Guest: Dr. Marius Wernig is a Professor of Pathology and a Co-Director of the Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine at Stanford University, where his research interests include direct reprogramming and neurological disease modeling. He talks about his early work reprogramming neuronal cells from fibroblasts, adopting iPSCs, and growing his lab. He also discusses his recent research on cell therapy for brain and skin diseases, as well as his musical talents outside of the lab. (39:58) Featured Products and Resources: Register now for ISSCR 2025! STEMdiff™ Neural Crest Differentiation Kit The Stem Cell Science Round Up Transplanting a Pig Heart – Researchers transplanted a gene-edited porcine heart into a patient with heart failure. (1:53) Regeneration after Viral Infection – Using single-cell transcriptomics and lineage tracing, scientists examined mouse lung regeneration after influenza. (13:18) Human Brain Development – A new single-cell atlas sheds light on the molecular and cellular dynamics of the developing human neocortex. (21:38) The Nuclear Matrix in hSPCs – Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein U promotes the primed state in hPSCs. (30:40) Image courtesy of Dr. Marius Wernig Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

Dr. Jonathan Thomas, President and CEO of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), shares his insights on funding vital stem cell research. He discusses the importance of diversity in clinical trials to make treatments accessible. JT reflects on CIRM's 20-year journey in advancing research and training future scientists. The conversation also dives into balancing support between basic and clinical research, along with CIRM's strategic shift post-Proposition 14 to navigate the evolving landscape of regenerative medicine.

Dr. Milica Radisic, a Professor at the University of Toronto and Canada Research Chair, dives into the innovative realm of organ chip engineering. She shares the exciting challenges of maturing cardiomyocytes using macrophages to improve cardiac tissue function. Milica discusses the sustainability issues with microfluidic chips and how her lab's models are reducing reliance on lab animals. As a burgeoning entrepreneur, she reflects on her journey and the landscape for women in business, offering valuable insights from her mentor, Dr. Bob Langer.

Dr. Cynthia Dunbar, a distinguished investigator at the NIH, dives into the fascinating world of hematopoiesis and aging, using macaques as an innovative model. She discusses groundbreaking research on transplanting iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes, alongside the ethical considerations of using primate models. The unique NIH environment fosters collaboration in stem cell research, enhancing both clinical applications and personalized medicine. Outside the lab, Cindy's musical talents add a delightful twist to her scientific journey.

Dr. Mansi Srivastava, a Professor at Harvard and Curator at the Harvard Museum of Comparative Zoology, dives into the fascinating world of whole-body regeneration using the three-banded panther worm. She reveals how her lab traces adult stem cell lineages and the worm's remarkable ability to regrow organs and even brains. The discussion highlights the importance of diverse model organisms in regenerative medicine and her outreach initiatives aimed at inspiring young scientists. Prepare for a journey through evolution, regeneration, and the future of science communication!

Dr. Bruna Paulsen, a leader in therapeutic development at Gameto, and Dr. Dina Radenkovic, co-founder and CEO, dive into revolutionary approaches to women's reproductive health. They discuss Fertilo, a groundbreaking platform that uses ovarian support cells to enhance IVF and egg freezing processes. The conversation also touches on the ethical dimensions of fertility treatments and the importance of addressing diverse patient needs. Their insights illuminate the future of assisted reproduction and the transformative potential of stem cell technology.

Dr. Meritxell Huch, Scientific Director at the Max Planck Institute, dives into her research on liver and pancreas organoid models. She details innovative co-culture techniques for liver mesenchyme and ductal cells. The conversation highlights the complexities of liver regeneration, including the potential of using Yamanaka factors for neuroprotection. Huch shares her inspiring journey across Europe, showcasing the importance of passion and support in scientific pursuits. A blend of groundbreaking science and personal determination makes for a captivating discussion.

Dr. Samantha Morris, an Associate Professor at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, dives into the fascinating world of gene regulatory networks and cell identity. She shares her groundbreaking work on manipulating genetic pathways and measuring cell fate transitions. The discussion highlights the complexities of direct reprogramming and innovative tools like CellNet. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of collaboration in stem cell research and reflects on the evolving landscape of funding and mentorship in the scientific community.

Dr. Alfonso Martinez Arias, a CREA Research Professor at Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona, shares his journey in developmental biology. He delves into the fascinating world of gastruloids, innovative embryo-like structures, and their potential in organ model development. The discussion also covers resilient tuft cells in the human intestine and their surprising regenerative abilities. Additionally, cutting-edge insights on aging neural stem cells and the role of CRISPR in enhancing their function spark intrigue, emphasizing the future of regenerative health.

Dr. Behzad Yeganeh, an Associate Scientist at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, dives into the complexities of lung development and neonatal lung diseases. He shares fascinating insights into the mechanisms of autophagy and apoptosis, vital for understanding lung health. The conversation spans the challenges of premature lung disease and innovative approaches such as using mesenchymal stem cells for therapy. Yeganeh's journey from cancer biology to regenerative medicine reveals a promising path for improving neonatal care.