Ep. 11: Stem Cell Core Facilities Featuring Dr. Mark Tomishima
Jan 27, 2014
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Dr. Mark Tomishima, director of the SKI Stem Cell Research Facility in NYC, shares insights into the crucial role of stem cell core facilities in advancing research. He discusses groundbreaking projects like creating organoid kidney structures and the ethical considerations of stem cell therapy, including immune rejection challenges. The conversation also highlights exciting advancements such as gene editing technologies and the progress of placenta-derived stem cells. Get ready for a blend of science and humor that showcases the collaborative spirit in the stem cell research community!
Core stem cell facilities play a vital role by providing essential resources, training, and expertise to researchers in this field.
The NextGen Stem Cell Conference highlights the importance of collaboration among emerging scientists to advance stem cell research and innovation.
Recent breakthroughs in stem cell therapies demonstrate significant potential for improving treatment options for heart disease patients through regenerative interventions.
Deep dives
Announcement of the NextGen Stem Cell Conference
The hosts of the episode discuss the upcoming NextGen Stem Cell Conference, which aims to promote collaboration among younger scientists and investigators in the field of stem cell research. Registration for the conference is now open, and attendees are encouraged to sign up using a promotional code for a discount. Notable speakers from previous episodes will be featured at the conference, including experts who shared insights on topics such as Parkinson's disease. This emphasis on fostering a supportive environment for emerging researchers highlights the community's commitment to advancing stem cell science.
Importance of Core Facilities in Research
The episode highlights the significance of core facilities, particularly specialized stem cell core facilities, in advancing scientific research. These facilities provide essential resources, training, and expertise to researchers who aim to work with human pluripotent stem cells. This support is crucial for laboratories transitioning into the field, as it significantly reduces the learning curve associated with stem cell culture techniques and methodologies. Such collaboration ensures that researchers can quickly gain access to the necessary skills and tools to successfully pursue their research goals.
Recent Discoveries in Various Scientific Fields
A discussion of recent significant scientific discoveries includes the identification of a new species of river dolphin in Brazil and intriguing findings regarding the effects of sleep disruption on cardiac rhythms. Another interesting highlight is the mysterious appearance of a rock on Mars, which has confounded scientists trying to determine its origin. Additionally, advancements with self-propelling biohybrid bots that utilize cardiac cells and the decoding of hookworm DNA as it relates to human health further illustrate the breadth of ongoing research and discovery in multiple disciplines. These updates emphasize the interconnectedness of various fields and their relevance to understanding complex biological systems.
Advancements in Stem Cell Therapies
The episode touches upon recent breakthroughs in stem cell therapies, including clinical trials for treating heart damage using stem cells derived from bone marrow. A true milestone is the FDA's approval for a clinical trial involving 240 patients with advanced chronic heart failure. This innovative approach aims to harness the ability of stem cells to regenerate and repair damaged cardiac tissue, showcasing the potential for stem cell-based interventions in clinical settings. Such developments are significant as they may improve treatment options for millions suffering from heart disease, marking progress toward more regenerative medical applications.
A Call for Recognition in Stem Cell Research
A notable discussion revolves around the lack of recognition for key figures in stem cell research, particularly Jamie Thompson, whose pioneering work in isolating human embryonic stem cells laid the groundwork for the field. The lack of a Nobel Prize for Thompson, despite the significant contributions to stem cell biology, raises questions about the criteria for such accolades. The hosts emphasize the importance of acknowledging foundational work that has enabled subsequent discoveries, particularly highlighting Thompson's role as essential to the advancements made in induced pluripotent stem (IPS) cells by Shinya Yamanaka. This conversation reflects a broader sentiment in the scientific community regarding the recognition of contributions that drive innovation and discovery.
Guest:
Dr. Mark Tomishima, director of the SKI Stem Cell Research Facility located in New York City joins us for this episode. Dr. Tomishima tells us about what his and other core facilities do for stem cell researchers locally and abroad, as well as various projects his group is working on. We then go through the science roundup discussing everything from a new herpes drug, to heart cell propelled sperm looking bio-bots, to stem cell-derived 3D kidneys.
Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Mark Tomishima
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