Health and Medicine (Audio)

Brain aging and neurological disease are hard to study because living human brain tissue is difficult to access. Alysson Muotri, Ph.D., UC San Diego, explains how brain organoids sent to space can model accelerated aging, reveal changes in neural networks, and help test potential treatments for brain disorders. Muotri examines space-induced senescence, fragmented network activity linked to dementia and Alzheimer’s patterns, and Rett syndrome findings showing inflammation tied to endogenous retroviruses and response to antiretroviral drugs in preclinical models. He also explores using brain organoids in space to screen neuroprotective compounds, including candidates identified from Amazon plants. This work helps explain how space biology can speed research on autism, Rett syndrome, Alzheimer’s disease, and other neurological conditions, and points toward new ways to test therapies on Earth. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 41475]

Menopause can affect sexual health in ways that are common, frustrating, and often overlooked. Kathryn Macaulay, M.D., Director, UC San Diego Menopause Health Program, explains how hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause contribute to vaginal dryness, pain with intercourse, and low libido. Macaulay also outlines why these symptoms can have more than one cause, including physical changes, life stressors, relationship factors, and other health conditions. This discussion helps clarify that sexual symptoms during menopause are common and treatable, and it points toward more informed conversations with a health care provider. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41523]

Menopause symptoms can affect sleep, mood, and everyday quality of life in ways that are easy to dismiss but hard to ignore. Kathryn Macaulay, M.D., Director, UC San Diego Menopause Health Program, explains what menopause is, when hormone therapy is considered, and why treatment decisions depend on symptoms, health history, and individual risk. Macaulay also addresses hot flashes, night sweats, osteoporosis prevention, and the factors that shape whether hormone therapy is a good option. She helps clarify why menopause care is not one size fits all and points toward more informed conversations about symptom relief and long-term health. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41521]

Academic medicine affects patient care in important ways. Julia Cormano, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., Assistant Dean for Clinical Curriculum, Associate Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, & Reproductive Sciences, UC San Diego, explains how medical students, resident physicians, and fellows contribute to care in a supervised teaching hospital environment. Cormano defines the role of each learner, outlines how they participate in hospitals and clinics, and shows how team-based care can bring more attention, more listening, and up-to-date medical knowledge to each patient’s case. She also explains that attending physicians oversee every decision, combining experienced judgment with the energy and perspective of learners. This work helps clarify how academic medicine supports both patient care and physician training and points toward a broader understanding of why teaching hospitals play an important role in healthcare. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41180]

Perimenopause can bring physical and emotional changes that leave many women feeling unsettled. Kathryn Macaulay, M.D., Director, UC San Diego Menopause Health Program, explains how hormonal shifts and changing menstrual cycles shape this stage of life. Macaulay examines symptoms such as irregular periods, hot flashes, and mood changes, along with broader concerns including weight, overall health, and contraception. This discussion helps clarify why symptoms vary widely, why care should be individualized, and why women do not need to panic as they move through this transition. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41362]