The Stem Cell Podcast

In June 2025, Daylon and Arun attended the International Society for Stem Cell Research’s (ISSCR) annual meeting in Hong Kong, and recorded daily episodes discussing highlights of the previous 24 hours. Here is the third of four episodes, where Daylon and Arun discuss research on cell therapy for inflammatory bowel disease and hearing loss. They also talk about Dr. Jacob Hanna's work on ex utero embryo culture, Dr. Paola Arlotta's research on long-term brain organoids, and Di Pan's insights into sponge regeneration.

In June 2025, Daylon and Arun attended the International Society for Stem Cell Research’s (ISSCR) annual meeting in Hong Kong, and recorded daily episodes discussing highlights of the previous 24 hours. Here is the second of four episodes, where Daylon and Arun cover talks on animal models of regeneration and the public perception of in vitro gametogenesis. They also discuss work on CiPSCs for Type 1 diabetes therapy and growing pig-human chimeric embryos.

In June 2025, Daylon and Arun attended the International Society for Stem Cell Research’s (ISSCR) annual meeting in Hong Kong, and recorded daily episodes discussing highlights of the previous 24 hours. Here is the first of four episodes, where Daylon and Arun discuss updates from clinical trials for ALS, congenital heart disease, and Parkinson's disease. They also talk about the Presidential Plenary session, chaired by Dr. Valentina Greco.

Dr. Maneesha Inamdar, a leading figure in stem cell science, discusses innovative research in cardiovascular development. She shares insights on using embryo models to explore teratogenicity and the importance of prioritizing ethnically diverse cell lines. The conversation also highlights groundbreaking advancements in vascularized cardiac organoids for drug testing and insights into dilated cardiomyopathy through iPSCs. Inamdar emphasizes the need for global representation in scientific discourse, particularly for Indian scientists, and stresses the ethical considerations in stem cell research.

Dr. Jacqueline Barry is the Chief Clinical Officer at Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult, Dr. Kapil Bharti is a Senior Investigator at the National Eye Institute at the National Institutes of Health, and Dr. Jack Mosher is the Scientific Director at the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR). They discuss their work on the ISSCR's Best Practices for the Development of Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cellular Therapies. They talk about the need for consistency and rigor in cell therapy development, and how the document can be navigated and applied across jurisdictions.

Dr. Margaret Goodell, a leader in regenerative medicine and director at Baylor College, shares her groundbreaking research on hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and aging. She discusses her discovery of a unique side population of HSCs and explores the implications of DNMT3A mutations. The conversation dives into clonal hematopoiesis and its relationship with cardiovascular diseases. Goodell also highlights Houston's vibrant research environment, showcasing innovative advancements in stem cell therapies for conditions like Parkinson's and cardiac fibrosis.

Join Dr. Sarah Teichmann, a leading stem cell researcher at the Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, as she dives into the fascinating world of cell plasticity and the Human Cell Atlas project. Discover how she merges computational techniques with traditional biology and the importance of interdisciplinary teams in advancing research. She also highlights breakthroughs in stem cell therapy for diseases like Parkinson's and innovative organoid technologies. Her insights promise to illuminate the future of personalized medicine!

Professor Hank Greely, a leading bioethics expert at Stanford University, shares insights on his intriguing journey into the field of biomedical ethics. He delves into the ethical implications surrounding organoids and embryo models, raising questions about future reproductive technologies like gametogenesis and ectogenesis. Greely emphasizes the necessity of ethical frameworks as scientific advancements challenge traditional views on genetics and decision-making in reproduction, highlighting the balance between innovation and moral responsibility in modern medicine.

Dr. Scott Younger, Director of Disease Gene Engineering at Children’s Mercy Hospital, dives into the world of functional precision medicine. He reveals how personalized antisense oligonucleotides can reverse disease phenotypes in organoid models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Younger emphasizes the importance of his lab's connections to the rare disease community, fostering collaboration with clinicians. The discussion highlights innovative approaches to personalized therapies, addressing the challenges of accessibility and costs in advanced healthcare.

Dr. Valentina Greco is the President of the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR), and Professor of Genetics and Co-Chair of the Status of Women in Medicine at Yale University. Dr. Kathryn Cheah is an ISSCR Program Committee Co-Chair and Emeritus Professor and Chair of Biochemistry at Hong Kong University. Dr. Eugenia Piddini is also an ISSCR Program Committee Co-Chair and Professorial Research Fellow in Cell Biology and School Research Director at the University of Bristol. They talk about the upcoming ISSCR 2025 meeting in Hong Kong from June 11-14, 2025. They discuss the meeting's global focus, program highlights, opportunities for early-career researchers, and what they're looking forward to in Hong Kong.