually form differentiated tissues and organs. Abundant data now indicates that we humans are very closely related to other hominids including chimpanzees, bonobos, gorillas, and orangutans, the so-called "great apes". UC San Diego School of Medicine professor Nissi Varki discusses the incidence of carcinomas, including the rarity of occurrence of common human carcinomas in captive chimpanzees. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 37382]
Diet has played a major role in the evolution of human and non-human primate digestive systems. Phytanic acid is a potentially toxic branched chain fatty acid that can be acquired in humans by ingesting plant and/or animal products. Although it was established that humans cannot derive phytanic acid from chlorophyll and instead normally obtain it only from meat, dairy, and fish products, less was known about the capacity of non-human primates with proportionally larger hindguts to obtain phytanic acid from plant materials. University of Southern California professor Joseph Hacia discusses studies profiling phytanic acid levels in red blood cells obtained from humans and captive non-human primates all on low phytanic acid diets. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 37379]
Elly Tanaka of the Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna Biocenter shares her work defining what it means to have successful regeneration and studying examples of lack of regeneration and what that means at the cellular and molecular levels. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 37019]
ABO Blood groups represent the first described human molecular polymorphism. The ABO gene encodes variants of a protein (a glycosyltransferase) that produces the short sugar chains on glycoproteins and glycolipids that define the A, B, or O antigens. These antigens are found on red blood cells, plasma glycoproteins, and other cell types in various tissues. Individual humans can have one of four blood types based on the two alleles inherited from both parents at the ABO locus: blood type A, B, AB, or O. UC San Diego professor Pascal Gagneux discusses how recent comparative genome studies have revealed that this polymorphic system is ancient and shared between humans and non-human primates, this despite the fact that none of the great ape species carries all four ABO blood types. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 37378]
Humans are unusual in that we depend on shared foods, especially among families and friends and between potential mates. Food sharing occurs between healthy individuals and those that are infirm or elderly. We also differ from other great apes in our early ages at weaning, late ages at maturity, short birth intervals and survivorship decades past menopause. The emergence of these patterns was crucial to early human development. In light of observations among modern East African hunter-gatherers, University of Utah professor James O’Connell evaluates two alternatives. He discusses one hypothesis that focuses on males acquiring big game meat and marrow to provide for mates and offspring. The other hypothesis surrounds how certain kinds of savanna plant food set up the forager interdependence which propelled all aspects of life history change. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 37384]
Skye Edwards grew up in California's central valley, spending summers working on her family's ranch. When it came time for college, it was a hard decision to leave her tight knit community but her passion for learning took her to UC San Diego, The recent grad looks back on her time in college, how joining the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) provided social and professional opportunities, and how she remained connected to her family while away at school. Series: "Education Channel" [Science] [Education] [Show ID: 37088]
You've got 31 days to build a robot that can navigate the field, get to the other side, turn around, locate its opponent and shoot Ping-Pong balls. Easy right? Welcome to UC Santa Cruz's Mechatronic's class. Series: "UCTV Prime" [Science] [Show ID: 37472]
In December 2020, Jennifer Doudna received her Nobel Prize in Chemistry during a small, socially-distanced ceremony at her home - followed by takeout. The traditional celebration will have to wait until next year. A videographer and photographer captured the intimate gathering and presentation of the gold medal by Barbro Osher, Sweden’s Honorary Consul General in San Francisco, with Anna Sjöström Douagi representing the Nobel Foundation. Doudna, the Li Ka Shing Chancellor’s Chair in Biomedical and Health Sciences at UC Berkeley, was joined by her husband, Jamie Cate, UC Berkeley professor of molecular and cell biology, son, Andrew, and sister Ellen Doudna of Berkeley. Series: "UC Berkeley News" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 37398]
Understanding the evolutionary path and the tradeoffs of the modern human brain will likely illuminate the origins of human disease. Alysson Muotri explains his research using stem cells to model Neanderthal brains in an effort to better understand our origins as well as our future. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 37018]
Data points, equations, and analysis are only part of a day in the life of a mathematician. UC San Diego's Alex Cloninger shares how he uses math to ask smarter questions, solve real world problems, and foster creativity. Series: "Education Channel" [Science] [Show ID: 37189]
UC Davis professor Michele Barbato and his students are engineering earth blocks that can withstand natural disasters such as wildfires, which are a continual threat across California and the Western U.S. Series: "UCTV Prime" [Science] [Show ID: 37404]
To Sheng-Ying Pao, the power of reframing CRISPR lies in what is absolutely ordinary: paper. In CRISPaper, Pao revisited a cultural past in the ancient art of papermaking. In ancient China, wild rice was used to make paper. Pao took rice stalks from plants edited with CRISPR and ground the fibers into pulp. She then poured the pulp over a mesh screen. Every time she dipped the screen into water, the plant fibers would lift and resettle on top of the mesh, eventually making paper. Through the genome-edited rice plant, an ancient practice was juxtaposed with cutting-edge technology. Series: "UC Berkeley News" [Science] [Arts and Music] [Show ID: 37388]
UC Berkeley researchers have created a new device that combines wearable biosensors with artificial intelligence software to help recognize what hand gesture a person intends to make based on electrical signal patterns in the forearm. The device paves the way for better prosthetic control and seamless interaction with electronic devices. Series: "UC Berkeley News" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 37369]
Dr. Elisseeff is a leading expert in the field of tissue engineering. She directs the Translational Tissue Engineering Center where she and her team of scientists study stem cells, develop new biomaterials, and design new technologies for regenerative medicine. The goal of her lab is to engineer technologies to repair lost tissues. Specifically, Elisseeff's lab examines hydrogels as a scaffold for tissue engineering. Hydrogels are ideal due to their high water content for nutrient and waste transport, and their ability to encapsulate cells and to implant in a minimally invasive manner. The lab is currently focused on developing synthetic-biological hydrogels with highly controlled physical properties and biological function. The discovery of human embryonic stem cells has created the possibility to regenerate any tissue from a single, totipotent cell population. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Education] [Show ID: 37017]
Just another YouTube video documenting the crazy antics of squirrels hell-bent on reaching peanuts? No, these videos are part of a study to understand the split-second decisions squirrels make routinely as they race through the tree canopy, jumping from branch to branch, using skills honed to elude deadly predators. How do they decide whether or not to take a leap? How do they assess their biomechanical abilities to know whether they can stick the landing? Understanding how squirrels learn the limits of their agility could lead to robots with better control to nimbly move through varied landscapes, such as the rubble of a collapsed building in search of survivors. It could also lead to a better understanding of movement problems that come with age. Series: "UC Berkeley News" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 37367]
The ocean provides a bounty of essential life-supporting services. Yet, a changing climate and increasing human uses are altering marine ecosystems and their ability to continue to provide this wealth of essential services. Off the coast of California, we are lucky to have one of the worlds longest-running marine observation programs, the California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigations (CalCOFI), which has continuously and comprehensively sampled the marine environment off the California coast since 1949 to monitor the indicators and impacts of El Nino and climate change and to support effective marine management. Join marine ecologist and California Sea Grant extension specialist Erin Satterthwaite as she tells the story of CalCOFI through a series of case studies documenting how CalCOFI has been used to understand and address human and natural impacts on marine life along the California coast. Series: "Jeffrey B. Graham Perspectives on Ocean Science Lecture Series" [Science] [Show ID: 37033]
Chuck Murry, MD, PhD shares recent research on using cardiomyocytes to model COVID-19 heart disease. He also discusses current efforts to regenerate the heart and reduce arrhythmias. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 37016]
Discussion session about The Evolution of Human Physical Activity. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Science] [Show ID: 37188]
Human physical activities differ significantly from other species. How, when and why did these capabilities evolve? What adaptations underlie them? And how did the evolution of human physical activity affect other key human characteristics that have advanced our species? Herman Pontzer explores the evolution of metabolism, Grazyna Jasienska discusses different effects of activity on women's reproductive health and Ellen Breen explores an evolutionary pathway for high endurance activity. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Science] [Show ID: 37187]
Human physical activities differ significantly from other species. How, when and why did these capabilities evolve? What adaptations underlie them? And how did the evolution of human physical activity affect other key human characteristics that have advanced our species? Daniel Lieberman explores how running evolved and David Raichlen explains the effects of physical activity on the brain. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Science] [Show ID: 37185]
Human physical activities differ significantly from other species. How, when and why did these capabilities evolve? What adaptations underlie them? And how did the evolution of human physical activity affect other key human characteristics that have advanced our species? Daniel Lieberman and Yana Kamberov explore how running and sweating evolved and what it means for Homo sapiens. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Science] [Show ID: 37184]
Human physical activities differ significantly from other species. How, when and why did these capabilities evolve? What adaptations underlie them? And how did the evolution of human physical activity affect other key human characteristics that have advanced our species? Tatum Simonson explains adaptations to altitude and diving, Jandy Hanna explores climbing in human evolution and David Carrier proposes anatomical adaptations for aggression. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Science] [Show ID: 37186]
Human physical activities differ significantly from other species. How, when and why did these capabilities evolve? What adaptations underlie them? And how did the evolution of human physical activity affect other key human characteristics that have advanced our species? David Carrier proposes anatomical adaptations for aggression.
A growing body of evidence suggests that the evolutionary roots of much of the aggression, intolerance, and violence that plagues modern societies ultimately lies in the selection that shaped our mating system. Acknowledging and understanding the legacy of male interpersonal and group aggression can help guide policy directed at reducing violence in the future. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Science] [Show ID: 36947]
Human physical activities differ significantly from other species. How, when and why did these capabilities evolve? What adaptations underlie them? And how did the evolution of human physical activity affect other key human characteristics that have advanced our species? Jandy Hanna explores climbing in human evolution.
Most primates live and move in the trees, but humans have evolved to move bipedally on the ground. Primates’ arboreal life-style has long been thought to have allowed the evolution of human beings’ unusual form of movement. We know much about how horizontal movement on branches differs in primates relative to most other mammals. But only recently have we begun to learn about how climbing is accomplished by non-human primates, and how such movement may have permitted early human ancestors to move upright. Key findings regarding the biomechanics of climbing, and what these data may mean for understanding human movement and exercise, are discussed. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Science] [Show ID: 36948]
Human physical activities differ significantly from other species. How, when and why did these capabilities evolve? What adaptations underlie them? And how did the evolution of human physical activity affect other key human characteristics that have advanced our species? Grazyna Jasienska discusses different effects of activity on women's reproductive health. The effects of physical activity on female physiology and health are much more complex than for men. Just like in men, activity is beneficial for many aspects of health, but physically active women also face important physiological trade-offs. Physical activity influences levels of hormones that are crucial for female health – estrogens and progesterone. But how much and in what way these hormones are affected depends not only on the type and intensity of physical activity, but also on other factors, such as the quality of environment that women experienced during their own fetal development and childhood. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 36952]
Human physical activities differ significantly from other species. How, when and why did these capabilities evolve? What adaptations underlie them? And how did the evolution of human physical activity affect other key human characteristics that have advanced our species? Daniel Lieberman explores how running evolved and its role in human evolution.
All animals need to be physically active, but the human lineage clearly underwent selection to be considerably more physically active than our relatively inactive ape ancestors and cousins including chimpanzees and gorillas. Bipedal walking brought many benefits but also rendered hominins slow and awkward, hence vulnerable to predation. With the origins of hunting and gathering in the genus Homo, there was additional selection for endurance running which helped hominins become scavengers and hunters. Today we face a growing epidemic of physical inactivity that increases people’s vulnerability to a wide range of diseases. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Science] [Show ID: 36950]
The Southern California Coastal Ocean Observing System (SCCOOS) – part of the national U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) – works to collect, integrate and deliver coastal and ocean observations in order to improve safety, enhance the economy, and protect the environment. SCCOOS serves a diverse stakeholder community of managers and planners, operational decision-makers, scientists, and the general public. Join SCCOOS Executive Director Clarissa Anderson as she describes how SCCOOS technology and observational programs provide information critical to decision-making related to climate change, coastal hazards, marine ecosystems, fisheries, water quality, and marine operations. Series: "Jeffrey B. Graham Perspectives on Ocean Science Lecture Series" [Science] [Show ID: 37032]
Human physical activities differ significantly from other species. How, when and why did these capabilities evolve? What adaptations underlie them? And how did the evolution of human physical activity affect other key human characteristics that have advanced our species? Herman Pontzer explores the evolution of human metabolism and its role in our evolution and health. From an evolutionary perspective, life is a game of turning energy into offspring. The strategies that species use to acquire energy, in the form of food, and allocate energy to the essential tasks of growth, maintenance, movement, and reproduction, are incredibly diverse and reflect the ecological pressures and opportunities encountered. There is a deep evolutionary history of the human metabolic strategy and our divergence from other apes. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Science] [Show ID: 36951]
Human physical activities differ significantly from other species. Although hunter-gatherers sometimes climb and fight, they also walk and run long distances as well as dig, throw, carry and more. How, when and why did these capabilities evolve? What genetic, physiological and anatomical adaptations underlie them? And how did the evolution of human physical activity affect other key human characteristics such as the brains, diet, life-history strategies, gene-culture co-evolution and social cooperation? To address these and other related questions, this symposium will integrate research on genetics, biomechanics, physiology, neurobiology and behavior. Because more and more humans today are primarily sedentary, we will also explore implications of the evolution of human physical activity for contemporary health and disease. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Science] [Show ID: 37183]
Margaret Zuhlke, career advisor and alumni relations specialist for the Halıcıoğlu Data Science Institute at UC San Diego, joins Saura Naderi to share how she found her career path. She also discusses the impact mentors can have and how undergraduates can find mentorship in academia and business. Series: "Education Channel" [Science] [Business] [Show ID: 37233]
Human physical activities differ significantly from other species. How, when and why did these capabilities evolve? What adaptations underlie them? And how did the evolution of human physical activity affect other key human characteristics that have advanced our species? David Raichlen explains the effects of physical activity on the brain and its role in evolution.
Recent work suggests exercise can have important beneficial effects on the aging brain, however the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. An evolutionary-neuroscience approach may help us better understand these mechanisms and can provide a foundation for developing novel interventions to improve brain aging. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Science] [Show ID: 36944]
Opportunities in the field of data science are endless. Margaret Zuhlke, career advisor and alumni relations specialist for the Halıcıoğlu Data Science Institute at UC San Diego, joins Saura Naderi to discuss how to ready your skill set and resume for success. Learn how to leverage online resources as well as how to navigate the job search process. Series: "Student Resources: Science" [Science] [Business] [Show ID: 36931]
Human physical activities differ significantly from other species. How, when and why did these capabilities evolve? What adaptations underlie them? And how did the evolution of human physical activity affect other key human characteristics that have advanced our species? Ellen Breen explores an evolutionary pathway for high endurance activity. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Science] [Show ID: 36945]
Human physical activities differ significantly from other species. How, when and why did these capabilities evolve? What adaptations underlie them? And how did the evolution of human physical activity affect other key human characteristics that have advanced our species? Yana Kamberov explores how sweating evolved and what it means for Homo sapiens. Humans use sweating as the primary mechanism to dump body heat. Humans’ ability to effectively harness sweating as a thermoregulatory mechanism is a product of the evolution of a massively increased sweat gland density and a drastic reduction in the size of body hair. Advances have been made in identifying the genetic basis for how these unique and essential adaptations of human physiology evolved. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Science] [Show ID: 36949]
Explores cellular anthropology to understand how variation in human regulatory elements can mediate morphological evolution and individual variation of the craniofacial form. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Science] [Show ID: 32973]
Human physical activities differ significantly from other species. How, when and why did these capabilities evolve? What adaptations underlie them? And how did the evolution of human physical activity affect other key human characteristics that have advanced our species? Tatum Simonson explains adaptations to altitude and diving.
Humans have persisted for hundreds of generations under challenging environmental extremes. Adaptations to such environments have been essential for survival, enabling populations to trek successfully among high mountain tops or to dive deeply into vast seas. Unique genetic signatures, resulting from thousands of years of strong selective pressures in these environments, have been discovered within the DNA of present-day populations. These findings provide important clues into evolutionary processes in humans. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Science] [Show ID: 36946]
Connie Eaves, PhD presents her research and examines this moment in time in stem cell biology. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 37015]
Saura Naderi has used her training as an engineer to turn dreams into reality. Whether building a robotic dress to developing innovative STEAM programs for kids, she has an eye to inclusivity and sparking joy. Hear how she cultivated this unique mindset and how she worked through trauma to allow for creativity in her career. Series: "Education Channel" [Science] [Education] [Show ID: 36940]
Victor Minces teaches the science of music. He seeks to transform our perception of everyday experiences by revealing the physics behind them. Through his program, Listening to Waves, he works to make science accessible to all and imbue creativity in the scientific process. Hear his perspectives on teaching, arts education and more in this engaging conversation. Series: "Education Channel" [Science] [Arts and Music] [Education] [Show ID: 37090]
Randolph Ashton, PhD discusses novel tissue engineering methodologies to derive brain and spinal cord tissues from human pluripotent stem cells, which can be used to create groundbreaking regenerative therapies and models of neurological disorders. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Science] [Show ID: 37014]
Climate scientist Julie Kalansky discusses how drought in California and Nevada is a common occurrence, with the attendant water restrictions and threat of severe wildfires bringing the reality of climate change into sharp focus. Future climate projections for the region suggest a trend toward more extremes, including more severe and prolonged drought as well as exceptionally wet years. Learn about the science of drought and how the Scripps-based California Nevada Climate Applications (CNAP) program works to provide drought tracking and early warning in support of drought preparedness and resilience in the face of a changing climate. Series: "Jeffrey B. Graham Perspectives on Ocean Science Lecture Series" [Science] [Show ID: 37031]
Mark Tuszynski, MD, Ph.D., Bob Yant, and Lawrence S.B. Goldstein, Ph.D. discuss the newest research and treatments for spinal cord injury, including how neural stem cells may be leveraged to potentially regain function. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 37102]
We all know how good a dog's sense of smell is, from sniffing out explosives to all sorts of contraband and even disease in humans. Tommy Dickey, emeritus professor from UC Santa Barbara, and service dog expert Heather Junquiera explain why and how dogs are being trained for COVID-19 screening. [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 36937]
To study aging, scientists are looking to outer space. Space travel causes changes to the body that are similar to aging. Dr. Sonja Schrepfer, UCSF Division of Adult Cardiothoracic Surgery, investigates space-related physiological changes, similar to those observed during aging, including defects in bone healing, loss of cardiovascular and neurological capacity, and altered immune function. Series: "Mini Medical School for the Public" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 36869]
Dr. Serena M. Auñón recently served as Flight Engineer on the International Space Station for Expeditions 56 and 57. She discusses her time on orbit, where the crews contributed to hundreds of experiments in biology, biotechnology, physical science and Earth science aboard the International Space Station. Investigations were led into new cancer treatment methods and algae growth in space. Series: "Mini Medical School for the Public" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 36868]
Join us for a candid conversation between trailblazing women leaders about their personal journeys, their hopes, and their visions for the future. Feminist scholar and author Brittney Cooper, astronaut and scientist Kathy Sullivan, news anchor and reporter Maria Hinojosa share with author and journalist Lynn Sherr what it means to them to be leaders and inspire others. Series: "Women in Science" [Public Affairs] [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 36626]
In recognition of Earth Day, UC San Diego researchers offer a range of perspectives on how the climate, human activities and other forces impact our natural world. Hear from UC San Diego scientists who are leading the way with their work on renewable materials that are paving the path to a sustainable future; building and maintaining natural reserves as living laboratories; how immersing oneself in nature motivates a life of conservation research via an “Earth Connection;” and tackling the impacts of rising CO2, temperature and drought on plants. Join us to hear fresh perspectives on understanding and conserving Planet Earth. Series: "A Deep Look into the Future of Biology" [Science] [Show ID: 36884]
Prolonged exposure to microgravity experienced by astronauts in space is known to cause low back pain and a heightened risk of intervertebral disc herniations following space flight. Jeff Lotz, Professor, Vice Chair for Research, UCSF Orthopaedic Surgery, discusses what has been learned about back pain and spinal degeneration. Series: "Mini Medical School for the Public" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 37079]
Dr. Jonathan Clark explores enabling technologies and how they've been used in advancing humans in space while also having impacts on terrestrial applications. Clark worked at NASA from 1997 to 2005 and was a Space Shuttle Crew Surgeon on six shuttle missions and was Chief of the Medical Operations Branch. Series: "Mini Medical School for the Public" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 37005]
The environment of long-duration spaceflight causes major disruption to all aspects of human functioning, including the musculoskeletal system. But astronauts are not the only ones that worry about bone loss. All those who suffer from osteoporosis have issues with bone density and strength. Researchers hope that looking at the problem of bone loss in space will help the disease on Earth. Series: "Mini Medical School for the Public" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 36867]
As the climate warms across the globe, California is faced with adapting to a range of climate-related challenges - from drought to increased wildfire activity, to more extreme rain events. Many of these climate change phenomena work in concert to trigger catastrophic events such as post-wildfire debris flows like the one that devastated Montecito, California in January 2018. Join Scripps meteorologist Nina Oakley to learn how research is helping us understand, anticipate, and prepare for these cascading disasters in our new climate reality. Series: "Jeffrey B. Graham Perspectives on Ocean Science Lecture Series" [Science] [Show ID: 36729]
Karen Christman and Marianna Alperin discuss the newest discoveries and cutting-edge techniques for pro-regenerative biomaterials for heart and skeletal muscle with applications to cardiovascular disease and pelvic floor disorders. Series: "Women in Science" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 36848]
How does a kid from Compton, California find his way to career in neurobiology? Gentry N. Patrick, PhD knows the answer: access, mentorship, and advocacy. A singular vision of “who” can be a scientist is detrimental to all and there is an acute need to create a scientific community representative of the community in which we all live. Dr. Patrick’s story and his efforts call on all of us to empathize, innovate, and come together to do our part in shaping a better future for all students including those who remain underserved. Series: "Exploring Ethics" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 36636]
Experts address altered states of the mind that are deliberately induced by humans. We will address what is known about origins and mechanisms of these mind-altering practices. In doing so, we hope to gain new insights into the origins and workings of the human mind. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Science] [Show ID: 37002]
Experts address altered states of the mind that are deliberately induced by humans. We will address what is known about origins and mechanisms of these mind-altering practices. In doing so, we hope to gain new insights into the origins and workings of the human mind. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Science] [Show ID: 37001]
Lorenz Studer, MD. Director, Center for Stem Cell Biology, Sloan Kettering Institute, presents his research. The Studer laboratory investigates human stem cells as tools to understand normal and pathological development in the nervous system and to develop cell-based strategies for regenerative medicine. Series: "Autism Programs for Medical Professionals" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 37009]
Experts address altered states of the mind that are deliberately induced by humans. We will address what is known about origins and mechanisms of these mind-altering practices. In doing so, we hope to gain new insights into the origins and workings of the human mind. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Science] [Show ID: 37000]
Experts address altered states of the mind that are deliberately induced by humans. We will address what is known about origins and mechanisms of these mind-altering practices. In doing so, we hope to gain new insights into the origins and workings of the human mind. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Science] [Show ID: 36678]
Experts address altered states of the mind that are deliberately induced by humans. We will address what is known about origins and mechanisms of these mind-altering practices. In doing so, we hope to gain new insights into the origins and workings of the human mind. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 36672]
Galactic Cosmic Rays (GCR) penetrate the hull of spacecraft and cause physiological changes to those within. Susanna Rosi, UCSF Professor and Director of Neurocognitive Research, explains the effects. Series: "Mini Medical School for the Public" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 36866]
Experts address altered states of the mind that are deliberately induced by humans. We will address what is known about origins and mechanisms of these mind-altering practices. In doing so, we hope to gain new insights into the origins and workings of the human mind. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 37003]
Experts address altered states of the mind that are deliberately induced by humans. We will address what is known about origins and mechanisms of these mind-altering practices. In doing so, we hope to gain new insights into the origins and workings of the human mind. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 36615]
Experts address altered states of the mind that are deliberately induced by humans. We will address what is known about origins and mechanisms of these mind-altering practices. In doing so, we hope to gain new insights into the origins and workings of the human mind. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 36676]
Microgravity has profound effects on physical and living systems which makes the International Space Station an important place for scientific research. Liz Warren, Senior Program Director for the International Space Station U.S. National Laboratory, talks about the groundbreaking science, technology and innovation not possible on Earth. Series: "Mini Medical School for the Public" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 36865]
Experts address altered states of the mind that are deliberately induced by humans. We will address what is known about origins and mechanisms of these mind-altering practices. In doing so, we hope to gain new insights into the origins and workings of the human mind. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 36675]