Health and Medicine (Audio)

Catriona Jamieson, M.D., Ph.D., discusses pioneering research on cancer and aging in space environments, highlighting how microgravity accelerates cancer cell growth and leads to stem cell exhaustion, genomic instability, and “dark genome” activation. Using innovative tools like nano-bioreactors and artificial intelligence, her team simulates these effects and tracks cellular changes, uncovering how space’s unique conditions drive mutations and alter cellular behavior. They find that stem cells rapidly proliferate but then become exhausted in space, a process tied to telomere shortening and mitochondrial stress, impacting cell longevity and regenerative potential. Through collaborations with NASA and industry partners, Jamieson’s research aims to develop therapies to counter these effects, offering potential insights for cancer treatment and stem cell health on Earth. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 39948]

Through the UniversityLink Medical Science Program (ULMSP), college students from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds who aspire to become future health science professionals develop essential academic and professional skills, benefit from long-term mentoring, and build lasting social and professional networks. Dr. Ramón A. Hernandez highlights how the program fosters family support, instills a culture of academic excellence, and emphasizes the importance of community service, showing how ULMSP helps pave the way for these students' success in the health sciences. Series: "Education Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Education] [Show ID: 37921]

What's the secret to supporting a sharp mind at any age? In this program, Dr. Nancy Isenberg discusses the latest science-based practices to promote brain health and resiliency as we age. Series: "Osher WISE: Well-being and Integrative Science for Everyone" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40073]

Elizabeth Blackburn, Ph.D., examines the relationship between telomeres, cellular aging, and metabolic health, highlighting how telomere regulation differs between insulin-sensitive and insulin-resistant individuals. She discusses the effects of environmental factors—like glucose levels, stress hormones, and drugs—on telomere maintenance, which can disrupt cellular coordination and contribute to age-related diseases. Blackburn also shares insights from studies on hibernating lemurs, indicating that while their telomere health remains stable during metabolic slowdowns, it declines upon reactivation. Ultimately, she suggests that telomere maintenance could serve as a valuable biomarker for early signs of metabolic dysfunction, informing strategies for long-term health and resilience. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 39944]

Dennis O. Clegg, Ph.D., discusses treatments for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a condition that causes vision loss. Clegg explains that while patients often report improved vision after receiving implants, objective tests don't always confirm this. He explores the potential differences in patients' responses based on genetics and disease progression. There is also an ongoing challenge in finding the best ways to reduce immune rejection of these treatments. New trials are underway to test implants in earlier stages of the disease, and researchers are looking at different strategies like localized immunosuppression. Additionally, some studies suggest that secretions from retinal cells may help preserve vision. Overall, there are many open questions, but advances in the field offer hope for better AMD treatments. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 39459]

The risk for many chronic diseases is directly linked to metabolic changes in the body and loss of muscle mass often associated with aging. In this program, Dr. Natalie Marshall focuses on the central importance of movement, strength training, and body composition to improve metabolic fitness and tips to help you get started “building muscle for life." Series: "Osher WISE: Well-being and Integrative Science for Everyone" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40071]

UCSF Neurosurgeon Ethan Winkler, MD, PhD, summarizes the surgical treatment options for patients with brain aneurysms and describes the decision-making process for choosing the best treatment for each individual. Series: "UC San Francisco News" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40238]

Mind-body medicine (MBM) is an integrative approach that helps people build awareness and develop tools for stress resilience. MBM focuses on the interactions between the mind, body, and behavior to promote health and well-being. Dr. Kavita K. Mishra discusses how MBM interventions have shown beneficial short and long-term impact on physical, mental, social-emotional, and interpersonal well-being.  Series: "Osher WISE: Well-being and Integrative Science for Everyone" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40072]

Explore the captivating realm of brain research at UC San Diego with Frank Furnari, Ph.D., and Alexander Khalessi, M.D., M.B.A. Furnari and Khalessi delve into groundbreaking efforts to find new treatments for neurological conditions such as brain tumors, stroke, and brain injuries, bringing hope to patients and their families. Emphasizing ethics, innovation, and patient care, Furnari and Khalessi shed light on the challenges and successes in their quest to unravel the mysteries of the mind. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 39723]

Colin Depp delves into the critical role of social connections in our well-being, particularly in the context of aging. Depp explores the impacts of digital versus in-person interactions, the influence of cultural differences on social needs, and the potential health benefits of both deep and superficial connections. Depp also discusses the challenges of loneliness, the effects of grief, and offers practical daily practices to strengthen social ties. Series: "Stein Institute for Research on Aging" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 39388]