UC San Diego (Video)

Feedback interconnections are widespread in the brain; yet clear explanations for most of them are currently lacking. Carmen Amo Alonso and John Doyle explore current experimental evidence on the relationship between the auditory and motor parts of the brain during speech perception and production. These models provide a plausible explanation for how the structure of language, as described in the Parallel Architecture, is implemented in the brain. Together, they provide a plausible account for how the Parallel Architecture of language originates as a result of functional constrains in the sensorimotor system. They compare the brain’s implementation of the language capacity with other cognitive capacities, such as vision or motor planning and control, which also have massive internal feedbacks that our new theory explains for the first time. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 38682]

Just a hundred miles to the East of San Diego, one of the largest inland lakes in the West is drying up as a result combined human activity and climate change. The exposed lake bed is rapidly turning into a source of dust, worsening the frequent dust storms that impact the people who live in the surrounding areas. Learn about the intersection of architecture and science in this stark but magnificent landscape in a conversation with Climate Scientist Amato Evan and Architect Gillian Shaffer Lutsko. Discover how collaborations with local activists, policy groups, scientists and indigenous communities inspired an architectural project that envisions how we can unite conversations around redevelopment, the climate crisis, public health and community-led design. Series: "Jeffrey B. Graham Perspectives on Ocean Science Lecture Series" [Public Affairs] [Science] [Show ID: 38689]

By many accounts, the global fate of democracy is in question. Half of the world’s democracies are in retreat. The number of countries moving toward authoritarianism far outweighs the number moving toward democracy. And it has become common for elected leaders around the globe to use their power to weaken democratic institutions from inside the system. As part of our Democracy Talks series, Emilie Hafner-Burton, professor at UC San Diego's School of Global Policy and Strategy and the co-director of the Future of Democracy Initiative at the UC Institute for Global Conflict and Cooperation, talks about the global challenges to democracy with Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, New Jersey Secretary of State Tahesha Way and Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer. Series: "Democracy Talks" [Public Affairs] [Show ID: 38725]

How do we set practical policies that allow scientific discovery to thrive while keeping an eye to risks and benefits for all? Carrie Wolinetz, Ph.D., National Institutes of Health (NIH), looks at current and past policy and shares her insights on the democratic governance of science. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Science] [Show ID: 38745]

Shiri Gur-Cohen, Ph.D., UC San Diego, explains how her lab studies how epithelial stem cells communicate with their vascular microenvironment to advance regeneration and combat metastatic diseases. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Education] [Show ID: 38409]

There is a critical need for early diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorders. Elizabeth Torres, Ph.D., Rutgers University, shares new developments in that could aid in early detection of autism. Series: "Autism Tree Project Annual Neuroscience Conference" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 38391]

It may seem surprising to start thinking about birth control even while you’re pregnant, but there’s no better time than now to start planning if and when you’d like to be pregnant again. Dr. Julia Cormano outlines birth control options from the pill to tubal ligation. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 38257]

What tools are available to parents and caregivers who do not speak the same language as their child's teacher? Ernesto Zepeda shares resources that your school can provide to facilitate better communication, tips and tricks for using technology to help translate important messages, and more. Series: "Education Channel" [Education] [Show ID: 38113]

Michael Levy, M.D. joins the Living Autistically Panel to discuss the challenges of autism during adolescence and how the arts - from comic books to performance - have impacted their lives on the spectrum. You’ll hear from members of the autistic community who’ve found their calling in the arts. You’ll also learn about The Miracle Project, a theater, film, and expressive arts program focused on building communication, self-esteem, job and social skills for individuals with autism and all abilities – speaking and non-speaking. Series: "Autism Tree Project Annual Neuroscience Conference" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 38395]

The Institute of the Americas and the UC San Diego School for Global Policy & Strategy presents a public forum featuring a presentation of the new book, North America 2.0: Forging a North American Future, by its two co-editors, Alan Bersin and Tom Long and remarks by senior representatives of the North American Forum from Canada, Mexico and the United States. Series: "Institute of the Americas" [Public Affairs] [Show ID: 38542]