Health and Medicine (Audio)

CRISPR gene editing grew out of curiosity-driven research into how bacteria defend themselves against viruses. Nobel laureate Jennifer Doudna and Kit Pogliano, dean of UC San Diego's School of Biological Sciences, discuss how that discovery became a powerful research tool. Doudna describes the Innovative Genomics Institute's partnership with UC San Diego and potential work on rare diseases and ocean-related research. They examine an FDA-approved sickle cell disease therapy, the challenges of delivery, cost, and access, ethical responsibilities, and the value of basic science for young researchers. Event sponsors: UC San Diego School of Biological Sciences; Deep Look Public Speaker Series. Series: "Deep Look Public Speaker Series" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 41800]

Why does glioblastoma often return after treatment? Joe Costello, Ph.D., of UC San Francisco, examines two connected processes underlying this aggressive brain cancer: tumor evolution and the ability of cancer cells to keep dividing. Using three-dimensional sampling across multiple regions of brain tumors, his research investigates small populations of early ancestral cells that appear to survive treatment and may contribute to recurrence. Costello also examines how changes involving the TERT gene help tumor cells maintain their ability to divide. In laboratory and animal experiments, his team tests ways to interfere with proteins that activate TERT, while using artificial intelligence to identify additional potential targets. Although much of this research remains preliminary, it offers new insights into why glioblastoma is difficult to treat and possible directions for future therapies. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 40859]

Blood-forming stem cells replenish the blood and immune system, making them important targets for gene therapy and transplantation. Cynthia Dunbar, M.D., explains how genetic barcodes let scientists track individual stem cell clones over time. Long-term studies in nonhuman primates reveal stable contributions from blood stem cells and unexpected persistence among certain natural killer immune cells. Dunbar reviews successes and safety concerns in gene therapy, including leukemias associated with some integrating viral vectors. She compares these approaches with CRISPR gene editing, examining challenges in precise gene insertion, stem cell recovery after transplantation, and age-related clonal hematopoiesis. She also addresses treatment costs, intensive preparation for transplantation, and barriers to patient access. These insights help researchers evaluate new treatments more carefully and work toward safer, more accessible care. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 40858]

Heart repair is moving beyond a single strategy. Catriona Jamieson, M.D., Ph.D., Ehtisham Mahmud, M.D., FACC, FSCAI, Eric Adler, M.D., Karen Christman, Ph.D., and set designer Robert Brill discuss approaches to preventing and repairing heart damage. Mahmud describes a model linking cardiovascular care, training and clinical research. Adler explains how patient skin cells can be turned into beating heart cells to study genetic cardiomyopathies and develop targeted therapies. Christman discusses injectable extracellular matrix materials designed to reduce inflammation, limit scar formation and support repair after a heart attack. Brill connects the science to The Heart, a theatrical work shaped by medicine, organ donation and community. Together, the discussion shows how collaboration across medicine, bioengineering and the arts can expand approaches to heart disease and healing. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 41544]

As we age, experiences of loss often become more common, but so can our capacity for resilience. Danielle Glorioso, executive director of the Stein Institute for Research on Aging, explores the psychological and emotional processes that help older adults adapt to bereavement and other significant life losses. Drawing on current research and clinical insights, participants will learn how resilience develops over time and how it supports healing during periods of grief. Rather than viewing grief as a disorder to overcome, Glorioso reframes it as a natural, adaptive response to attachment that can coexist with personal growth, strength, and healthy aging. Series: "Osher UC San Diego Distinguished Lecture Series" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41700]

A federally funded clinical trial played a pivotal role in Tom Mugno’s journey after a diagnosis of lymphoma that was not responding to chemotherapy. With guidance from Dr. Joseph Tuscano at ‪UC Davis Health‬, Mugno enrolled in a National Cancer Institute–funded study exploring a novel immunotherapy-based research approach. His experience offers a personal perspective on how clinical research can translate into real-world impact, and celebrates his complete remission. Series: "UC Davis News" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41739]

UC Davis researcher Christine Nordahl is leading a longitudinal study of children with autism. The Autism Phenome Project looks for early predictors of later outcomes using brain scans and assessments so that early intervention and targeted support can be provided to children diagnosed with autism and co-occurring conditions. Series: "UC Davis News" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41738]

Gladys (Sandy) Ramos, M.D., is a UC San Diego Health perinatologist and professor who cares for patients with complex pregnancies, including those affected by diabetes. She explains how immigrating from Peru, learning from her grandmother and wanting to serve Spanish-speaking communities shaped her work. Ramos also describes feeling out of place in college and not getting into medical school on her first attempt. Research, mentors, supportive peers and a UC Irvine medical school preparation program helped her strengthen her skills and confidence. Today, she uses her bilingual skills and cultural knowledge to build trust, discuss nutrition and health beliefs, and help patients work toward safe pregnancies and healthy babies. Her experience also shapes the guidance she gives students pursuing medicine. Series: "Career Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Education] [Show ID: 41599]

Vaginal microbiome research may offer new ways to understand infections, fertility, preterm birth and other areas of women’s health. Pita Navarro, co-founder and chief scientific officer of Evvy, joins Cynthia Gyamfi-Bannerman, M.D., M.S., of UC San Diego Health, to explain how patient-contributed samples and health information can support research and product development. Navarro describes Evvy’s direct-to-consumer testing model, its work to build a large metagenomic data set and the importance of distinguishing established findings from emerging evidence. She also discusses clinical validation, patient trust, academic partnerships and the challenges of bringing scientific discoveries into everyday care. Their conversation shows why successful health startups need more than promising science: they must solve meaningful problems, fit real-world workflows and stay close to the patients they aim to serve. Series: "UC San Diego Women's Health Symposium" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41657]

Sacramento is working on the largest water recycling project on the West Coast, and UC Davis research is behind the technology used to filter and recycle wastewater for such projects. Mike Falk, received his Ph.D. from UC Davis, and was a consultant for the project. He works on large civil infrastructure projects for public utilities like Sacramento Sewer. Falk said federal funding helps advance the science to inform decisions and find new, innovative solutions that preserve public health and the environment. Series: "UC Davis News" [Public Affairs] [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41734]