The Incubator #375 - đźź CHNC 2025 KEYNOTE - Can we make baby lungs more resilient?
This keynote episode features Dr. Jennifer Sucre (Vanderbilt University Medical Center), whose research bridges bedside observation and molecular biology to uncover why some preterm infants develop severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) while others recover. Through innovative live imaging of lung development and mouse and human tissue models, her lab discovered that capillary “guidance” signals—semaphorins—are crucial for lung repair and resilience. Loss of these pathways marks irreversible injury. Dr. Sucre emphasizes “bedside-to-bench” science, finding lessons from resilient infants to inform therapy. Clinically, she urges providers to recognize individual resilience, foster hopeful communication with families, and envision a future where BPD is preventable—not inevitable.
As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.
Enjoy!