The Stem Cell Podcast

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.

Dr. Dmitriy Sheyn, an Associate Professor at Cedars-Sinai, specializes in developing stem cell therapies for musculoskeletal disorders. He delves into innovative modeling of disc degeneration and tendon injuries. The conversation highlights his lab’s groundbreaking work on tendon differentiation and insights into low back pain mechanisms. By discussing the urgent need for stem cell solutions for orthopedic conditions, Dr. Sheyn offers a compelling vision for the future of regenerative medicine and the potential impact on patient care.

Dr. Ludovic Vallier, a leading expert in stem cells from the Berlin Institute of Health, shares groundbreaking insights into liver organogenesis. He discusses modeling non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and how his lab transitioned to researching SARS-CoV-2 during the pandemic. Vallier explains the potential of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) for liver regeneration after injury. The conversation also sheds light on the innovative therapies being developed for liver diseases and the collaboration happening within Germany's scientific community.

Dr. Ziyuan Guo, an Assistant Professor at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, dives into the fascinating world of brain organoids and their role in studying neurological disorders. He shares insights on in vivo reprogramming and cell therapies, mentioning the potential of induced pluripotent stem cells. Guo discusses innovative organoid modeling techniques, particularly for celiac disease, and the challenge of translating research into therapies. He also touches on the unique collaborative environment fostering cutting-edge organoid research at his institution, blending his passions for art and science.

Dr. Irving Weissman, a Stanford University professor credited with isolating mammalian blood-forming stem cells, shares groundbreaking insights on hematopoiesis and cancer. He discusses innovative treatments for metastatic breast cancer and severe combined immunodeficiency. The conversation dives into myeloid bias in aging, the complexities of blood cell development, and the ethical challenges in stem cell research. Weissman also emphasizes the importance of translating scientific discoveries into effective therapies, highlighting the intersection of science, ethics, and commercialization.