Astronomy (Audio)

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]

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]

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]

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]