Asteroids, often called “fossils of the solar system,” are remnants from its formation that offer clues about planetary origins and the potential beginnings of life. Dr. Neil Farber, Solar System Ambassador for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, explains that some, known as near-Earth objects, pose impact risks—though large, dangerous collisions are rare—and NASA’s Near-Earth Object Surveyor mission aims to detect and track them to inform planetary defense strategies. Asteroids may also hold reso...
Sep 06, 2025•49 min
The 3rd Annual Global Astrobiotechnology Hub focuses on advancing the intersection of space exploration, biotechnology, and innovation. The program brings together scientists, researchers, and space professionals to discuss how space technologies can accelerate scientific breakthroughs, particularly in fields like personalized medicine and bioengineering. Key themes include the challenges of conducting real-time research in space, the need for specialized astronaut-scientists, and the potential ...
May 05, 2025•1 hr 27 min
Scientists, leaders, and patients discuss the intersection of cutting-edge science and real-world impact. They explore the importance of patient perspectives in shaping medical advancements and how collaboration fuels groundbreaking research. Key scientific achievements in areas like regenerative medicine, cancer therapies, and space biology are highlighted. The group emphasizes the need for scientists to engage more with the public—through social media and media appearances—to help people under...
May 02, 2025•1 hr 13 min
Explore the cutting-edge intersection of space travel, biology, and health. Experts dive into the effects of microgravity and space radiation on mitochondrial function, DNA repair, and liver regeneration, shedding light on the unique challenges astronauts face during long-term missions. The discussion also touches on metabolic health, highlighting the role of diet and new pharmaceutical treatments like GLP-1 agonists in addressing modern-day health concerns. With engaging insights on how space r...
Mar 17, 2025•58 min
Why explore stem cells in space when we have the comfort of Earth's laboratories? Join Robert A.J. Signer, Ph.D., alongside Catriona Jamieson, M.D., Ph.D., and Alysson Muotri, Ph.D., as they delve into the untapped potential of space experiments for expediting medical breakthroughs. Patient advocate Alexandria Allen offers a poignant narrative, revealing the profound impact such research has had on her personal health journey. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID:...
Jun 03, 2024•1 hr
Explore cutting-edge research at the intersection of neuroscience, space exploration, and medical innovation. Researchers discuss revolutionary experiments with brain organoids cultivated from stem cells, conducted both in terrestrial labs and aboard the International Space Station. They investigate accelerated aging, neuroprotective agents, and potential treatments for conditions like Alzheimer's and ALS. The dialogue also delves into the transformative impact of space environments on scientifi...
May 04, 2024•54 min
Marking the one-year anniversary of the Global Astrobiotechnology Hub, an esteemed panel convenes to envision the future of space exploration and stem cell research. Central to their discussion is the imperative to enhance accessibility and expedite scientific inquiry in space. They advocate for a shift towards establishing regular access to space, enabling frequent dispatches of payloads and experiments. They highlight the pressing need to advance technology to democratize space research, openi...
Apr 26, 2024•54 min
Experts discuss the immense potential of conducting experiments and manufacturing goods in space. They explore how this could enhance our understanding of health issues, unveil new discoveries, and produce innovative technology for use on Earth. The conversation encompasses collaborations between various industries and scientists, aiming to explore the distinct conditions in space to enhance life for all. Featuring: Catriona Jamieson, M.D., Ph.D. UC San Diego Jana Stoudemire, M.Bio. Axiom Space ...
Dec 09, 2023•55 min
Astronaut Peggy Whitson, Ph.D., and Lisa Carnell, Ph.D., discuss various aspects of space exploration, life in microgravity, and the future of space science and research. They delve into the challenges astronauts face, from taste differences in space to innovative 3D printing solutions. The conversation also highlights the importance of stem cell research, personalized medicine, and drug development in space. Whitson's unique perspective offers insights into the awe-inspiring views of Earth from...
Nov 06, 2023•40 min
UC San Diego Professor of Sociology and Co-Director of the Institute of Practical Ethics, John Evans discusses the work of Kyoto Prize laureate Bruno Latour with UC San Diego Professor Emerita of Communication and Science Studies Chandra Mukerji. Latour has revolutionized the conventional view of science by treating nature, humans, laboratory equipment, and other entities as equal actors, and describing technoscience as the hybrid network of these actors. His philosophy re-examines "modernity" b...
Apr 06, 2022•57 min
Erik Viirre, MD, PhD, Christopher Mason, PhD, Jana Stoudemire, and Brinda Rana, MD, discuss how what we learn from space flight could impact terrestrial health as well as the health of future astronauts. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 37559]
Feb 07, 2022•26 min
To study aging, scientists are looking to outer space. Space travel causes changes to the body that are similar to aging. Dr. Sonja Schrepfer, UCSF Division of Adult Cardiothoracic Surgery, investigates space-related physiological changes, similar to those observed during aging, including defects in bone healing, loss of cardiovascular and neurological capacity, and altered immune function. Series: "Osher WISE: Well-being and Integrative Science for Everyone" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Sho...
May 22, 2021•21 min
Prolonged exposure to microgravity experienced by astronauts in space is known to cause low back pain and a heightened risk of intervertebral disc herniations following space flight. Jeff Lotz, Professor, Vice Chair for Research, UCSF Orthopaedic Surgery, discusses what has been learned about back pain and spinal degeneration. Series: "Osher WISE: Well-being and Integrative Science for Everyone" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 37079]
May 15, 2021•25 min
Dr. Jonathan Clark explores enabling technologies and how they've been used in advancing humans in space while also having impacts on terrestrial applications. Clark worked at NASA from 1997 to 2005 and was a Space Shuttle Crew Surgeon on six shuttle missions and was Chief of the Medical Operations Branch. Series: "Osher WISE: Well-being and Integrative Science for Everyone" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 37005]
May 14, 2021•45 min
The environment of long-duration spaceflight causes major disruption to all aspects of human functioning, including the musculoskeletal system. But astronauts are not the only ones that worry about bone loss. All those who suffer from osteoporosis have issues with bone density and strength. Researchers hope that looking at the problem of bone loss in space will help the disease on Earth. Series: "Osher WISE: Well-being and Integrative Science for Everyone" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show I...
May 14, 2021•36 min
Galactic Cosmic Rays (GCR) penetrate the hull of spacecraft and cause physiological changes to those within. Susanna Rosi, UCSF Professor and Director of Neurocognitive Research, explains the effects. Series: "Osher WISE: Well-being and Integrative Science for Everyone" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 36866]
Apr 23, 2021•28 min
Microgravity has profound effects on physical and living systems which makes the International Space Station an important place for scientific research. Liz Warren, Senior Program Director for the International Space Station U.S. National Laboratory, talks about the groundbreaking science, technology and innovation not possible on Earth. Series: "Osher WISE: Well-being and Integrative Science for Everyone" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 36865]
Apr 19, 2021•26 min
Stephen Robinson, Former Astronaut and Director of UC Davis Center for Spaceflight Research, talks about what's it's like to work in space and his experience as a NASA astronaut. Series: "Osher WISE: Well-being and Integrative Science for Everyone" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 36864]
Apr 08, 2021•34 min
Alison Coil of UC San Diego's Center for Astrophysics and Space Sciences and Professor of Physics hosts a rare, candid conversation with James Gunn, considered the father of the unprecedented Sloan Digital Sky Survey, which to date has observed some 300 million objects, creating the most comprehensive 3D map of the universe. They discuss his experiences starting the SDSS and his future exploits in deep-sky observations. Includes his Kyoto Prize acceptance address delivered in Kyoto on the occasi...
Apr 03, 2021•1 hr 27 min
Dr. Tammy Chang, UCSF Division of Surgery, explores tissue engineering in space and how it may be able to help meet the need. Series: "Osher WISE: Well-being and Integrative Science for Everyone" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 36863]
Mar 30, 2021•1 hr 23 min
Human space exploration, extreme sports, remote environments, and pandemics all require medical care outside of the norm, often non-contact care. The UC Space Health Program seeks to understand human health risk in space and advance remote health ad medical capacities to further distributes but not diluted health care. Series: "Osher WISE: Well-being and Integrative Science for Everyone" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 36862]
Mar 12, 2021•1 hr 25 min
Launched in 2018, NASA’s Parker Solar Probe spacecraft, with instruments developed and built by UC Berkeley, has now traveled closer to the sun than any other mission in history, actually penetrating the sun’s atmosphere, to investigate highly charged magnetic field. Now, that data has allowed solar physicists to map the source of a major component of the solar wind that continually peppers Earth’s atmosphere, while revealing strange magnetic field reversals that could be accelerating these part...
Feb 08, 2021•3 min
A computational approach inspired by the growth patterns of a slime mold has enabled a team of astronomers and computer scientists at UC Santa Cruz to trace the filaments of the cosmic web that connects galaxies throughout the universe. Series: "UCTV Prime" [Science] [Show ID: 36784]
Feb 06, 2021•2 min
Limited medical equipment on space craft makes medical care in space a real challenge. Ordinary problems must be dealt with, as well as problems related to the unique environment of space. As NASA plans for new crewed exploration missions, beyond low earth orbit, telemedicine support will be limited, and medical evacuation to earth will no longer be possible. To address this problem, LLNL and NASA Ames Research Center are developing a novel diagnostic instrument to help provide medical care on d...
Apr 05, 2020•38 min
New state-of-the-art chronologic measurements of rocks brought to Earth by Apollo astronauts reveal that many of the historical age determinations are erroneous. The new measurements presented by cosmochemist Lars Borg demonstrate that the Moon's mantle and crust formed contemporaneously between 4.33 and 4.38 billion years ago. Series: "Lawrence Livermore National Lab Science on Saturday" [Science] [Show ID: 35696]
Apr 05, 2020•59 min
Our planet has been continually bombarded by asteroids since its formation, 4.5 billion years ago. While the frequency of large impacts has decreased, many potential Near-Earth Object threats remain undiscovered, so if or when they will impact Earth remains unknown. Fortunately, if an Earth-threatening asteroid is discovered in time, there are ways to mitigate or even prevent a disaster. Scientists at LLNL provide computer simulations in preparation these scenarios so if the time comes where an ...
Apr 04, 2020•50 min
The Additive Rocket Corporation utilizes state of the art metal additive manufacturing techniques coupled with advanced design and test processes to create thrust chambers for the space market. The company's revolutionary methods allow for the design and production of specifically tailored and mission specific propulsion solutions. CSO Reiley Weekes and CTO Kyle Adriany share more about their unique company and goals. Series: "STEAM: Adding Arts to STEM Education" [Science] [Show ID: 35220]
Oct 21, 2019•26 min
Scott Kelly spent a year in the International Space Station while his identical twin Mark Kelly was on earth. UC San Diego and many institutions studied the mental, cardiovascular, immune, genetic, muscular, microbial, bone, and eye changes in both twins to see the effects of long-term space travel. Changes were troubling, so NASA plans several more long-term space flights that will focus on genetic changes, bone loss, loss of vision, brain swelling, and Nutrition. Michael G. Ziegler, MD, is Pro...
Sep 09, 2019•55 min
Cosmologist and author of "Losing the Nobel Prize" Brian Keating tells the inside story of BICEP2’s mesmerizing discovery and the scientific drama that ensued in this interview with science fiction author David Brin. Keating describes a journey of revelation and discovery, bringing to life the highly competitive, take-no-prisoners, publish-or-perish world of modern science. Along the way, he provocatively argues that the Nobel Prize, instead of advancing scientific progress, may actually hamper ...
May 21, 2018•55 min
The first detection of gravitational waves from the cataclysmic merger of two neutron stars, and the observation of visible light in the aftermath of that merger, finally answer a long-standing question in astrophysics: Where do the heaviest elements, ranging from silver and other precious metals to uranium, come from? Series: "UC Berkeley News" [Science] [Show ID: 33299]
Mar 12, 2018•3 min
