Millions of Americans have difficulties with their physical functioning. Dr. Karunesh Ganguly explores the Brain-Computer Interface (BCI). The concept of bio-interactive neural interfaces sates to the early 20th century with successes like cochlear implants, deep brain stimulation and responsive stimulation. He is now working on neural interfaces for communication and movement by working to translate neural engineering based approaches into treatments for those with impaired function. Series: "Mini Medical School for the Public" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 35242]

Ticks are vectors for human disease, including Lyme disease. Semay Chou studies the vector–pathogen relationships at UCSF. Here she discusses strategies for blocking tick-borne diseases and what we can learn from ticks. Series: "Mini Medical School for the Public" [Health and Medicine] [Agriculture] [Show ID: 35241]

Microbiome expands the genetic and functional capacity of its human host. Susan Lynch explains that human microbiome develops early in life and that gut microbes shape immune function and relate to disease outcomes in childhood. She also explores next-generation microbiome therapeutics and research. Series: "Mini Medical School for the Public" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 35240]

Interactive immune systems are at the center of cancer and other diseases. Dr. Matthew Krummel explores how the immune system can regulate cancer progression. Series: "Mini Medical School for the Public" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 35239]

Dr. Aimee Kao looks at recent news in Alzheimer's Disease therapeutics including drugs in development and the potential of stem cells and genome editing. Series: "Mini Medical School for the Public" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 35238]

Worldwide there are 550,000 new cases of head and neck cancer a year. Dr. Jennifer Grandis explores prevention and substances to stop cancer from developing. In particular, she looks at aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Series: "Mini Medical School for the Public" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 35237]

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

Worldwide 50 million people live with dementia. By 2040 over 70% of them will be living in the developing world. Dr. Shamiel McFarlane explores the social and economic cost of dementia around the world.

Series: "Mini Medical School for the Public" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 34779]

The Drug Policy Alliance advances policies and attitudes that best reduce the harms of both drug use and drug prohibition, and promotes the sovereignty of individuals over their minds and bodies. California's deputy director Laura Thomas talks about the history of drug prohibition, the consequences and a more effective path moving forward. Series: "Mini Medical School for the Public" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 34792]

There are modifiable behaviors that may reduce the risk factor of Alzheimer's: vascular disease, sedentary lifestyle, depression/stress, diet factors and alcohol. Kaitlin Casaletto talks about the benefits of an active lifestyle and proper nutrition. Then Dr. Joanna Hellmuth looks at how to decode direct-to-consumer interventions - dietary supplements - and the rise of pseudo-medicine for dementia. She explains that supplements may or may not be safe and that manufacturers can make broad claims without supporting evidence. Series: "Mini Medical School for the Public" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 35136]