Science (Video)

Oxytocin is a peptide molecule with a multitude of physiological and behavioral functions. Based on its association with reproduction, including social bonding, sexual behavior, birth and maternal behavior, oxytocin also has been called “the love hormone.” This presentation will examine parallels between the healing power of oxytocin and love. As described here, many myths and gaps in knowledge remain concerning oxytocin and love. A few of these are described and we hypothesize that the potential benefits of both love and oxytocin may be better understood in light of interactions with more ancient systems, including the autonomic nervous system, vasopressin and the immune system. The shared functions of oxytocin, love and sociostasis have profound implications for health and longevity, including the prevention and treatment of excess inflammation and related disorders, especially those occurring in early life and during periods of chronic threat or disease. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 40379]

Karen Christman, Sheila Chari, Stella Hurtley, and Robert Stephenson

explore academic publishing in stem cell research, focusing on reproducibility, collaboration, and public communication. Editors from top journals discuss curating impactful research, sharing clinical trial data, and addressing challenges in scaling and standardizing therapies. They emphasize bridging silos, advancing precision regenerative medicine, and navigating open access publishing to responsibly propel the field forward. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 39940]

We are at a critical moment in our society. While we advance efforts to mitigate and adapt to the climate crisis, across the globe, millions are experiencing issues of energy affordability, reliability and equitable access to modern energy technologies. In this program, Tony Reames, Professor of Environmental Justice at the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability, explores the intricate intersection of energy, class, race and place, shedding light on inequities in access to and the distribution of energy resources. Reames discusses how various factors, including socio-economic conditions, policy landscapes and environmental characteristics contribute to energy inequities. The talk underscores the importance of understanding and addressing these issues in the pursuit of energy justice, emphasizing the need for inclusive scholarship, policies and funding that empower marginalized communities. Series: "UC Berkeley Graduate Lectures" [Public Affairs] [Science] [Show ID: 40223]

Ancient texts warn of love turning into hatred, as seen in stories like Cain and Abel or “Et tu, Brute?” This talk explores the neurobiology of hatred based on the biology of love: the oxytocin system, attachment networks, and biobehavioral synchrony, which mature through mother-infant bonding and later support group solidarity and out-group hostility. Using this model, we developed Tools of Dialogue© for Israeli and Palestinian youth. After 8 sessions, participants showed reduced hostility, increased empathy, hormonal changes (lower cortisol, higher oxytocin), and lasting attitudes of compromise. Seven years later, these changes supported their peacebuilding efforts, showing how social synchrony can transform hatred into reciprocity and cooperation. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 40386]

Computer technology is evolving at a rapid pace, but have you ever wondered how computer scientists are able to make the devices we use on a every day basis so fast? How do machine learning computers and artificial intelligence work at such a high capacity? The work of theoretical computer scientists, that use math instead of programming to provide a rigorous framework for understanding what computation is, how it can be performed, and what its limitations are. In a first for Science Like Me, two guests... postdoctoral research scientist Yinzhan Xu and Ph.D. student Chris Ye discuss their theoretical computer science work with EnCORE, the Institute for Emerging CORE Methods in Data Science and how by applying math to find different ways of solving problems and making computations more efficient. Series: "Science Like Me" [Science] [Show ID: 40378]

This engaging panel discussion delves into the evolving representation of autistic characters in literature, comics, and pop culture, featuring authors and creators who bring authentic perspectives to their work. The conversation highlights the importance of intentionality in storytelling, challenges stereotypes, and explores the nuances of portraying neurodiverse experiences with depth and empathy. Panelists share personal journeys, writing inspirations, and the transformative power of seeing oneself reflected in stories, creating a thoughtful and inclusive dialogue that resonates with readers of all ages. Series: "Autism Tree Project Annual Neuroscience Conference" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Arts and Music] [Show ID: 40330]

The human body is made up of billions of cells. These cells are the basic building blocks of life, and they work together to form tissues, organs, and systems that enable our body to function and carry out various activities. Each cell has its own specific function and role in maintaining the overall health and functionality of the body, but how do these cells know what to do? Researchers at UC San Diego and Hebrew University of Jerusalem share an intercontinental effort working to determine just that. Alon Goren and Itamar Simon discuss some of the work they are doing to learn more about the human body beyond the cellular level. [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 40516]

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) an estimated 1.3 billion people or 16% of the global population have a significant disability. A disability is a condition that can be mental or physical, and can affect a person's vision, movement, thinking, learning, communication, hearing, mental health or social relationships. However, not all disabilities are the same. Some disabilities are genetic, passed down from generation to generation, while others may have been caused by an incident out of the person's control. In this episode of Exploring Ethics, Professor Joseph Stramondo will discuss the narrative, identity and ethics of choosing disability. Series: "Exploring Ethics" [Health and Medicine] [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 40241]

Aircraft, spacecraft and rockets connect people and goods across vast distances, enable global satellite communication, facilitate fundamental scientific discoveries and empower exploration of the solar system and beyond. The operating environments of these advanced systems require materials that can tolerate extremes of temperature, loading and surrounding chemical environment. Designing materials to survive in these environments has traditionally been a slow, expensive process that requires understanding and control down to the atomic level. In this program, Tresa Pollock, the Alcoa Distinguished Professor of Materials at UC, Santa Barbara, discusses new tools and approaches that accelerate this process and aid in materials discovery will be presented. Series: "GRIT Talks" [Science] [Show ID: 40129]

Martin Kampmann, Ph.D., explores how CRISPR screening and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology can uncover new insights into neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's. His lab uses CRISPR to identify genes that influence protein aggregation and cellular vulnerability, focusing on neurons, astrocytes, and microglia derived from human stem cells. Kampmann highlights the roles of mitochondria, autophagy, and other cellular pathways in disease progression, emphasizing the importance of understanding both protective and damaging processes. He also discusses the potential contributions of glial cells—especially microglia and astrocytes—to neurodegeneration, sparking ideas for therapeutic targets. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 39461]