TED Talks Daily How we're reverse engineering the human brain in the lab | Sergiu P. Pasca
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Aug 24, 2022 Discover how neuroscientist Sergiu P. Pasca is revolutionizing brain research with brain 'assembloids'—self-organizing neural tissue that could unlock the mysteries of the human brain. Learn about transformative techniques that turn skin cells into brain cells and what these advances mean for premature infants and neurological conditions. Delve into the ethical questions surrounding organoid research as we explore the future of treatments for autism and Alzheimer's. A fascinating journey into the world of neurobiology awaits!
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Edward's Drawings
- Sergiu Pasca shared how a patient, Edward, visualized his research.
- Edward's drawings depicted brain study methods, first inaccurately, then correctly using stem cells.
Reprogramming Cells
- Scientists can now reprogram any cell type into stem cells.
- These stem cells can then be guided to become any other cell type, including brain cells forming circuits in a dish.
Low Oxygen Impact
- Brain organoids helped reveal how low oxygen affects premature babies' brains.
- Only one specific cell type, responsible for cortex expansion, was affected, and a preventative drug was found.