Astronomy (Audio)

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 Alain Berinstain, Ph.D. Space Tango Marc Giulianotti, Ph.D. Sierra Space Kevin Engelbert, M.S.F. NASA Michael Roberts, Ph.D. CASIS Arun Sharma, Ph.D. Cedars Sinai Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 39072]

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 space and the collective responsibility to protect our planet. This thought-provoking discussion exemplifies the intersection of science, space exploration, and the promise of a future beyond our planet. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Science] [Show ID: 39073]

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" based on the dualism of nature and society. He has a large influence across disciplines, with his multifaceted activities that include proposals regarding global environmental issues. Included is Latour's acceptance address delivered in Kyoto on the occasion of his being honored with the prestigious award. Series: "Kyoto Prize Symposium" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 37922]

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]

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: "Mini Medical School for the Public" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 36869]

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: "Mini Medical School for the Public" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 37079]

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: "Mini Medical School for the Public" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 36867]

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: "Mini Medical School for the Public" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 37005]

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: "Mini Medical School for the Public" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 36866]

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: "Mini Medical School for the Public" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 36865]

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: "Mini Medical School for the Public" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 36864]

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 occasion of his being honored with the prestigious award. Series: "Kyoto Prize Symposium" [Science] [Show ID: 36809]

Dr. Tammy Chang, UCSF Division of Surgery, explores tissue engineering in space and how it may be able to help meet the need. Series: "Mini Medical School for the Public" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 36863]

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: "Mini Medical School for the Public" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 36862]

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 particles toward our planet. These accelerated particles interact with Earth’s magnetic field, generating the colorful northern and southern lights but also potentially damaging the electrical grid and telecommunications networks on the surface, threatening orbiting satellites and perhaps endangering astronauts in space. Series: "UC Berkeley News" [Science] [Show ID: 36760]

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]

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 deep space missions. The technology consists of a blood analysis system, based on microfluidics, together with a breath analysis system that uses carbon nanotube sensors. The technology is designed to support future missions to the moon and Mars, and it is expected to be used for terrestrial medicine as well, in a variety of arenas where medical resources are limited. Series: "Lawrence Livermore National Lab Science on Saturday" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 35697]

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]

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 asteroid is headed our way, we will be prepared. Series: "Lawrence Livermore National Lab Science on Saturday" [Science] [Show ID: 35698]

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]