What is Valley Fever?

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]

Ocean conservation is not only about what the world is losing. It is also about what works. Nancy Knowlton of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History and founder of the Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, shares examples of recovery and the science behind them. From sea turtles and elephant seals to mangroves, oyster reefs, and coral reefs, Knowlton describes how species protection, habitat restoration, pollution controls, and better fisheries management can make a difference. She also reflects on how the center’s students and research helped shift her focus from environmental decline to ocean optimism, while acknowledging continuing threats and setbacks. Her message is that successful conservation can benefit both marine wildlife and the people who depend on healthy oceans. Series: "Jeffrey B. Graham Perspectives on Ocean Science Lecture Series" [Science] [Show ID: 41704]

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]

Photography makes environmental changes visible that are difficult to recognize in everyday life. James Balog, Founder and Director of the Earth Vision Institute, describes his shift from celebrating nature’s beauty to documenting how human activity reshapes the planet. His photographs range from endangered wildlife and towering trees to mines, wildfires, and the atmosphere above Earth. Through the Extreme Ice Survey, Balog uses time-lapse cameras to show glaciers retreating over time, making climate change visible through recorded images. Drawing on his work and the films Chasing Ice and The Human Element, he examines the connections between people, land, air, water, and ice. Balog also considers society’s reliance on fossil fuels and the possibility of constructive environmental action. His images show why these changes matter to people and future generations. Series: "Jeffrey B. Graham Perspectives on Ocean Science Lecture Series" [Science] [Arts and Music] [Show ID: 41838]

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]

Grecia Paola Siono Gutierrez and Jose Enrique Siono Gutierrez share how family, mentorship and community shaped their path from Mexicali to studying electrical engineering at UC San Diego. The siblings describe beginning at community college, transferring together and adjusting to classrooms where they often saw few students who shared their background. Grecia discusses finding support through the Raza Resource Centro, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers and research mentorship, while Jose explains how studying music strengthened his discipline and inspired projects connecting sound and electrical engineering. They also reflect on their parents’ sacrifices, the importance of role models and their own support for one another. Their advice to students is to seek supportive communities, learn from setbacks and keep pursuing ambitious goals even when the path is not straightforward. Series: "Career Channel" [Science] [Education] [Show ID: 41495]

Valley fever, also known as coccidioidomycosis, is a fungal infection that is contracted when soil borne spores are disrupted and inhaled. The infections can cause symptoms similar to pneumonia or COVID-19, such as cough, headache, fever and, in more severe cases, meningitis. UC Davis Health patient Rex shares his journey with valley fever and how UC Davis doctors and researchers are advancing earlier diagnosis and better treatments through clinical care and laboratory science. Series: "UC Davis News" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Agriculture] [Show ID: 41743]

RNA damage, mentorship and the realities of building a career in science come together in Alex Chaim's work and personal journey. Chaim, principal investigator of the Chaim Lab and assistant professor of cell and developmental biology at UC San Diego, studies whether damage to RNA may contribute to diseases associated with oxidative stress, including neurodegeneration. He also reflects on finding community and learning from mentors throughout his education and career. Chaim describes creating CASAS, a scientific seminar series conducted in Spanish, and explains why he tries to humanize science in both his classroom and lab. His advice to students centers on seeking research experience, finding good mentors and learning from experiments that do not go as expected. His story shows how persistence and community can shape a life in science. Series: "Career Channel" [Science] [Education] [Show ID: 41492]

New research at the UC Davis Center for Mind and Brain is taking a leap forward in understanding how the brain — down to the individual neuron — navigates us through the world to find what we need. Jack Lin, the study’s principal investigator, is a professor and neurologist who directs the UC Davis Comprehensive Epilepsy Program. Lin works with patients like Travis Rouse. He has epilepsy, and a RNS system implanted into his brain senses when a seizure is coming and sends electrical signals to head it off. The RNS system collects detailed data on brain activity. Complemented with GPS location data and eye tracking, the research team can record unprecedented information on how Travis navigates the Center for Mind and Brain halls. When the team analyze the data, they’ll be able to see which individual neurons activated as Travis thought through where he wanted to go and also how his brain got him there. Series: "UC Davis News" [Science] [Show ID: 41731]