Permanent body modification is a unique and variable practice among humans, not observed in other mammals. Despite being costly and risky, it is regularly performed. Scientific understanding of this phenomenon is nascent, prompting a symposium aiming to assess current research status and prioritize questions for the next decade. The event brings together academics and industry practitioners, exploring historical and contemporary practices like tattooing, piercing, finger amputation, and...

Bioengineering, also known as biomedical engineering, is a multidisciplinary field that applies principles and methods of engineering, biology, and medicine to solve problems and develop technologies related to healthcare and biology. Bioengineers design and create a wide range of medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and therapeutic techniques. They work on projects such as artificial organs, medical imaging systems, drug delivery systems, tissue engineering, genetic engineering, and more. UC...

Tristan Brugère, a Ph.D. student in the Halıcıoğlu Data Science Institute at UC San Diego discusses his research at The Institute for Learning-enabled Optimization at Scale (TILOS). Specifically, how he is working on optimal transport and neural networks on graph generative models with applications to chip design. Series: "Science Like Me" [Science] [Show ID: 39342]

This talk explores the 1000-year practice of "footbinding" in ethnically Han Chinese families, involving modifying young girls' feet by wrapping the toes under the sole, often resulting in broken toes. Two main hypotheses—Labor Market and Evolutionary Social Sciences—are considered for explaining the origins, maintenance, and cessation of footbinding. This talk presents evidence from autopsy results, medical examinations, anthropological records, interviews, and historical texts. It argues...

How can we use raw materials to improve the environment? In this program, Susannah L. Scott, professor of chemistry at UC Santa Barbara, discusses how to efficiently use catalytic conversion of unconventional materials, such as biomass and synthetic polymers to create sustainable routes to renewable energy, fuels and chemicals. Series: "GRIT Talks" [Science] [Show ID: 39440]

Join Professor Drew Lucas from Scripps Institution of Oceanography as he delves into the intriguing phenomenon of red tides. In this enlightening talk, you'll discover the behaviors of Lingulodinium polyedra, the primary organism behind these glowing marine events. Professor Lucas's groundbreaking research, featuring tools like an underwater microscope and a wave-powered profiling device, sheds light on the 2020 red tide's secrets. Gain insights into the complex swimming patterns of...

In the coming decades, individuals around the world must adapt to changing environmental conditions, often driven by climate change. Adaptation requires significant resources, prompting the question of whether existing economic and social inequities may be exacerbated when adaptation become accessible to some, but not others. Kyle Meng, associate professor of economics at UC Santa Barbara, explores what happens when one of the world’s most unequal cities experiences an unprecedented, nearly...

Hanna Mikkola, M.D., Ph.D., shares her work in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and their complex renewal process. Her research aims to unravel these cells' behavior in mice and humans, offering potential insights for future medical advancements. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 39258]

Tara Javidi, an Electrical and Computer Engineering professor at UC San Diego's Jacobs School of Engineering discusses her research in artificial intelligence and large scale wireless networks. Series: "Science Like Me" [Science] [Show ID: 39163]

Comparative Anthropogeny (CompAnth) is the study of distinctly human traits and characteristics in the context of comparisons with our closest living relatives, the “great apes.” This symposium, the third of CARTA's CompAnth series, will present a collection of distinctive human traits, ranging from molecular, cellular, and anatomical biology to behavioral, societal, and cultural features. Given the large number of human traits for which no counterparts have yet been described in nature, the...

Anna Beaudin, Ph.D., delves into the intricacies of how prenatal inflammation impacts the immune system's blueprint, shaping its long-term function. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 39257]

Brian A. Boyd, Ph.D., explores the health challenges faced by autistic individuals, especially those in diverse gender and sexual orientation groups. He highlights the impact of societal barriers on their mental and physical health. Boyd emphasizes the need for research considering race, income, and state healthcare laws. He discusses the importance of understanding intersectional identities and promoting inclusivity in autism research. Boyd stresses the significance of cultural humility,...

Human language is a strong contender for the title of most often named species-specific feature in the literature. But why is that? In this talk, Eva Wittenberg explores what we could mean by "human language", and how different conceptions of language inevitably lead to different answers about whether it is species-specific. While syntax is a central feature, it is only one of several, and the uniqueness of human language is that it arose from a combination of, perhaps, ordinary ingredients....

Comparative Anthropogeny (CompAnth) is the study of distinctly human traits and characteristics in the context of comparisons with our closest living relatives, the “great apes.” This symposium, the third of CARTA's CompAnth series, will present a collection of distinctive human traits, ranging from molecular, cellular, and anatomical biology to behavioral, societal, and cultural features. Given the large number of human traits for which no counterparts have yet been described in nature, the...

Artificial intelligence has captured the minds and curiosities of people and industries around the world. From commerce to education to medicine, the AI revolution offers promises and pitfalls in virtually every realm of society. You will hear four perspectives on the future of AI—from futuristic AI-based simulations for developing new medicines and vaccines; to navigating the frontiers of science with mind-boggling image analysis; to unprecedented explorations of how the brain works. You’ll...

Human ovulation lacks visible signs, unlike chimpanzees and bonobos with conspicuous genital swellings during fertility. This led to the concept of "concealed ovulation," seen as a human adaptation. Proposed reasons include encouraging paternal investment, confusing paternity to deter infanticide, enabling secret mating and female choice, and reducing female rivalry. Many non-human primates also have unsignaled ovulation. While self-reported human mating doesn't match ovulation, debates...

Join us for an eye-opening and heartfelt exploration of the intricate world surrounding autism, focusing on an often-overlooked perspective: the experiences of siblings. This compelling show delves deep into the lives of individuals whose stories are intricately woven with the journey of their autistic siblings, offering a poignant and illuminating portrayal of their challenges, triumphs, and the unbreakable bond that ties them together. Featuring: Giacomo Vivanti, Ph.D. Drexel...

Life history theory suggests that inter-birth intervals (IBIs) depend on a trade-off between maternal investment in current and future offspring, influenced by the mother's energy and somatic maintenance. Normally, IBI aligns with maternal and infant body size, larger relative infant size leading to slower breeding. In contrast, humans have relatively shorter IBIs due to cooperative breeding, support from the social group. Some other species with cooperative behaviors also exhibit shorter...

High-altitude adaptation stands out as one of the most notable examples of evolution within our species. Despite similar challenges of decreased oxygen availability, human groups on different continents have followed unique evolutionary trajectories. I will discuss how genomic, molecular, and physiological discoveries reveal key insights into human-specific evolutionary changes, examine comparative findings and limitations, and consider alternative approaches for understanding distinct facets...

Young children’s learning may be an important model for artificial intelligence (AI). In this program, Alison Gopnik, professor of psychology and member of the Berkeley Artificial Intelligence Research (BAIR) Lab at UC Berkeley, says that comparing children and artificial agents in the same tasks and environments can help us understand the abilities of existing systems and create new ones. In particular, many current large data-supervised systems, such as large language models (LLMs), provide...

Robert T. Fremeau, Jr., Ph.D., delves into Rett syndrome, a complex neurological condition. His research with brain organoids unveils its origins and progression. Fremeau uncovers disease markers and innovative treatments, offering insight into the pursuit of breakthrough therapies. Series: "Autism Tree Project Annual Neuroscience Conference" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 39167]

The human genome contains segments of DNA with non-human origins. This introgressed genetic material is remnants of mating events between early modern humans and their archaic contemporaries (e.g., Neanderthals and Denisovans). In this talk, Andrew Schork will review the evidence for such genetic material, its consequences on phenotypic diversity in modern humans, and discuss if this process - archaic introgression - is typical among other great ape species. Series: "CARTA - Center for...

Researchers used to define objectives for artificial intelligence (AI) agents by hand, but with progress in optimization and reinforcement learning, it became obvious that it's too difficult to think of everything ahead of time and write it down. Instead, these days the objective is viewed as a hidden part of the state on which researchers can receive feedback or observations from humans — how they act and react, how they compare options, what they say. In this talk, Anca Dragan, Associate...

Eric Courchesne, Ph.D., explores autism, highlighting its complexity beyond the brain and its connection to genetics and brain development. He focuses on the "temporal cortex," a crucial area in autism research associated with gene regulation and social processing. Courchesne also shares how his personal journey with polio has informed his thinking on neurodiversity, research, and beating the odds. Series: "Autism Tree Project Annual Neuroscience Conference" [Health and Medicine] [Science]...

Do scientists in the fields of genomics, materials research and other areas deemed important to society have an obligation to educate the general community about their research? Fleet Science Center's Scientist Engagement Manager Andrea Decker discusses the idea of broader impact, and how it affects a researcher's project to benefit society or advance desired societal outcomes. Series: "Exploring Ethics" [Science] [Show ID: 39264]