University of California Audio Podcasts (Audio)

As part of the Earth Serenade series, enjoy Johannes Brahms' Ein deutsches Requiem (Opus 45). This powerful music is performed by the Orchester & Chor of J. S. Bach-Stiftung in Switzerland. The music is set to images of Earth taken from the International Space Station, sending messages of mortality, hope and redemption. Series: "Arts Channel " [Arts and Music] [Show ID: 40881]

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]

As part of the 2025 Developmental Disabilities Conference, Marta E. Wosińska from the Center on Health Policyat The Brookings Institution talks about medication shortages. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40616]

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]

There's a powerful idea in the history of European legal and political thought: that laws must be possible for people to follow. Annabel Brett, professor of Political Thought and History at Cambridge University, describes how from ancient times through the Renaissance, thinkers believed that demanding the impossible—whether physically or psychologically—was a hallmark of tyranny. A classic example is Pharaoh in the Book of Exodus, who ordered the Israelites to make bricks without straw. Brett analyzes how legal thinkers balanced the need for law to be both realistic and aspirational, and how these ideas shaped the development of modern legal systems. Brett is joined by Princeton University's Melissa Lane for commentary. Series: "UC Berkeley Graduate Lectures" [Public Affairs] [Humanities] [Show ID: 40429]

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]

Earth Serenade presents some July 4th fireworks with exuberant and playful dance between violinist Angie Shyr and alto saxphonist Chris Cheek as we fly over the deep browns and reds of Sahara followed by night views of the Mediterranean. The images are from ISS 67. Enjoy this wonderful collection of Earth and music. Series: "Arts Channel " [Arts and Music] [Show ID: 40880]

As part of the 2025 Developmental Disabilities Conference, Dr. Whitney Deal, an emergency physician at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital, talks about using the least restrictive approach when dealing with an agitated autistic patient. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40614]

In this excerpt, Dr. Natalie Marshall shares tips on starting exercise routines. Dr. Marshall emphasizes how doing something, exercise-wise, is significantly better than doing nothing. Series: "Osher WISE: Well-being and Integrative Science for Everyone" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40687]

What paradoxes arise when victims of related persecution tell their stories next to, and after, each other? This question is at the heart of Ari Joskowicz's highly acclaimed book “Rain of Ash,” which examines the unlikely entanglement of the histories of Jews and Romani people—the only two racialized groups the Nazis targeted for wholesale extermination. Joskowicz, professor of Jewish Studies at Vanderbilt University, explores the encounters between Jews and Romani people on the killing fields of Europe and seeks to understand how survivors and historians have discussed Romani and Jewish suffering during World War II in relational terms. Series: "Library Channel" [Humanities] [Show ID: 40533]

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]

UCSF's Dr. Rahul Aggarwal explains the role of clinical trials in advancing prostate cancer treatment and how trial design is evolving to match today's more personalized approaches. He highlights how UCSF has contributed to major prostate cancer therapies and emphasizes the importance of genetic and genomic testing in identifying suitable trials for each patient. Dr. Aggarwal explains the different trial phases, clarifies common myths—such as concerns about placebos—and stresses that trials are considered at every stage of disease. He also discusses efforts to improve access, affordability, and diversity in trial participation, including regional partnerships and digital matching tools. The talk encourages patients to be informed and proactive when considering clinical trials as part of their treatment plan. Series: "Prostate Cancer Patient Conference" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40800]

As part of the Earth Serenade series, enjoy this lovely and ethereal blend of music by Steve Thomas with a night pass over Sahara from the International Space Station. Series: "Arts Channel " [Arts and Music] [Show ID: 40879]

As part of the 2025 Developmental Disabilities Conference, Anne V. Kirby, Associate Professor, University of Utah, talks about suicide prevention in the autism community. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40610]

Frank Silva talks with writer and educator Eduardo Corvera about the power of reading, writing, and the humanities. They explore how stories help us understand ourselves and the world around us. Corvera shares insights on teaching, the writing process, and why being honest and curious is essential for young writers. It's a thoughtful and inspiring conversation about creativity, literature, and finding your own voice. Series: "Education Channel" [Humanities] [Education] [Show ID: 40620]

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]

As part of the 2025 Developmental Disabilities Conference, Peggy McManus with The National Alliance to Advance Adolescent Health/Got Transition talks about barriers, inequities and policy options for youth aging out of public programs. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40609]

In this thoughtful presentation, Professor Emerita Laura Rendón, Ph.D., of the University of Texas - San Antonio, talks about her advocacy work in student preparation, access, and success. Her research has been published in education research journals and informed policies and practices within higher education that have transformed the lives of students. As the creator of the Validation Theory, she has helped redefine how we support and uplift students. Rendón is joined by Carolyn Sandoval, Ph.D., Senior Director of Instruction, UC San Diego, for a further discussion on how to advance student learning. [Education] [Show ID: 40679]

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]

As part of our Earth Serenade series, we present Stardust Sinfonie from BachFest, the annual gathering of musicians and fans in Bach's hometown of Leipzig, Germany. The music is performed by Stardust Sinfonie, a German trio of flute, harpsichord and vibraphone. In this piece, Andrei Pushkarov performs Bach's Prelude in C Sharp minor. Images are from the crew of ISS 48. Series: "Arts Channel " [Arts and Music] [Show ID: 40874]

In this excerpt, Dr. Natalie Marshall focuses on numerous forms of strength training as it is the best way to increase muscle mass and and it will help you get started “building muscle for life." Series: "Osher WISE: Well-being and Integrative Science for Everyone" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40686]

What are the future horizons for indigenous repatriation work? What are best practices in repatriation settings, and how might they inform repair work in other contexts, such as education or land returns? This panel discussion looks at the work of Chumash leaders and broader Indigenous repair work nationally and globally. Series: "Ethics, Religion and Public Life: Walter H. Capps Center Series" [Humanities] [Show ID: 40662]

Phenotypic variation within the skeleton has biological, behavioral, and biomedical functional implications for individuals and species. Thus, it is critical to understand how genomic, environmental, and mediating regulatory factors combine and interact to drive skeletal trait development and evolution. One way to do this is by studying skeletal diseases that disrupt skeletal function — like osteoarthritis (OA) which is a chronic disorder characterized by the degradation of cartilage and underlying bone in joints and can lead to severe pain and mobility limitations. This talk will discuss what is known about OA in humans and other primates, as well as recent advances that are further informing these topics. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 40695]

The Birch Aquarium celebrates the incredible contributions of women in the rich history of marine plankton research at Scripps. Judit Hersko performs part of her innovative series of visual narratives, "Pages from the Book of the Unknown Explorer," transporting you to Scripps' early days through a cleverly imagined correspondence between Dr. Easter Cupp, Scripps' first female Ph.D. graduate, and a fictitious female explorer inspired by Hersko's research and field experience in Antarctica. Melissa Carter takes us on a journey through nearly a century of observations from Scripps Pier, bringing us to the present day. She provides an insider's look at emerging research and observational technologies used on the pier and explores how these innovations drive new, groundbreaking discoveries in marine plankton research. Series: "Jeffrey B. Graham Perspectives on Ocean Science Lecture Series" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 40595]

Filmmaker RaMell Ross joins moderator Mireille Miller-Young, UCSB Feminist Studies, for a discussion of Nickel Boys. Series: "Carsey-Wolf Center" [Humanities] [Show ID: 40545]

The rate of cancer and cancer malignancy differ greatly among mammalian species. The placental – maternal interface is also highly variable between placental mammals. This lecture will discuss recent advances that suggest that there is a causal connection between the evolution of placental biology and the biology and rate of cancer malignancy. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 40694]

Experts discuss recent advances in how maternal health and immune function during pregnancy affect infant development and long-term outcomes. Research focuses on immune adaptations, complications like preterm birth, and neuroimmune pathways, using techniques such as mass cytometry, spatial proteomics, and chemogenetics to identify biomarkers and mechanisms that guide prevention and treatment strategies. Sandy Ramos, M.D. Clinical Landscape and OGRS Opportunities Louise Laurent, M.D.,Ph.D. Single-Cell and Spatial Multi-Omic Insights into the Human Placenta (HUBMAP) Marni Jacobs, Ph.D. The MOM-Health Study and the MOHD Consortium Lars Bode, Ph.D. Human Milk Institute (HMI) Gretchen Bandoli, Ph.D. MotherToBaby Ina Stelzer, Ph.D. Reproductive Immunology Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40666]

As part of our Earth Serenade series, we present Earth Motets, a glorious feature-length movie made for BachFest, the annual gathering of musicians and fans in Bach's hometown of Leipzig, Germany. The music is performed by Solomon's Knot paired with images taken by astronauts Butch Wilmore, Don Pettit, Nicole Mann and Jeanette Epps aboard the International Space Station. Series: "Arts Channel " [Arts and Music] [Show ID: 40871]

Explore key aspects of aging and menopause, focusing on women's health and how biological changes impact overall well-being. Experts discuss current research on healthy aging, including the role of physical activity, brain health, and hormone changes during menopause. They highlight how sex differences affect diseases like Alzheimer's and emphasize the importance of personalized approaches to treatment and prevention. The presentation also underscores ongoing studies and resources aimed at improving the quality of life for aging women through better understanding and support Linda Brubaker, M.D.,M.S. Clinical Landscape and OGRS Opportunities Amanda Lewis, Ph.D. Glycobiology (GLOW) Andrea LaCroix, Ph.D. Healthy Aging After Menopause Anthony Molina, Ph.D. Stein Institute for Research on Aging Sarah Banks, Ph.D. Alzheimer in Women Emily Lukacz, M.D.,M.A.S. Prevention of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (PLUS) Research Consortium and Pelvic Floor Disorders Network (PFDN) Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40668]

The "energy transition" is actually a shift from relying on fossil fuels (like coal, oil, and gas) to using metals to generate energy. However, extracting metals has always been a significant environmental and political issue, especially for cities. This problem has been around for centuries, even ancient Roman writers wrote about it. In this program, Helen Thompson, Professor of Political Economy at Cambridge University, talks about the historic use of fossil fuels and its economic, social and environmental impacts to the transition today to extracting metals for energy, dominated by China. Thompson points out that extracting resources will always have environmental and social costs. To mitigate these risks, she says we need to find ways to reduce international competition and ecological damage. This requires acknowledging that the idea of endless progress, which was fueled by fossil fuels, has its limits. And she says we must prioritize sustainability and responsible resource management to create a better future. Series: "UC Berkeley Graduate Lectures" [Public Affairs] [Business] [Show ID: 40428]

Menstruation is the cyclical shedding of the endometrium triggered by falling progesterone levels. Menstruation is a rare trait found in less than 2% of mammals and likely evolved independently at least 4 times. Why do some mammals menstruate while most do not? The leading hypothesis is that menstruation occurs as a nonadaptive consequence of spontaneous decidualization of the endometrium, which evolved to increase biosensoring of embryo quality. While the trait of spontaneous decidualization (and as a byproduct, menstruation) was likely shaped by natural selection, menstruation also disposes women to conditions such as endometriosis, pre-menstrual syndrome, and bleeding disorders, especially in the contemporary context. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 40693]

Filmmaker Adamu Chan joins UC Santa Barbara's Althea Wasow for a powerful conversation about "What These Walls Won't Hold", a documentary he created while incarcerated at San Quentin during the COVID-19 pandemic. The film, which aired nationally on PBS's "America ReFramed", captures the resilience and activism of incarcerated people and their communities in the face of crisis. Chan shares how filmmaking became a tool for resistance and healing, offering an inside look at life behind bars. This discussion explores the film's creative process, its social justice impact, and the importance of centering incarcerated voices. It's an inspiring program about storytelling, humanity, and the power of community—even in the most challenging circumstances. Series: "Carsey-Wolf Center" [Humanities] [Show ID: 40540]

In this program, Dr. Sean Spencer explores the healthy way in which carbohydrates are digested throughout the body. To understand this concept Dr. Spencer discusses the difference between digesting simple sugars and complex carbohydrates.   Series: "Osher WISE: Well-being and Integrative Science for Everyone" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40774]

William Lowry, Ph.D., discusses manipulating metabolic pathways in hair follicle stem cells to inhibit tumorigenesis. By blocking glycolysis and glutamine lysis simultaneously, they observed tumor regression, highlighting the complex interplay between metabolism and cancer. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 39256]

As part of our Earth Serenade series, we present music by Dwayne Haggins & Friends to accompany these beautiful images of Earth taken by the crew of ISS 65. The song "I Get Sad" evokes honest emotions as we watch the dancing aurora and night clouds. “Where it Wants” follows rivers, mountains and a hurricane. Series: "Arts Channel " [Arts and Music] [Show ID: 40873]

Experts highlight innovative research and clinical advances in fertility and infertility. Speakers share new ways to improve IVF outcomes using liquid biopsy and RNA analysis, aiming to predict embryo quality without invasive tests. They also explore how imaging technologies can better detect and monitor reproductive cancers, helping tailor treatments for conditions like ovarian and cervical cancer. Throughout, there's a focus on addressing health disparities, improving care for all genders, and using big data and AI to personalize reproductive health solutions. Antoni Duleba, M.D. Clinical Landscape and OGRS Opportunities Rebecca Rakow Penner, M.D.,Ph.D. Imaging in Gynecologic Disorders Jennifer Anger, M.D.,M.P.H. Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome in Reproductive Age Women Sheng Zhong, Ph.D. Silverseq and Liquid Biopsy Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40667]

Pressures of life on Earth experienced by our ancestors – as multicellular beings, as hosts to parasites, and as home to microbes – shaped the evolved structure and function of our immune systems.  Some of the traits favored by natural selection have conferred resistance against infections while opening vulnerabilities to autoimmune diseases.  I will illustrate why analysis of the deep-time origins of mammalian immune systems reveals general principles of optimal defense and helps to explain why hosts are so profoundly variable in their susceptibility to infectious and inflammatory diseases. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 40692]

Superradiance: Embodying Earth is a multiscreen video and sound installation by artists Memo Akten and Katie Peyton Hofstader that serves as a centerpiece of Embodied Pacific: Oceans Unseen. Learn how collaboration-inspired immersive displays engage us and shape our understanding and appreciation of the ocean's unseen mysteries. The Birch Aquarium hosts this Jeffery B. Graham Perspectives on Ocean Science Lecture Series for a conversation with the artists as they describe how they use art to engage us in science, evoking a visceral and intimate connection to our living planet! Series: "Jeffrey B. Graham Perspectives on Ocean Science Lecture Series" [Science] [Show ID: 40593]

The Carsey-Wolf Center welcomes Jeff Bridges and Amy Brenneman, the award-winning stars of The Old Man, for a conversation with director/writer/producer Brad Silberling. Bridges and Brenneman share their creative perspectives on the series' treatment of aging and discuss other aspects of their unique collaboration. Series: "Carsey-Wolf Center" [Humanities] [Show ID: 40544]

Curious about the secret to staying young? Rob Signer shares insights into how our bodies age, focusing on the role of stem cells and a critical protein called HSF1 that helps them cope with stress. Signer explores the delicate balance of keeping these cells healthy without increasing cancer risk and highlighted some promising progress in enhancing the cells' ability to manage waste. Series: "Excerpts" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40775]

How arrogant of humans to think we make the only music! As we fly over the Pacific coast of California and Mexico, let's listen to the sounds of whales, dolphins, snapping shrimp and more, recorded in those same waters. The view from above comes from the astronauts of ISS 53. The sounds from below courtesy of the Laguna San Ignacio Ecosystem Science Program, Macaulay Library of Cornell University, Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute and Ocean Networks of Canada. Earth as one harmonious symphony of life! Series: "Earth Serenade" [Arts and Music] [Show ID: 40863]

Cancer is normal development spun out of control. It is the great plasticity and power of development, without the overarching controls that guide normal development toward an integrated adult form. Instead, whenever a newly developed kind of tissue acquires the ability to survive, grow, and resist control, there is nothing to stop it. That may be why normal adult cells are often terminally differentiated into a restricted cellular program. And it may be why wound healing, which releases the restricted cellular program and powerfully plastic tissue remodeling, is so tightly regulated and, when dysregulated, so often associates with cancer. With regard to evolutionary history, humans develop differently from their ape ancestors, and their lifestyle causes them to suffer different kinds of tissue damage. Those differences in development and wound healing likely led to new aspects of cancer disease over human history. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 40691]