UC San Diego (Audio)

Ina Stelzer, Ph.D., explores how the maternal immune system adapts to support a healthy pregnancy and how disruptions can lead to complications like preterm birth. Her lab identifies early immune changes linked to spontaneous preterm birth and investigates the role of the maternal brain in regulating immune responses. Stelzer uses advanced technologies like mass cytometry and spatial proteomics to map immune and molecular changes in pregnancy, integrating these data with transcriptomics and mouse models. Her team studies how antidepressants affect immune signaling during pregnancy and examines the impact of social and behavioral factors. These insights may reveal biomarkers and therapeutic targets for improving maternal and fetal health. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40773]

Amanda Lewis, Ph.D. investigates how glycan-degrading enzymes contribute to bacterial vaginosis (BV), a common condition linked to infertility, preterm birth, pelvic inflammatory disease, and increased cancer risk. Her research shows that BV-associated bacteria strip protective sugar coatings—glycans—from vaginal epithelial cells, disrupting normal function and increasing vulnerability to infection. Lewis and her team study specific enzymes, such as sialidases, that remove sialic acid from glycoproteins and mucins. Using clinical samples and imaging techniques, they identify how these changes in glycan composition correlate with disease severity. Their work reveals how glycan degradation contributes to persistent or recurrent BV and opens new pathways for understanding the microbiome's role in women’s health. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40678]

Michael J. Wilkinson, M.D., F.A.C.C., F.N.L.A., explores the science and clinical evidence behind intermittent fasting and its role in promoting cardiometabolic health. He explains how aligning eating patterns with the body’s natural circadian rhythms can improve weight, blood pressure, glucose regulation, and other risk factors, especially in individuals with metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes. Wilkinson highlights promising results from time-restricted eating studies conducted in collaboration with UC San Diego and the Salk Institute, where narrowing the daily eating window led to improved metabolic markers and potential benefits beyond weight loss. He also outlines practical tips for safely adopting this lifestyle approach and stresses the importance of ongoing research. Series: "Stein Institute for Research on Aging" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40319]

AI and genetic medicine are converging to transform how we diagnose, treat, and prevent disease. Gene Yeo, Ph.D., unites RNA biology with artificial intelligence to speed the path from genome sequencing to personalized RNA therapeutics. Advances in sequencing have reduced costs dramatically, making interpretation and translation into treatments the real challenge. Using deep learning and large datasets of RNA-binding proteins, Yeo predicts disease vulnerabilities and identifies therapeutic targets, including in neurodegeneration and muscular diseases. Alexis Komor, Ph.D., focuses on DNA, explaining human genetic variation—particularly single-nucleotide variants—and how genome editing technologies like CRISPR can target them. She highlights strategies to correct harmful mutations and explores precise, programmable interventions. Together, their research drives discovery and enables more effective, personalized therapies. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 40459]

Rebecca Rakow Penner, M.D., Ph.D., is a body and breast imaging radiologist and MRI physicist advancing how pelvic pain and gynecologic cancers are diagnosed through imaging. She highlights how MRI is improving the detection of endometriosis, pelvic adhesions, venous disorders, and pelvic floor dysfunction with enhanced resolution and motion-sensitive techniques. Rakow Penner also works on new MRI-based protocols that may reduce the need for contrast agents in evaluating breast and ovarian cancer. Through innovative modeling techniques like restriction spectrum imaging, she explores how to differentiate cancerous tissue from post-treatment effects, aiming to improve treatment assessment for cervical and ovarian cancer. Her collaborations span clinical, engineering, and pathology teams. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40673]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Science communication expert Lisa Warshaw and scientist Rob Signer, Ph.D., offer a practical guide to turning complex research into clear, memorable stories. They explain why strong openings, simple messages, vivid analogies, and visual storytelling are essential to making science resonate. The talk includes tips on avoiding jargon, using soundbites effectively, and preparing for high-stakes moments like media interviews and conference Q&As. Warshaw draws on her experience in global biotech and healthcare communications, while Signer shares real-world lessons from academic science and public engagement. Together, they highlight how clarity and creativity can elevate a researcher’s voice, build trust with diverse audiences, and drive impact across fields. The session is filled with actionable insights for scientists aiming to connect their work with the world. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 40460]

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]

Linda Brubaker, M.D. emphasizes the urgent need to advance women’s health research beyond its traditional focus on reproduction, pregnancy, menopause, and breast cancer. She highlights the biological, social, and lifestyle factors that affect women across the lifespan and calls for greater inclusion of women in clinical research. Brubaker announces her leadership of a new JAMA initiative to centralize women’s health content and promote rigorous scientific studies. She stresses that conditions like menopause and aging impact all areas of medicine and should be understood by all clinicians. Brubaker encourages collaboration, innovation, and resilience in pursuing high-quality science to support personalized care, healthy aging, and improved outcomes for all women. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40677]

Antoni J. Duleba, M.D. outlines the broad scope of reproductive endocrinology and infertility, emphasizing care across a woman’s lifespan—from adolescence through menopause. He explains common endocrine conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and menstrual disorders, all of which can affect fertility and overall health. Duleba highlights advances in fertility preservation, especially for patients undergoing cancer treatment, and notes the rising need for such services as more women delay childbearing. He also addresses efforts to improve hormonal therapies, IVF outcomes, and treatments that target inflammation and the microbiome. In addition to medical innovation, he points to social and financial barriers that continue to limit access to reproductive care. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40672]

Andrea Z. LaCroix, Ph.D. presents major public health trends affecting women across the lifespan, from rising maternal mortality and chronic disease risks linked to pregnancy complications to the ongoing need for improved menopause care. She highlights innovative research, including digital tools for menopause education, studies on cancer survivorship, and efforts to predict healthy aging using epigenetic clocks and physical activity data. LaCroix shows how decades of research continue to shape strategies for aging with preserved cognitive and physical function, aiming to help more women thrive into their 90s and beyond. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40766]

Join Fadel Zeidan, Ph.D. for a guided meditation. Follow along as he teaches simple breathing techniques and short practices designed to build focus and calm the nervous system. Series: "Stein Institute for Research on Aging" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40783]

Gretchen Bandoli, Ph.D., highlights four major research initiatives within her division focused on maternal and child health. The Center for Better Beginnings studies medication and vaccine safety during pregnancy and lactation through ongoing cohort studies. The Mommy’s Milk Human Milk Research Biorepository collects breast milk samples to investigate postnatal exposures. The SOMI study links medical records and geolocated data for over 7 million California births to examine maternal-child health outcomes. Bandoli also leads a site for the Healthy Brain and Child Development Study, a national project following 7,500 mother-child pairs over the first ten years of life with neurodevelopmental assessments and biological sampling. All projects welcome collaboration and emphasize long-term outcomes. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40772]