Lex Fridman Podcast Paola Arlotta: Brain Development from Stem Cell to Organoid
Aug 12, 2019
Paola Arlotta, a Harvard professor specializing in stem cell and regenerative biology, discusses the fascinating journey of brain development. She breaks down the transition from stem cells to specialized brain cells and the crucial role of myelin. The conversation delves into brain organoids, exploring their potential to unlock secrets of neurodevelopmental diseases like autism. Arlotta also highlights the evolutionary interplay between brain development and technology, suggesting that our cognition may increasingly merge with AI.
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Human Brain Uniqueness
- The human brain is complex and difficult to replicate, having evolved only once on Earth.
- Studying mouse brains has limitations in understanding human brain development due to significant differences.
Brain Development Time
- Brain development involves the self-assembly of the neural tube and differentiation of stem cells into diverse cell types.
- The time it takes for brain development correlates with the species' lifespan, with human brains taking much longer.
Ordered Brain Development
- The order in which brain cells develop is crucial, as cells influence each other's development through proximity and signaling.
- Glial cells, which support neurons, develop later and are influenced by the pre-existing neuronal environment.