University of California Audio Podcasts (Audio)

Moderator Mireille Miller-Young joined Diversity in Cannes founder Yolonda Brinkley and filmmaker Wendy Eley Jackson to discuss this important initiative and to celebrate the achievements of global Black women in film. Collectively, they outlined the background and impact of the initiative and strategies for Black women and their allies to create global change. They also reflected on the serious representation gaps in the international film industry and their own experiences breaking barriers. Series: "Carsey-Wolf Center" [Humanities] [Show ID: 38549]

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]

Epilepsy is a frequent co-morbidity in those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Maria Augusta Montenegro, M.D., Ph.D., discusses how cognitive abilities, motor deficit, and other associated symptoms can be factors, how epilepsy can be diagnosed, and recommended treatment options. Series: "Autism Tree Project Annual Neuroscience Conference" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 38389]

How do we move from purpose to action? Fundación Tú Más Yo focuses on community development through education and collaboration. Toñe Beguerisse and Dalia Rodriguez speak with Morgan Appel about how they implement programs and work directly with communities to create change. Series: "Education Channel" [Public Affairs] [Humanities] [Education] [Show ID: 38414]

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]

Diversity is a hallmark in autism yet autism research does not capture the full heterogeneity of individuals on the spectrum. Constance Smith-Hicks, M.D., Ph.D., Bradley Schlaggar, Ph.D., Ebony Holliday, Ph.D., and Omar Shanta discuss the current state of diversity research in autism and the roadblocks to include individuals of diverse backgrounds and abilities as participants in autism research as well as the strategies that could address these challenges. Series: "Autism Tree Project Annual Neuroscience Conference" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 38390]

In individuals with Down syndrome, there is an aging-like phenotype known as senescence. Hiruy Meharena, Ph.D., UC San Diego, discusses how this impacts neurodevelopment. Series: "Autism Tree Project Annual Neuroscience Conference" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 38388]

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 Census of Marine Life, the International Barcode of Life initiative and the Encyclopedia of Life. The Nierenberg 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]

When it comes to moving into a career you love, cultivating relationships is critical. In today's world of work, it's easier than ever to make new professional connections with a simple click of a button. Hear from experts as they share why the word “networking” makes most people cringe and how to move beyond your fears, discover what the hidden job market is and how to tap into it, effectively plan and prepare for informational interviews, and much more. Series: "Career Channel" [Business] [Show ID: 38424]

The human placenta may hold important clues to the health of both mothers and babies. Mana Parast, M.D., Ph.D., discusses placental development, what we can learn from pathologic evaluation of the placenta after delivery, and modeling the placenta with stem cells. Karen Mestan, M.S., M.D., shares highlights in neonatal medicine, how to use the placenta as a diagnostic tool to improve the immediate and long term health of newborn patients, and what the role of the placenta could be in NICU management. Catherine and Greg Higgins share their experience as parents with twins in the NICU. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 37969]

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]

After dropping out of high school, David Gonzales was unsure of what the future held but he knew he wanted more for his young family. He found a passion for science and, after years of dedicated study, became a professor at UC San Diego. His story is one of how generations rise - how a change in course can lead to a better tomorrow for an entire family. Three generations of the Gonzales family share what education means to them, how studying STEM can change lives, and how they navigate the world together. Series: "Education Channel" [Education] [Show ID: 38372]

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]

Growing up in Imperial Valley, Liz Ramírez's parents instilled in her the value of learning. "In order to break barriers, I needed an education," she recalls. Ramírez shares the story of her struggles and successes as a first-generation immigrant navigating her way through college at UC San Diego. Family, community service, and mentorship all played a role, and she stresses the importance of staying connected to people who can make your dreams possible. Currently CEO of the Chicano Federation, Ramírez continues to give back to and be an advocate for others in her community and beyond. Series: "Education Channel" [Education] [Show ID: 38451]

Fake news. Misinformation. Disinformation. The role of journalism in society has never been more important. So what's the future of news in a country deeply suspicious of information? Veteran journalists Kevin Merida, Los Angeles Times executive editor, and Donna Britt, author and Washington Post syndicated columnist, talk about the state of news and information. The discussion is moderated by Point Loma Nazarene University journalism professor Dean Nelson. This event is supported by the UC San Diego Helen Edison Lecture Series which offers free public lectures that advance humanitarian purposes and objectives. Series: "Helen Edison Lecture Series" [Public Affairs] [Humanities] [Show ID: 38462]

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]

In this program, Dr. Anda Kuo and Alicia Lieberman, Ph.D., discuss how to address trauma and resiliency for people with developmental disabilities. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 38149]

In this program, Dr. Gregory Enns discusses the latest therapies for mitochondrial disorders for people with developmental disabilities. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 38151]

COVID-19 changed many aspects of our lives and policymakers at the local and state level are seeking solutions to help restore the health and well-being of Californians. In this program, Dr. Rita Hamad discusses ways to bolster the safety net for people most impacted by the pandemic. Series: "Mini Medical School for the Public" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 38198]

In this program, Karen Bohall-Ortega discusses the PEARLS screening in trauma care for people with developmental disabilities. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 38148]

COVID-19 changed many aspects of our lives over the last two years. Policymakers at the local, state, and federal level are seeking solutions to myriad problems including addressing rising rates of substance misuse and addiction. In this program, experts discuss the increase in opioid use and overdose deaths as well as the increase in youth using e-cigarettes. Series: "Mini Medical School for the Public" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 38200]

In this program, Julia Bascom discusses top lessons from ASAN (Autistic Self Advocacy Network). Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 38145]

COVID-19 changed many aspects of our lives, and policymakers at the local, state, and federal level are seeking solutions to help restore the health and well-being of Californians. In this program, Joanne Spetz examines the impact the pandemic has had on healthcare workers, from burnout to physical and mental health impacts, and what leaders can do to resolve the crisis. Series: "Mini Medical School for the Public" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 38201]

COVID-19 changed many aspects of our lives and policymakers at the local, state, and federal level are seeking solutions to help restore the health and well-being of Californians. In this program, Julia Adler-Milstein, Ph.D., and A Jay Holmgren, Ph.D., explain how their collaborative research center uses information to improve the use and impact of digital health on health outcomes. Series: "Mini Medical School for the Public" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 38199]

In this program, Heather Royer, Ph.D., discusses the challenges and benefits of parental leave, including the impact on families, companies, the labor force and the economy. Series: "Critically Human" [Health and Medicine] [Humanities] [Business] [Show ID: 38278]

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]

Mariachi Arcoiris de Los Angeles prides itself on being the world's first LGBTQ mariachi band. Their tight, energetic, and intricate sound has been honed by the work they've had to do to navigate the typically hypermasculine and heteronormative world of mariachi as gay and trans musicians. The band has performed at numerous gay and transgender pride events as well as in the #SchoolsNotPrisons tour for the California Endowment. They have been featured multiple times on Univision morning shows, and in the Smithsonian Folklife magazine. Series: "Critically Human" [Humanities] [Arts and Music] [Show ID: 38287]

This program explores sexuality and people with disabilities, specifically the right to have safe opportunities to explore sexuality and promoting independence and respect. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Education] [Show ID: 38146]

This documentary follows five medical students in their first and last year attending UCLA's School of Medicine, culminating in Match Day, when they discover where they will be doing their residency. The students reflect on their experiences and hopes for the future as doctors. The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA is a groundbreaking community of problem solvers, caregivers, innovators, and life-long learners with a noble mission: to heal humankind by delivering leading-edge research, education, patient care, and community engagement. [Health and Medicine] [Education] [Show ID: 38412]

A look at reading old age with Dr. Louise Aronson, a leading geriatrician, writer, educator, professor of medicine at UCSF and the author of the New York Times bestseller and Pulitzer Prize finalist Elderhood: Redefining Aging, Transforming Medicine, and Reimagining Life. Series: "Critically Human" [Health and Medicine] [Humanities] [Show ID: 37077]

Production designer Chae Kyoung-Sun discusses with moderator Rita Raley and interpreter Eunjin Choi her design work for the TV sensation, Squid Game. Kyoung-Sun goes into detail on her design process, all the way from her initial ideas and discussions with her creative collaborators to how the final products were built and used on set. She discusses how her collaborations with the director, cinematographer, and other design departments completed the iconic look of Squid Game, such as the pink and green color scheme and the final design of the guards' masks. Kyoung-Sun also recounts the hidden meanings and influences in her designs that reflect the hierarchies of the world of Squid Game as well as evoke cultural references like children's games, school tracksuits, and fairy tales. Apart from Squid Game, Kyoung-Sun reflects on her early influences that inspired her to work in production design, which involved going to see films with her parents starting from a young age. Series: "Carsey-Wolf Center" [Humanities] [Show ID: 38312]