The Stem Cell Podcast

A podcast dedicated to culturing knowledge in stem cell research. Brought to you by STEMCELL Technologies.

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357 episodes
Updated July 21

Episodes357

Newest first

Jul 18, 2017 · 1 hr 10 min
Ep. 96: “STDs and Stem Cells” Featuring Dr. Robert Hancock
Guest: Dr. Robert Hancock is a Professor of Microbiology and Immunology, UBC, and a Canada Research Chair in Health and Genomics. Bob has published more than 660 papers and reviews, and has 50 patents awarded. The fundamental interest of Dr. Hancock and his laboratory is in designing new therapeutic strategies to treat infections in the light of increasing antibiotic resistance coupled with a dearth of new antibiotic discovery. Recently his team and their collaborators at the University of British Columbia have created an innovative technique for studying how chlamydia interacts with the human immune system. The researchers used a combination of gene editing and stem cell technologies to make the model. The results, reported in Nature Communications, identify novel drug targets for the sexually transmitted disease. Featured Resource: ImmunoCult™ Activation, Expansion, Maintenance and Differentiation of Immune Cells Resources and Links Genetic Loci Associated with Coronary Artery Disease Harbor Evidence of Selection and Antagonistic Pleiotropy – Researchers report that some gene versions stuck around because fertility advantage outweighs heart disease risk. Do It Yourself Vaccinations? – According to this article, Band-Aid‒like patch studded with dissolving microneedles can safely and effectively deliver a dose of influenza vaccine. Stats to Help Prevent Gun Injury in Children – The authors report that new numbers on firearm deaths and injuries provide most in-depth look yet at impact of firearm violence on children. Scientists Have Uncovered the Atomic Structure of a Key Alzheimer’s Protein for The First Time – Scientists have revealed the chemical structure of one of the key markers of Alzheimer’s disease, capturing high-resolution images of the abnormal tau protein deposits suspected to be behind Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative conditions. ‘Stem-Cell Tourism’ Needs Tighter Controls, Say Medical Experts – Stem-cell tourism involving patients who travel to developing countries for treatment with unproven and potentially risky therapies should be more tightly regulated. Guiding Neural Stem Cells with Electrical Stimulation – When scientists applied electric current to human neural stem cells injected into rats’ brains, the cells moved toward the animals’ subventricular zone and lateral ventricle, instead of toward their olfactory bulb, the default destination. New In Vitro Model to Test Drugs for Colon Cancer – The first-ever “disease in a Petri dish” platform that models human colon cancer derived from stem cells has been developed by Weill Cornell Medicine investigators, allowing them to identify a targeted drug treatment for a common, inherited form of the disease. Integrin α7 Is a Functional Marker and Potential Therapeutic Target in Glioblastoma – Researchers used generation and screening of thousands of monoclonal antibodies to search for receptors and signaling pathways preferentially enriched in glioblastoma stem-like cells. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Robert Hancock Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe
Jul 4, 2017 · 1 hr 3 min
Ep. 95: “Lung from Stem Cells” Featuring Dr. Darrell Kotton
Guest: Dr. Darrell Kotton is a David C. Seldin Professor of Medicine and works as the Director in the Center for Regenerative Medicine of Boston University and Boston Medical Center. Dr. Kotton’s research focuses on stem cell biology and gene therapy related to lung injury and repair. Dr. Kotton’s laboratory currently utilizes several stem cell populations, including bone marrow-derived stem cells and embryonic stem cells in order to develop novel stem cell-based therapies for lung disease. In addition, Dr. Kotton specializes in the genetic manipulation of stem cells as well as resident lung cells using lentiviral vectors. Featured Resource: PneumaCult™ Culture System for Airway Epithelial Cells Resources and Links A Newly Discovered See through Frog – A newly discovered glass frog from Ecuador’s Amazon lowlands (Hyalinobatrachium yaku) has a belly so transparent that the heart, kidneys and urine bladder are clearly visible. A Possible Mechanism to the Cause of Parkinson’s Disease – In a blood test, immune cells called T cells became activated when exposed to the protein in about 40 percent of Parkinson’s patients. A Protein Made by the Fetus May Lead to Preeclampsia in Moms – Researchers report that in some women, the pregnancy condition preeclampsia, which can cause blood pressure to soar, may be triggered by DNA variations carried by the fetus. How Facial Recognition Changes Wasp Brain – Biologist Ali Berens of Georgia Tech and her colleagues set up recognition exercises of faces and basic patterns for P. fuscatus wasps and P. metricus wasps — a species that doesn’t naturally recognize faces but can be trained to do so in the lab. Clinical Trial to Begin with Cells Derived from Human Embryonic Stem Cells – The authors report that surgeons in the Chinese city of Zhengzhou will carefully drill through the skulls of people with Parkinson’s disease and inject 4 million immature neurons derived from human embryonic stem cells into their brains. Compound in Grapes Can Kill Colon Cancer Stem Cells – The compounds — resveratrol — which are found in grape skins and seeds, could also eventually lead to treatments to help prevent colon cancer, said Jairam K.P. Vanamala, associate professor of food sciences, Penn State. Stem Cell Scientist to Run for Congress – Scientists report that stem-cell researcher Hans Keirstead, 50, announced that he will try to unseat California’s Rep. Dana Rohrabacher. Using Stem Cells to Understand How Chlamydia Does Its Damage – Using a gene-editing tool called CRISPR/Cas9, the researchers are able to alter the properties of white blood cells in specific ways to see how chlamydia bacteria are able to penetrate and overwhelm cells, according to microbiologist Robert Hancock of the University of British Columbia. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Darrell Kotton Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe
Jun 20, 2017 · 1 hr 20 min
Ep. 94: “Unlimited Blood Cells” Featuring Drs. Shahin Rafii and Raphael Lis
Guest: In this episode, we welcome Drs. Shahin Rafii and Raphael Lis. Dr. Rafii is director of the Ansary Stem Cell Institute, chief of the Division of Regenerative Medicine, and the Arthur B. Belfer Professor at Weill Cornell Medicine. His lab investigates stem cell biology and angiogenesis using in vivo mouse models. Dr. Lis who was the first author on their recent Nature paper and is an Instructor in Medicine and the TRI-SCi Flow Cytometry Core Manager at Weill Cornell Medicine. Featured Resource: Bone Marrow Niches and HSC Fates Wallchart Resources and Links US to Pull Out of Paris Climate Accord – President Donald Trump announced June 1 that the United States will leave the Paris climate accord, calling it “simply the latest example of Washington entering into an agreement that disadvantages the United States.” Plants – A Source of Air Pollution When Temperatures Rise – During heat waves, city trees actually boost air pollution levels with as much as 60 percent of ground-level ozone created with the help of chemicals emitted by urban shrubbery. Climate Change May Be Beneficial for Earworms – Researchers analyzed 21 years of data from Maryland cornfields and suggest that rising temperatures might help corn earworms (Helicoverpa zea) develop resistance faster to a widespread genetically built-in crop protection. Humans Love Looking at Faces Even Before Birth – In the first-ever study of prenatal visual perception, fetuses were more likely to move their heads to track facelike configurations of light projected into the womb than non-facelike shapes. New Therapy “Flags” DNA to Boost Cancer Fighting T-Cells – An antibody sold as the drug Keytruda helps turn on cancer-fighting T cells by blocking PD-1 proteins, freeing T cells to attack the cancer. Trump Retains Collins as NIH director – President Donald Trump has decided to appoint the director of the National Institutes of Health even though pro-life advocates called on Francis Collins to be replaced because of his support for embryonic stem cell research that involves the destruction of human life. Using Stem Cells to Reverse Brain Death?? – The company, Bioquark, plans to initiate a study later this year to see if a combination of stem cell and protein blend injections, electrical nerve stimulation, and laser therapy can reverse the effects of recent brain death. Skin Stem Cells to Treat Congenital Brain Defect – Researchers developed a stem cell-based therapy for generating skin grafts to cover myelomeningocele defects before birth according to a study published in Stem Cell Reports. CryoPause: A New Method to Immediately Initiate Experiments after Cryopreservation of Pluripotent Stem Cells – Researchers describe a modification of PSC workflows that eliminates a major variable for nearly all PSC experiments: the quality and quantity of the PSC starting material. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Shahin Rafii Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe
Jun 6, 2017 · 1 hr 5 min
Ep. 93: “Blood Brain Barrier” Featuring Dr. Clive Svendsen
Guest: Dr. Clive Svendsen is the Director of the Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute and Professor of Biomedical Sciences at Cedar Sinai Medical Center. One focus of his current research is to derive cells from patients with specific disorders, which can then be “reprogrammed” to a primitive state and used as powerful models of human disease. The other side of his research involves cutting edge clinical trials. Featured Resource: iCell® Human iPSC-Derived Products Resources and Links New Administration Budget Would Bludgeon Science Funding – Under President Donald Trump’s 2018 budget proposal, federal research spending would decline abruptly. Mouse Sperm Survive Trip to Space – Sperm freeze-dried and sent into space for months of exposure to high levels of solar radiation later produced healthy baby mice. 40 More Intelligence Genes Identified – By sifting through the genetics of nearly 80,000 people, researchers have uncovered 40 genes that may make certain people smarter which brings the total number of suspected “intelligence genes” to 52. Statin Drugs May Not Benefit Older Adults – This article reveals that statins did not cause a meaningful reduction in heart attacks, coronary heart disease deaths or deaths from any cause in people age 65 and older. Bookmarks on Stem Cells – Stem cells preserve their identities after cell division by using a series of protein “bookmarks” on their genes, according to new research published by scientists at Weill Cornell Medicine. High-Throughput Protocol for Deriving Microglia from Human Stem Cells – Scientists from the New York Stem Cell Foundation Research Institute have developed a robust, efficient method for deriving microglia, the immune cells of the brain, from human stem cells according to a paper published in Stem Cell Reports. HIV May Cause Emphysema by Taking Over Stem Cells – HIV may cause emphysema by reprogramming the stem cells, called basal cells, to produce enzymes that can destroy lung tissue. A Cure for Baldness? – Scientists have found that immune system cells that control inflammation play a key role in hair growth. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Clive Svendsen Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe
May 23, 2017 · 1 hr 7 min
Ep. 92: “Stem Cells for Arthritis” Featuring Dr. Farshid Guilak
Guest: Dr. Farshid Guilak, a Professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Washington University and Director of Research for the Shriners Hospitals for Children. His laboratory is pursuing a multidisciplinary approach to investigate the etiology and pathogenesis of osteoarthritis, as a basis for the development of new pharmacologic and stem-cell therapies. Featured Resource: Mesenchymal Stem and Progenitor Cell Research Resources and Links Toddlers’ Screen Time Linked to Speech Delays and Lost Sleep, But… – The use of tablets and other handheld digital devices are associated with speech delays and less night sleep in young children, links that scientists, doctors and parents are all eager to explore. Breast Cancer Cells Spread in Groups – A study says breast cancer cells may break away from the main tumor in clumps, already bearing most of the mutations that will drive cancer recurrence. An ‘Exercise Pill’ – An experimental drug touted as “exercise in a pill” has dramatically increased endurance in couch potato mice, even after a lifetime of inactivity by adjusting the body’s metabolism, allowing muscles to favor burning fat over sugar. Immune Cells May Help Regulate Our Heart Beat – Immune system cells called macrophages, which usually protect the body from invading pathogens, also help electricity flow between muscle cells to keep the heart pumping. Bone Marrow Stem Cells for ALS – Researchers at the University of South Florida show in a new study that bone marrow stem cell transplants helped improve motor functions and nervous system conditions in mice with the disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by repairing damage to the blood-spinal cord barrier. Large Bank of Human Stem Cell Lines Made in Europe – The 711 induced pluripotent stem cell lines derived from 301 healthy volunteers were released by a large European consortium – the Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Initiative – in the journal Nature. Vitamin Deficiency Not Good for Blood Stem Cells – According to this article, lack of vitamin A in the body has a detrimental effect on the hematopoietic system in the bone marrow. Single-Cell RNA-Seq Analysis Maps Development of Human Germline Cells and Gonadal Niche Interactions – Researchers performed single-cell RNA-seq analysis of over 2,000 human fetal germ cells and their gonadal niche cells in female and male human embryos spanning several developmental stages. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Farshid Guilak Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe
May 9, 2017 · 1 hr 13 min
Ep. 91: “3D Cell Library” Featuring Dr. Rick Horwitz and Dr. Graham Johnson
Guest: In this episode, we bring you Drs. Rick Horwitz and Graham Johnson from the Allen Institute for Cell Sciences. They discuss the Allen Cell Explorer, a 3-D cell library created using induced pluripotent stem cells. Featured Resource: STEMdiff™ Trilineage Differentiation Kit Resources and Links A March for Science Happened – Scientists had to engage and take their demands to political leaders and policymakers, so they stood for hours on a sodden National Mall and then marched through puddles to Capitol Hill. HPV Vaccine as a Cancer Prevention Needs to be Emphasized – In the United States, HPV vaccination rates lag for girls and boys mainly because the message that the vaccine prevents cancer isn’t getting out there. All Crossed Up-Neuron Miswiring Can Lead to Depression – Researchers have pinpointed a gene called Pcdhαc2 that keeps important brain cells in mice from crossing their wires, providing a possible link between brain wiring and mood disorders like depression. Zika Virus Hangs Out in Your Body – Weeks after the virus disappears from the bloodstream, it still lingers in the lymph nodes and the central nervous system of rhesus monkeys. CIRM is on Its Last Leg – Major investment in regenerative medicine enters its last stage — and the money might run out before treatments are ready. CRISPR Editing to Fight Arthritis – Scientists have rewired stem cells’ genetic circuits known as SMART cells (Stem cells Modified for Autonomous Regenerative Therapy) to produce an anti-inflammatory arthritis drug when the cells encounter inflammation. CRISPR and Stem Cells Identify Novel Chlamydia Drug Targets – Researchers at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute and their colleagues at the University of British Columbia have developed a novel method for studying how the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis interacts with the human immune system. Activating Stem Cells for Quicker Healing – Recent research, led by assistant professor of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine at the University of South Carolina Joseph T. Rodgers, has found a way to increase the body’s ability to heal after injury. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Rick Horwitz and Dr. Graham Johnson Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe
Apr 25, 2017 · 1 hr 10 min
Ep. 90: “Eating Disorder Gene” Featuring Dr. Alysson Muotri
Guest: Dr. Alysson Muotri is a Professor at the School of Medicine, University of California in San Diego. His research focuses on modeling neurological diseases, such as Autism Spectrum Disorders, using human induced pluripotent stem cells. His lab has developed several techniques to culture human neurons and glia for basic research and drug-screening platforms. Most recently he and his group published a paper reporting the first cellular model of anorexia nervosa, reprogramming induced pluripotent stem cells derived from adolescent females with the eating disorder. Featured Resource: CloneR™ Defined Supplement for Single-Cell Cloning of Human ES and iPS Cells Resources and Links How a Budget Squeeze Can Lead to Sloppy Science and Even Cheating – A funding crunch for scientific research is creating incentives for scientists to cut corners and even occasionally to cheat. New Tech Harvests Drinking Water from (Relatively) Dry Air Using Only Sunlight – A new device the size of a coffee mug can generate drinkable water from desert air using nothing but sunlight. New CRISPR Tool Can Detect Tiny Amounts of Viruses – The new exquisitely sensitive and specific CRISPR tool promises to help detect diseases that other diagnostics miss, and it’s simple and cheap to use. Allen Cell Explorer – Graham Johnson and the Allen Institute for Cell Science’s team of nearly 50 cell biologists, microscopy specialists, and computer programmers revealed what they’ve been working on the past two years: the Allen Cell Explorer, which is the largest public collection of human cells ever visualized in 3D, that serves as fuel for the project’s engine: the first-ever deep learning model to predict how cells are organized. The EPS Cell, a New Stem Cell – Salk Institute and Chinese researchers said they have created a new kind of stem cell called an extended pluripotent stem cell or EPS cell, one that is more versatile than any other grown in the lab and can grow into any tissue in the body. Patient-Specific iPSC-Derived Endothelial Cells Uncover Pathways that Protect against Pulmonary Hypertension in BMPR2 Mutation Carriers – Researchers used comparison of induced pluripotent stem cell-derived endothelial cells from three families with unaffected mutation carriers, familial pulmonary arterial hypertension patients, and gender-matched controls to investigate this variation. Analysis of Transcriptional Variability in a Large Human iPSC Library Reveals Genetic and Non-genetic Determinants of Heterogeneity – This article reveals that ∼50% of genome-wide expression variability is explained by variation across individuals and identified a set of expression quantitative trait loci that contribute to this variation. Reprogramming the Brain’s Own Cells for Parkinson’s Treatment – A study from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm shows it is possible to coax the brain’s own astrocytes—cells that typically support and nurture neurons—into producing a new generation of dopamine neurons. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Alysson Muotri Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe
Apr 11, 2017 · 1 hr 27 min
Ep. 89: “MSCs in Vivo” Featuring Dr. Fabio Rossi
Guest: Dr. Fabio Rossi is a Professor at the Department of Medical Genetics and Director of Biomedical Research Centre at the University of British Columbia. He joins us to discuss the role of mesenchymal stem cells in regeneration and fibrosis in vivo. Featured Resource: CloneR™ Defined Supplement for Single-Cell Cloning of Human ES and iPS Cells Resources and Links New Steel Modeled After Bones – A new type of steel mimics bone to make the metal more resistant to failure. The First Fluorescent Frogs – Scientists say South American polka dot tree frog gives off an “intense greenish-blue glow” under UV light. Brain Differences Seen Between Girls and Boys with ADHD – Girls and boys with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder don’t just behave differently but parts of their brains look different, too like the cerebellum. Getting Dengue First May Make Zika Infection Much Worse – Experiments in cells and mice suggest that a previous exposure to dengue or West Nile can make a Zika virus infection worse by facilitating entry of the Zika virus into susceptible cells, and exacerbating the disease outcome. For Kids Daily Juice Most Likely Won’t Pack on Pounds – This article shows that an analysis of existing studies linked daily juice drinking to very small amounts of extra weight in young children. Man Receives Someone Else’s Reprogrammed Stem Cells – Doctors took skin cells from a donor bank and reprogrammed them into induced pluripotent stem cells, grew them into a type of retinal cell, and then injected them into the retina of the macular degeneration patient’s right eye. Stem Cell Fabric Innovation Regrows Rotator Cuff Tendons – A team of researchers from University of Connecticut Health has found a way to regenerate rotator cuff tendons after they’re torn, using a nano-textured fabric seeded with stem cells. New Stem Cell Screening Platform Opens Door to Novel Ways to Treat Neuro Diseases – Scientists at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine have successfully grown stem cells from children with a devastating neurological disease to help explain how different genetic backgrounds can cause similar symptoms. Stem Cells Help Some Men with Erectile Dysfunction after Prostate Surgery – Scientists report that men who are unable to have an erection after prostate surgery enjoyed normal intercourse thanks to stem cell therapy. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Fabio Rossi Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe
Mar 28, 2017 · 1 hr 21 min
Ep. 88: “Homing Neural Stem Cells” Featuring Dr. Shawn Hingtgen
Guest: For this episode’s interview, we bring on Dr. Shawn Hingtgen, Assistant Professor at the Department of Molecular Pharmaceutics at UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, and Dr. Matthew G. Ewend, Chair of the Department of Neurosurgery at UNC School of Medicine. Dr. Hingtgen’s research focuses on utilizing molecular imaging to characterize and validate novel stem cell-based targeted therapeutics for treatment of highly aggressive brain cancers. Most recently, Hingtgen and Ewend published a paper in Science Translational Medicine describing a novel method using neural stem cells to home to and infiltrate brain tumors in mouse models. Featured Resource: Sample Request: NeuroCult™ NS-A Proliferation Kit (Human) Resources and Links New Administration Will Deeply Cut Science Budgets – The harshest budget cuts appear to be directed at biomedical research, which will see a dramatic 20 percent drop in funding for the National Institutes of Health Making a Mistake Can Make Your Brain Pause – When facing a fast and furious stream of decisions, even the momentary distraction of noting an error can decrease accuracy on the next choice. Genetically Engineered Corn to Ward Off Fungal Growth – Genetically altered corn infected with Aspergillus fungus may be able to prevent the fungus from releasing carcinogenic toxins or aflatoxins. Insight into Neandertals’ Diet and Disease from Preserved Dental Plaque – Dental plaque preserved in fossilized teeth confirms that Neandertals were flexible eaters and may have self-medicated with an ancient equivalent of aspirin. 3 Women Blinded by Unproven Stem Cell Treatments – Researchers document the cases of three elderly women who were blinded after getting stem cells derived from fat tissue at a for-profit clinic in Florida. A New Report Aims to Decipher How the Body Controls Stem Cells – Researchers from the Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine of the University of Luxembourg and an international team have now identified an ingenious mechanism by which the body orchestrates the regeneration of red and white blood cells from progenitor cells. Turning Old Gut Stem Cells Young – It may be possible to partially reverse aging in gut stem cells, at least in a petri dish according to a paper in Cell Reports March 14. A New Antibody Therapy That Targets Cancer Stem Cells – Scientists have described a novel antibody therapy with a two-in-one antibody, called CT16, that may be able to both shrink tumors and target cancer stem cells. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Shawn Hingtgen Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe
Mar 14, 2017 · 1 hr 12 min
Ep. 87: “Cancer Stem Cell Evasion” Featuring Dr. Justin Lathia
Guest: For this episode’s interview, we bring on Dr. Justin Lathia, Assistant Professor in the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine at the Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Lathia’s research focus is on how stem cell programs drive tumor progression and therapeutic resistance. Most recently his group published a paper in Cell Stem Cell, describing a novel method on how stem cells in brain tumors evade immune signals around them. Featured Resource: Sample Request: NeuroCult™ NS-A Proliferation Kit (Human) Resources and Links Certain Birth Defects Are on the Rise Since Zika Arrived in the U.S. – Certain birth defects were 20 times more prevalent in babies born to Zika virus–infected mothers in the U.S. in 2016 than they were before the virus cropped up in the United States, a CDC study suggests. Bacteria Genes Offer New Strategy for Sterilizing Mosquitoes – A pair of bacterial genes called cifA and cifB, connected to the sterility mechanism of Wolbachia may enable genetic engineering strategies for curbing populations of virus-transmitting mosquitoes. New Imaging Technique Catches DNA ‘Flickering’ On – This article describes a new imaging technique that takes advantage of DNA’s natural ability to “blink” in response to stimulating light. Gastric Bypass Controls Diabetes Long Term Better Than Other Methods – People who undergo gastric bypass surgery are more likely to experience a remission of their diabetes than patients who receive a gastric sleeve or intensive management of diet and exercise, according to a new study. Scientists Use Two Types Of Stem Cells To Grow Artificial Mouse “Embryo” – Scientists combine mouse embryonic stem cells and extra-embryonic trophoblast stem cells in a 3D-scaffold to generate structures whose morphogenesis is remarkably similar to natural embryos. Stem Cell Science in Space Happening with SpaceX Rocket – SpaceX rocket carrying samples of donated adult stem cells from a research laboratory at Mayo Clinic’s Florida campus launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., on Feb. 19. Australian Researchers Have Discovered Stem Cells in the Breast That May Be Linked to a High-Risk Form of Breast Cancer – Located in a region near the nipple, the newly-found stem cells have many molecular similarities to a subtype of ‘triple negative’ breast cancers known as claudin-low cancers. Obesity Can Reprogram Muscle Stem Cells – According to this article, by comparing the DNA methylation in immature and mature muscle cells from healthy individuals, Cajsa Davegårdh discovered that the actual degree of methylation had a major impact on the maturation process. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Justin Lathia Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe
Feb 28, 2017 · 55 min
Ep. 86: “Human-Pig Chimera” Featuring Dr. Jun Wu
Guest: For this episode, we bring on Dr. Jun Wu, a Staff Scientist in the lab of Juan Carlos Izpisua Belmonte at the Salk Institute. Dr. Wu will discuss his latest work published in Cell on human-pig chimeras. Featured Resource: Wallchart: Stem Cell States – Naive to Primed Pluripotency Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Jun Wu Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe
Feb 14, 2017 · 1 hr 12 min
Ep. 85: “Killer Antibodies” Featuring Dr. Christopher Park
Guest: Dr. Christopher Park is an Associate Professor and Director of Pathology Education and Translational Research at the NYU Langone Medical center. His lab is currently looking at new ways to combat blood cancers like leukemia by attacking and destroying the blood stem cells. In this episode, Dr. Park discusses his lab’s work and the details of their most recent publication in Science Translational Medicine. Featured Resource: Hematopoiesis Hub: Culture Your Expertise in Hematopoiesis with Us Resources and Links Scientists Plan to March – A few months from now, thousands of scientists will leave their labs and take to the streets to rally on behalf of publicly funded, openly communicated, evidence-based research. CRISPR Used in Cows to Help Fight Tuberculosis – Researchers are able to obtain transgenic cattle with increased resistance to tuberculosis through somatic cell nuclear transfer. An Artist’s Amnesia Could Help Better Understand Memory – Despite having amnesia, artist Lonni Sue Johnson can still create art, which makes neuroscientists curious about Johnson’s brain in part because her education and expertise before her illness contrast sharply with that of the most famous amnesiac known to science, Henry Molaison. Shining Light on Eggs Leads to More “Chilled” Out Chickens – Researchers at the University of California, Davis found that broilers given at least 12 hours of light daily during incubation were less fearful. First Human-Pig ‘Chimera’ Created in Milestone Study – Scientists from the Salk Institute have created a human-pig hybrid in a milestone study that raises the prospect of being able to grow human organs inside animals for use in transplants. Study by Cleveland Clinic Researchers Explains How Brain Cancer Cells Avoid Immune System – A new study by Cleveland Clinic researchers has uncovered some of the mystery behind what enables glioblastoma – one of the most deadly and recurring brain cancers – to resist most cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy. Endocrinology Stem Cell Research Engineering Thyroid Cells from Stem Cells May Lead to New Therapies – Researchers found a way to coax genetically modified embryonic stem cells from mice to develop into thyroid cells. Direct Reprogramming of Mouse Fibroblasts toward Leydig-like Cells by Defined Factors – Induced Leydig-like cells (iLCs) expressed steroidogenic genes, had a global gene expression profile similar to that of adult LCs, and acquired androgen synthesis capabilities. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Christopher Park Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe
Jan 31, 2017 · 1 hr 8 min
Ep. 84: “Visual Restoration” Featuring Dr. Deepak Lamba
Guest: Dr. Deepak Lamba is an Assistant Professor at the Buck Institute. His research is focused on identifying new methods to treat degenerative vision disorders, including macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa, using stem cell technology. His work is considered pioneering amongst those focused on developing efficient methods of making retinal cells in a laboratory dish. Featured Resource: Neural Stem Cells Wallchart Resources and Links Rumours Swirl about Trump’s Science Adviser Pick – Climate sceptic William Happer and ardent critic of academia David Gelernter have met with the president. For Three Years in a Row, Earth Breaks Heat Record – For the third year running, Earth’s thermostat broke a new record: 2016 was the warmest year since record-keeping began in 1880. Heart-Hugging Robot Does the Twist (And Squeeze) – A silicone sleeve slipped over pigs’ hearts helped pump blood when the hearts failed. Promise and Perils of Marijuana Deserve More Scientific Scrutiny – The report, released January 12 by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine in Washington, D.C., calls for expanding research on potential medical applications of cannabis and its products, including marijuana and chemical components called cannabinoids. Here’s How Earwax Might Clean Ears – The self-cleaning marvel known as earwax may turn the dust particles it traps into agents of their own disposal. Scientists Say It’s Time We Discussed Creating Humans from Stem Cells – A Kyoto University scientist, Shinya Yamanaka, and his graduate student, Kazutoshi Takahashi, re-energized the stem cell field by devising a technique to “reprogram” any adult cell, such as a skin cell, and coax it back to its earliest “pluripotent” stage where it can become any type of cell, from a heart muscle cell to a neuron. Irish Researchers Make Stem-Cell Cancer Breakthrough – Irish-led researchers have found a way to make it potentially easier to kill off tumor cells and make radiotherapy more effective for people with oesophageal cancer. Stem Cells Induce Teeth to Self-Repair – A new dental treatment could eliminate the need for man-made cavity fillings by promoting the renewal of stem cells within tooth pulp, triggering damaged teeth to repair themselves. ‘Totipotent’ Stem Cells Capable of Forming Viable Embryo Created from Pluripotent Cells – Stem cells with characteristics of totipotency — capable of creating all the tissue types needed to build and sustain an embryo — have been created in mice by a California-led research team. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Deepak Lambda Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe
Jan 17, 2017 · 1 hr 15 min
Ep. 83: “Big Picture Zika” Featuring Dr. Hongjun Song
Guest: Dr. Hongjun Song is a Director of the Stem Cell Program at John Hopkins University. The research in the Song laboratory focuses on understanding mechanisms regulating neural stem cells and neurogenesis in the mammalian brain. He recently published a review regarding Zika virus, what’s known, how stem cells can help and we talk with him about this topic and more. Featured Resource: Neural Stem Cells Wallchart Resources and Links Cancer Death Rates Fall as Prevention, Treatment Advance – Deaths from cancer in the United States have dropped 25 percent since hitting a peak in 1991 attributed to reductions in smoking and advances in early detection and treatment. Ebola Vaccine Proves Effective, Final Trial Results Show – This article reports that of 5,837 people in Guinea who received a single shot of the vaccine, rVSV-ZEBOV, in the shoulder, none became infected with the Ebola virus 10 to 84 days after vaccination. Among High School Seniors, Interest in Science Varies by Race, Ethnicity – A majority of high school seniors in the U.S. say they enjoy science and around four-in-ten (44%) would like to have a job in the field although this tend to vary by race and ethnicity – a pattern that also is reflected in American students’ test scores in science. Figuring Out How Women Respond to Hormones – Researchers suppressed then added back the hormones estrogen and progesterone in women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder and found that their symptoms disappear only to re-emerge when the hormones were added back. NYSCF and PGP Announce Availability of Unique New Stem Cell Resource for Scientific Research – The New York Stem Cell Foundation Research Institute and the Personal Genomes Project announced the availability of a unique new stem cell resource – the stem cell lines – for scientists around the world. Conversion of Terminally Committed Hepatocytes to Culturable Bipotent Progenitor Cells with Regenerative Capacity – Researchers report that a cocktail of small molecules, Y-27632, A-83-01, and CHIR99021, can convert rat and mouse mature hepatocytes in vitro into proliferative bipotent cells, which they called chemically induced liver progenitors. Synthetic Stem Cells to Regenerate Heart Tissue – American and Chinese researchers have developed synthetic cardiac stem cells that could have the same therapeutic impact as human stem cells, with the added benefit of reducing the risk of graft rejection in cellular therapy. Using Stem Cells to Grow Stomachs? – A study featured in the journal Nature reveals that researchers from the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center were able to grow human tissues in a laboratory using stem cell samples taken from the corpus/fundus region of the stomach. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Hongjun Song Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe
Jan 3, 2017 · 1 hr 18 min
Ep. 82: “Year in Review” Featuring Dr. Daylon James
Guest: For the interview portion of the show, we talk to our very own Dr. Daylon James. In addition to hosting the Stem Cell Podcast, Daylon is an Assistant Professor at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City where he uses stem cells as a tool to investigate cardiovascular and reproductive disorders. Resources and Links World Health Organisation Declares a Public Emergency of International Concern Over Zika – World Health Organization declared the Zika virus and its suspected link to birth defects an international public health emergency, a rare move that signals the seriousness of the outbreak and gives countries new tools to fight it. 2016 Was 10 Year Anniversary of Yamanaka iPSC Paper – This article discusses the 10 years of iPSC where Cell published the original iPS cell papers, in which Dr. Kazutoshi Takahashi, Dr. Shinya Yamanaka and colleagues showed that mouse and human fibroblasts can be reprogrammed into pluripotent stem cells by introducing into them four genes. World’s First Baby with Three Genetic Parents Was Born – A five-month-old boy is the first baby to be born using a new technique that incorporates DNA from three people. Stem Cells Can Make Oocytes – This paper reveals that scientists have for the first time reprogrammed murine embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells into fully functional oocytes in the laboratory. CO2 Turns into Solid Stone When Pumped into the Ground – Researchers working in Iceland say they have discovered a new way to trap the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO2) deep underground: by changing it into rock. In Vivo Genome Editing Improves Muscle Function in A Mouse Model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy – Exon 23 deletion by CRISPR/Cas9 resulted in expression of the modified dystrophin gene, partial recovery of functional dystrophin protein in skeletal myofibers and cardiac muscle, improvement of muscle biochemistry, and significant enhancement of muscle force. Arctic and Antarctic Sea Ice Volumes Both Fall to an All-Time Low – Both the Arctic and Antarctic experienced record lows in sea ice extent in November, with scientists astonished to see Arctic ice actually retreating at a time when the region enters the cold darkness of winter. Humans Are Now Getting CRISPR’d – This article reveals that a Chinese group has become the first to inject a person with cells that contain genes edited using the revolutionary CRISPR–Cas9 technique. Proxima B – A newly discovered, roughly Earth-sized planet orbiting our nearest neighboring star might be habitable, according to a team of astronomers using the European Southern Observatory’s 3.6-meter telescope at La Silla, Chile, along with other telescopes around the world. Major Stem Cell Discovery for Diabetes Retracted – One of the highest-profile researchers in diabetes has retracted a paper once heralded as a breakthrough, following multiple failed attempts to reproduce its headline-grabbing results. Gravitational Waves – The first gravitational wave signal detected by Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory came from the merger of two black holes spiraling inward, as depicted in this numerical simulation. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Daylon James Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe
Dec 20, 2016 · 1 hr 14 min
Ep. 81: “Organoids and Zika” Featuring Drs. Kevin Eggan and Michael Wells
Guest: Dr. Eggan is a Professor in the Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University. On this show he joins us, along with a post-doctoral fellow from his lab, Dr. Michael Wells, to discuss their latest publication on investigating mechanisms of infection in Zika virus. Resources and Links Microcephaly Cases Surge in Colombia following Rise in Zika Infections – Colombia saw a surge on 2016 in babies with microcephaly — more than four times the number reported in the previous year caused by Zika virus infections. Having an Extra Chromosome Slows Cancer Cell Growth – This article reveals that smaller tumors, less cancer-driving proteins are seen with cells with an extra copy of a chromosome — known as trisomic cells. Gut Microbes Mix May Regulate Motor Deficits in Parkinson’s – Gut impulse signals from gut microbes can activate immune cells called microglia in the mouse brain, causing inflammation that’s characteristic of Parkinson’s disease. Solar Panels Are Almost Truly Green – This article reports that solar panels are about to break even on their energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions. Telomere Balance between Elongation and Trimming in Stem Cells – Researchers report that telomere length is determined by the balance between telomere elongation, which is mediated by telomerase, and telomere trimming, which is controlled by XRCC3 and Nbs1, homologous recombination proteins that generate single-stranded C-rich telomeric DNA and double-stranded telomeric circular DNA, respectively. Long-Term Self-Renewing Human Epicardial Cells Generated from Pluripotent Stem Cells under Defined Xeno-Free Conditions – Scientists show that the temporal modulation of canonical Wnt signaling is sufficient for epicardial induction from six different human pluripotent stem cell lines, including a WT1-2A-eGFP knock-in reporter line, under chemically defined, xeno-free conditions. Development of a Rapid Screen for the Endodermal Differentiation Potential of Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Lines – Researchers developed a rapid small molecule based screen to assess the endodermal potential of human pluripotent stem cells, based solely on definitive endoderm morphology. Genetic Ablation of AXL Does Not Protect Human Neural Progenitor Cells and Cerebral Organoids from Zika Virus Infection – Dr. Kevin Eggan and his team of researchers show that genetic ablation of AXL has no effect on Zika virus (ZIKV) entry or ZIKV-mediated cell death in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural progenitor cells or cerebral organoids. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Kevin Eggan Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe
Dec 6, 2016 · 1 hr 11 min
Ep. 80: “Gene Therapy in a Box” Featuring Dr. Jen Adair
Guest: Dr. Jen Adair, assistant member of the clinical research division at the Fred Hutch Cancer Research Center, and Assistant Professor of Medical Oncology at the University of Washington School of Medicine. Adair’s group investigates retrovirus-based gene transfer into hematopoietic stem cells as a viable treatment for genetic, malignant and infectious diseases. Resources and Links Dogs Form Memories of Experiences – This article suggests that dogs possess some version of episodic memory, which allows them to recall personal experiences, and not just simple associations between, for instance, sitting and getting a treat. Lower Social Status Can Alter the Immune System – A new study manipulating the pecking order of monkeys finds that low social status kicks the immune system into high gear, leading to unwanted inflammation akin to that in people with chronic diseases. A New Fetal Genome Test – This article reports that by doing a Pap smear as early as five weeks into a pregnancy, researchers can collect enough fetal cells to test for abnormalities linked to more than 6,000 genetic disorders. Old Blood Carries Risks for Brain – This article reveals that after transfusions of young blood, old mice still had lower numbers of newborn nerve cells in the hippocampus, a brain structure important for learning and memory. Synthetic Recording and In Situ Readout of Lineage Information in Single Cells – Researchers developed a new method for reading the history and “family trees” of cells called MEMOIR (Memory by Engineered Mutagenesis with Optical In Situ Readout), which can record the life history of animal cells, their relationships with other cells, communication patterns, and the influential events that have shaped them. Take a Journey into the Center of a Stem Cell – Scientists journeyed to the center of a stem cell that’s maturing into a nerve cell using a powerful X-ray microscope to snap pictures of stem cells at different stages of differentiation. Neural Progenitors Found in Outer Brain Covering – A cross-domain study directed by Professor Peter Carmeliet reveals that there are neural progenitors found in meninges, the protective membranes that enclose the brain. Inhibition of mTOR Induces a Paused Pluripotent State – This article reports that the partial inhibition of mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), a major nutrient sensor and promoter of growth, induces reversible pausing of mouse blastocyst development and allows their prolonged culture ex vivo. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Jen Adair Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe
Nov 22, 2016 · 1 hr 9 min
Ep. 79: “Stem Cells and Spinal Injury” Featuring Dr. Alpa Mahuvakar
Guest: Dr. Alpa Mahuvakar Trivedi, a molecular biologist in the Department of Neurosurgery at University California, San Francisco, joins us in this episode. Alpa and her team have recently published a paper on generating neural cells from stem cells to help pain and bladder function after spinal cord injury. Resources and Links What Does Trump Win Mean for US Science? – This article reports that many scientists have been laying out their concerns about the future of the US research community under a Trump administration. Poor Diet in Pregnancy, Poor Heart Health for Infants – Mothers who don’t eat enough during pregnancy could give birth to babies with long-lasting heart problems. Using a Video Game to Speed Up Alzheimer’s Research – This article describes the new game Stall Catchers, where citizen scientists help Alzheimer’s researchers find stalls in brain blood vessels in mice. Antibody Therapy for Zika Virus? – Scientists found that a single dose of a human antibody called ZIKV-117 can protect mice from death after Zika infection — and shield mouse fetuses from the virus’s damaging effects. Trump and Embryonic Stem Cells – Biomedical researchers are wondering what the Trump administration’s position is on embryonic stem cells research though he has vowed to “cancel every unconstitutional executive action, memorandum and order issued by President Obama.” Single-Cell Sequencing of the Small-RNA Transcriptome – Researchers present a single-cell method for small-RNA sequencing and apply it to naive and primed human embryonic stem cells and cancer cells. Conversion of Terminally Committed Hepatocytes to Culturable Bipotent Progenitor Cells with Regenerative Capacity – Scientists report that a cocktail of small molecules, Y-27632, A-83-01, and CHIR99021, can convert rat and mouse mature hepatocytes in vitro into proliferative bipotent cells, which we term chemically induced liver progenitors. Widespread Chromatin Accessibility at Repetitive Elements Links Stem Cells with Human Cancer – Stem cell differentiation induces chromatin remodeling at repetitive elements offering a permissive environment for Ewing sarcoma (a mesenchymally derived tumor) development. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Alpa Mahuvakar Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe
Nov 8, 2016 · 1 hr 1 min
Ep. 78: “Stem Cell Burger” Featuring Dr. Mark Post
Guest: We bring on Mark Post, professor of vascular physiology at the Maastricht University. Dr. Post is an innovator, being the creator of the world’s first lab grown hamburger. Mark’s work has been highlighted in mainstream media and he has given a TEDx talk about his technology and the meat industry. Recently, Mark was back in the news with an announcement that the cost of these stem cell burgers has significantly come down. Resources and Links Science Textbooks May Need an Update – Textbook drawings might need to be updated based on new images of the endoplasmic reticulum, a multifaceted organelle within the cell, which shows that it’s a tangled web of interconnected tubes, instead of containing flat sheets as previously believed. Finding HIV Patient Zero in America – DNA analysis shows HIV came to New York City between 1969 and 1973, long before the man known as Patient Zero became infected. Training for Parents May Lessen Some Autism Symptoms in Kids – This article presents the idea called Preschool Autism Communication Trial for preschool autism communication trial, which shows that children with autism can be reached by training their parents to be better conversationalists. Ancient Monkey Hookups – New DNA evidence is pointing to ancient affairs between bonobos and chimpanzees. The Stem Cell Burger Is Back, and This Time It Might Even Be Affordable – This article reports that stem cell burgers, if mass-produced today, would cost $10 according to Mark Post, its creator, in an Arkansas Online interview. Research on Rare Genetic Disease Reveals New iPSC Discovery – Shinya Yamanaka, MD, PhD, who first created induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and his colleagues at the Gladstone Institutes found a way to increase the efficiency of stem cell reprogramming through research on a rare genetic disease. Withholding Amino Acid Depletes Blood Stem Cells – A new study shows that a diet deficient in valine effectively depleted the blood stem cells in mice and made it possible to perform a blood stem cell transplantation with them. Reactive Oxygen Species and Blood Stem Cells – A research group at Lund University in Sweden identified that certain cells during embryonic development are negatively affected by oxidation capable of leading to a block in cellular function. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Mark Post Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe
Oct 25, 2016 · 1 hr 13 min
Ep. 77: “Political Science” Featuring Michael Halpern
Guest: Michael Halpern, deputy director for the Center of Science and Democracy, discusses the election and how science might be affected. Resources and Links Storing Tomatoes in Refrigerator Affect Their Genes – Science explains why you shouldn’t put tomatoes in the fridge. It’s because some of their genes chill out and are altered by cold temperatures, ultimately affecting the flavor. A Clear Difference on Climate Change – This article describes the stark contrast between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump on the climate change issue and their plans about it. Drones that Carry Ads – Starting this year, commuters in Mexico City have been interrupted as they drive by flying robots carrying signs bearing simple slogans as part of ridesharing app Uber’s campaign for UberPool. Common Household Chemicals Hurt Our Health… And Cost Us Billions – Routine contact with plastic bottles, toys, food cans, cosmetics and flame retardants containing “endocrine-disrupting chemicals” results in ingestion, leading to a toxic buildup and potentially a variety of medical conditions. Scientists Grow Mouse Eggs from Stem Cells in Lab – Japanese scientists have grown mouse eggs entirely in the lab, then fertilized them to yield fertile offspring, a scientific first cautiously hailed by experts in human reproduction. Stem Cells May Repair Broken Hearts – Researchers transplanted heart muscle cells that were made from the stem cells of a macaque into the damaged hearts of five other macaques integrating with the monkeys’ own heart muscle cells thus allowing their damaged hearts to function better. CRISPR Corrects Sickle Cell-Causing Gene in Human Cells – Scientists used the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technique to rewrite the genetic mutation in blood cells that causes sickle cell disease where once implanted in mice, the edited stem cells produced normal hemoglobin. Glycolytic Metabolism Plays a Functional Role in Regulating Human Pluripotent Stem Cell State – Researchers show that naive human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) exhibit increased glycolytic flux, MYC transcriptional activity, and nuclear N-MYC localization relative to primed hESCs. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Michael Halpern Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe