Astronomy (Audio)

Stem cell health in space matters for astronaut health and cancer research. Jessica Pham, UC San Diego, explains how spaceflight shapes normal hematopoietic stem cells and cancer stem cells through nano bioreactor studies, astronaut blood analysis, and tumor organoid work in low-Earth orbit. Pham examines increased cycling and reduced dormancy in space, reduced self-renewal after return, and ongoi...

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 missio...

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 condu...

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 scien...

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...

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 ha...

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...

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 expe...

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...

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 develop...

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 desc...

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...

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" [...

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]...

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: "...

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]

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...

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]

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...

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]

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 a...

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’...

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...