The Backdrop Episodes Content

Charan Ranganath on the Search for Biomarkers to Detect Alzheimer's Disease Risk Early

Soterios J Johnson — June 26, 2023 - 10:49am

51�ԹϺ�� Davis psychology professor Charan Ranganath discusses how he and his colleagues are working to find biomarkers to help identify people with preclinical Alzheimer’s disease. Earlier detection — before the brain is significantly damaged — would allow for more successful interventions and better outcomes.

Don Roth on the ‘Recovered Voices’ Project

Soterios J Johnson — May 16, 2023 - 12:31am

Mondavi Center Executive Director Don Roth discusses the “Recovered Voices” project highlighting composers and works derailed by the Nazi regime.

Richard Huskey on Brain Flow

Soterios J Johnson — February 20, 2023 - 2:15pm

51�ԹϺ�� Davis assistant professor of communication and cognitive science Richard Huskey explains the flow state, which some describe as being "in the zone." Evidence suggests flow can ward off depression, prevent burnout and make us more resilient.

Muhammad Haroon on How Social Media Algorithms Can Foster Political Radicalization

Soterios J Johnson — December 13, 2022 - 12:24am

A new study from 51�ԹϺ�� Davis suggests that artificial intelligence recommendation algorithms on sites like YouTube and TikTok can play a role in political radicalization. In this episode, 51�ԹϺ�� Davis computer science Ph.D. student Muhammad Haroon, who led the study, discusses how the study was designed, what the team found, and a new digital tool they created to mitigate the radicalizing effect of social media platform AI algorithms.

Lisa Ikemoto on the Ripple Effects of the Supreme Court’s Dobbs Decision

Soterios J Johnson — October 25, 2022 - 2:28am

The consequences of the Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade go far beyond the immediate right to terminate a pregnancy. Some of the ramifications are only now being realized, months after the court’s landmark abortion ruling.

Paul Griffin on How Climate Risk Could Bring a Series of Recessions

Soterios J Johnson — August 02, 2022 - 12:20am

New research finds the economy could be plunged into recession — or a series of recessions — because financial markets don’t account for climate risk. Paul Griffin, Distinguished Professor at the 51�ԹϺ�� Davis Graduate School of Management, has been studying this ”unpriced risk” and how it can affect markets and the economy.

Clifford Saron on the Scientific Study of Meditation

Soterios J Johnson — April 27, 2022 - 9:43pm

Neuroscientist Clifford Saron leads the Shamatha Project, one of the most ambitious and comprehensive longitudinal studies of meditation ever conducted. He discusses the study's findings so far; what science can tell us about the tangible effects of meditation; and how mindfulness affects our physical, mental and emotional health.

Victoria Juharyan on the Destruction of Ukrainian Cultural Heritage

Soterios J Johnson — March 31, 2022 - 5:00pm

Victoria Juharyan discusses the destruction and threat of destruction of Ukraine’s cultural heritage during the Russian invasion.

Paul Eastwick on Relationship Science

Soterios J Johnson — February 07, 2022 - 11:43pm

With Valentine’s Day upon us, The Backdrop explores the mysterious and complicated topic of human relationships.

Andrés Reséndez on "Conquering the Pacific"

Soterios J Johnson — December 06, 2021 - 11:37pm

Acclaimed historian and 51�ԹϺ�� Davis Professor Andrés Reséndez reveals the story of the Afro-Portuguese mariner who was the first to successfully navigate a round trip route from the Americas to Asia -- and how his remarkable tale was almost forgotten.