Science (Audio)

Stochasticity (randomness) is ubiquitous in biological systems. Linda Petzold explores some of the ways in which it arises and is used to advantage by biological systems, at a wide range of scales. Petzold is a professor in the UCSB Departments of Mechanical Engineering and Computer Science. Series: "Women in Science" [Show ID: 35173]

Understanding how the brain works has traditionally been undertaken by men and about men but cognitive neuroscientist Emily Jacobs argues that diversity of researchers and their research is what drives science innovation. She discusses several studies undertaken in her lab so that questions about the brain can benefit women and men equally. Series: "Women in Science" [Show ID: 35172]

The 400-acre UC Santa Cruz Campus Natural Reserve offers students the opportunity to walk outside their classrooms and study nature in nature. Better known as the “outdoor classroom and living laboratory,” the reserve focuses on engaging students in direct observation and study of the natural world while bridging concepts learned in the indoor classroom with unique hands-on field experiences. These transformative experiences function as a springboard into field work internships supporting various research projects in ecology, restoration, land management and conservation, forestry, and environmental science. Series: "UCTV Prime" [Show ID: 35252]

The UC Santa Cruz Natural Reserve System supports long-term research and teaching on protected lands on more than 10,000 acres of natural lands at five natural reserves: Año Nuevo, Campus, Fort Ord, Landels-Hill Big Creek, and Younger Lagoon. Together, they function as living laboratories and formative outdoor classrooms for faculty, graduates, and undergraduates. Research at these reserves range from studying migratory patterns of marine animals, to understanding population dynamics of endangered species, to examining how invasive species and fire affect ecosystems. Series: "UCTV Prime" [Show ID: 35256]

Marius Wernig, MD, PhD, discusses how his lab has worked to convert non-neuronal cell types (lymphocytes, pluripotent stem cells, fibroblasts, hepatocytes, lymphocytes) to neurons. The lab is now working on identifying the molecular mechanisms underlying induced lineage fate changes, the phenotypic consequences of disease-causing mutations in human neurons and other neural lineages. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Professional Medical Education] [Show ID: 35063]

Younger Lagoon Reserve is one of the few relatively undisturbed wetlands remaining along the California Central Coast. Located on the UC Santa Cruz Coastal Science Campus, the natural reserve’s 25-acre lagoon and 47-acre "terrace lands" protect eight unique habitats, including freshwater marsh, saltwater marsh, riparian willow, coastal strand (back dune), coastal scrub, coastal grassland, seasonal freshwater wetlands, and the brackish lagoon. These protected habitats provide unparalleled opportunities for students to learn about the environment, implement field projects, obtain hands-on experience, and become actively involved in research and stewardship projects. Series: "UCTV Prime" [Show ID: 35250]

Stem Cell research could unlock the mystery of what makes the human brain special. Researcher Alysson Muotri is using stem cells to grow tiny versions of developing human brains in his lab to study everything from autism to the Zika virus. His lab is even looking into how space flight impacts brain development. Series: "Health Matters" [Show ID: 35077]

Ours is a water planet. Technology is shaping our uses, both as foe and ally. It has made humans the dominant predator and provides us food, gives us half the oxygen we breathe and created many maritime jobs. But technology has also raised CO2 levels, caused acidic oceans, threatened ocean biodiversity and created grand climate challenges. UCSB marine biologist Doug McCauley describes technology to promote ocean health and provide a balance. Series: "GRIT Talks" [Show ID: 35175]

Global prosperity over the last century has been powered by low-cost fossil fuels. Unfortunately, they are a finite resource and pose significant risks to our environment; therefore, they must be replaced. For the transition to a future energy economy making use of hydrogen as a fuel produced by nuclear power and renewables, Professor Eric McFarland predicts that methane will be the most important molecule for prosperity in the next century. McFarland’s research has shown that the methane in abundant natural gas can be cost-effectively converted by pyrolysis in high-temperature molten metals and salts to solid carbon and hydrogen gas. The cheapest heat and electricity in the U.S. comes from burning natural gas; however, increasingly major markets (e.g. California and Germany) have imposed carbon taxes which make this CO2-free process competitive today. Series: "Institute for Energy Efficiency" [Show ID: 35161]

The ALERTWildfire camera network across California provides rapid confirmation of emergency wildfire 911 calls, situational awareness, and in the worst-case scenarios real-time data to help sequence evacuations. Join Neal Driscoll to learn how the great state of California is using technology to help firefighters and improve public preparedness during wildfire disasters. Series: "Jeffrey B. Graham Perspectives on Ocean Science Lecture Series" [Show ID: 35176]