UC San Diego (Audio)

Circadian timing shapes how we sleep, feel, and function each day. Satchidananda Panda, Ph.D., Salk Institute, describes what the ideal circadian rhythms of a day look like. Dr. Panda explains that keeping daily light, meals, movement, and sleep in step with the body's internal clock supports alertness, metabolism, and recovery. Series: "Stein Institute for Research on Aging" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41210]

Rudeness is not just annoying. John O'Brien, psychologist and author of "Rudeness Rehab," links everyday rudeness to stress and even broader health outcomes, including differences in life expectancy. Series: "Osher UC San Diego Distinguished Lecture Series" [Health and Medicine] [Humanities] [Show ID: 41296]

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]

How much exposure to daylight is recommended for optimal health? Satchidananda Panda, Ph.D., Salk Institute, answers this question and many more on the therapeutic nature of light. Dr. Panda also discusses indoor lighting considerations in order to simulate day/night cycles. Dr. Panda explains that the use of lighting isn't just for safety and convenience but also for one's health. Series: "Stein Institute for Research on Aging" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41208]

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]

A collaborative effort examines how organizations confront religious intolerance, focusing on antisemitism and Islamophobia. It maps an ecosystem of practices across individual, community, and structural levels. Using surveys, interviews, and existing research, the project documents what people and organizations do and why. Approaches include education and skills training; supports for healing and wellbeing; bridging divisions, leadership, coalitions, safer online spaces, and civic engagement; work on policy and law; research and evaluation that advance evidence-based programs; and storytelling that promotes inclusion while challenging hateful speech. Together, these efforts clarify how combined work builds belonging, trust, understanding, and accountability. Findings are shared to help communities adapt effective practices locally, including on campus and across the region. The goal is to support practical, adaptable strategies that cultivate safer, more inclusive environments. [Public Affairs] [Show ID: 40703]

Intermittent fasting isn't just about calories—it's about timing. Michael J. Wilkinson, M.D., F.A.C.C., F.N.L.A., explains how time-restricted eating aligns daily food intake with the body's natural circadian rhythms. He shares insights from animal studies, clinical trials, and UC San Diego research showing how consolidating meals into an 8–10 hour window can improve glucose control, blood pressure, and metabolic health. Wilkinson highlights why earlier eating windows may work best, what makes studies succeed or fail, and how these findings point to practical strategies for preventing cardiometabolic disease and supporting healthy aging. Series: "Stein Institute for Research on Aging" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41184]

Biological resilience underpins healthy aging, and Anthony Molina, Ph.D., investigates how people resist, adapt to, and recover from age-related stressors. Molina defines three domains of resilience linked to aging and studies “life course” resilience using the Rancho Bernardo Study, a longitudinal cohort that starts in 1972 and tracks cognitive, sensory, physical function and comorbidities. His group analyzes trajectory scores from tasks such as the trail-making test and examines thousands of blood molecules to identify patterns that distinguish exceptionally resilient participants. Laboratory experiments show how age-related molecular profiles relate to mitochondrial function and ATP production. Molina's team also tests behavioral and nutritional interventions in rigorously designed clinical studies, combining molecular biomarkers of biological age with measures of physical performance, cognition, sensory abilities, and mental well-being. Series: "Stein Institute for Research on Aging" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40958]

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]

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]

Cris Liang, a UC San Diego alumnus trained in engineering, explains how a cross-border upbringing and family entrepreneurship guided his move from engineering to hospitality. He grew up between Mexico and the United States, spoke Cantonese and Spanish at home and in the community, and came to see food as a bridge that connects cultures and neighborhoods. His restaurants focus on community, offering welcoming places to share meals and friendships. Liang emphasizes relationships, resilience, and long-term purpose over quick wins. In this interview with Frank Silva, his practical creativity comes through as he reflects on identity, perseverance, and the power of hospitality to bring people together. Series: "Education Channel" [Business] [Education] [Show ID: 40974]

Michael J. Wilkinson, M.D., F.A.C.C., F.N.L.A., explains how aligning when we eat, sleep, and move with our body's natural circadian rhythms can profoundly affect metabolic health. Drawing on research from UC San Diego and the Salk Institute, he explores how disruptions in daily patterns—late-night eating, less movement, artificial light—contribute to obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver disease. Wilkinson shows why *when* we eat may be as important as *what* or *how much* we eat, and how time-restricted eating offers a practical, biology-based strategy for preventing cardiometabolic disease and promoting healthy aging. Series: "Stein Institute for Research on Aging" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41187]

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]

Michael J. Wilkinson, M.D., F.A.C.C., F.N.L.A., responds to the question, "How long does it take to get used to Intermittent Fasting?" Series: "Stein Institute for Research on Aging" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41183]

If you feel like there's more rudeness in the world, you're not alone. According to John O'Brien, psychologist and author of "Rudeness Rehab," there's a pandemic of incivility. O'Brien says we're seeing bad behavior everywhere, from the streets to the workplace to even the operating room. As part of our Osher Author Talk series, host Henry DeVries talks with O'Brien about the physical and mental toll of experiencing rudeness. O'Brien says we have the power to be our own superhero when dealing rude and difficult people. He calls his approach BAM, which stands for breathing, active listening and mindfulness. Series: "Osher UC San Diego Distinguished Lecture Series" [Health and Medicine] [Humanities] [Show ID: 40599]

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]

Writer R.F. Kuang has quickly become one of today's most daring and original voices in fiction, blending sharp social critique with rich storytelling. Her most recent novel, Katabasis, takes readers on a darkly witty descent into the underworld, where academia, ambition, and myth collide. Known for tackling power, politics, and the human cost of ambition, Kuang first captivated audiences with The Poppy War and later with the wildly successful Babel, both of which showcased her ability to fuse historical depth with page-turning drama. As part of the 30th anniversary of the Writer's Symposium by the Sea, Kuang joins host Dean Nelson for a delightful conversation at Point Loma Nazarene University. Series: "Writer's Symposium By The Sea" [Humanities] [Show ID: 40781]

Circadian timing shapes how we sleep, feel, and function each day. Satchidananda Panda, Ph.D., Salk Institute, explains that keeping daily light, meals, movement, and sleep in step with the body's internal clock supports alertness, metabolism, and recovery. Panda notes that evening light and late eating can make it harder to fall asleep and may work against healthy glucose control, while thoughtful timing of activity can improve energy and rest. He highlights that when we take medicines matters because the body's response changes across the day. Travel and shift work challenge these rhythms, but simple habits with light exposure, meal timing, and sleep can ease the strain. Panda also describes ongoing efforts testing practical routines, including limited daily eating windows paired with light and activity strategies. Series: "Stein Institute for Research on Aging" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40733]

Danielle K. Glorioso, LCSW, examines resilience as a skill that can be strengthened. Glorioso explores the many health benefits of resilient behavior. Series: "Stein Institute for Research on Aging" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41123]

Campus-based mental health response matters everywhere, providing timely help that prevents crises and keeps students thriving. At UC San Diego, Triton CORE's mobile, trauma-informed clinicians meet students where they feel safest and connect them to least restrictive care. Series: "Education Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Education] [Show ID: 40955]

Peter Bolland, professor of philosophy and humanities at Southwestern College, explores the lasting influence of Augustine of Hippo. Born in North Africa in 354, Augustine—now known as Saint Augustine—is remembered as one of Christianity's most important thinkers. He shaped core beliefs like the doctrine of original sin and wrote The City of God, a work meant to comfort Christians after Rome fell to the Visigoths in 410. His words offered guidance in a moment of chaos and uncertainty. Closer to home, Augustine dedicated his life to persuading the people of Hippo to embrace Christianity, tirelessly working to share his vision of faith, community, and resilience. Series: "Osher UC San Diego Distinguished Lecture Series" [Humanities] [Show ID: 41056]

Psychological resilience in later life examines how older adults adapt after adversity and cultivate everyday practices that sustain well-being and purpose.Elizabeth W. Twamley, Ph.D., introduces and guides a discussion on mental health and resilience among older adults. Ellen E. Lee, M.D., characterizes resilience as dynamic learning oriented toward flourishing and urges a low threshold for seeking help when symptoms overwhelm daily routines. Sidney Zisook, M.D., presents grief as adaptation to loss, distinguishes acute from integrated grief, and explains how intense waves of emotion gradually become less frequent and more manageable; he views psychedelic therapies as promising but not ready for routine treatment. Marti E. Kranzberg shares practical approaches that include mindfulness, journaling, gratitude, movement, sleep, pain management, creative arts, time in nature, community, and purpose. Series: "Stein Institute for Research on Aging" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40963]

Danielle K. Glorioso, LCSW, explores the complex nature of grief, emphasizing that it is a lifelong, evolving response to loss rather than something to “get over.” She explains the differences between acute grief, integrated grief, and prolonged grief disorder. Drawing on both professional expertise and personal loss, Glorioso offers practical strategies for coping, supporting others, and finding hope while honoring the memory of loved ones. Series: "Stein Institute for Research on Aging" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41121]

Cognitive resilience grows from small, consistent habits that keep the brain adaptable. Fadel Zeidan, Ph.D., frames mindfulness as mental training that improves attention, processing, and the way people relate to pain. Erin E. Sundermann, Ph.D., underscores modifiable pathways to healthier aging, highlighting movement, social connection, hearing support, and lifelong learning as mutually reinforcing drivers of brain health. Raenne C. Moore, Ph.D., centers practical strategies that translate into daily life, including routines, planned breaks, reducing distractions, and attending to anxiety or depression. Carolyn Dunmore, an older adult community Mmmber, exemplifies resilience through steady activity, purposeful community roles, faith, self-compassion, and the “use it or lose it” mindset. Together, Zeidan, Sundermann, Moore, and Dunmore point to a clear theme: everyday practices accumulate to support memory, attention, and well-being as people age. Series: "Stein Institute for Research on Aging" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40962]

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]

Targeting the biology of aging offers a path to stronger resilience and longer health. John C. Newman, M.D., Ph.D., explains that aging arises from measurable cellular processes, often called hallmarks of aging, including changes involving mitochondria, stem cells, cellular senescence, inflammation, and protein quality control. Newman describes how basic science in model organisms reveals mechanisms that can be manipulated to extend healthy lifespan and guide therapies. Emerging approaches aim either to strengthen stress responses that make cells more resilient or to address downstream consequences. Many clinical studies across the country now test interventions that target aging, supported by national efforts to standardize methods and expand training. Newman also investigates ketone bodies as energy sources that influence inflammation, muscle preservation, and other processes relevant to frailty and recovery. Series: "Stein Institute for Research on Aging" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40961]

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]

Healthy aging starts with physical resilience, the body's ability to withstand and recover from stress. Maile Young Karris, M.D., defines the concept and sets the stage for practical strategies that match real-world needs. Ryan J. Moran, M.D., M.P.H., recommends simple routines such as wall push ups, posture alignment, and chin tucks, and he links posture and vision to fall prevention; social connection helps people stick with movement. Theodore Chan, M.D., F.A.C.E.P., F.A.A.E.M., explains that age alone is a poor predictor of outcomes in acute care and that functional resilience strongly influences decisions. Gail Levine emphasizes accountability, community, and balanced nutrition. Moran highlights protein needs of about 1 to 1.2 grams per kilogram plus calcium with possible vitamin D, and he favors plant focused eating with limited processed foods. Series: "Stein Institute for Research on Aging" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40960]

Heather E. Whitson, MD, MHS explores how resilience—the ability to recover and adapt after stress or illness—changes across the lifespan. She explains that bounce back slows with age and that people age at different rates, influenced by biology, lifestyle, and environment. Studies connect lower inflammation, stronger cellular health, and emotional well-being to better recovery, such as regaining mobility after hip fracture or coping with persistent pain. Whitson also highlights how changes in the brain, like the buildup of amyloid and tau proteins, begin years before memory problems, underscoring the importance of early prevention. She points to practical steps that support resilience at any age: staying active, eating a Mediterranean style diet, managing blood pressure and blood sugar, protecting vision, engaging socially and mentally, prioritizing sleep, avoiding harmful exposures, and preventing injuries. Series: "Stein Institute for Research on Aging" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40959]

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]

Danielle K. Glorioso, LCSW, explores the complex nature of grief, emphasizing that it is a lifelong, evolving response to loss rather than something to “get over.” She explains the differences between acute grief, integrated grief, and prolonged grief disorder, highlighting how factors like attachment, personal history, and circumstances of death can influence the grieving process. Glorioso outlines how prolonged grief can impair daily functioning and discusses effective treatments, including a structured therapy program that facilitates adaptation. She also examines resilience as a skill that can be strengthened through emotion regulation, cognitive flexibility, social support, and meaning-making. Drawing on both professional expertise and personal loss, Glorioso offers practical strategies for coping, supporting others, and finding hope while honoring the memory of loved ones. Series: "Stein Institute for Research on Aging" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40332]

How do you find hope in a deeply fractured and polarized world? In this timely and powerful conversation, Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist Nicholas Kristof pulls from decades of reporting from global conflict zones and overlooked American communities to bring a deeply human perspective to today's most urgent moral and civic challenges. In an era marked by division and misinformation, this program explores how truth, empathy and ethical courage can shape a more just and compassionate world. This program is presented by the Burke Lectureship on Religion and Society, and moderated by The World's Marco Werman and UC San Diego Theater professor Allan Havis. Series: "Burke Lectureship on Religion and Society" [Public Affairs] [Show ID: 40914]

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]

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]

Kimberly Peters, a stage four uterine cancer patient at UC San Diego Health, urges government leaders not to cut science funding. She warns that reduced federal support risks delaying vital research and life-saving cures. [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41071]

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]

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]

Ina Stelzer, Ph.D., explores how the maternal immune system adapts to support a healthy pregnancy and how disruptions can lead to complications like preterm birth. Her lab identifies early immune changes linked to spontaneous preterm birth and investigates the role of the maternal brain in regulating immune responses. Stelzer uses advanced technologies like mass cytometry and spatial proteomics to map immune and molecular changes in pregnancy, integrating these data with transcriptomics and mouse models. Her team studies how antidepressants affect immune signaling during pregnancy and examines the impact of social and behavioral factors. These insights may reveal biomarkers and therapeutic targets for improving maternal and fetal health. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40773]