The Stem Cell Podcast

Discover the surprising benefits of chewing gum in beating earworms and the ethical dilemmas of germline gene editing. Dive into groundbreaking research linking high blood sugar to Alzheimer's and innovative uses of 3D printing for medical solutions. Learn about advancements in CRISPR and stem cell technologies, and hear insights from scientists at a vibrant stem cell conference. From neurodevelopmental disorders to the lighter side of conference anecdotes, there's a blend of serious science and engaging stories.

Dr. Megan Munsie, an expert in stem cell ethics and education, teams up with Dr. Mario D’Cruz, a medical mentor for spinal cord injuries, to discuss a new resource designed to educate the public about stem cell treatments. They delve into recent advances in stem cell therapies while exploring the delicate balance between hope and the reality of treatments. The conversation highlights the need for informed decision-making, especially in navigating clinical trials and understanding the complexities of stem cell research.

Guest: Neuroscientist and stem cell pioneer Dr. Fred "Rusty" Gage, a professor at the Salk Institute where he discusses past, present, and future work of stem cells and neurogenesis. Resources and Links Too Much of a Bad Thing Can Be Good in Brain Tumors – DNA mutations can cause cancer but in some cases, more mutations may mean a better prognosis for patients like the one subtype of the most malignant brain tumor, called glioblastoma, or GBM. Turbo-charging Hormone May Help Regrow the Heart, Animal Study Shows – Researchers at the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute discovered how to stimulate muscle regrowth in the heart of a mouse, which could be particularly important in looking at new treatments for those who suffer future heart attacks. Aluminum Battery from Stanford Offers Safe Alternative to Conventional Batteries – Stanford University scientists have invented the first high-performance aluminum battery that's fast-charging, long-lasting and inexpensive that could replace many of the lithium-ion and alkaline batteries in wide use today. Blackpoll Warblers Migrate Thousands of Miles across Atlantic Ocean, Scientists Find – A team of ornithologists led by William DeLuca of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, reports the first direct evidence that the blackpoll warbler (Setophaga striata), relatively small songbirds, completes an autumn trans-Atlantic migration ranging from 2,270 to 2,770 km (1,410 to 1,721 miles) and requiring two to three days of non-stop flight. Africa: Biodiversity Damage Mapped By Global Land-Use Study – Study concluded that, if human impacts continue to grow as they have been, future losses in biodiversity will be concentrated in biodiverse but economically poor countries. Blown-Up Brains Reveal Nanoscale Details – A study showed that material used in diaper absorbant can make brain tissue bigger and enable ordinary microscopes to resolve features down to 60 nanometers; this technique is called expansion microscopy. Repurposed Experimental Cancer Drug Restores Brain Function in Mouse Models of Alzheimer’s Disease – Scientists have found that saracatinib, a compound originally developed as a cancer therapy potentially could be used to treat Alzheimer’s disease. Stemming Genetic Changes in Cultured Cells – Researchers have found that the fewest genetic changes arise in embryonic stem cells (ESCs) that are grown on a substrate layer of "feeder cells"—non-dividing cells that provide nutrients and help ESCs attach to their culture dishes—and passaged mechanically, that is, broken into clumps before being moved into new vessels. Study: Saccharin Shows Promise as Cancer Inhibitor – The artificial sweetener saccharin shows considerable promise for its ability to inhibit an enzyme upregulated in many cancers, helping tumor cells survive and metastasize. Researchers May Have Solved Origin-of-Life Conundrum – Chemists report that a pair of simple compounds called acetylene and formaldehyde, which would have been abundant on early Earth, can give rise to a network of simple reactions that produce the three major classes of biomolecules—nucleic acids, amino acids, and lipids—needed for the earliest form of life to get its start. Malaria Parasite Attracts Mosquitoes with Perfume – This article reveals that Plasmodium—the malaria parasite manufactures alluring odor molecules, called terpenes using a chloroplast-like organelle that attract mosquitoes. Why Is the Scientific World Abuzz about an Unpublished Paper? Because It Could Permanently Change Human DNA – Scientists around the world are anticipating the results of a Chinese study that would mark the first time DNA in a human embryo has been modified in a way that would carry into future generations. Meat Grown in a Laboratory Soon to Become Commercially Viable, Says Scientist – Meat grown in a laboratory will become commercially viable in the next decade according to the scientist who grew the world’s first stem cell burger.

Guest: Dr. Eirini Papapetrou, an associate professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai where she discusses her work and latest paper on using stem cells to model blood diseases containing a chromosomal deletion. Resources and Links Sushi Parasite Inspires Worm Test for Cancer – Japanese researchers have discovered that Caenorhabditis elegans worms can detect cancer in people's urine. New Genetic Variant that Causes Autism Identified by Johns Hopkins-Led Team – A Johns Hopkins-led team of researchers has identified a new genetic cause of the disorder using a novel approach that focuses on rare families severely affected by autism. Bad Gene Cripples Flu Defenses – This article describes how a girl nearly died from flu because of mutated genes. High-Fat Diet Alters Behavior and Produces Signs of Brain Inflammation – There is a great possibility that a high-fat diet produces changes in health and behavior, in part, by changing the mix of bacteria in the gut, also known as the gut microbiome. NASA's Opportunity Rover Just Completed an 11-Year Marathon on Mars – NASA confirmed this week that the six-wheeled robot has now traveled more than 26.219 miles in eleven years and two months. Apple's New ResearchKit: 'Ethics Quagmire' or Medical Research Aid? – Apple's ResearchKit is designed to let medical researchers create iPhone apps for their studies that will help them recruit participants — without said participants ever setting foot in the lab. Woolly Mammoth DNA Inserted into Elephant Cells – This article describes the attempt of scientists to bring extinct species back from the grave through a process known as de-extinction. Surprise Finding Heightens Concern over Tiny Bits of Plastic Polluting Our Oceans – A team of scientists’ accidental finding of plastic in the skin of both farmed and wild fish adds to already growing environmental and public health concerns about the plastic particles or microplastics pervading our oceans and waterways. Altering Brain Chemistry Makes Us More Sensitive to Inequality – Researchers find that giving a drug that changes the neurochemical balance in the prefrontal cortex of the brain causes a greater willingness to engage in prosocial behaviors, such as ensuring that resources are divided more equally. Engineering the Perfect Baby – A group of scientists try to edit the DNA of human germ line to correct disease genes and to pass those genetic fixes on to future generations. Don’t Edit the Human Germ Line – Heritable human genetic modifications pose serious risks, and the therapeutic benefits are tenuous, warn Edward Lanphier, Fyodor Urnov and colleagues. Industry Body Calls for Gene Editing Moratorium – Gene-editing companies say research on altering the DNA of human reproductive cells is dangerous and unethical. A Prudent Path Forward for Genomic Engineering and Germline Gene Modification – Scientists suggests that a framework for open discourse on the use of CRISPR-Cas9 technology to manipulate the human genome is urgently needed. Scientists Call for a Summit on Gene-Edited Babies – A group of senior American scientists and ethics experts are calling for a debate on the gene-engineering of humans, warning that technology able to change the DNA of future generations is now "imminent." The ISSCR Statement on Human Germline Genome Modification – The International Society for Stem Cell Research calls for a moratorium on attempts at clinical application of nuclear genome editing of the human germ line. Double-Blind Peer Review – Nature Biotechnology, together with Nature and its sister journals, is now offering anonymity to authors during the peer-review process. Celebs' Stem Cell Facial Treatments Include Sheep Placenta, Others Get Human Cells - Celebrities pay hundreds of dollars to have a sheep placenta facial or known as collagen treatment wherein the placenta mush or stem cell fluid is smeared all over the face, and the skin is pricked so the cells can penetrate below the epidermis. ...

Dr. Frederick Alt, a leading geneticist from Harvard Medical School, reveals fascinating insights into gene editing. He discusses a novel method for detecting off-target effects, crucial for CRISPR's precision. The conversation also touches on groundbreaking studies linking autism genes to cognitive performance, and how memory manipulation in mice offers tantalizing possibilities. Alt emphasizes the importance of specificity in gene editing technologies and their implications for future biomedical research. A must-listen for anyone interested in genetic advancements!

Dr. Rhonda Newman, a staff scientist at Thermo Fisher, specializes in cryopreservation of pluripotent stem cells. In this engaging discussion, she reveals innovative strategies to 'de-stress' stem cells and tackle associated mutations. They dive into intriguing research showcasing the impact of vitamin A on blood cell formation and the surprising role of peanut exposure in reducing allergies in children. The episode also touches on the importance of dishwashing methods linked to childhood allergies and the ethical complexities of stem cell research.

Dr. Lorenz Studer, founding director of the Sloan Kettering Center for Stem Cell Biology, is a leading expert in using stem cells for neurological diseases. He discusses groundbreaking advancements in cell transplant therapy, particularly for Parkinson's disease, including the creation of CGMP HLA super donor stem cell lines. There's an exploration of the ethical challenges in patient selection and regulatory hurdles, along with exciting innovations like a self-adjusting 'smart' insulin for diabetes. Humility and cooperation in research also take center stage.

Dr. Christine Mummery, a leading expert in stem cell biology from Leiden University Medical Center, shares her insights on using pluripotent stem cells to combat heart disease. She discusses the innovative process of differentiating stem cells into cardiomyocytes and vascular cells. The conversation explores milestones in heart repair and the exciting prospects of regenerative medicine, including overcoming challenges in publication and advancing therapeutic applications. Mummery also highlights the rhythmic contractions of engineered heart tissue, merging science with a touch of humor.

Dr. David Piper, Director of R&D at Thermo Fisher Scientific, discusses groundbreaking innovations in disease modeling, particularly for Parkinson's. He highlights the potential of iPS technology in drug screening and the challenges of consistent stem cell production. The conversation delves into the impact of alcohol and BPA on health, while emphasizing collaborations with the Parkinson's Institute to develop effective research tools. Piper also shares insights on genome editing techniques like CRISPR and innovative methodologies for studying complex diseases.

Dr. Maria Themeli, a postdoctoral fellow at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, shares her groundbreaking research on CAR T-cell therapies, where stem cells are transformed into cancer-hunting assassins. The conversation dives into the complexities and challenges of enhancing T-cell precision in targeting tumors. They also explore intriguing connections between cancer, random mutations, and the immune system's role, along with the impact of methamphetamine use on health. Insights into funding hurdles for early-career researchers add a personal touch to the scientific discussion.