Astrobiologists have been looking for signs of life on Mars since 1976, thus far without success. Now they're pinning hopes on the Mars rover, Curiosity, which is currently analyzing soil samples. Researchers like Elke Rabbow from the German Aerospace Center hope that the results will provide answers to whether Mars might once have supported life. Rabbow says it's possible that simple forms of life might once have existed on Mars, since research back here on Earth has shown that simple microorganisms can survive in extremely inhospitable conditions.

The prevalent view is that abnormal protein deposits in the brain called plaques are the cause of Alzheimer's. Recent research has demonstrated that the story is more complex.Another kind of deposit, known as tangles, evidently plays a role too, and it may be that the interplay of the two contributes to the development of the disease. This discovery opens up the prospect of a new class of drugs to treat this degenerative condition.

Charles Kennel, Former Scripps Institution of Oceanography directorand chair of the National Academy's Space Science Board, reviews what NASA's space program has accomplished, what it is doing now, and what the future holds for human space exploration.

On March 26, 2012, Ocean frontier explorer and Academy Award winning filmmaker James Cameron plunged 11 kilometers (6.8 miles) below the ocean surface in a one-man submarine to the Challenger Deep in the Pacific Ocean's Mariana Trench, the first solo diver to reach such depths. On "Journey to the Deep" the 2013 Nierenberg Prize recipient shares his experiences and perspectives from his record-setting dive.

The UCSF Vascular Symposium offers expert commentary on the entire spectrum of Vascular pathologies. This year the Symposium will include our annual update on the treatment of patients with peripheral occlusive lesions and both current treatment and future directions of therapy for aneurysms of the abdominal and thoracic aorta. Discussions regarding cerebrovascular disease assessment and on the dilemmas presented by venous occlusions of the upper and lower extremity will also be presented. Dr. Peter Gloviczki, this year's President of the Society for Vascular Surgery will give the annual Binkley Lecture. The 2013 Symposium will include a review of the impending changes in Health Care and reimbursement that will affect the Vascular Practitioner and we have extended the meeting through Saturday afternoon to include a mini symposium on limb preservation and diabetic foot wound healing presented in coordination with our Podiatry Colleagues.

What's in a word? Former diplomat and UCSD alumnus Kurt Campbell tells about the unintended consequences of choosing "pivot" to describe a new approach to China during his years in Secretary Clinton's State Department. Campbell shares other insightful anecdotes about relations between China and Japan and the release of Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest by the Myanmar generals with Susan Shirk, also a former diplomat who now runs the 21st Century China Program at the School of International Relations and Pacific Studies at UC San Diego.

In its centennial year, Carnegie Corporation of new York's president, Vartan Gregorian, explores industrialist Andrew Carnegie's innovative ideas about philanthropy.

It was supposed to be an exhibition in honor of the Franco-German friendship, to mark the 50th anniversary of the Elysee Treaty. 200 German masterpieces displayed at the Louvre. Instead the exhibition "De l'Allemagne" has triggered outrage in Germany, with accusations that the exhibition plays on old negative clichés. Arts.21 looks at what it's all about.

Dr. Kristin Wingfield explores when aches and pains from cycling warrant a trip to the doctor.

One of the enduring questions of human origins is when, where and how we "Behaviorally Modern Humans" emerged and why and how we eventually replaced all the other human-like species. This series takes a fresh look at the situation today with a critical examination of the available evidence from multiple sources. Ofer Bar-Yosef (Harvard Univ) leads off with a talk about Evidence for the Spread of Modern Humans, followed by Christopher Ehret (UCLA) on Relationships of Ancient African Languages, and Iain Davidson (Univ of New England, Australia) on Stone Tools and Cognition: Lessons from Australia.

Dr. Dolmetsch's group has developed methods for using induced pluripotent stem cells to study human brain development and for identifying cell and molecular phenotypes associated with disease. His laboratory has also made significant contributions to calcium signaling including the identification of signaling pathways that connect calcium channels to gene activation and the identification of the mechanisms of activation of store operated calcium channels. The lab has also developed several new technologies to study cell signaling including enzyme complementation systems to measure protein interactions in cells and light-activated signaling proteins to control biochemical cascades.

Learn about the essential role of genomics in the development of stem cell based therapies. Craig Venter, president and founder of the J. Craig Venter Institute and Catriona Jamieson, director for stem cell research at the UCSD Moores Cancer Center, speak about the future of personalized medicine in which genomics, the study of genes and their function, is applied to pinpoint specific treatments for patients. Sandra Dillon, a clinical trial participant, gives a patient's perspective.

In its centennial year, Carnegie Corporation of new York's president, Vartan Gregorian, explores industrialist Andrew Carnegie's innovative ideas about philanthropy.

The Colombian city of Cartagena boasts delightful beaches and UNESCO world heritage status. But behind the gloss lie the slums. In 1997, dancer and choreographer ╡lvaro Restrepo founded a school of modern dance, the Colegio de Cuerpo, in one of them. It offers young people an alternative to drugs and violence. Not only a lifeline for many teenagers, it's now one of Colombia's most prestigious dance schools.

Dr. Peter Hunt on the immunology of HIV and Dr. Steven Deeks explores if an HIV cure is achievable.

Panelists discuss the distinct challenges facing mid-career women in STEM and related data in an effort to evaluate best practices in mentoring and programming. Panelists: Sharon Walker, Associate Professor of Environmental Engineering and Chair in Environmental Engineering, UC Riverside, Angelica Stacy, Associate Vice Provost for Faculty Equity and Professor of Chemistry, UC Berkeley, Linda Walling, Professor of Genetics, Botany and Plant Sciences, UC Riverside, Sang-Hee Lee, Associate Professor and Chair of Anthropology, UC Riverside.

UC San Diego alumni share their career identities and journeys to building successful businesses. From a chief creative officer to a electrical and computer engineer, the panel's range of experiences provide valuable insights to take your personal startup to the next level, and inspire you to imagine more. This panel is presented by Career Boost Camp 2013, sponsored by UC San Diego.

One of the enduring questions of human origins is when, where and how we "Behaviorally Modern Humans" emerged and why and how we eventually replaced all the other human-like species. This series takes a fresh look at the situation today with a critical examination of the available evidence from multiple sources. Chris Stringer (Natural History Museum, London) leads off with a talk about the Fossil Record of Anatomically Modern Humans, followed by Michael Hammer (Univ of Arizona) on Interbreeding with Archaic Humans in Africa, and Richard "Ed" Green (UC Santa Cruz) on Interbreeding with Archaic Humans outside Africa.

Composer Mark Adamo's third full-length opera, The Gospel of Mary Magdalene. Aside from his previous operas, his work also includes choral and orchestral work.

Interviews with UCLA Bruin coaches, student-athletes and staff.

Integration of pharmacologic agents (antipsychotics, stimulants, antidepressants,etc.) and biomedical treatments (vitamin supplements, diet, immune and mitodchondrial "boosters," etc.).

People in industrialized countries are getting older, while most new housing is being designed for young people. But some architects are experimenting with new ideas for senior living. Savvy retirees are already defining what they want, and one size does not fit all. Arts.21 looks at some award-winning examples from around the world of how the seniors of the future may live without barriers.

Retiring FCC Commissioner Michael J. Copps discusses our nation's failure in recent years to insist that the public airwaves must serve the people's interests.

Interviews with UCLA Bruin coaches, student-athletes and staff.

Conversations host Harry Kreisler welcomes Karl Eikenberry, who commanded coalition forces in Afghanistan and served as U.S. Ambassador there. Reflecting on his career as soldier and diplomat, Ambassador Eikenberry recalls his formative experiences and compares the skill set and challenges of the two postings. He evaluates the volunteer military force, analyzes the situation in Afghanistan as the US stands down, describes the problems posed by exit strategies after intervention, and reflects on the implications of the rise of China and the US pivot toward Asia.

Dr. George Beatty on HIV medications and Dr. Annie Luetkemeyer the current revolution in Hepatitis C treatment.

Panelists review research and data on goals, needs, challenges, and best practices in mentoring pre-tenure women and URM faculty in STEM. Panelists: Wendy Ashmore, Professor of Anthropology, UC Riverside, Susan Drange Lee, Director, Office for Faculty Diversity, UCLA, Mitchell Feldman, Associate Vice Provost, Academic Affairs, Director of the UCSF Faculty Mentoring Program and Professor of Medicine, UC San Francisco, Faye Crosby, Provost, Cowell College and Professor of Psychology, UC Santa Cruz.

Common cognitive problems and instructional solutions may address both innate learning disabilities and problems learning to learn in English as a second language.

One of the enduring questions of human origins is when, where and how we "Behaviorally Modern Humans" emerged and why and how we eventually replaced all the other human-like species. This series takes a fresh look at the situation today with a critical examination of the available evidence from multiple sources. Rick Potts (Smithsonian Institution) leads off with a talk about African Climate of the Last 400,000 Years, followed by Alison S. Brooks (George Washington Univ/Smithsonian Institution) on East African Archaeological Evidence, and Lyn Wadley (Univ of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg) on South African Archaeological Evidence.

Rachel Carson's legacy is well known, but what has not been as widely recognized are the challenges she faced as a woman in science 50 years ago. While much has changed in the last five decades, three women active in science today assess the hurdles that remain. Join Dorothy Sears of the UC San Diego School of Medicine, Christina Deckard of the SPAWAR Systems Center and science journalist Lynne Friedmann for an insightful discussion on the landscape for women in science in 2013.

Meet Stan Warner, a grumpy prejudiced man angry at the world. He is a widower living with his 25-year-old caretaker daughter. Constantly putting her down, Mr. Robertson reminds her she will never accomplish anything in life. One day Mr. Robertson's TV starts displaying strange images showing Mr. Robertson's last 24 hours, which only Stan can see. Eventually Stan enters a nightmarish realm of broadcasting from which he can't escape.

Katie Sharify was one of five people with spinal cord injuries to participate in the world's first clinical trial testing human embryonic stem cells. The Geron sponsored trial was supported by California's Stem Cell Agency (CIRM). Katie speaks about her clinical trial experience with a group of scientists who were meeting to discuss the best ways of advancing stem cell clinical trials.

The Protected Resources Division of NOAA's Southwest Fisheries Science Center conducts research on marine mammals and turtles in all oceans of the world. Join Division Director Lisa Ballance as she describes the research and programs that are informing how we can protect and sustain some of our most precious ocean resources.