Ep. 93: “Blood Brain Barrier” Featuring Dr. Clive Svendsen

Guest: Dr. Clive Svendsen is the Director of the Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute and Professor of Biomedical Sciences at Cedar Sinai Medical Center. One focus of his current research is to derive cells from patients with specific disorders, which can then be “reprogrammed” to a primitive state and used as powerful models of human disease. The other side of his research involves cutting edge clinical trials. Featured Resource: iCell® Human iPSC-Derived Products Resources and Links New Administration Budget Would Bludgeon Science Funding – Under President Donald Trump’s 2018 budget proposal, federal research spending would decline abruptly. Mouse Sperm Survive Trip to Space – Sperm freeze-dried and sent into space for months of exposure to high levels of solar radiation later produced healthy baby mice. 40 More Intelligence Genes Identified – By sifting through the genetics of nearly 80,000 people, researchers have uncovered 40 genes that may make certain people smarter which brings the total number of suspected “intelligence genes” to 52. Statin Drugs May Not Benefit Older Adults – This article reveals that statins did not cause a meaningful reduction in heart attacks, coronary heart disease deaths or deaths from any cause in people age 65 and older. Bookmarks on Stem Cells – Stem cells preserve their identities after cell division by using a series of protein “bookmarks” on their genes, according to new research published by scientists at Weill Cornell Medicine. High-Throughput Protocol for Deriving Microglia from Human Stem Cells – Scientists from the New York Stem Cell Foundation Research Institute have developed a robust, efficient method for deriving microglia, the immune cells of the brain, from human stem cells according to a paper published in Stem Cell Reports. HIV May Cause Emphysema by Taking Over Stem Cells – HIV may cause emphysema by reprogramming the stem cells, called basal cells, to produce enzymes that can destroy lung tissue. A Cure for Baldness? – Scientists have found that immune system cells that control inflammation play a key role in hair growth. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Clive Svendsen Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe