University of California Audio Podcasts (Audio)

Advances in genome sequencing hold tremendous promise for providing answers, tailored therapies and in some case cures for undiagnosed patients. However, how to interpret and act upon volumes of complex genomic data remains a challenge for sequencing providers, physicians and their patients and families. Dr. Jennifer Friedman, Rady Children's Hospital, uses case-based examples to demonstrate promises and pitfalls encountered in application of genomic sequencing to diagnose patients with rare disease. Series: "Exploring Ethics" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 30483]

In this talk, Wenda Trevathan of New Mexico State University focuses on energetic and biomechanical factors that converge at the time of birth to set the stage for an enormously expanded role of child-rearing in human evolution. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 28029]

Renowned climatologist V. Ramanathan from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography makes a moral argument for mitigating climate change, arguing that it is caused by a fraction of the world’s population but is affecting everyone on this planet. He urges scientists and policy makers to reach out to religious leaders, as he has done with the Pope and the Dalai Lama, and ask them to join together in pursuing solutions for the common good. Series: "The Library Channel" [Public Affairs] [Science] [Show ID: 30488]

A third of premature deaths in the US are attributable to poor nutrition and physical inactivity. Only 10% of Americans eat a healthy diet consistent with current nutrition recommendations. Dr. Robert Baron explains why you should care about what you eat and how to eat for healthfully.

Series: "UCSF Osher Center for Integrative Medicine presents Mini Medical School for the Public" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 30688]

Why do geysers erupt? Loops in their plumbing.

Volcanologist Michael Manga and his students have studied geysers in Chile and Yellowstone National Park, threading sensors and cameras into the boiling water, and have come up with an explanation for why geysers erupt periodically. They’ve even built a laboratory geyser that erupts every 20 minutes. The key: the loops and bends in their plumbing. Series: "UC Berkeley News" [Science] [Show ID: 30061]

Sexual health is, for many, a fundamental element of life-quality. Dr. Maurice Garcia, Assistant Clinical Professor in Residence, Genital Reconstruction, Neurourology and Sexual Medicine, Department of Urology at UCSF, explores how to maintain sexual function and activity in older age and after cancer. He also talks about transgender and gender-non binary people. Series: "UCSF Osher Center for Integrative Medicine presents Mini Medical School for the Public" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 30687]

The Indian higher education system is facing a crisis that is affecting its ability to build world class higher education institutions. Issues relating to quality, access and equity are some of the significant challenges .C. Raj Kumar, Vice Chancellor, O.P. Jindal Global University in India, examines these issues with a view to understanding as to how public policy, regulatory and governance reforms in higher education can help India build, nurture and develop institutions of global excellence. Series: "Center for Studies in Higher Education" [Education] [Show ID: 30874]

Part 2. UC San Francisco hosted a symposium about the preparedness for the Zika virus on March 7, 2016. The event brought together researchers from UCSF, UC Berkeley, UC Davis and Stanford University as well as public health officials. Topics include epidemiology and prevention, basic science of the Zika virus, vector biology and control, clinical management, and policy. [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 30698]

Bela Bartok’s Sonata for Two Pianos & Percussion grew out the composer’s interest in the piano as a percussive rather than a lyrical instrument. Though rarely performed, since it requires the unusual combination of two superb pianists and two virtuoso percussionists, the Sonata is considered one of Bartok’s most individualistic and expressive works. Series: "La Jolla Music Society: SummerFest" [Arts and Music] [Show ID: 25808]

Dr. Rita Redberg cautions that some screening test carry risks that far outweigh the benefits. In particular direct-to-consumer medical tests should have clear benefits and good dialog between patient and doctor. She advises that tests without clear evidence of benefit should be regarded with abundance of caution, if not skepticism Series: "UCSF Osher Center for Integrative Medicine presents Mini Medical School for the Public" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 30670]