The Stem Cell Podcast

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.

Guest: On this episode it's just me and Yosif talking about a variety of hot papers with topics ranging from F-Class stem cells, wolves are better at math than dogs, the NFL is hating on stem cell transplants, STAP author can’t replicate findings, and there are actual sparks when sperm meets egg. Resources and Links New Type 2 Diabetes Treatment Cures Lab Animals of Disease – A new treatment for type 2 diabetes and obesity has been developed by researchers at Indiana University and the German Research Center for Environmental Health and has essentially cured lab animals of obesity, diabetes and associated lipid abnormalities through improved glucose sensitivity, and reduced appetite and enhanced calorie burning. Laughing Gas Studied as Depression Treatment – This article reveals a study conducted by researchers on nitrous oxide, the laughing gas, as a potential treatment for severe depression in patients whose symptoms don’t respond to standard therapies. Curcumin, Compound in Turmeric, Found to Impair Fear Memories and Ease PTSD Symptoms – Scientists have found that curcumin, the principal compound found in turmeric, can impair fear memories involved with the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Rosetta Spacecraft Suggests Asteroids, Not Comets, Birthed Earth's Oceans – Asteroids, not comets, likely delivered Earth's ancient oceans from space based on the study from the Rosetta Spacecraft, which is now in orbit around a comet that is a frozen relic from the dawn of the planets. Oldest Horned Dinosaur Species in North America Found in Montana: Hooked Beak, Sharply Pointed Cheeks Distinguishes Neoceratopsian Species – This article presents the naming of the first definite horned dinosaur species from the Early Cretaceous in North America specifically in Montana as Aquilops americanus, which exhibits definitive neoceratopsian features and is closely related to similar species in Asia. Scientists Make 'Feel Full' Chemical – Based on this article, scientists have created a chemical that can be added to food to make people feel full which will help people to eat less and slow down weight gain. Gut Microbiota and Parkinson’s Disease: Connection Made – Scientists are trying to determine what is the connection between intestinal microbes and Parkinson’s disease because those who suffer from Parkinson’s have a different microbiota in their intestines than their healthy counterparts. An Evolutionary Battle Against Bacteria – This article suggests that treating infections from Haemophilus influenzae, one of the bacteria species that causes meningitis, will be more effective if scientists used the evolutionary history of transferrin as a guide for designing transferrin that the bacteria can’t attack. The Best Sign of Dark Matter Yet? X-ray Signals in Neighbouring Galaxies Could Be Emitted by One of the Universe's Greatest Mysteries – Two groups of researchers have detected a signal that could prove the existence of dark matter based on their analysis of X-rays emitted by two celestial objects – the Perseus galaxy cluster and the Andromeda galaxy. How Birds Hear Without Ears – Researchers have determined how birds accurately determine the direction of a sound, even when they do not have the complex external ear structures that most mammals, humans included, boast. It’s Official! Men Are More Stupid than Women, Says British Medical Journal – A study of 20 years of the Darwin Awards – the annual accolade which recalls foolish ways in which people have died – has revealed that 90% of the awards have been ‘won’ by men. Testosterone Increases Colon Cancer Risk – This article shows the relationship of testosterone levels with colon tumor growth and that women are less likely than men to develop non-sex specific cancer of the colon, stomach or pancreas due to female hormones such as estrogen. Dog Brains Process Human Speech in the Same Way We Do – There is a common response between humans and dogs with human speech - communicating not only w...

Dr. Marius Wernig, an Associate Professor at Stanford University and an acclaimed stem cell researcher, discusses his groundbreaking work using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) for treating severe skin disorders. He reveals innovations in gene therapy that enhance skin repair, delves into the challenges of culturing stem cells, and emphasizes the potential of iPSCs for personalized treatments. The conversation touches on the future of skin gene therapy and contrasts it with the complexities of brain diseases, making for an engaging exploration of advancements in medical science.

Dr. Malin Parmar, an Associate Professor at Lund University, pioneers research on stem cell therapies for Parkinson's disease. She discusses her groundbreaking paper published in Cell Stem Cell, which has drawn significant media attention. The conversation delves into innovative strategies like in vivo reprogramming to transform glial cells into dopamine neurons for treatment. Parmar emphasizes collaboration in research and highlights the challenges and successes within the field, providing fascinating insights into the potential future of Parkinson's therapies.

Dr. Christina Lilliehook, Senior Editor at Cell Stem Cell, shares her journey in scientific editing and reveals the behind-the-scenes process of handling manuscripts. She discusses intriguing topics like a unique brain surgery that cured a man’s fear of spiders and sheds light on the complex development of penises in evolutionary biology. Dr. Lilliehook also dives into the challenges of peer review, the need for broad reading, and the importance of maintaining research integrity in the ever-evolving landscape of scientific publishing.

In this conversation with Dr. Harold Varmus, a Nobel Prize-winning scientist and director of the National Cancer Institute, they explore his groundbreaking contributions to cancer research and the challenges of securing NIH funding. The discussion highlights inspiring breakthroughs in cell transplantation for paralyzed patients and Gene therapy for genetic diseases. They also touch on the impact of diet on aging and the need for a supportive environment for young researchers. Humor weaves through critiques of scientific authorship, making it a compelling listen.