TED-Style Talks
Immerse yourself in a fast-paced series of 10-minute talks from Caltech researchers and students. Held in the lecture hall B180 in the basement of The Mabel and Arnold Beckman Laboratories of Behavioral Biology—see the schedule and talk topics below, and drop in for one or stay for the set.
Speaker: Susana Torres-Londono
Abstract: Imagine powering cities, villages, and even the most remote corners of our planet with energy gathered directly from space. Our team is working to make this vision a reality by developing solar power satellites: large arrays which orbit Earth which capture sunlight without weather or nighttime interruptions, and beam the energy down using safe microwaves. My project focuses on creating Gallium Arsenide solar cells that are efficient, flexible, resistant to harsh space radiation, and affordable to manufacture. Such advances in solar cell design could open the door to a new era of sustainable, around-the-clock clean energy for the entire world.
Speaker: Yuexuan Li
Abstract: In humans, as in other mammals, infants have an inborn tendency to form a strong attachment bond with their mother—a connection that is essential for healthy growth and development. But scientists still don't fully understand which neurons help infants respond to their mothers. This research demonstrates that a specific group of neurons in infant mice respond to social contact with their mother. The activation of these neurons calms infant mice, reducing the distress of being alone and helping them learn new associations—akin to the presence of the mother.
Speaker: Jessica Gonzalez
Abstract: Did you know that 99.9% of the visible universe is in the plasma state? Plasma is often neglected when discussing the states of matter (solid, liquid, gas), yet it's wildly prevalent both in space and here on earth. From the spark plug in your car to the Sun that powers every living system on our planet, plasma is everywhere. But... what is it?
Speaker: Florence Muller
Abstract: Our world is made of soft materials—water, honey, ketchup, slime, and especially own bodies. They all share something surprising: they flow. But what does it really mean to flow? Water usually feels soft and gentle, yet if you've ever done a cannonball into a pool, you know it can hit you back like solid concrete. Honey moves slowly, ketchup seems to resist leaving the bottle until it suddenly bursts out, and slime stretches in our hands like something between a solid and a liquid.
In this talk, we'll explore the hidden rules of why everything flows—or sometimes refuses to. From kitchen table experiments to everyday surprises in nature, I'll show how scientists use these squishy, slippery, gooey materials to understand not just the world around us, but also how we can create new materials for medicine, energy, and even space. Because once you see the world through the lens of soft materials, you realize: it's not just that everything flows—it's that flow makes our world alive.
Speaker: Myles Sherman
Abstract: What makes Neutron Stars the astronomer's go-to explanation for the most energetic astronomical bursts? Left behind by the explosions of massive stars, neutron stars pack a mass of the sun into a sphere the size of Pasadena! This makes them ultra-dense laboratories that could reveal the connection between Quantum mechanics and General Relativity. In our Galaxy, we've detected thousands of neutron stars, from pulsars that rotate at extremely rapid rates emitting radio or Gamma rays, to extremely rare magnetars that create random giant X-ray flares. Their large magnetic fields, high rotation rates, and wide range of observables have made neutron stars enticing explanations for recently discovered unidentified extragalactic phenomena. Are these mysterious events created by a new type of astrophysical object, or are neutron stars truly the "Jack-of-all-Trades" responsible for the most energetic events in the Universe?
Speaker: Sophie Bini
Abstract: Black holes are fascinating astrophysical objects in our Universe! They are so dense that their gravity prevents anything from escaping, even light, and for this reason their observation is really challenging! In the latest years, thanks to the discovery of gravitational waves emitted from black holes colliding, we have learned a lot about these objects! Let's see how black holes look like, how they form and evolve!
Time for a short break
Speaker: Jieyu Zheng
Abstract: Every day, we're flooded with information—texts, social media, homework, news, you name it. It can feel like our brains are racing to keep up. But in reality, humans can only take in and process a tiny slice of all that information—about 10 bits per second (bps). Even world memory champions and Guinness record holders don't go beyond that limit. To compare, your Wi-Fi at home runs at about 1 billion bps! In my talk, I'll explain what this 10-bit-per-second limit tells us about how our minds work, and why it matters for both science and our daily lives.
Speaker: Khaja Shameem Mohammed Abdul
Abstract: E-cigarette use among young adults in California has reached epidemic proportions. E-cigarettes (i.e. Vaping) are often considered a safer alternative to traditional cigarette smoking, but nicotine, the main chemical in e-cigarettes and often present at unregulated levels, can harm the heart. Our research demonstrated that nicotine stresses heart cells, weakens their energy generating systems, and makes them more vulnerable to damage through upregulation of a protein that blocks protective signaling pathways. By uncovering how nicotine works inside heart cells, we aim to raise awareness of its hidden risks and explore better ways to protect the heart, especially in young people.
Speaker: Nick Hutzler
Abstract: Nobody knows how the material stuff in the universe was created. Some process after the Big Bang formed the particles that form atoms, molecules, and everything else, but we don't know what it was. I will discuss how our research group at Caltech is attempting to shed light on this mystery by using lasers to study the quantum behavior of molecules, which might show echoes of this process.
Speaker: David Bjanes
Abstract: Imagine a future where thoughts can move objects, lost sensations are restored, and voices silenced by disease can speak again. Brain-computer interfaces, or BCIs, are making this possible by creating a direct link between the brain and technology. Already, people with paralysis are moving robotic hands, typing messages, and even feeling touch again through these systems. But the true promise of BCIs lies ahead: restoring not only movement and speech, but unlocking the secrets of how the brain allows us to see, feel, and connect with the world each day. This technology is not science fiction—it's here today, built from the collaboration of scientists, engineers, and clinicians. At its heart, the goal is simple and profoundly human: to restore independence, connection, and possibility for those who need it most.
Speaker: Raj Mukkamala
Abstract: For billions of years, bacteria have mastered the art of sensing and adapting, while human-made materials have given us strength, flexibility, and structure. Today, scientists are learning how to bring these two worlds together. The fusion of life and materials is creating a future where matter is no longer just still and silent, but instead responsive, evolving, and full of possibility. In this talk, I will share how bringing materials to life with the power of biology is opening a new frontier of applications for healthier people and a healthier planet.
Speaker: Sejun Kim
Abstract: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer just a futuristic concept. it is actively shaping the way we conduct scientific research. In this talk, I will explore how AI is helping scientists solve problems faster, discover new patterns, and make predictions that were once out of reach. From detecting diseases to fighting climate change, AI is transforming fields like medicine, environmental science, and physics. I will explain how AI works in simple terms, sharing real-life examples of how it is already making a difference in scientific discoveries. I will also discuss the challenges, including how to ensure AI is used responsibly and fairly. By the end of this talk, you will have a clearer understanding of how AI is powering science today and how it might shape our future.
