Can scientists genetically engineer mosquitos to eliminate malaria? Professor Ethan Bier from UC San Diego believes they can. In this talk at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, he discusses various ways in which self-copying—or active—genetic elements can be used to bias inheritance of beneficial characteristics. Such active genetic elements can be used to confer resistance to transmission of pathogens, re-sensitize pesticide-resistant insect pests and disease-vector populations to insecticides, restore natural ecosystems, or combine multiple favorable traits to create animal models for human disease or optimized agricultural strains of plants. Series: "Osher UC San Diego Distinguished Lecture Series" [Science] [Show ID: 34753]

Engineering Mosquitos to Fight Malaria with Ethan Bier -- Osher UC San Diego

University of California faculty present the latest findings in genetic research and discoveries.

Science & Medicine

Natural Sciences

Social Sciences

Medicine

We know Homo sapiens started in Africa, but we're uncertain about how they spread. Limited fossils and data have hindered our understanding. I'll discuss popular theories about our origins and how recent genetic data from Khoe-San people in southern Africa sheds light on this. Our research suggests a complex history, with population structures dating back to about 120,000-135,000 years ago. Early populations had connections, or gene flow, for hundreds of thousands of years. These "weakly structured stem" models explain genetic diversity that was once thought to come from other hominin species. Unlike previous ideas of interbreeding with archaic humans, our models predict that fossils from these populations should be genetically and physically similar. This variability in theories stems from not considering different possibilities, highlighting the importance of exploring various models to gain more accurate insights into our deep history. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 39269]

CARTA: Comparative Anthropogeny - A Weakly Structured Stem for our Origins in Africa with Brenna Henn

Are you curious about the future of medical treatments and how they might impact your health? Malcolm Moos, Jr., M.D., Ph.D., shares how cellular therapies are revolutionizing medical treatments. Explore how cells hold the potential to provide new hope for individuals facing various health challenges. Delve into the concept of personalized medicine, discover how regulatory agencies are safeguarding patients' well-being, learn the science behind cell behavior and genetics, and how these processes influence innovative medical treatments and so much more.
 Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 38330]

Translating Cell Therapies to Clinical Realities with Malcolm Moos Jr. - Breaking News in Stem Cells

UC Santa Cruz scientists, along with a consortium of researchers, have released a draft of the first human pangenome—a new, usable reference for genomics that combines the genetic material of 47 individuals from different ancestral backgrounds to allow for a deeper, more accurate understanding of worldwide genomic diversity. Series: "UC Santa Cruz News" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 39252]

Genomics for Everyone: UCSC Researchers Release First Human Pangenome

Elsy Buitrago-Delgado, Ph.D., shares how spatial analysis of RNA distribution during early mouse embryogenesis suggests that the first cell fate choice is made at the 4-cell stage. She also discusses how notch signaling regulates cell fate choices during early human development. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Science] [Show ID: 38888]

Spatial Analysis of RNA Distribution During Early Mouse and Human Embryogenesis - Elsy Buitrago-Delgado

The Science & Technology Ethics Center (STEC) is proud to present a series of lectures and a panel discussion that explores the intersection of genomics, medical ethics, and patient rights. This thought-provoking session delves into the ethical considerations surrounding genetic testing, data privacy, and informed consent. It examines the challenges and opportunities presented by advancements in genomics and how they impact patient care. The panel will discuss the importance of advocating for patients' rights, ensuring equitable access to genetic information, and fostering a patient-centered approach in genomic medicine. Throughout this presentation, you will grasp a deeper understanding of the ethical complexities in genomics and the critical role of patient advocacy in shaping responsible and inclusive genomic practices. Series: "Exploring Ethics" [Health and Medicine] [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 38940]

Engineering Mosquitos to Fight Malaria with Ethan Bier -- Osher UC San Diego

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