Health and Medicine (Video)

Latest Episodes:

Dissecting the Lives of Hematopietic Cells at a Clonal Level: Appropriate Models and Implications for Gene Therapies Aging and HSC Disorders Oct 23, 2026

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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]

Stem Cells and the Future of Heart Care - Medicine Informing Novel Discoveries (MIND) Oct 09, 2026

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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]

Aging Grief and the Science of Resilience Oct 02, 2026

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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]

The Science of Oncology Innovation Oct 01, 2026

Show notes

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]

Providing Better Support for Children With Autism Sep 28, 2026

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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]

How Startups are Accelerating Innovation in Women's Health Sep 26, 2026

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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]

Becoming a Perinatologist: One Doctor’s Path Sep 26, 2026

Show notes

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]

Federal Funds Help Preserve Public Health and the Environment Sep 24, 2026

Show notes

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]

Transforming Brain Health Sep 22, 2026

Show notes

More than 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's, according to the Alzheimer's Association. UC Davis researcher Alyssa Weakley is working on I-Care, a new technology that's helping Alzheimer's patients live longer in their own homes. At UC Davis, our researchers are working to better understand the causes of dementia, including Alzheimer’s, its most common form, while advancing understanding and improving care for those affected. Through innovative studies, we’re paving the way for new treatments and strategies to slow, prevent and ultimately transform how we approach these complex neurological conditions. Series: "UC Davis News" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41737]

Social Isolation is a Biological Risk Factor in Recovery after Maternal Birth Injury with Dr. Lindsey Burnett Sep 19, 2026

Show notes

Social isolation may influence how the body recovers from pelvic floor injury after childbirth. Lindsay Burnett, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor and physician-scientist at UC San Diego, studies factors during pregnancy and postpartum that may affect pelvic floor muscle recovery, including medications, diet, exercise and social interaction. Her research grew from clinical observations connecting patients’ perceptions of traumatic births with physical outcomes such as fecal incontinence. In a preclinical model, social support was associated with improved pelvic floor muscle regeneration and distinct metabolic changes. Burnett is investigating metabolites involved in wound healing and skeletal muscle regeneration, along with possible connections between social interaction, the gut microbiome and systemic metabolism. The research offers a biological perspective on why emotional and social support may matter during postpartum recovery. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41640]

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