University of California Audio Podcasts (Audio)

The pain and devastation caused by COVID-19 continues down an uncertain path. Health experts continue to grapple with infections at an alarming rate. Yet, not all communities are impacted the same way. Hear from front-line health and medical experts as they discuss disparities in the clinical impact and outcomes of COVID-19, their first-hand experiences and lessons learned in dealing with the disease. Also, as the economy continues to suffer from the pandemic, hear about scalable and practical solutions for returning to work in a safe environment. Series: "A Deep Look into the Future of Biology" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 36299]

Each species of our primate cousins is unique as it represents the outcome of independent evolution. Yet, humans appear to be a remarkable outlier as we have numerous characteristics so far un-described in any other primate. Why should this be? This symposium will address several important distinctly human "biologically enculturated" characteristics, both in relation to each other and in contrast to our evolutionary cousins, and will also help to organize how and in what sequence distinctly human physical, mental, social, and cultural features evolved. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Science] [Show ID: 36193]

Each species of our primate cousins is unique as it represents the outcome of independent evolution. Yet, humans appear to be a remarkable outlier as we have numerous characteristics so far un-described in any other primate. Why should this be? This symposium will address several important distinctly human "biologically enculturated" characteristics, both in relation to each other and in contrast to our evolutionary cousins, and will also help to organize how and in what sequence distinctly human physical, mental, social, and cultural features evolved. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 36196]

Co-directors/producers Jim Lebrecht and Nicole Newnham talk about their award-winning film, Crip Camp, giving insight to the disability revolution in America. This film tells a story of Camp Jened and offers a unique perspective on equality. Lebrecht and Newnham discuss their initial involvement with the project and the way that it has impacted their lives as well as millions of viewers. Series: "Carsey-Wolf Center" [Humanities] [Show ID: 36556]

The purpose of public health is to fulfill society’s interest in assuring the conditions in which people can be healthy, says Dr. Richard Jackson, Professor emeritus at the Fielding School of Public Health at UCLA. For nine years he was Director of the CDC’s National Center for Environmental Health. In this talk. he explores environmental impacts on health ranging from climate change, toxicology, terrorism, and sustainability. Series: "Mini Medical School for the Public" [Public Affairs] [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 36489]

COVID-19 was initially identified as a respiratory disease, but scientists now know that it also affects several other organs in the body, including the heart. Heart damage is a major determinant of COVID-19 related deaths, and even patients who experience only mild COVID-19 symptoms exhibit signs of cardiac dysfunction after recovery. UCSF researchers Todd McDevitt and Bruce Conklin explore how SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, inflicts damage on heart cells. Series: "Mini Medical School for the Public" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 36499]

Economist Hilary Hoynes explores her research on the COVID-19 crisis. She discusses the effects on low wage workers and the tripling of food insecurity in children. She also looks at the consequences of the delays and lack of inclusion in relief packages. Hoynes is a Professor of Public Policy and Economics and Haas Distinguished Chair in Economic Disparities at the UC Berkeley's Goldman School of Public Policy. Series: "UC Public Policy Channel" [Public Affairs] [Show ID: 36540]

For the final session of the semester, we offer a discussion of very local politics in the most famous (infamous?) small city in America. Everyone knows of Berkeley, and everyone seems to have strong feelings about it, especially if they don’t actually live here. So we talk with a former UC Berkeley student who is now a member of the Berkeley City Council and think about our small town and what it is like to serve in public office.

Berkeley City Councilmember Rigel Robinson was elected to represent District 7 on November 6th, 2018. Elected at 22, Robinson is the youngest person to ever serve on the Berkeley City Council. Prior to his election, Robinson was a leader in student efforts to support development of more affordable housing and student housing, divest the University of California from the Dakota Access Pipeline, oust a UC Regent accused of sexual harassment, and secure additional state funding for the UC and the first tuition decrease in 20 years. Series: "UC Public Policy Channel" [Public Affairs] [Show ID: 36296]

The year 2020 has put science in the spotlight as never before. From wearing masks during the pandemic to questions surrounding vaccinations, science has been thrust into the center of our lives with social media, allegations of fake news and political mistrust fanning flames of doubt. In a program co-sponsored by the Research Communications Program, a panel of experts discuss core issues of science communications, public distrust and authenticity, with a focus on issues intertwining the COVID-19 pandemic. Series: "A Deep Look into the Future of Biology" [Science] [Show ID: 36305]

Tobias Höllerer is Professor in Computer Science at UCSB. He looks at human/computer interaction. He explains the work in the Four Eyes Lab - which looks at imaging, interaction and innovative interfaces. He says for humans to stay in control we need to understand technology and humans and have the goal of improving humanity. Series: "GRIT Talks" [Science] [Show ID: 36517]