University of California Audio Podcasts (Audio)

This series on artificial intelligence explores recent breakthroughs of AI, its broader societal implications and its future potential. In this presentation, Sergey Levine, associate professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at UC Berkeley, discusses AI reinforcement learning methods. Levine asks what it would take to create machine learning systems that can make decisions when faced with the full complexity and diversity of the real world, while still retaining the ability of reinforcement learning to come up with new solutions? He discusses how advances in offline reinforcement learning can enable machine learning systems to learn to make more optimal decisions from data, combining the best of data-driven machine learning with the capacity for emergent behavior and optimization provided by reinforcement learning.

Levine received a BS and MS in Computer Science from Stanford University in 2009, and a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Stanford University in 2014. He joined the faculty of the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences at UC Berkeley in fall 2016. His work focuses on machine learning for decision making and control, with an emphasis on deep learning and reinforcement learning algorithms. Applications of his work include autonomous robots and vehicles, as well as applications in other decision-making domains. His research includes developing algorithms for end-to-end training of deep neural network policies that combine perception and control, scalable algorithms for inverse reinforcement learning, deep reinforcement learning algorithms, and more.

Series: "Data Science Channel" [Science] [Show ID: 38857]

Production designer Akin McKenzie joined moderator Mireille Miller-Young (Feminist Studies, UCSB) for a post-screening discussion of his work in visualizing the world of The Woman King. The discussion revolved around McKenzie’s extensive research from out-of-print books, photos, and other archival materials to disentangle complex historical events from colonial revisionism. McKenzie also detailed his collaboration process with director Gina Prince-Bythewood and shared thoughts on Black representation in Hollywood and the future of Black cinema. Series: "Carsey-Wolf Center" [Humanities] [Show ID: 38875]

The COVID-19 pandemic ushered in a new era of how we interact and function in society. Our brains and behaviors experienced unprecedented upheavals, forcing us to adapt to new ways of living. In recent years, science has made bold advances in understanding how the brain and its wiring manage new situations and stress. Leading experts in cognitive science, neurobiology and psychology present perspectives on the brain and the fascinating ways it adapts to change and stress. Hear about what happens inside the brain during times of stress; how to self-regulate your brain and bodily states; as well as ideas on mindfulness, radical honesty and how to build emotional resilience. Series: "A Deep Look into the Future of Biology" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 38938]

The COVID-19 pandemic forced researchers and scientists to find ways to predict how the virus was spreading across the United States and around the World. Using computer models that take into account factors like population size, interactions, and disease characteristics. Duke University Statistical Science professor Jason Xu explains how data is now helping to predict epidemics. Series: "Data Science Channel" [Science] [Show ID: 38735]

How can colleges and universities ensure faculty and students reflect the diversity of the U.S. as courts and legislatures dismantle affirmation action? In this program, Stella M. Flores, Ph.D., a professor of Higher Education and Public Policy at the University of Texas, Austin, discusses her research on the effects of state and federal policies on college access and completion outcomes for low-income and underrepresented populations, including immigrant and English learner students. Dr. Flores has also published widely on demographic changes in U.S. schools, affirmative action in higher education, and Minority Serving Institutions. In 2003 her coauthored work was cited in the U.S. Supreme Court Gratz v. Bollinger decision (dissenting opinion) and in various amicus briefs submitted to the Supreme Court on affirmative action. [Public Affairs] [Education] [Show ID: 38738]

Join expert Dr. Judith Walsh as she discusses cancer screening and prevention strategies. Walsh talks about the significance of family history, genetic testing, and personalized risk assessment in making informed healthcare decisions. From the nuances of colorectal cancer screening to the complexities of breast cancer detection, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of modern screening techniques and their implications. Learn why it's crucial to use radiologic procedures judiciously and understand the potential risks of radiation exposure. Walsh also explores the challenges of pancreatic cancer detection and discusses specialized screening approaches for high-risk individuals. Stay informed and empowered with expert recommendations for effective cancer prevention strategies. Series: "Mini Medical School for the Public" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 38792]

This series on artificial intelligence explores recent breakthroughs of AI, its broader societal implications and its future potential. In this presentation, Stuart Russell, professor of computer science at the UC, Berkeley, discusses what AI is and how it could be beneficial to civilization. Russell is a leading researcher in artificial intelligence and the author, with Peter Norvig, of “Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach,” the standard text in the field. His latest book, “Human Compatible,” addresses the long-term impact of AI on humanity. He is also an honorary fellow of Wadham College at the University of Oxford. Series: "Data Science Channel" [Science] [Show ID: 38856]

As part of the 2023 Developmental Disabilities Conference, Lauren Libero and Lucy Esralew provide an update on California's mental and behavioral health services. Dr. Ersalew, the senior supervising psychologist at the California Department of Developmental Services, and Dr. Libero, an Autism Program Specialist at the same department, discuss provisional eligibility for California regional center services for three and four-year-olds, updates on the DDS safety net initiative and related programs, and funding opportunities related to mental and behavioral health. They also provide an overview of the California Department of Developmental Services and its role in coordinating services for over 400,000 individuals with developmental disabilities. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 38869]

As humans, we benefit immensely from the ecosystems around us — including the ocean — in obvious and not-so-obvious ways. As climate change continues to affect these ecosystems, we must ask ourselves — what can we gain by safeguarding them? Join Bernie Bastien and Raiza Pilatowsky in an interactive talk that explores the need to recognize what we value about nature in order to find new and inspiring ways to protect our planet, and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come. Series: "Jeffrey B. Graham Perspectives on Ocean Science Lecture Series" [Science] [Show ID: 38691]

As part of the 2023 Developmental Disabilities Conference, Dr. Marilyn Bull presents new guidance for the care of children and adolescents with developmental disabilities. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 38864]