Ohio State faculty share ideas at TEDxColumbus

“Hitchhikers Beware”

Dr. Claudia Kirsch, Department of Radiology

Once cancer "hitchhikes"—by growing along nerves toward the brain—a patient's chance of survival decreases dramatically. By looking at head scans in a new way, Kirsch spots these hitchhikers before they're a death sentence.

“The Dark Side of Light”

Randy Nelson, Departments of Neuroscience and Psychology

How do you fight escalating rates of obesity and depression? One thing to try: Sleeping in complete darkness. Nelson studies "the dark side of light" at night and its effect on circadian rhythms.

“Many Moments of Gratitude”

Trent Tipple, College of Medicine

Facing potentially terminal cancer, Tipple realized the importance of saying thanks. "We live in a society that celebrates individual accomplishment," he says. "Nobody has ever accomplished anything in this world without the help and input of others."

“Being 104: My Future Habitat”

Bart Overly, Knowlton School of Architecture

A nursing home at age 90? Not for Overly. He's looking at vibrant habitats, and what they might mean for an aging population.

“Mindfulness Matters”

Maryanna Klatt, College of Medicine

Chronic stress can be catastrophic, emotionally and physically. Klatt studies how mindfulness—"being in the moment, even when it's hard"—can help everyone from construction workers to ICU nurses.

“Hospice Reimagined”

Janet Parrott, Department of Theatre

South Africa has one of the highest HIV/AIDS rates in the world, with 5.6 million people. Parrott, a filmmaker, documented hospice care in country—and found an "incredibly adaptive" program that met community needs as well as health care.

“Columbus Revealed”

Jamie Greene, Knowlton School of Architecture

Greene is involved in the Columbus bicentennial year celebration planning. He's thinking about the bicentennial as a way to "reveal the possibilities for the future of this great city."