Catriona Jamieson, M.D., Ph.D., discusses pioneering research on cancer and aging in space environments, highlighting how microgravity accelerates cancer cell growth and leads to stem cell exhaustion, genomic instability, and “dark genome” activation. Using innovative tools like nano-bioreactors and artificial intelligence, her team simulates these effects and tracks cellular changes, uncovering how space’s unique conditions drive mutations and alter cellular behavior. They find that stem...

Through the UniversityLink Medical Science Program (ULMSP), college students from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds who aspire to become future health science professionals develop essential academic and professional skills, benefit from long-term mentoring, and build lasting social and professional networks. Dr. Ramón A. Hernandez highlights how the program fosters family support, instills a culture of academic excellence, and emphasizes the importance of community service,...

What's the secret to supporting a sharp mind at any age? In this program, Dr. Nancy Isenberg discusses the latest science-based practices to promote brain health and resiliency as we age. Series: "Osher WISE: Well-being and Integrative Science for Everyone" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40073]

Elizabeth Blackburn, Ph.D., examines the relationship between telomeres, cellular aging, and metabolic health, highlighting how telomere regulation differs between insulin-sensitive and insulin-resistant individuals. She discusses the effects of environmental factors—like glucose levels, stress hormones, and drugs—on telomere maintenance, which can disrupt cellular coordination and contribute to age-related diseases. Blackburn also shares insights from studies on hibernating lemurs,...

Dennis O. Clegg, Ph.D., discusses treatments for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a condition that causes vision loss. Clegg explains that while patients often report improved vision after receiving implants, objective tests don't always confirm this. He explores the potential differences in patients' responses based on genetics and disease progression. There is also an ongoing challenge in finding the best ways to reduce immune rejection of these treatments. New trials are underway to...

The risk for many chronic diseases is directly linked to metabolic changes in the body and loss of muscle mass often associated with aging. In this program, Dr. Natalie Marshall focuses on the central importance of movement, strength training, and body composition to improve metabolic fitness and tips to help you get started “building muscle for life." Series: "Osher WISE: Well-being and Integrative Science for Everyone" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40071]

UCSF Neurosurgeon Ethan Winkler, MD, PhD, summarizes the surgical treatment options for patients with brain aneurysms and describes the decision-making process for choosing the best treatment for each individual. Series: "UC San Francisco News" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40238]

Mind-body medicine (MBM) is an integrative approach that helps people build awareness and develop tools for stress resilience. MBM focuses on the interactions between the mind, body, and behavior to promote health and well-being. Dr. Kavita K. Mishra discusses how MBM interventions have shown beneficial short and long-term impact on physical, mental, social-emotional, and interpersonal well-being.  Series: "Osher WISE: Well-being and Integrative Science for Everyone" [Health and Medicine]...

Explore the captivating realm of brain research at UC San Diego with Frank Furnari, Ph.D., and Alexander Khalessi, M.D., M.B.A. Furnari and Khalessi delve into groundbreaking efforts to find new treatments for neurological conditions such as brain tumors, stroke, and brain injuries, bringing hope to patients and their families. Emphasizing ethics, innovation, and patient care, Furnari and Khalessi shed light on the challenges and successes in their quest to unravel the mysteries of the mind....

Colin Depp delves into the critical role of social connections in our well-being, particularly in the context of aging. Depp explores the impacts of digital versus in-person interactions, the influence of cultural differences on social needs, and the potential health benefits of both deep and superficial connections. Depp also discusses the challenges of loneliness, the effects of grief, and offers practical daily practices to strengthen social ties. Series: "Stein Institute for Research on...

A Neuroprosthesis for Speech Decoding and Avatar Control Series: "UC San Francisco News" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40235]

Perpetual stress runs us down. But a truly restorative state that alters our bodies at the cellular level can counter this deterioration. Series: "UC San Francisco News" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40226]

Catherine Yeung, Pharm.D., Ph.D., M.P.H., discusses groundbreaking advancements in kidney-on-a-chip technology, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize human health. She delves into the role of environmental toxins, such as okra toxin A, microplastics, and plasticizers, in contributing to chronic kidney disease, particularly in regions with specific dietary practices. Yeung also addresses the challenges of replicating adult kidney cells from stem cells, which often retain a fetal...

Curious about what happens to our cells as we age and how it affects our health? Shiri Gur-Cohen explores the role of tiny chemical tags on our DNA, like methylation, in influencing our healing and overall well-being. Gur-Cohen discusses how these tags might be shaped by our body's systems, such as the lymphatic system, and could even help repair or regenerate various parts of our body. Gur-Cohen proposes that uncovering these processes could lead to innovative ways to slow aging or boost our...

Fungi play a crucial role in our natural ecosystem. Environmental scientist Danielle Stevenson discusses the great impact fungi can have on soil quality and a healthier food supply. Series: "Wellbeing " [Health and Medicine] [Agriculture] [Show ID: 40174]

Michael Lane, Ph.D., shares his work investigating the effects of cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) on breathing and upper extremity function, focusing on the potential for spontaneous functional recovery, or "plasticity." Lane also discusses efforts to develop and test strategies to promote beneficial plasticity and recovery following cervical SCI, with a particular emphasis on improving respiratory function and activity in respiratory muscles. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and...

What can you do today to improve or maintain your brain health? Join Sarah Banks, Ph.D., a leading expert in healthy aging, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease, as she discusses the latest research on the effects of exercise on brain health. Stay informed and proactive about maintaining cognitive function as you age with insights from cutting-edge research. Series: "Stein Institute for Research on Aging" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40062]

Human activities can increase levels of harmful microorganisms and pollutants in our water systems that have the potential to make us sick or threaten our food supply. Join microbial ecologist Dr. Sarah Allard as she presents emerging research from Scripps Oceanography that sheds light on seafood-related food borne illnesses. Series: "Jeffrey B. Graham Perspectives on Ocean Science Lecture Series" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 40082]

What can you do today to improve or maintain your brain health? Join Sarah Banks, Ph.D., a leading expert in healthy aging, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease, and discover actionable steps you can take to protect your brain health. Series: "Stein Institute for Research on Aging" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40061]

Giorgia Quadrato, Ph.D., explores cerebral organoids as models for neural development and disease research. Using live calcium imaging, Quadrato observes increased neuronal coordination attributed to inhibitory neurons, validated through pharmacological and genetic methods. Quadrato contrasts their organoid generation protocol with previous methods, emphasizing complex patterning, long-term cultures, and co-culture with mouse brain cells for improved physiological relevance. Microfluidics are...

What can you do today to improve or maintain your brain health? Join Sarah Banks, Ph.D., a leading expert in healthy aging, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease, as she discusses the latest research on diet and cognitive decline. Learn how diet, vascular health and inflammation contributes to cognitive function and discover actionable steps you can take to protect your brain health. Stay informed and proactive about maintaining cognitive function as you age with insights from cutting-edge...

Delve into the secrets of longevity, drawing inspiration from healthy diets and sustainable agricultural practices from around the globe. A lively panel discusses the nourishing pillars of diet and nutrition, and highlights the transformative power of regenerative agriculture. This holistic approach to farming goes beyond sustainability — it actively revitalizes the earth, leading to a bounty of health benefits. Embracing regenerative agriculture is embracing a future where our meals are a...

What can you do today to improve or maintain your brain health? Sarah Banks, Ph.D., an expert in healthy aging, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease, explores risk factors and corrective tips associated with sleep apnea. Series: "Stein Institute for Research on Aging" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40042]

Rob Knight, Ph.D., delves into the incredible world of our gut microbiome. Knight underlines the crucial link between our diet, our gut, and our overall health. For parents, caregivers, and anyone interested in improving their health, this lecture provides valuable insights into how the foods we eat can be harnessed to nurture a healthier gut and, in turn, a healthier life. Series: "Excerpts" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40041]