University of California Audio Podcasts (Audio)

Vocal learning is one of the most critical components of spoken language. It has only evolved several independent times among mammals and birds. Although all vocal learning species are distantly related and have closer relatives that are non-vocal learners, humans and the vocal learning birds have evolved convergent forebrain pathways that control song and speech imitation and production. Erich Jarvis presents an overview of the various biological hypothesis of what makes vocal learning and spoken language special, how it evolved, and what differs about the molecular and neural mechanisms compared to other behavioral traits. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 38686]

Ali H. Brinvanlou, Ph.D., shares his work using in vitro attached human embryos and genome-edited synthetic embryos derived from human embryonic stem cells to learn the molecular, cellular, and embryological basis of early human development. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 38324]

Focused on training native youth in tribal law and restorative justice practices, the Intertribal Court of Southern California Tribal Youth Court (TYC) aims to create positive change in communities. Learn how the court came to be, how it functions, and how is is transforming the lives of all involved. Series: "Education Channel" [Public Affairs] [Show ID: 38892]

How can we better serve native youth that find themselves in trouble? The Intertribal Court of Southern California founded the Tribal Youth Court (TYC) to answer that question. TYC empowers youth to engage in tribal restorative justice practices. Tribal leadership, judges, and students share why this model, rooted in culture and community, has been effective. Series: "Education Channel" [Public Affairs] [Show ID: 38263]

Co-writer and co-director Jessica Woodworth joined moderator Stephen N. Borunda (Film and Media Studies, UCSB) for a post-screening discussion of her film Altiplano and the process of developing a film about environmental and indigenous exploitation in Peru. Woodworth reflected on the role of music in shaping the emotional experience of the film. She also shared details of how current ecological issues and the culture of the region contributed to the narrative. Moreover, she discussed the real-life mercury spill and locally produced photography under the TAFOS project in Peru from 1986 to 1998 as key elements that contributed to the development of the film and its ideas. Series: "Carsey-Wolf Center" [Humanities] [Show ID: 38775]

Why won't my baby latch? Is my baby getting enough to eat? The early days of breastfeeding are filled with so many questions. Nancy White, RN, IBCLC, a board certified lactation consultant, joins Julia Cormano, MD, FACOG, to talk about basic techniques, the ins and outs of latching, and how to overcome challenges as you start your breastfeeding journey. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 38625]

Common sense is shared knowledge about people and the physical world, enabled by the biological brain. It comprises intuitive psychology, intuitive physics, and intuitive sociality. Unlike deep neural networks, common sense requires only limited experience. Human intelligence has evolved to deal with uncertainty, independent of whether big or small data are available. Complex AI algorithms, in contrast, work best in stable, well-defined situations such as chess and Go, where large amounts of data are available. This stable-world principle helps to understand what statistical algorithms are capable of and distinguish it from commercial hype or techno-religious faith. Gerd Gigerenzer introduces the program of psychological AI, which uses psychological heuristics to make algorithms smart. What we need is a fusion of the adaptive heuristics that embody common sense with the power of machine learning. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 38683]

The La Jolla Symphony and Chorus Learning to Fly concert is conducted by Music Director Emeritus Steven Schick, and features UC San Diego alumna and celebrated composer Mary Kouyoumdjian's "Walking with Ghosts," plus Stravinsky’s energetic "Firebird Suite," a work whose premiere was so successful it catapulted the composer to international fame. Series: "La Jolla Symphony & Chorus" [Arts and Music] [Show ID: 38416]

It is estimated that more than 80% of adults in the U.S. will have low back pain at some time in their lives. It is a significant cause of disability, resulting in an immeasurable toll on function, happiness, and quality of life. While patients with this condition can fall through the cracks of the health care system, there have been major advances in safe, evidence-based, and affordable treatments which are frequently underrecognized and underutilized. In this program, Dr. Paul Cheng discusses achieving back pain relief through intervention and medication. Series: "Mini Medical School for the Public" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 38787]

UC San Diego's School of Biological Sciences presents another event in their Deep Look series focusing on Earth Day. UC San Diego researchers will offer perspectives from a range of scientific disciplines relevant to the planet and its future. How are wildflowers adapting to climate change? How can humans sustainably co-exist with one of the world’s largest vertebrates, the Asian elephant? How is modern genetics being used to aid the future of the California Condor? Plus, UC San Diego has launched a new Center for Nature, Science and Society to explore the nexus of climate change, biodiversity and human impacts. Series: "A Deep Look into the Future of Biology" [Public Affairs] [Science] [Show ID: 38861]