University of California Audio Podcasts (Audio)

Life history theory suggests that inter-birth intervals (IBIs) depend on a trade-off between maternal investment in current and future offspring, influenced by the mother's energy and somatic maintenance. Normally, IBI aligns with maternal and infant body size, larger relative infant size leading to slower breeding. In contrast, humans have relatively shorter IBIs due to cooperative breeding, support from the social group. Some other species with cooperative behaviors also exhibit shorter IBIs, possibly aided by factors like meat-eating enabling early weaning around 2.5 million years ago in the Homo lineage. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 39276]

Children’s chances of earning more than their parents have fallen from 90% to 50% over the past half century in America. How can we restore the American Dream of upward mobility for all children? In this talk, Raj Chetty, director of Opportunity Insights and professor of public economics at Harvard University, shows how big data from varied sources ranging from anonymized tax records to Facebook social network data is helping us uncover the science of economic opportunity. Among other topics, Chetty discusses how and why children’s chances of climbing the income ladder vary across neighborhoods, the drivers of racial disparities in economic mobility, and the role of social capital as a driver of upward mobility. He presents data on the state of economic opportunity in California in particular to provide a local context to these national patterns. Series: "UC Berkeley Graduate Lectures" [Public Affairs] [Business] [Show ID: 39238]

Hear firsthand from the women at the forefront of the regenerative food movement. From farmers to winemakers and scientists to chefs, learn why they are so passionate about feeding the planet without depleting the earth. Join us for this enriching discussion on conservation, biodiversity, soil health, carbon reduction, and more — all which can ultimately lead to a healthier food system, food security, and a balanced economy for generations to come.

Featuring:

Michelle Ciccarelli Lerach

Founder

Berry Good Food Foundation

Bea Alvarez

Climate Resilience Specialist

FoodShed Small Farm Coop

Lily Foster

Founder Fenix Farms

Lesley Kroupa

Policy Specialist

Roots of Change and Center for Wellness and Nutrition at the Public Health Institute

Kristin Magnussen

Winemaker

Lechuza Vineyards

Elle Mari

Director, Urban Food Equity

UC San Diego Center for Community Health

Keiko Nishikawa

Winemaker

Santo Tomas Vineyard

Mia Vaughnes

Founder

Good Neighbor Garden Series: "Future Thought Leaders" [Public Affairs] [Agriculture] [Show ID: 39059]

Explore the untold narrative of reproductive justice through the lens of Black women's activism in this enlightening program. Hear about the limitations of conventional reproductive rights movements and learn when the movement moved toward inclusivity. From SisterSong's pioneering efforts to redefine bodily autonomy to understanding the historical oppression shaping healthcare today, this program is a vital insight into advocacy and empathy in diverse healthcare settings. [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 39426]

High-altitude adaptation stands out as one of the most notable examples of evolution within our species. Despite similar challenges of decreased oxygen availability, human groups on different continents have followed unique evolutionary trajectories. I will discuss how genomic, molecular, and physiological discoveries reveal key insights into human-specific evolutionary changes, examine comparative findings and limitations, and consider alternative approaches for understanding distinct facets of this extraordinary human phenomenon. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 39274]

Young children’s learning may be an important model for artificial intelligence (AI). In this program, Alison Gopnik, professor of psychology and member of the Berkeley Artificial Intelligence Research (BAIR) Lab at UC Berkeley, says that comparing children and artificial agents in the same tasks and environments can help us understand the abilities of existing systems and create new ones. In particular, many current large data-supervised systems, such as large language models (LLMs), provide new ways to access information collected by past agents. However, they lack the kinds of exploration and innovation that are characteristic of children. New techniques may help to instantiate childlike curiosity, exploration and play in AI systems.

This program is co-hosted with the UC Berkeley College of Computing, Data Science, and Society and the UC Berkeley Artificial Intelligence Research (BAIR) Lab.

About the Series:

CITRIS Research Exchange delivers fresh perspectives on information technology and society from distinguished academic, industry and civic leaders. Free and open to the public, these seminars feature leading voices on societal-scale research issues. Series: "Data Science Channel" [Science] [Show ID: 39351]

Theologian and social activist Father Bryan Massingale, professor of theology and social ethics at Fordham University, is an outspoken voice for anti-racism and LGBTQ+ rights, both within the Catholic Church and society as a whole. His 2010 study, “Racial Justice and the Catholic Church,” was prophetic in the way it spoke about racism in religious institutions. His life and work embody a commitment to addressing issues of racism, social inequality, and LGBTQ+ rights from a spiritual and ethical perspective. In this program, Father Massingale addresses the shocking rise of white Christian nationalism, its threat to democracy and how to move forward. He challenges institutions, including the Catholic Church, to confront their own complicity in perpetuating racial disparities and to actively work towards racial justice and reconciliation. He believes in the power of open but uncomfortable conversations to bridge divides and create spaces for healing and growth. Series: "Burke Lectureship on Religion and Society" [Humanities] [Show ID: 39381]

Robert T. Fremeau, Jr., Ph.D., delves into Rett syndrome, a complex neurological condition. His research with brain organoids unveils its origins and progression. Fremeau uncovers disease markers and innovative treatments, offering insight into the pursuit of breakthrough therapies. Series: "Autism Tree Project Annual Neuroscience Conference" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 39167]

CIRM-funded Alpha Stem Cell Clinics are a network of California medical centers that specialize in delivering stem cell clinical trials to patients. In this fascinating panel, clinic directors discuss advanced treatments, therapies like gene editing, and sharing knowledge and creating networks across the country for better patient care.

Featuring:

Geoffrey Lomax, Dr.PH

California Institute for Regenerative Medicine

Esther and Andrew Schorr

Patient Advocates

Sandra Dillon

Cancer Survivor and Stem Cell Champion

Catriona Jamieson, M.D., Ph.D.

UC San Diego

Mehrdad Abedi, M.D.

UC Davis

Daniela A. Bota, M.D., Ph.D.

UC Irvine

Sheila Chari, Ph.D.

Cell Press

Leo D. Wang, M.D., Ph.D.

City of Hope National Medical Center

Mark Walters, M.D.

University of California, San Francisco

Thomas Buchanan, M.D.

University of Southern California

Michael Lewis, M.D.

Cedars Sinai

Noah Federman, M.D.

UCLA Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 39070]

Julia Cormano, M.D., F.A.C.O.G, speaks with Lars Bode, Ph.D., about the significance of human milk, highlighting its diverse benefits for infants and mothers. They explore its unique properties and practical implications for healthcare and society on a global scale. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 39317]