The data is clear: inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s are on the rise worldwide. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Amy Lightner—VP of Clinical Development at Calibr-Skaggs and colorectal surgeon at Scripps Clinic—to explore what drives these diseases, an upcoming phase 2 clinical trial for a new regenerative medicine, and how she balances life between the operating room and the research lab.

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Keywords and topics: Inflammatory bowel disease; Crohn’s disease; ulcerative colitis; colon cancer; pouchitis; IBD phase 2 clinical trial; CLF065; colorectal surgery

Additional resources:

• About Amy Lightner
• ⁠LinkedIn - Amy Lightner⁠
• Instagram - Lightner lab
• Facebook - Lightner lab

• Scripps Research Magazine

This year on Science Changing Life, we’ve had some amazing scientists join us to share their work, their stories and what drives them. There’s one question we love to ask our guests: What advice would you give to scientists just starting out?

We compiled their refreshingly honest answers into one episode—hear what they had to say.

Depression and alcohol dependence are often seen as personal struggles—but decades of study by Scripps Research professor Cindy Ehlers reveal a much bigger picture. In this episode of Science Changing Life, Ehlers breaks down how biology, culture and trauma interact to shape mental health outcomes.

Learn how her work is paving the way for more effective interventions, and how new strategies—like culturally grounded prevention programs and digital tools—can reduce harm in high-risk communities.

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Ehlers lab: https://www.scripps.edu/ehlers/index.html

Scripps Research Magazine: https://magazine.scripps.edu