Science (Audio)

The CSE Celebration of Diversity is a day-long event aimed at recognizing the wealth of contributions from all the different kinds of people in the CSE community, and act as a forum to discuss how the department can continue to evolve to become a community of inclusive excellence. This event is led by the CSE Department's Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) committee. Series: "Computer Science Channel" [Science] [Show ID: 34958]

Hunting is considered a key human adaptation and is thought to have influenced our anatomy, physiology and behavior over time. This symposium explores the evidence pertaining to the origins of hominin hunting. Variation exists within and among chimpanzee populations in the social importance of hunting and meat eating. David Watts, Yale University. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Science] [Show ID: 33573]

Scientist Karl Wahlin is hoping to use the tiny retinas he's developed from stem cells to find a cure for blindness. Wahlin has teamed up with UC San Diego Stem Cell Program Director Alysson Muotri, who is using a similar technique to study the brain. Together, they hope to understand how the brain and the eye influence one another's development. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 34273]

Khalid Shah, MS, PhD discusses translating biological therapies into clinical care. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Education] [Professional Medical Education] [Show ID: 34912]

The atmosphere is composed of gases such as oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide. Other gases are present at much lower concentrations and include ozone, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides and formaldehyde just to name a few. But there is something else in the air we breathe: microscopic particles called aerosols. Vicki Grassian discusses aerosols, their many sources, and how they impact the Earth’s climate and human health in ways we are just starting to understand. Series: "Exploring Ethics" [Health and Medicine] [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 33719]

The human brain contains approximately 86 billion neurons, and 100 trillion connections between those neurons. Despite our inability to image each neuron and determine their exact connective patterns, several approaches for noninvasive imaging of the living brain have been developed and utilized to great benefit. LLNL scientist Alan Kaplan explores the immense landscape of the human brain and quantifies the brain in terms of data flow. Then describes engineering applications of recorded electrophysiological data and explores methods for analyzing such data to determine the pattern of signals that arise during various activities and mood states. Series: "Field Trip at the Lab: Science on Saturday" [Science] [Show ID: 34465]

Ecologist Rudo Sanyanga and filmmakers R. Lane Clark and Stephan Miescher join moderator Janet Walker (Film and Media Studies, UCSB) for a post-screening discussion of Clark and Miescher’s documentary film Ghana’s Electric Dreams. The film concerns the history of Ghana’s Akosombo Dam, and its complex legacy as a strategic modernization project launched during the presidency of Kwame Nkrumah. The panel conversation highlights the impetus for the film and its multi-stage development, the importance of the availability of archival footage and the filmmakers’ personal familiarity with this region of Ghana, and the far-reaching human and ecological impacts of large hydroelectric infrastructure projects. This event was hosted by the Carsey-Wolf Center in collaboration with the Mellon-Sawyer Seminar for Energy Justice in Global Perspective. Series: "Carsey-Wolf Center" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 34883]

Alysson Muotri, Director of the UC San Diego Stem Cell program explores the many ways his and other labs are using brain organoids to understand neurodevelopment. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 34285]

The human brain is composed of billions of cells that communicate through chemical and electrical signals. LLNL microelectrodes can interface directly with the brain to allow us to monitor and manipulate the dynamics of these brain signals. LLNL microelectrodes are flexible and microfabricated in dense arrays that allow them to collect large amounts of information over long periods of time in the body. Scientists Anna Belle and Allison Yorita go over how these arrays are microfabricated and their diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Series: "Field Trip at the Lab: Science on Saturday" [Science] [Show ID: 34464]

The science of stem cells allows us to understand our genome by comparing our own genome to that of our ancient cousins – the Neanderthal.

The motion picture William is a story about a Neanderthal living among modern humans. The director of the UC San Diego Stem Cell Program Alysson Muotri was able to visit with the creator and director, Tim Disney, to discuss the real issues explored by this fantasy. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Science] [Show ID: 34804]