Science (Audio)

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  1. 29 JAN

    CARTA: Population Genetics of Latin America and Oceania with Andrés Moreno-Estrada

    Genetic data is transforming the understanding of our own species and refining historical chapters at different scales around the globe. However, despite the globalization of biotechnologies to analyze the human genome, indigenous populations from the Americas and Oceania remain underrepresented in large-scale genomic studies. Andrés Moreno-Estrada, Cinvestav, discusses recent efforts to characterize the genetic profile of Indigenous Americans throughout the analysis of ancient and modern DNA, as well as their relationship within and beyond the continent, including the possibility of prehistoric contacts with Pacific Islanders. This topic poses challenges and opportunities to adequately study human diversity not only for the benefit of genetic research and science, but also for the benefit of the local communities, which are bearers of a unique evolutionary history that has been recorded in their DNA. This rapidly evolving field also raises questions about the best practices when studying the DNA of underrepresented ancestries while conducting cutting-edge science in a more equitable way. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Science] [Show ID: 41201]

    20 min

  2. 27 JAN

    Big Data Better Answers: Optimization at Scale with Courtney Paquette

    Large-scale optimization and machine learning shape modern data science, and Courtney Paquette, Ph.D., McGill University, studies how to design and analyze algorithms for large-scale optimization problems motivated by applications and data science. Paquette draws on probability, complexity theory, and convex and non-smooth optimization, and examines scaling limits of stochastic algorithms. Speaking with Saura Naderi, UC San Diego, Paquette describes an unconventional path from finance to pure mathematics and explains how persistence and comfort with uncertainty support long-term research. She highlights the challenge of building missing foundations while advancing through graduate training, and she connects that experience to the realities of doing original work. Paquette also reflects on rapid progress in machine learning and frames AI systems as tools that can be used thoughtfully. Series: "Science Like Me" [Science] [Show ID: 41119]

    23 min

  3. 22 JAN

    CARTA: Genetic History of Humans and Animals in South Asia with Maanasa Raghavan

    The human genetic history of South Asia has been shaped by its pivotal location at the crossroads of East and West Eurasia, dramatic landscapes such as the Himalayas, and longstanding socio-cultural practices like endogamy. A consequence is the diversity of East and West Eurasian genetic ancestral lineages found in South Asians today. Maanasa Raghavan, professor at the University of Chicago, explains that the increasing genome-wide data from ancient and present-day humans are providing emerging insights into the demographic processes that underlie present-day genetic diversity of South Asians and how they interface with evidence from archaeology, anthropology, linguistics, and oral histories. Human history in South Asia is also closely intertwined with the animals that humans domesticated, traded, and moved with them, offering yet another window into the dynamics of human mobility and connectivity in the past. Raghavanon's talk focuses on ancient and modern DNA insights into the origins of present-day human genetic diversity in South Asia, evolutionary history of domesticates, and broader implications for our understanding of human movements and interactions across Eurasia. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Science] [Show ID: 41200]

    22 min

  4. 19 JAN

    Stem Cell Pathways Targeting Neurodegenerative Diseases - Medicine Informing Novel Discoveries (MIND)

    Stem cell science is reshaping treatment for complex disorders of the brain and spinal cord. Researchers develop cell based therapies to replace lost dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson’s disease, fill gaps across spinal cord injuries, and calm seizure networks in refractory epilepsy by restoring the balance of inhibition and excitation. Teams test immune cell therapies against Epstein Barr virus infected B cells in multiple sclerosis and collaborate to move treatments across the blood brain barrier to reach diseased cells. Clinicians combine imaging in the operating room, surgical tools, and research on biological age and the pace of aging to understand disease and guide treatment. Patient advocates describe challenges and hopes for better options, and contemporary art reflects on perception in digital and physical worlds. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 40992]

    1h 25m

  5. 15 JAN

    CARTA: Central Asian Population Genetics and Natural Selection with Ainash Childebayeva

    Ancient DNA has revolutionized the study of the human past, providing unprecedented insights into ancient migrations and interactions among populations. Central Asia, due to its geographic location between Europe and Asia, has seen experienced diverse human and hominin migrations, which have been a focus of genetic, archaeological, linguistic, and historical research. Ainash Childebayeva, professor at the University of Texas at Austin, discusses recent advances in population genetics which have revealed the complex ancestry of Central Asian groups, both modern and ancient. Significant progress has also been made in understanding the role of natural selection in shaping genetic variation across the region. Childebayeva presents recent developments in our knowledge of Central Asia’s genetic history, integrating findings from both modern and ancient genomic studies. Additionally, she highlights the selective pressures that have influenced the genomes of Central Asians through time, shedding light on the dynamic interplay between admixture, adaptation, and cultural change. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Science] [Show ID: 41199]

    19 min

  6. 14 JAN

    Technology's Influence on Self-Esteem

    We’re surrounded by digital devices — from phones and tablets to streaming platforms and social media. In this excerpt, Kristy Hamilton, Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication at UCSB, shares findings on how cognitive self-esteem can change if a person is using a personal mobile device. Series: "GRIT Talks" [Science] [Show ID: 41214]

    5 min

  7. 9 JAN

    CARTA: The Genetic History of Europe with Johannes Krause

    Over the past decade, archaeogenetics has analyzed more than 15,000 ancient genomes spanning 45,000 years of western Eurasian prehistory, uncovering dozens of migrations that reshaped Europe. Johannes Krause, Max Planck Institute, traces the earliest, unsuccessful attempts of modern humans to settle Europe after leaving Africa around 50,000 years ago, when they also interbred with Neandertals. Krause examines two major genetic turnovers of the Neolithic: the spread of early farmers from Anatolia about 8,000 years ago, who brought agriculture and domesticated animals and later mixed with indigenous hunter-gatherers; and the arrival of mobile herders from the Pontic steppe around 5,000 years ago, who introduced pastoralism and possibly Indo-European languages. Finally, he considers migrations triggered by the collapse of the Roman Empire, showing how large-scale mobility created the multiple ancestral strands found in modern Europeans. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Science] [Show ID: 41198]

    20 min

  8. 8 JAN

    CARTA: Ancient DNA - New Revelations Welcome and Opening Remarks

    Dramatic advances in ancient DNA technologies have revolutionized our understanding of the human past. Since the publication of the first ancient human genomes in 2010, the field of archaeogenomics has grown at an astonishing pace, and today the genomes of more than 10,000 ancient humans have been sequenced. Kicking off this symposium are CARTA Co-Director and Salk Institute President Jerry Joyce and event co-chair Johannes Krause. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Science] [Show ID: 41194]

    12 min
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Science affects us all. Explore a wide variety of topics from technology in our everyday lives to complex global issues. Visit uctv.tv/science

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  • Creator
    UCTV
  • Years Active
    2011 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 Regents of the University of California
  • Show Website
    Science (Audio)

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