Huberman Lab Using Stem Cells to Cure Autism, Epilepsy & Schizophrenia | Dr. Sergiu Pașca
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Aug 18, 2025 
Dr. Sergiu Pașca, a pioneering Stanford psychiatrist, dives deep into the biology of autism and its rising diagnoses. He elaborates on groundbreaking research using organoids and assembloids to explore potential treatments for brain disorders like autism and schizophrenia. The conversation navigates the ethical challenges of gene editing and the risks associated with stem cell therapies. Pașca also shares insights on genetic factors, environmental influences, and the innovative prospects of stem cell research in understanding complex neurological conditions.
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Autism Is Behaviorally Defined And Heterogeneous
- Autism is behaviorally defined and spans a wide spectrum from high-functioning traits to profound disability requiring lifelong care.
- The field lacks clear biological biomarkers, creating a disconnect between clinical definitions and underlying biology.
Male Vulnerability In Autism Has Multiple Causes
- Autism is more commonly diagnosed in males with ratios around 1:4 and diagnosis varies by severity and masking behaviors.
- Biological sex differences in maturation and resilience likely contribute to male vulnerability but don't explain all variance.
Rise In Autism Largely Diagnostic, Not One Cause
- Autism prevalence rose due to broadened criteria, diagnostic migration, and expanded services, not a single environmental cause.
- Genetic heritability is very high, but many rare variants combine to produce the observed diversity.
