Science (Video)

This talk offers an overview of the many forms of permanent genital modifications embedded in human cultures, where they occur, the reasons why, the archaeological investigations of origins, and future trends. Included are female clitoridectomy, excision, infibulation, and other practices that affect about five percent of females worldwide; and the male practices that affect one-third of males: circumcision, superincision, and subincision. Why have so many cultures invented and preserved these modifications as part of their valued heritage? Controversies abound: the current human rights opposition to all female practices is met with backlash, and others question the “justifications” for continuing male circumcision. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 39471]

Bioarchaeological studies of Pleistocene populations, examining practices like tooth ablation, facial piercing, and cranial modification, contribute to our understanding of social identities and population dynamics. Recent analyses of Ohalo II H2 in southwestern Asia and Oldupai Hominid 1 in Tanzania reveal dental evidence of intentional body modifications. Ohalo II H2 likely represents the earliest case of intentional incisor ablation in Southwest Asia, a common practice in Iberomaurusian and Natufian cultures. Oldupai Hominid 1 exhibits dental wear suggestive of facial piercings, a previously unknown practice in Late Pleistocene/Early Holocene East Africa. These early cases shed light on the cultural practices and social identities of Pleistocene populations. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 39468]

Today, permanent body modification (PBM) is very popular. Studies suggest that well over a billion living people have experienced one or more types of PBM. But what is the history of PBM? When did the different types originate? Were they invented recently, or do they have a long history? Did they appear simultaneously or at different times? This presentation examines evidence in non-human animals and extinct hominins, delving into early archaeological and historical records of seven main PBM types: tattooing, scarification, amputation, piercing, genital modification, dental modification, and bone shaping. Strong evidence supports human PBM for at least 15,000 years, with intriguing hints suggesting a history dating back as far as 80,000 years. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 39467]

Our ability to adapt our bodies to culture has ancient origins. We suggest a timeline for how the culturalization of the human body evolved, starting around 500-300 thousand years ago. This timeline highlights key moments at 140 thousand years, 70 thousand years, and 45 thousand years, followed by a faster pace linked to the rise of production economies. The underlying idea is a gradual growth in the complexity of technologies shaping the body, along with increased time and effort invested in obtaining and transforming necessary materials. Simultaneously, the development of symbolic codes required the creation of specific cognitive functions and neural circuits, allowing for the decoding of intricate messages conveyed by these cultural practices. These practices likely became more intricate in terms of techniques, symbolic codes, and the involvement of specialized individuals over time to ensure their continuation and potential further development. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 39466]

This talk presents a new account of the development of professional tattooing in Britain and America since the late 19th century. Research based exclusively in primary sources reveals that the story of what kickstarted the creation of commercial tattooing, and what sustained it, ultimately becomes intelligible as a small and interconnected network of transnational artists and – crucially – clients. These newly clarified networks problematise both the date and form of the customary notion of a “Tattoo Renaissance” in the 1970s and 80s. Moreover, this research presents a more diverse account of the transmission of design, technology and influence throughout Euro-American tattooing than had previously been understood both within the industry, and beyond. Research is drawn from Dr Lodder’s next book on the history of the modern Euro-American tattoo industry, due to be published in late 2024 with Yale University Press. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 39473]

Permanent body modification is a unique and variable practice among humans, not observed in other mammals. Despite being costly and risky, it is regularly performed. Scientific understanding of this phenomenon is nascent, prompting a symposium aiming to assess current research status and prioritize questions for the next decade. The event brings together academics and industry practitioners, exploring historical and contemporary practices like tattooing, piercing, finger amputation, and cranial modification. The symposium aims to investigate the 'when' and 'where' of permanent body modification and understand the motivations behind it, considering personal justifications and scientific hypotheses. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 39475]

Bioengineering, also known as biomedical engineering, is a multidisciplinary field that applies principles and methods of engineering, biology, and medicine to solve problems and develop technologies related to healthcare and biology. Bioengineers design and create a wide range of medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and therapeutic techniques. They work on projects such as artificial organs, medical imaging systems, drug delivery systems, tissue engineering, genetic engineering, and more. UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering Dean Al Pisano shares a conversation with the founding chair of the Department of Bioengineering, Dr. Shu Chien, and local bioengineering entrepreneur Dr. Gene Lay discussing the impact of bioengineering and how the field continues to drive innovation in medicine, improve patient outcomes, enhance quality of life, and is shaping the future of healthcare. [Science] [Show ID: 39399]

Tristan Brugère, a Ph.D. student in the Halıcıoğlu Data Science Institute at UC San Diego discusses his research at The Institute for Learning-enabled Optimization at Scale (TILOS). Specifically, how he is working on optimal transport and neural networks on graph generative models with applications to chip design. Series: "Science Like Me" [Science] [Show ID: 39342]

This talk explores the 1000-year practice of "footbinding" in ethnically Han Chinese families, involving modifying young girls' feet by wrapping the toes under the sole, often resulting in broken toes. Two main hypotheses—Labor Market and Evolutionary Social Sciences—are considered for explaining the origins, maintenance, and cessation of footbinding. This talk presents evidence from autopsy results, medical examinations, anthropological records, interviews, and historical texts. It argues that evolutionary social and psychological principles related to hypergyny, mate guarding, parental competition, mate competition, and paternal uncertainty offer better explanations for the origins and maintenance of footbinding than labor market factors. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 39472]

How can we use raw materials to improve the environment? In this program, Susannah L. Scott, professor of chemistry at UC Santa Barbara, discusses how to efficiently use catalytic conversion of unconventional materials, such as biomass and synthetic polymers to create sustainable routes to renewable energy, fuels and chemicals. Series: "GRIT Talks" [Science] [Show ID: 39440]

Join Professor Drew Lucas from Scripps Institution of Oceanography as he delves into the intriguing phenomenon of red tides. In this enlightening talk, you'll discover the behaviors of Lingulodinium polyedra, the primary organism behind these glowing marine events. Professor Lucas's groundbreaking research, featuring tools like an underwater microscope and a wave-powered profiling device, sheds light on the 2020 red tide's secrets. Gain insights into the complex swimming patterns of phytoplankton, their nutrient uptake strategies, and the resulting effects on marine ecosystems. This program offers an in-depth look at marine ecology and underscores the vital role of technological innovation in oceanographic research. Series: "Jeffrey B. Graham Perspectives on Ocean Science Lecture Series" [Science] [Show ID: 39251]

In the coming decades, individuals around the world must adapt to changing environmental conditions, often driven by climate change. Adaptation requires significant resources, prompting the question of whether existing economic and social inequities may be exacerbated when adaptation become accessible to some, but not others. Kyle Meng, associate professor of economics at UC Santa Barbara, explores what happens when one of the world’s most unequal cities experiences an unprecedented, nearly catastrophic environmental disaster. In 2017, following years of prolonged drought, the city of Cape Town announced an impending "Day Zero", at which point pipes would run dry. Using a variety of data sources, we show how households of different wealth levels adapted to Day Zero and discuss the long term implications of Day Zero for Cape Town's water use and public finances. Series: "GRIT Talks" [Science] [Agriculture] [Show ID: 39334]

Hanna Mikkola, M.D., Ph.D., shares her work in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and their complex renewal process. Her research aims to unravel these cells' behavior in mice and humans, offering potential insights for future medical advancements. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 39258]

Tara Javidi, an Electrical and Computer Engineering professor at UC San Diego's Jacobs School of Engineering discusses her research in artificial intelligence and large scale wireless networks. Series: "Science Like Me" [Science] [Show ID: 39163]

Comparative Anthropogeny (CompAnth) is the study of distinctly human traits and characteristics in the context of comparisons with our closest living relatives, the “great apes.” This symposium, the third of CARTA's CompAnth series, will present a collection of distinctive human traits, ranging from molecular, cellular, and anatomical biology to behavioral, societal, and cultural features. Given the large number of human traits for which no counterparts have yet been described in nature, the limitations of the comparative method will also be addressed and alternative approaches to the singularity that is the human phenomenon will be discussed. The goal is a better understanding of human origins and a full appreciation of our species’ planet altering effects. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 39281]

Anna Beaudin, Ph.D., delves into the intricacies of how prenatal inflammation impacts the immune system's blueprint, shaping its long-term function. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 39257]

Brian A. Boyd, Ph.D., explores the health challenges faced by autistic individuals, especially those in diverse gender and sexual orientation groups. He highlights the impact of societal barriers on their mental and physical health. Boyd emphasizes the need for research considering race, income, and state healthcare laws. He discusses the importance of understanding intersectional identities and promoting inclusivity in autism research. Boyd stresses the significance of cultural humility, diverse representation, and systemic interventions to address disparities. He urges a comprehensive approach acknowledging the complexity of people's lives to improve the well-being of autistic individuals across diverse communities. Series: "Autism Tree Project Annual Neuroscience Conference" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 39169]

Comparative Anthropogeny (CompAnth) is the study of distinctly human traits and characteristics in the context of comparisons with our closest living relatives, the “great apes.” This symposium, the third of CARTA's CompAnth series, will present a collection of distinctive human traits, ranging from molecular, cellular, and anatomical biology to behavioral, societal, and cultural features. Given the large number of human traits for which no counterparts have yet been described in nature, the limitations of the comparative method will also be addressed and alternative approaches to the singularity that is the human phenomenon will be discussed. The goal is a better understanding of human origins and a full appreciation of our species’ planet altering effects. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 39280]

Human language is a strong contender for the title of most often named species-specific feature in the literature. But why is that? In this talk, Eva Wittenberg explores what we could mean by "human language", and how different conceptions of language inevitably lead to different answers about whether it is species-specific. While syntax is a central feature, it is only one of several, and the uniqueness of human language is that it arose from a combination of, perhaps, ordinary ingredients. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 39277]

Artificial intelligence has captured the minds and curiosities of people and industries around the world. From commerce to education to medicine, the AI revolution offers promises and pitfalls in virtually every realm of society. You will hear four perspectives on the future of AI—from futuristic AI-based simulations for developing new medicines and vaccines; to navigating the frontiers of science with mind-boggling image analysis; to unprecedented explorations of how the brain works. You’ll also hear from the life sciences industry about how AI is pioneering innovation and new product development. Series: "A Deep Look into the Future of Biology" [Science] [Show ID: 39246]