Women's Health (Audio)

Sarah Banks, Ph.D. explores why Alzheimer's disease affects women differently than men, emphasizing distinct patterns in tau pathology, cognitive testing bias, and treatment response. She explains how women tend to show a rapid buildup of tau during early cognitive decline, which may contribute to their higher prevalence of Alzheimer's. Banks also highlights how common diagnostic tools may overlook symptoms in women and how approved treatments may offer less benefit for them. Her research at UC San Diego investigates key sex-based differences in risk factors, including sleep apnea, diabetes, and exercise. One study reveals that over 70% of participating women had undiagnosed sleep apnea. Another focuses on Black women, using blood biomarkers to identify overlooked risks and improve care. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40768]

Jennifer Anger, M.D., M.P.H., Ph.D. investigates interstitial cystitis (IC), also known as painful bladder syndrome, with a focus on improving care through research on sex, gender, and health disparities. Using Veterans Affairs (VA) data, Anger challenges the outdated belief that IC predominantly affects women. She explores how comorbidities such as PTSD and depression, common among veterans, influence bladder pain, and examines how factors like exercisJennifer Anger, M.D., M.P.H., Ph.D. uses VA data to study interstitial cystitis.. She examines links between bladder pain, PTSD, depression, diet, and disparities to improve care across all gender identities.e, diet, and neighborhood deprivation impact symptoms. By including both cis and trans women as well as men, Anger seeks to advance more inclusive, data-driven understanding and treatment of IC across all populations. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40675]

Gladys (Sandy) Ramos, M.D. outlines the comprehensive maternal care services at UC San Diego, emphasizing clinical excellence, innovation, and community impact. She highlights programs in diabetes and pregnancy, high-risk obstetrics, postpartum and HIV care, and maternal mental health. Ramos describes cutting-edge capabilities in fetal and placental imaging, including expertise in placenta accreta and genetic counseling. A fetal surgery program is launching soon, expanding access to specialized care and research. The department's patient population closely reflects San Diego County's demographics, which informs both clinical care and research priorities. Ramos also details a collaborative structure with multidisciplinary conferences and welcomes partnerships in research related to maternal, placental, and fetal health. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40669]

Sheng Zhong, Ph.D. pioneers technologies that advance women's reproductive health. Zhong develops a minimally invasive method to analyze extracellular RNA secreted by embryos during IVF. By sequencing tiny samples of spent culture media, they generate comprehensive RNA profiles and use machine learning to identify biomarkers that predict embryo quality with accuracy comparable to traditional imaging. This breakthrough offers a gentler, data-driven alternative for assessing embryo viability, with the potential to improve live birth rates and support families navigating infertility. Zhong's research highlights the power of molecular innovation to transform fertility care and address critical challenges in women's health. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40676]

Andrea Z. LaCroix, Ph.D. presents major public health trends affecting women across the lifespan, from rising maternal mortality and chronic disease risks linked to pregnancy complications to the ongoing need for improved menopause care. She highlights innovative research, including digital tools for menopause education, studies on cancer survivorship, and efforts to predict healthy aging using epigenetic clocks and physical activity data. LaCroix shows how decades of research continue to shape strategies for aging with preserved cognitive and physical function, aiming to help more women thrive into their 90s and beyond. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40766]

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]

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]

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" [Health and Medicine] [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 40693]

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]

Cervical cancer remains a significant public health concern, but innovative approaches and community-based research are transforming prevention efforts, particularly immigrant communities. With over 600,000 new cases diagnosed annually, early detection and prevention strategies are crucial. However, accessibility and awareness gaps persist in immigrant communities due to language barriers, cultural stigma, and limited healthcare access. Community-based research plays a pivotal role in bridging these gaps. In engaging local populations through culturally sensitive outreach ensures that prevention strategies are accepted and effective. University of Miami Chief Health Equity Officer, Dr. Erin Kobetz, discusses how integrating cutting-edge technology with community engagement, moves us closer to reducing cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates, fostering a healthier future for immigrant populations. Series: "Exploring Ethics" [Health and Medicine] [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 40464]

Christine Wu Nordahl, Ph.F., offers an insightful exploration into the unique needs and experiences of autistic teens, focusing on fostering inclusive spaces. Highlighting themes of gender diversity, underdiagnosis in girls, and the impact of societal perceptions, she emphasizes the importance of tailored support for neurodiverse individuals. Through powerful participant stories and an inspiring poem, Nordahl underscores the resilience and creativity within the autistic community. Her passionate advocacy for better diagnostic tools and inclusive interventions makes this talk a must-watch for anyone seeking to understand and empower autistic youth. Series: "Autism Tree Project Annual Neuroscience Conference" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40213]

Maria Rosario (Happy) G. Araneta, Ph.D., M.P.H., highlights the significant impact of prenatal and childhood malnutrition on later health outcomes, including coronary heart disease and diabetes. She emphasizes the importance of physical activity, strength training, and the need for inclusive research to address health disparities. Future research directions include understanding cognitive impairment related to diabetes and developing effective interventions for diverse populations. Series: "Stein Institute for Research on Aging" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 39392]

Explore the untold narrative of reproductive justice through the lens of Black women's activism in this enlightening program. Hear about the limitations of conventional reproductive rights movements and learn when the movement moved toward inclusivity. From SisterSong's pioneering efforts to redefine bodily autonomy to understanding the historical oppression shaping healthcare today, this program is a vital insight into advocacy and empathy in diverse healthcare settings [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 39426]

Why won't my baby latch? Is my baby getting enough to eat? The early days of breastfeeding are filled with so many questions. Nancy White, RN, IBCLC, a board certified lactation consultant, joins Julia Cormano, MD, FACOG, to talk about basic techniques, the ins and outs of latching, and how to overcome challenges as you start your breastfeeding journey. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 38625]

Many women are becoming pregnant later in life. Providers use the term “advanced maternal age” (AMA) to describe a pregnancy in a person greater than 35 years old. Dr. Julia Cormano explains how being AMA can impact your pregnancy and the steps you can take to optimize your health. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 38253]

It may seem surprising to start thinking about birth control even while you're pregnant, but there's no better time than now to start planning if and when you'd like to be pregnant again. Dr. Julia Cormano outlines birth control options from the pill to tubal ligation. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 38257]

Having your pregnancy labeled as “high risk” can be frightening, but doesn't need to be. Dr. Julia Cormano explains common reasons a pregnancy could be considered "high risk," the types of care available, considerations for delivery and more. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 38255]

When the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June, the controversial decision ended the right to abortion that was upheld for nearly 50 years. So what does a post-Roe world look like? In this program, UC Irvine law professor Michele Bratcher Goodwin and UC Santa Barbara feminist studies professor Laury Oaks discuss the wide-ranging impact of the decision on legal, medical, and political mobilizations. (Note: this program was recorded on May 9, 2022, prior to the ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade.) Series: "Ethics, Religion and Public Life: Walter H. Capps Center Series" [Public Affairs] [Health and Medicine] [Humanities] [Show ID: 38308]

Participation by women in sports is at an all time high - and so is their injury rate. Sara L. Edwards, MD reviews the most common sports injuries for women, their causes, and treatments. Series: "Osher WISE: Well-being and Integrative Science for Everyone" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 37508]

Prenatal appointments offer valuable insight into your baby's health. Having those appointments in a group setting can also offer a sense of community. Certified Nurse Midwife Vanessa Wright and ObGyn Dr. Julia Cormano discuss what to expect from a centering pregnancy experience and how to decide if it is right for you. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 36957]

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]

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]

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]

Pelvic dysfunction is not something you have to live with. In this frank interview with Julia Cormano,MD, FACOG, Laura Aughinbaugh, DNP, WHNP, CNM discusses the common causes of incontinence, prolapse, and pelvic pain and how kegel exercises, devices, and medical procedures can help. Whether your issues happened during pregnancy or are genetic, there are solutions to get you through the day to day with confidence. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 35780]

Some women know ahead of time that they will be having a cesarean section, sometimes the need for a cesarean section arises during a vaginal delivery. Dr. Julia Cormano explores the medical reasons for both planned and unplanned C-sections. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 36246]

Lars Bode, PhD discusses the potential links between human milk and human diseases. He explains his lab's work to create COVID-19 therapies based on human milk. Series: "UC San Diego Foundation Board" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 36142]

What is it like to give birth during a global pandemic? Know what to expect when you get to the hospital and learn how your care team will work to keep you and your baby safe and healthy. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 35995]

Infectious diseases have profound influences on the evolution of their host populations. In the case of humans, the host species has also shaped pathogen dynamics and virulence viaa multitude of factors from changes in social organization, group size, and exploitation of varied habitats and their animals and plant resources to agriculture, technology, rapid long-distance travel, medicine and global economic integration - which all continue to shape epidemics and the humanhost populations. This symposium will explore how infectious agents and humans have shaped each other over the eons. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 35843]

Infectious diseases have profound influences on the evolution of their host populations. In the case of humans, the host species has also shaped pathogen dynamics and virulence viaa multitude of factors from changes in social organization, group size, and exploitation of varied habitats and their animals and plant resources to agriculture, technology, rapid long-distance travel, medicine and global economic integration - which all continue to shape epidemics and the humanhost populations. This symposium will explore how infectious agents and humans have shaped each other over the eons. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 35843]

Infectious diseases have profound influences on the evolution of their host populations. In the case of humans, the host species has also shaped pathogen dynamics and virulence viaa multitude of factors from changes in social organization, group size, and exploitation of varied habitats and their animals and plant resources to agriculture, technology, rapid long-distance travel, medicine and global economic integration - which all continue to shape epidemics and the humanhost populations. This symposium will explore how infectious agents and humans have shaped each other over the eons. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 35843]

Breastfeeding has many health benefits - known and unknown - to both infants and mothers. Could human milk also be part of the cure for human diseases? Lars Bode, PhD shares current research for treatments and how that could inform treatments for coronavirus, He also answers questions about the potential for mother to child transmission of coronavirus through breastfeeding. Series: "UC San Diego Health Talks" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 35942]

National and UCSF leaders discuss reproductive health and justice and the response to increasingly extreme abortion restrictions sweeping the country. This panel focuses on the role of an academic medical center in a haven state. Series: "Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies" [Public Affairs] [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 35043]

National and UCSF leaders discuss reproductive health and justice and the response to increasingly extreme abortion restrictions sweeping the country. This panel focuses on the national perspective on threats and opportunities for abortion access moderated by Daniel Grossman, Director, Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health. Panelists: Renee Bracey Sherman, Senior Public Affairs Manager, National Network of Abortion Funds; Erin Grant, Deputy Director, Abortion Care Network; Stephanie Toti, Senior Counsel & Project Director, The Lawyering Project. Series: "Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies" [Public Affairs] [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 35042]

Ultrasounds are one of the many tools available to help you have a healthy pregnancy. They can be used to monitor fetal growth, estimate risks for genetic disorders, discover the gender of your baby, and much more. Dr. Julia Cormano discusses the different types of ultrasounds that may be done during your pregnancy and how this technology can provide a unique view of your baby's development. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 34773]

You have the option to screen for a number of genetic disorders in pregnancy. How are these tests performed and what can be discovered? Dr. Julia Cormano explains the difference between screening and diagnostic testing, what can be learned from a blood test, as well what to expect from chorionic villus sampling and amniocentesis. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 33874]

Genetic testing has become a routine part of pregnancy, but what do the results mean? Genetic counselors play a valuable role in interpreting your results and guiding you through the process of what to do with that information. Dr. Julia Cormano sits down with genetic counselors Christina Brock and Andrea Procko to find out how they support patients throughout pregnancy. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 34915]

Dr. Chambers is a professor of pediatrics at University of California, San Diego and Director of Clinical Research for the Department of Pediatrics at UCSD and Rady Children's Hospital. She is a perinatal epidemiologist, whose research is focused on environmental exposures in pregnancy and child health outcomes, including birth defects. In this talk she explores the need for better data on medication safety for pregnancy and breast-feeding. Series: "Wellbeing " [Health and Medicine] [Education] [Professional Medical Education] [Show ID: 33937]

There are many kinds of providers who can care for you and your baby during pregnancy. Which one is right for you? Dr. Julia Cormano explains how obstetricians, certified nurse midwives, family medicine physicians, and perinatologists work with you from conception through delivery. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 33871]

As you enter your second trimester, it is time to start thinking about prenatal classes. What classes are commonly offered and how can they help you prepare for the birth of your child? Dr. Julia Cormano walks you through some of your options and shares valuable questions you can ask during each class. Series: "UCTV Prime" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 33870]

At around 35 weeks into your pregnancy, your provider will order a Group B Strep test. What is Group B strep and how does it affect your baby? Dr. Julia Cormano explains the test, what your results mean, and how it impacts you and your baby during labor and delivery. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 33359]

Miscarriage is more common than most people realize. Dr. Julia Cormano walks you through the common causes of miscarriage and ways to reduce your risk. She also explains the signs and symptoms of miscarriage and when you should call your provider. Series: "UCTV Prime" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 33872]

Food is medicine. That insight inspired the late rancher and developer Dick Krupp to endow one of the largest funds of its kind to support integrative nutrition research at UC San Diego. As Gordon Saxe, MD, the director of UCSD’s Center for Integrative Nutrition and others explain, the Krupp-funded projects focus on how diet and natural therapeutics can help reduce or cure common health problems. Among the projects featured – feeding cancer patients congee, a grain-based porridge to ease the side effects of chemotherapy, a study led by Caitlin Costello, MD, of the Moores Cancer Center. Also, Sanjay Agarwal, MD, looks at the impact of a healthy diet on women who suffer from endometriosis. And finally, Robert Weinreb, MD, the director of the Shiley Eye Institute, introduces a new field of medicine called Integrative Ophthalmology. All agree: what you eat matters! Series: "UCTV Prime" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 33133]