Health and Medicine (Audio)

As brain organoids become more widely used in research, concerns about the development of consciousness arise. Christof Koch discusses how we determine and define consciousness and how we look for the underlying physical signatures of consciousness. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Show ID: 35246]

The study of brain organoids is leading to a better understanding of human development and potential therapies for neurological disorders. Yet when people hear the phrase "brain in a dish" it instantly brings to mind the stuff of science fiction - labs full of sentient brains thinking and plotting. Alysson Muotri explains why these organoids should not called "brains in a dish" and how they are being used to explain human processes previously inaccessible to study. While underscoring scientific value of these organoids, he also raises the question of what ethical questions demand an answer as the technology improves. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Show ID: 35245]

Research imaging studies, including MRI and CT scans, may provide different information than the imaging performed for clinical care. For instance, a liver MRI using research sequences could be more sensitive at detecting tumors than a standard study. As a result, a patient might no longer qualify for surgery according to the research study. However, information derived from research sequences may not be clinically accurate. Hence the need to conduct a thorough investigation and compare against a gold standard (e.g. a surgical result). Kathryn Fowler, MD, Associate Professor of Clinical Radiology at UC San Diego discuses the ethics of patients and physicians being made aware of research results if they are not verifiably accurate. Series: "Exploring Ethics" [Show ID: 34997]

David M. Holtzman, MD of the Washington University School of Medicine discusses the mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration and how microglia and specific microglial genes such as TREM2 influence neurodegeneration in the setting of Aβ and tau pathology. Learn how this line of study may lead to new therapeutics and diagnostic testing for Alzheimer's disease. Series: "Brain Channel" [Professional Medical Education] [Show ID: 35262]

Marius Wernig, MD, PhD, discusses how his lab has worked to convert non-neuronal cell types (lymphocytes, pluripotent stem cells, fibroblasts, hepatocytes, lymphocytes) to neurons. The lab is now working on identifying the molecular mechanisms underlying induced lineage fate changes, the phenotypic consequences of disease-causing mutations in human neurons and other neural lineages. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Professional Medical Education] [Show ID: 35063]

Stem Cell research could unlock the mystery of what makes the human brain special. Researcher Alysson Muotri is using stem cells to grow tiny versions of developing human brains in his lab to study everything from autism to the Zika virus. His lab is even looking into how space flight impacts brain development. Series: "Health Matters" [Show ID: 35077]

Kawasaki Disease is the most common cause of acquired heart disease in the developed world, but it is often misdiagnosed. Without proper treatment, 1 in 4 children will develop irreversible and potentially fatal heart damage. In this episode of Health Matters, leading Kawasaki Disease researcher Dr. Jane C. Burns explains the signs parents should be able to recognize. Series: "Health Matters" [Show ID: 35076]

Bones are dynamic and continue to rebuild themselves, even as we age. Bone remodeling is supported by a healthy diet and by regular physical activity. Join Vicky Newman, MS, RDN to learn more about dietary choices that help calcium stay in our bones and out of our blood vessels to support both bone strength and arterial flexibility. Adequate calcium, vitamin D, vitamin K, and several trace minerals are all important, as is enough protein and alkaline minerals like magnesium. Our food, supplement, and activity choices help protect bone strength and structural flexibility to help prevent injury and speed healing. Series: "Stein Institute for Research on Aging" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 35100]

The authors of a provocative new paper maintain that many of the behaviors common to autism—including low eye contact, repetitive movements, and the verbatim repetition of words and phrases—are misinterpreted as a lack of interest in social engagement. On the contrary, they say, many people with autism express a deep longing for social connection. Series: "UCTV Prime" [Show ID: 35251]

UCSF endocrinologist Dr. Umesh Masharani explores what pre-diabetes means. Series: "Mini Medical School for the Public" [Show ID: 35244]

The most common lumps or swellings in the neck are enlarged lymph nodes. But it can be something else. Dr. Wen Shen, endocrine surgeon at UCSF discusses cancer risk factors and the history of radiation exposure in relation to thyroid nodules. Series: "UCTV Tips" [Show ID: 35230]

With the capacity to form any tissue in the human body, induced pluripotent stem cells, or iPSCs, are critical to the work of the UC San Diego Stem Cell program in studying disease and potential cures - but how are they made? This short primer outlines the basic steps to how these special cells are derived. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Show ID: 34455]

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]

Scott Kelly spent a year in the International Space Station while his identical twin Mark Kelly was on earth. UC San Diego and many institutions studied the mental, cardiovascular, immune, genetic, muscular, microbial, bone, and eye changes in both twins to see the effects of long-term space travel. Changes were troubling, so NASA plans several more long-term space flights that will focus on genetic changes, bone loss, loss of vision, brain swelling, and Nutrition. Michael G. Ziegler, MD, is Professor of Medicine Emeritus at UCSD. He has studied astronaut health since 1978. He chaired NASA’s yearly cardiovascular reviews, helped devise current astronaut protocols, and studied physiologic and genomic changes during the Year in Space study.   Series: "Osher UC San Diego Distinguished Lecture Series" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 35085]

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]