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]