Health and Medicine (Audio)

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]