Brain Matters (Audio)

For the past three decades the largest family in the world with a genetic form of Alzheimer’s disease has been tracked. This extended family of some 5,000 individuals live in Antioquia, Colombia among a people who call themselves Paisa. Passing relentlessly through the generations with 100% penetrance is a mutation that causes early onset Alzheimer’s disease in its carriers. Dr. Kenneth Kosik explains that the mutation in the Americas likely originated from a Spanish conquistador whose progeny are the members of the family we see today. Recently, interest in the family has grown because they are now participating in a clinical trial intended to delay the onset of the disease. Series: "Alzheimer’s Disease" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 31481]

Experimental social psychologist Kyle Ratner discusses research examining the effects of acetaminophen on social group biases in person perception. Series: "GRIT Talks" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 31641]

Cellular modeling may hold the key to unlocking some the most important questions about autism. Alysson R. Muotri, PhD joins William Mobley, MD, PhD to explain how his work is shedding light on not only the pathology of autism but potential new drugs. Series: "Autism Awareness Programs" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 31433]

What is autism and how can we treat it? Karen Pierce, PhD, co-director of the UC San Diego Autism Center of Excellence joins William Mobley, MD, PhD to define autism and share current research. Learn about the importance of early detection, creating standardized screenings, the search for diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, and what parents and pediatricians can do to help children with autism. Series: "The Brain Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 31469]

For the past three decades the largest family in the world with a genetic form of Alzheimer’s disease has been tracked. This extended family of some 5,000 individuals live in Antioquia, Colombia among a people who call themselves Paisa. Passing relentlessly through the generations with 100% penetrance is a mutation that causes early onset Alzheimer’s disease in its carriers. Dr. Kenneth Kosik explains that the mutation in the Americas likely originated from a Spanish conquistador whose progeny are the members of the family we see today. Recently, interest in the family has grown because they are now participating in a clinical trial intended to delay the onset of the disease. Series: "Alzheimer’s Disease" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 31481]

The popular over-the-counter medication, acetaminophen, is generally used to reduce fever and pain. However, a growing body of research suggests that the drug has broader psychological effects. Experimental social psychologist Kyle Ratner discusses his research examining the effects of acetaminophen on social group biases in perception. Series: "GRIT Talks" [Health and Medicine] [Humanities] [Show ID: 31418]

Jean-Pierre Changeux speaks on how he revolutionized the way science and medicine understand brain cells and the communication that takes place between them. Series: "The UC Wellbeing Channel " [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 31263]

What happens in your brain when you fall in love? Series: "The UC Wellbeing Channel " [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 31283]

What is the relationship between sleep, brain health, and Alzheimer's disease? Series: "The UC Wellbeing Channel " [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 31286]

William Mobley, MD, PhD talks with David Zee, MD about his life and career as well as his research in using eye movements to understand how the brain works. Series: "The Brain Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 31381]