Ep. 17: Naked Stem Cells Featuring Dr. Chris Smith of The Naked Scientists
Apr 22, 2014
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Dr. Chris Smith, the founder of The Naked Scientists and a science communicator with an MD-PhD from Cambridge, dives into the fascinating world of stem cells. He discusses groundbreaking advancements like lab-grown tissues and the ethical debates surrounding cloning. The conversation highlights how stem cell research is revolutionizing personalized medicine and the implications for neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, Chris shares his journey from medical student to podcaster, emphasizing the importance of making science accessible.
Dr. Chris Smith emphasizes the importance of making science accessible and engaging through interactive formats like The Naked Scientist podcast.
The podcast highlights groundbreaking advancements in stem cell research, particularly the development and impact of induced pluripotent stem cells in regenerative medicine.
Dr. Smith addresses the challenges in modern scientific research, including pressures for rapid publication and the need for better support for early-career scientists.
Deep dives
The Origins of The Naked Scientist
The Naked Scientist podcast was founded by Dr. Chris Smith while he was pursuing an MD-PhD at Cambridge University. Initially, he began a science radio show during the Cambridge Science Festival, and after evaluating the potential of radio as a science communication tool, he decided to create a dedicated science program. By leveraging the growing interest in podcasting, Smith launched The Naked Scientist, aiming to make science accessible and engaging for the public. The program has since evolved into an international success, regularly garnering large audiences and numerous accolades for its compelling content.
Promotion of Scientific Understanding
The Naked Scientist program emphasizes the importance of demystifying scientific concepts and engaging the public in science discussions. Dr. Smith highlights the podcast's role in educating listeners on various scientific fields, aiming to present complex topics in an approachable manner. The show's success lies in its interactive format, which includes audience questions and discusses topical science news, creating a two-way engagement between scientists and the public. By inviting other scientists to share their expertise, the program fosters a broader understanding of science among its listeners.
Advancements and Controversies in Stem Cell Research
Stem cell research has seen groundbreaking advancements, particularly with the development of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which have changed the landscape of regenerative medicine. Dr. Smith recalls key moments, such as interviewing prominent researchers like Rudolf Jaenisch, who contributed to the iPSC discovery. However, the field also faces challenges, including the recent controversy surrounding the reproducibility of results related to acid-induced stem cell conversion, highlighting pressures within the scientific community to publish quickly. Such controversies emphasize the need for rigorous peer review and careful consideration of the implications of scientific findings.
Challenges in Modern Scientific Research
Modern scientific research is increasingly pressured by the need for rapid publication, which can compromise the integrity of scientific inquiry. Dr. Smith notes that this rush leads to potential oversights and unreliability in research outputs, detracting from the thoroughness of the scientific method. Additionally, he highlights the struggle of early-career scientists in obtaining stable funding and establishing independent research paths, which can hinder innovation and growth within the field. A call for supporting scientists, particularly women, was made to improve the overall structure and sustainability of research careers.
Future Directions of The Naked Scientist
The Naked Scientist continues to evolve with the science communication landscape, exploring new formats and collaborations to reach broader audiences. Dr. Smith announced an upcoming radio show in partnership with a major network that will further diversify their content and expand their reach. This new venture aims to maintain the core values of promoting science while adapting to changing media consumption habits. The excitement surrounding this project reflects a commitment to keeping scientific discourse lively and relevant in contemporary society.
Guest:
In this episode we talk with the creator and host of The Naked Scientists; a website and podcast dedicated to all things science. We talk with Chris about his shows, and get his take on the stem cell field.
Resources and Links
House Windows That Double As Solar Panels? Shiny Quantum Dots Brighten Future of Solar Cells
Is Parkinson's an Autoimmune Disease?
KOI-3278: A Self-Lensing Binary Star System
Scientists Spot a Planet That Looks Like 'Earth's Cousin'
Female ‘Penis’ Found on Brazilian Cave Insects
Oh Baby: Scientists Find Protein That Lets Egg and Sperm Hook Up
Is 'Sluggish Cognitive Tempo' a New Disorder or an Extension of ADHD?
Artificial Blood on an Industrial Scale
Mapping Gene Expression in the Fetal Brain
Gene Variant Puts Women at Higher Risk of Alzheimer’s Than It Does Men, Study Finds
Traces of Trauma in Sperm RNA
Lab-Grown Private Parts: Vagina Implants Cure Rare Disorder
Gut-Eating Amoeba Caught on Film
Gene Therapy Successfully Regenerates an Old Organ Inside a Living Animal
Bees Exposed to Fungicide More Vulnerable to Nosema Parasite
Obokata Mentor, Co-Author: STAP Cells Just A ‘Hypothesis’
In Stem-Cell Research, Health Benefits Outweigh the Risks Of Copying Humans
Human Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer Using Adult Cells
Conversion of Quiescent Niche Cells to Somatic Stem Cells Causes Ectopic Niche Formation in the Drosophila Testis
Auxetic Nuclei in Embryonic Stem Cells Exiting Pluripotency
Pathways Disrupted in Human ALS Motor Neurons Identified through Genetic Correction of Mutant SOD1
Multifaceted Regulation of Somatic Cell Reprogramming by mRNA Translational Control
Two miRNA Clusters Reveal Alternative Paths in Late-Stage Reprogramming
Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Chris Smith - The Naked Scientists
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