Can we turn off the genes responsible for neurodegenerative diseases? Designer DNA drugs are making this possible. By identifying and targeting the genes that drive disease, scientists are moving closer to treatments for ALS, Huntington's disease, and more. Don W. Cleveland, PhD, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, UC San Diego joins William Mobley, MD, PhD to talk about how these drugs work and how they will impact patient care. Series: "Brain Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 32505]

Investigadores en el Programa de Células Madre en UC San Diego han utilizado un raro desorden, Aicardi Goutieres (AGS), para explorar mecanismos fundamentales del cerebro. Utilizando organoides corticales, o cerebros en una placa, han seguido el neurodesarrollo a medida que encontraban nueva información sobre la relación entre los retrotransposones y la neuroinflamación.

Series: "El Canal de Células Madre" [Health and Medicine] [Spanish Language] [Show ID: 32917]

Pesquisadores do programa de células-tronco da Universidade da Califórnia em San Diego usaram uma doença rara, a Síndrome de Aicardi Goutieres (AGS), para investigar os mecanismos fundamentais do cérebro. Usando organóides corticais, ou cérebros, em um disco, eles monitoraram o neurodesenvolvimento enquanto descobriram novas informações sobre a correlação entre retrotransposão e neuroinflamação. Series: "O Canal de Células-Tronco" [Health and Medicine] [Spanish Language] [Show ID: 32916]

What effect does space travel have on our bodies and minds? As NASA looks to explore Mars and beyond, it is critical to understand the impacts of spending extended time in space. Brinda K. Rana, Phd, shares the results of NASA's Twins Study that focused on astronaut Scott Kelly who spent nearly one year living on the International Space Station and his identical twin brother, Mark, who remained on Earth. Series: "Stein Institute for Research on Aging" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Education] [Professional Medical Education] [Show ID: 31842]

Researchers at the UC San Diego Stem Cell Program have used a rare disorder, Aicardi Goutieres (AGS), to explore fundamental brain mechanisms.

By utilizing cortical organoids, or brains in a dish, they have tracked neurodevelopment while discovering new information about the relationship between retrotransposons and neuroinflammation.

Series: "UCTV Prime" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 32743]

In this talk, Ajit Varki (UC San Diego) offers some surprising examples of common human diseases that appear to be either absent in our closest living evolutionary cousins (the so-called "great apes"), or manifest in a rather modified form. Given the close genetic similarity of all of these species, he contends that it is worth investigating these differences, with the goal of better understanding the pathological processes involved.

Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Science] [Show ID: 31604]

A single tumor cell can contain thousands of genetic mutations, some of which provide critical information about the precise cancer type and provide clues about which therapy may be effective. Hear how genome-based analysis is improving diagnosis and treatment. Series: "Patient-Centered Care in the 21st Century - 2017 UCSF Cancer Showcase " [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 32380]

In this talk, Cynthia Beall (Case Western Reserve Univ) describes different patterns of adaptive biological characteristics among high-altitude native populations and the accumulating evidence explaining why and how those different responses came about.

Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Science] [Show ID: 31607]

Treating depression can be a slow process. Even after pinpointing the correct medication, it can still take weeks to take effect. Abraham A. Palmer, PhD, Professor and Vice Chair for Basic Research in the Department of Psychiatry at UC San Diego joins our host Dr. David Granet to discuss his work uncovering of the molecular and cellular underpinnings of depression. Dr. Palmer and his team are exploring how inhibiting the Glyoxalase 1 (GLO1) enzyme can reduce signs of depression. He explains the science behind the discovery and the implications for new, faster-acting treatments.

Series: "Health Matters" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 32383]

Genetics underlies all cancers. Early-onset cancer, multiple primaries, family history, and ancestry can suggest inherited risk. UCSF Dr. Jocelyn Chapman and genetic counselor Julie Mak explain that genetic testing with multi-gene tests identify inherited risk and can improve early detection, prevention, and treatment of cancer. But tests vary widely in quality and scope. Find out what you need to know to make the best decisions about managing complex genetic information.

Series: "Mini Medical School for the Public" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 32076]