Health And Medicine (audio)

As part of the 2025 Developmental Disabilities Conference, Dr. Raul Gutierrez, Associate Professor of Pediatrics at San Francisco General Hospital, talks about supporting immigrant children. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40619]

Dr. Robert Baron explores current strategies for treating obesity, emphasizing evidence-based approaches to diagnosis, lifestyle change, medication, and long-term weight maintenance. He explains the limitations of body mass index (BMI) as a diagnostic tool and highlights the importance of assessing both excess fat and its health consequences. He reviews dietary principles, including calorie reduction, avoiding added sugars, and the importance of sustainable habits over specific diet types. He also discusses the role of physical activity—particularly strength training—for preserving muscle and improving long-term outcomes. Baron evaluates weight loss medications such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, noting their benefits, side effects, and the need for continued use to maintain weight loss. [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40757]

As part of the 2025 Developmental Disabilities Conference, Allen Friedland, Terri Hancharick and Jack Jadach talk about a collaborative approach to enhancing health in fitness centers. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40613]

Dr. Robert Baron outlines major updates in type 2 diabetes care, emphasizing that blood sugar control alone does not significantly reduce cardiovascular risk, though it helps prevent microvascular complications. New guidelines now prioritize medications with proven cardiovascular and kidney benefits—GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors—over traditional first-line therapy like metformin. Baron explains how these newer drugs not only lower blood sugar but also reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and heart failure, with added benefits such as weight loss. He also covers changes in screening, diagnosis, blood pressure goals, and individualized treatment strategies based on age, comorbidities, and patient preferences. [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40756]

Sarah Banks, Ph.D. explores why Alzheimer's disease affects women differently than men, emphasizing distinct patterns in tau pathology, cognitive testing bias, and treatment response. She explains how women tend to show a rapid buildup of tau during early cognitive decline, which may contribute to their higher prevalence of Alzheimer's. Banks also highlights how common diagnostic tools may overlook symptoms in women and how approved treatments may offer less benefit for them. Her research at UC San Diego investigates key sex-based differences in risk factors, including sleep apnea, diabetes, and exercise. One study reveals that over 70% of participating women had undiagnosed sleep apnea. Another focuses on Black women, using blood biomarkers to identify overlooked risks and improve care. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40768]

Dr. Ivan de Kouchkovsky explains how radioligand therapy delivers targeted radiation to prostate cancer cells using a radioactive isotope attached to a molecule that binds to PSMA, a protein commonly expressed in these tumors. He reviews key clinical trials showing how the therapy improves survival and quality of life for men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, both after and before chemotherapy. The FDA now approves this approach for patients who have progressed on hormone therapy, even if they haven’t yet received chemotherapy. De Kouchkovsky also highlights efforts to enhance effectiveness by combining therapies, increasing radiation dose, and targeting resistant or PSMA-negative cells. Diagnostic imaging plays a critical role in selecting patients most likely to benefit from treatment. Series: "Prostate Cancer Patient Conference" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40810]

Marni Jacobs, Ph.D., M.P.H., presents the MOM Health Study, part of the NIH's Multi-Omics for Health and Disease (MOHD) Consortium, which investigates hypertensive disorders of pregnancy—such as preeclampsia—and their impact on postpartum health. The study aims to uncover the biological mechanisms linking these conditions to long-term maternal outcomes like stroke and heart disease. Unlike other disease sites, participants are enrolled before outcomes are known, allowing researchers to track 750 pregnancies through delivery and one year postpartum. Data collection includes surveys, biospecimens, placental tissue, and continuous blood pressure monitoring. By integrating clinical, environmental, and molecular data, the study supports early detection strategies and collaborative research to improve maternal health. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40671]

Louise Laurent, M.D., Ph.D., presents new insights into placental biology using cutting-edge molecular and imaging technologies. As part of the NIH-funded Human Biomolecular Atlas Program, her research focuses on mapping the structure and function of the placenta across gestation. By combining bulk RNA sequencing, single-cell analysis, spatial transcriptomics, and imaging mass cytometry, Laurent and collaborators identify key differences in cell types and gene expression associated with pregnancy stages and labor. Her team highlights how specific cells like syncytiotrophoblasts and extravillous trophoblasts evolve over time and interact with maternal tissue. This integrated approach offers an unprecedented view of placental development and lays the groundwork for understanding reproductive health and disease. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40670]

UCSF researchers June Chan and Stacey Kenfield share evidence-based strategies for improving prostate cancer outcomes through exercise and diet. They highlight studies showing that physical activity—including resistance and high-intensity interval training—is linked to lower risk of prostate cancer progression and death. They discuss plant-based diets, dietary indices, and specific foods like tomatoes, fish, and nuts, along with the benefits of substituting plant oils for butter. Their analysis includes findings on racial disparities and underscores the need for inclusive research. They also describe current clinical trials exploring lifestyle tools and offer guidance on navigating diet and exercise choices during cancer survivorship. Series: "Prostate Cancer Patient Conference" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40808]

Dr. Robert Baron reviews best practices in lipid management for preventing cardiovascular disease, with a focus on statin use. He outlines the strong evidence for statins in reducing heart attack and stroke risk by 25–33%, particularly in patients with clinical atherosclerotic disease, diabetes, or high LDL. He explains why shared decision-making is key in primary prevention, where guidelines vary and risk thresholds are debated. Baron discusses the shift to the newer PREVENT risk calculator, which offers improved accuracy and removes race as a factor. He also explains when additional lipid-lowering medications may be appropriate and clarifies the impact of risk-enhancing factors like family history, coronary artery calcium, and LP(a). [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40755]

Dr. Michael Rabow, a palliative care physician, explores the wide-ranging side effects of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer and emphasizes strategies to reduce harm while improving quality of life. He outlines cardiovascular, hormonal, and emotional risks—including heart disease, osteoporosis, depression, and loss of vitality—and explains how early assessment and monitoring can help manage these effects. Dr. Rabow highlights evidence-based interventions such as physical activity and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), both of which improve symptoms like fatigue, sexual dysfunction, and emotional distress. He also reviews pharmacological options and stresses the importance of personalized, team-based care and shared decision-making over time. Series: "Prostate Cancer Patient Conference" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40815]

As part of the 2025 Developmental Disabilities Conference, Dr. Mary Dubon of Harvard Medical School talk about adaptive and para sports for youth with physical and developmental disabilities. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40617]

Anthony Molina, Ph.D. highlights research and resources from the Stein Institute for Research on Aging that support healthy aging, with a focus on women’s health. He describes the institute’s work in training scientists, conducting clinical trials, and promoting community engagement. Key resources include a geroscience lab for biomarker discovery, new facilities for exposome and epigenetics research, and a clinical center for geriatric assessments. Molina also introduces the SAGE study—a 15-year prospective cohort project—and a “living lab” that enables real-world studies on technology and aging. The institute offers pilot funding for early-stage research and fosters intergenerational programs connecting older adults with medical students. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40767]

Lars Bode, Ph.D., presents the Human Milk Institute at UC San Diego, the world’s first research center dedicated entirely to human milk. Established in 2022, the institute connects molecular research with clinical practice, community outreach, and public health. It unites multiple programs under one umbrella, including a milk bank for preterm infants, a biorepository, lactation education, and a rapid response team that helped inform WHO breastfeeding guidelines during COVID-19. The institute promotes collaboration across disciplines such as biology, engineering, social science, and public health. Through initiatives like the Human Milk Analytics Core, it advances maternal and infant health while highlighting the broader public health importance of breastfeeding. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40770]

Prostate cancer and its treatments can significantly impact bone health, increasing the risk of fractures and weakening the immune system. Dr. Terence Friedlander explains how hormone therapy, radiation, and chemotherapy contribute to bone loss and highlights the importance of regular monitoring. He reviews the role of bone-building cells and the effects of osteopenia and osteoporosis, conditions that become more common with age and can be worsened by cancer therapies. Friedlander outlines tools like the Dexa scan and FRAX calculator to assess bone density and fracture risk, and discusses prevention strategies, including adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, weight-bearing exercise, and the use of medications like bisphosphonates and denosumab. He emphasizes proactive bone care for men with prostate cancer to help reduce complications and improve outcomes. Series: "Prostate Cancer Patient Conference" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40812]

Dr. Steven Seyedin presents an overview of PSA recurrence and risk factors for assessment. A PSA test is a blood test used to detect prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in the blood, which can be elevated in cases of prostate cancer and is a common screening tool. He explains how PET, CT, and MRI work, highlighting the precision of PSA PET in detecting cancer spread by targeting PSA proteins on tumor cells. This imaging method combines PET and CT to reveal metastatic disease with greater accuracy than traditional scans. Seyedin addresses the strengths of different imaging agents, emphasizing that access, not brand, is key. He also cautions against false positives, especially in bone lesions, which can mislead diagnosis. By improving staging accuracy, PSA PET supports better treatment planning and outcomes. Ongoing studies explore its use earlier in diagnosis, potentially replacing biopsy or MRI in select cases. Series: "Prostate Cancer Patient Conference" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40805]

Jennifer Anger, M.D., M.P.H., Ph.D. investigates interstitial cystitis (IC), also known as painful bladder syndrome, with a focus on improving care through research on sex, gender, and health disparities. Using Veterans Affairs (VA) data, Anger challenges the outdated belief that IC predominantly affects women. She explores how comorbidities such as PTSD and depression, common among veterans, influence bladder pain, and examines how factors like exercisJennifer Anger, M.D., M.P.H., Ph.D. uses VA data to study interstitial cystitis.. She examines links between bladder pain, PTSD, depression, diet, and disparities to improve care across all gender identities.e, diet, and neighborhood deprivation impact symptoms. By including both cis and trans women as well as men, Anger seeks to advance more inclusive, data-driven understanding and treatment of IC across all populations. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40675]

Gladys (Sandy) Ramos, M.D. outlines the comprehensive maternal care services at UC San Diego, emphasizing clinical excellence, innovation, and community impact. She highlights programs in diabetes and pregnancy, high-risk obstetrics, postpartum and HIV care, and maternal mental health. Ramos describes cutting-edge capabilities in fetal and placental imaging, including expertise in placenta accreta and genetic counseling. A fetal surgery program is launching soon, expanding access to specialized care and research. The department’s patient population closely reflects San Diego County’s demographics, which informs both clinical care and research priorities. Ramos also details a collaborative structure with multidisciplinary conferences and welcomes partnerships in research related to maternal, placental, and fetal health. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40669]

UCLA’s Avishek Adhikari, PhD, presents new research on the role of GABAergic neurons in the brain’s periaqueductal gray (PAG) region. Previously studied for their involvement in fear and defensive behaviors, these neurons were found to promote food-seeking behavior when activated—even in fully fed mice. Using calcium imaging and optogenetics, Adhikari’s team discovered that these neurons are active during food approach but suppressed during eating. The effect is stronger for high-value foods like chocolate or crickets and depends on the mouse’s prior experience with that food. A key finding is that these neurons influence behavior through a specific projection to the zona incerta, a subthalamic region. Rather than signaling hunger, this pathway appears to drive food seeking based on reward value, highlighting a new motivational circuit in the brain. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 40444]

Sheng Zhong, Ph.D. pioneers technologies that advance women’s reproductive health. Zhong develops a minimally invasive method to analyze extracellular RNA secreted by embryos during IVF. By sequencing tiny samples of spent culture media, they generate comprehensive RNA profiles and use machine learning to identify biomarkers that predict embryo quality with accuracy comparable to traditional imaging. This breakthrough offers a gentler, data-driven alternative for assessing embryo viability, with the potential to improve live birth rates and support families navigating infertility. Zhong’s research highlights the power of molecular innovation to transform fertility care and address critical challenges in women’s health. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40676]