The Stem Cell Podcast

Dr. Dieter Egli, a senior research fellow at the New York Stem Cell Foundation, dives into the fascinating world of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) and its application in generating embryonic stem cell lines. He shares insights from his groundbreaking research on creating therapeutic cells for diabetes. The conversation also navigates the ethical challenges of egg donation for research and public perceptions surrounding SCNT. Egli's journey highlights both the promising advancements and the complexities inherent in the evolving landscape of stem cell science.

Dive into the fascinating world of stem cell research! Discover the largest sperm ever found, and learn why some stem cells aren't making hearts. Innovative heart-on-a-chip technology steals the spotlight, while researchers unveil a new element on the periodic table. Delve into the intriguing realm of iPSCs from schizophrenia patients. And don’t miss the humorous rant about bathroom air fresheners that wraps up this lively discussion!

Dr. Kevin Eggan, a professor at Harvard, is on a mission to tackle ALS using stem cells. He shares groundbreaking insights into the role of the C9orf72 gene, often overlooked in ALS research. The conversation dives into environmental factors linked to the disease, exploring intriguing cases involving athletes and military personnel. Eggan also highlights the challenges in replicating scientific studies and the desperate need for funding to advance innovative research in this vital field. Exciting findings promise hope for future ALS treatments!

Dr. Chris Smith, the founder of The Naked Scientists and a science communicator with an MD-PhD from Cambridge, dives into the fascinating world of stem cells. He discusses groundbreaking advancements like lab-grown tissues and the ethical debates surrounding cloning. The conversation highlights how stem cell research is revolutionizing personalized medicine and the implications for neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, Chris shares his journey from medical student to podcaster, emphasizing the importance of making science accessible.

Dr. Raja Kittappa, a former stem cell scientist known for his research on Parkinson's disease, is now running for Congress in Pennsylvania. He discusses the financial challenges of political campaigns from a scientist's viewpoint, stressing the importance of funding for scientific advocacy. Raja shares his motivations rooted in personal experiences with health crises and emphasizes the need for greater representation of science in politics. The conversation also touches on innovative research in neuroscience and the influence of government on scientific progress.

Dr. Leonard Zon, an acclaimed stem cell and cancer researcher from Harvard, discusses his groundbreaking work with zebrafish in cancer studies. He shares amusing anecdotes about transporting these fish and the unexpected chaos that ensued. The conversation covers the advantages of zebrafish as model organisms for understanding melanoma, especially concerning genetic mutations and innovative treatment strategies. Zon also emphasizes the future of stem cell applications in personalized medicine, enriching our understanding of cancer biology.

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Justin Ichida, an assistant professor at the University of Southern California, shares his pioneering work on direct reprogramming to study neurodegenerative diseases. He dives into innovative techniques for converting skin cells into neurons, aiming to unravel the mysteries of ALS and frontotemporal dementia. The discussion also covers intriguing advancements in biotechnologies, including the ethical implications of cloning and the significance of patient-specific models in understanding neuronal loss.

Join Dr. Paul Knoepfler, an influential associate professor at UC Davis, as he dives into the controversial world of STAP stem cells. He sheds light on the challenges of replicating this groundbreaking method for generating pluripotent cells. The discussion also touches on the emotional connections in the animal kingdom and the groundbreaking implications of stem cells for autism and neural repair. With a mix of humor and critical insights, Dr. Knoepfler highlights the importance of transparency in stem cell research, all while educating audiences through his popular blog.

Dr. Sean Morrison, a renowned professor and director at UT Southwestern, shares his insights on the intricate relationship between stem cells and cancer. He discusses the pivotal role of cancer stem cells in tumor behavior and the challenges in distinguishing between tumorigenic and non-tumorigenic cells. The conversation takes a captivating turn with anecdotes about the bizarre world of 'zombie bees' and breakthroughs in generating pluripotent stem cells through unique methods. Dr. Morrison's expertise brings light to the future of cancer treatment and stem cell research.

Dr. Mark Tomishima, director of the SKI Stem Cell Research Facility in NYC, shares insights into the crucial role of stem cell core facilities in advancing research. He discusses groundbreaking projects like creating organoid kidney structures and the ethical considerations of stem cell therapy, including immune rejection challenges. The conversation also highlights exciting advancements such as gene editing technologies and the progress of placenta-derived stem cells. Get ready for a blend of science and humor that showcases the collaborative spirit in the stem cell research community!