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The Stem Cell Podcast

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
  • Oct 11, 2016 · 1 hr 10 min

    Ep. 76: “Glyco-Pure” Featuring Dr. Stephen Duncan

    Guest: Dr. Stephen Duncan from the University of South Carolina discusses his work on the purification of cell lineages derived from pluripotent stem cells. Resources and Links Japanese Scientist Receives Nobel Prize for Autophagy Work – Yoshinori Ohsumi, a biologist at the Tokyo Institute of Technology, won this year’s Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his work uncovering how cells break down old materials — a process critical for keeping cells healthy. Measles Eliminated from the Americas – The highly infectious disease – measles, which is marked by flat red spots that can cover the body – has been eliminated from the Americas after decades of wide-spread vaccination. Uncovering Facts about the Shady Sugar Industry – Researchers revealed that the sugar industry paid nutrition experts from Harvard University to downplay studies linking sugar and heart disease. Gene Linked to Autism in People May Influence Dog Sociability – This article reveals that beagles with particular variants in a gene – SEZ6L – associated with autism were more likely to sidle up to and make physical contact with a human stranger. Monsanto Buys Rights to CRISPR – Monsanto is taking genetically engineered crops to the next level, buying a license from the Broad Institute of Harvard University and MIT to use the CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technology. Dr. Allen Eaves of STEMCELL Technologies Inc. Named EY Entrepreneur of the Year™ Pacific 2016 – Dr. Allen Eaves, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of STEMCELL Technologies, a global biotechnology company that supplies tools and services to enable life science research, is this year’s Entrepreneur of the Year Pacific winner. Efficient Long-Term Cryopreservation of Pluripotent Stem Cells at −80 °C – Researchers report that a medium comprised of Ficoll 70 and dimethyl sulfoxide in presence or absence of fetal bovine serum can provide reliable cryopreservation of various kinds of human and porcine pluripotent stem cells at −80 °C for periods that extend up to at least one year, with the post-thaw viability, plating efficiency, and full retention of pluripotent phenotype comparable to that achieved with liquid nitrogen storage. Biologists Plan Scoring System for Antibodies – Biomedical experts plan to create a scoring system that will help researchers choose reliable antibodies for their experiments. ULK4 Gene Mutation Linked to Schizophrenia – Researchers identified, through genetic and in vitro functional studies, a novel serine/threonine kinase gene, unc-51-like kinase 4 (ULK4), as a rare risk factor for major mental disorders, including schizophrenia. Vitamin D Increases the Number of Blood Stem Cells during Embryonic Development – Scientists hypothesize that the levels of vitamin D during fetal development may play a role in preventing the onset of blood-related disorders later in life. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Stephen Duncan Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

  • Sep 27, 2016 · 1 hr 10 min

    Ep. 75: “Culture Conditions” Featuring Dr. Joshua Brickman

    Guest: Dr. Joshua Brickman from the University of Copenhagen discusses his work on stem cells and culture conditions. Professor Brickman’s and his group investigate the basis for transcriptional priming and commitment in embryonic stem cells and early in the specification of the endoderm lineage. Resources and Links Scientists Watch as Bacteria Evolve Antibiotic Resistance – A petri dish more than a meter long helped scientists visualize the evolution of antibiotic resistance in E. coli bacteria. Lyme Bacteria Swap ‘Catch Bonds’ to Navigate Blood Vessels – The corkscrew-shaped bacteria that cause Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi) attach themselves to the sides of blood vessels using special bonds that get stronger under stress. Maybe You Don’t Need to Burp Your Baby – This article reports that there’s scant scientific evidence that burping after meals actually does anything helpful for babies. Pigeons Can Read a Little Bit – Pigeons moved from learning to eat from a food hopper, to recognizing shapes, to learning words through gradual training. Lack of T Cell Response to iPSC-Derived Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells from HLA Homozygous Donors – Researchers established human retinal pigment epithelial cells from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in HLA homozygote donors. Scientists Use Stem Cells to Grow 3D Lung-in-a-Dish – Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles have succeeded in creating three-dimensional lung “organoids” by coating tiny gel beads with lung-derived stem cells and then allowing them to self-assemble into the shapes of the air sacs found in human lungs. Motherless Babies Possible as Scientists Create Live Offspring without Need for Female Egg – This article shows that embryos could be created from cells which carry all their chromosomes leading to the theory that any cell in the human body could be fertilized by a sperm. Parkin and PINK1 Patient iPSC-Derived Midbrain Dopamine Neurons Exhibit Mitochondrial Dysfunction and α-Synuclein Accumulation – Researchers demonstrate that the identification of disease-related phenotypes in Parkinson’s disease–patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived midbrain dopamine neurons depends on the type of differentiation protocol utilized. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Joshua Brickman Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

  • Sep 13, 2016 · 1 hr 9 min

    Ep. 74: “Diabetes Drug Discovery” Featuring Dr. Shuibing Chen

    Guest: Dr. Shuibing Chen from Weill Cornell Medical College discusses her work on stem cells and diabetes. Resources and Links A Ban on Antibacterial Soap – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has banned soap products containing 19 active ingredients, including the notorious chemical triclosan, marketed as antiseptics. A New Book all about Cursing? – A cognitive scientist Benjamin Bergen’s new book – What the F – examines the nature of profanity and the implications of obscene words for understanding human brains and minds. Mosquito Moms Can Pass Zika to Offspring – This article reveals that Aedes aegypti mosquitoes don’t need to bite someone to pick up Zika virus; youngsters can inherit the virus from their moms according to lab tests. Zika Mosquitos Now in Miami Beach – This article reports that Florida officials confirmed that the Zika virus was detected in three mosquito samples from a small area in Miami Beach. New Info about Bacteria Causing Stillbirth Revealed – Group B Streptococcus secretes protein-filled balloons that can travel up into the uterus causing premature labor and stillbirth. Will Embryonic Stem Cells Ever Cure Anything? – Douglas Melton tries to find ways to replace beta cells of the pancreas using new tissue manufactured from embryonic stem cells. MMP-9 and MMP-2 Contribute to Neuronal Cell Death in iPSC Models of Frontotemporal Dementia with MAPT Mutations – This article reports that matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 production is elevated in human neurons with microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) mutations contributing to stress-induced neuronal cell death. Researchers Use a Single Molecule to Command Stem Cells to Build New Bone – Researchers from the University of California, San Diego induce human pluripotent stem cells to differentiate into functional bone-building cells by feeding them adenosine, a naturally occurring molecule in the body. Scientists Engineer Stem Cells to Find Potential Therapy for Medulloblastoma – Researchers from the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center have created a system to study an aggressive subtype of medulloblastoma, which is a rare pediatric brain tumor that generally has a very poor prognosis. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Shuibing Chen Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

  • Aug 30, 2016 · 1 hr 11 min

    Ep. 73: “Bench to Big Business” Featuring Dr. Allen Eaves

    Guest: CEO and Founder of STEMCELL Technologies Inc. Dr. Allen Eaves discusses his transition from a bench scientist to a biotech business man. Resources and Links Tired Parents Don’t Follow Newborn Sleep Guidelines – Babies should be put on their back in an empty crib with firm mattress. Darwin’s Dogs Want Your Dog’s DNA – Darwin’s Dogs, a citizen science project headquartered at the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester, is looking for good — and bad — dogs to donate DNA. Eating Shuts Off Nerves that Oppose Obesity – This article reports the role of orexin, also known as hypocretin, in weight gain and narcolepsy. Pesticides and Pollination Problems – Butterflies of Northern California join the ranks of honeybees, bumblebees, moths and other organisms that may be feeling the effects of local neonicotinoid pesticide use. Zika Virus Might Affect Learning, Memory in Adults, Study Says – This article reveals that Zika virus can infect neural progenitors in the adult mouse brain. Melatonin Appears to Suppress Growth of Breast Cancer Stem Cells – Researchers at Michigan State University published a study that melatonin, a hormone produced in the human brain, appears to suppress the growth of breast cancer tumors. Transcriptome Profiling of Patient-Specific Human iPSC-Cardiomyocytes Predicts Individual Drug Safety and Efficacy Responses In Vitro – Transcriptome-based toxicology analysis predicted and risk-stratified patient-specific susceptibility to cardiotoxicity, and functional assays in human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) patient-specific cardiomyocyte. Using tacrolimus and rosiglitazone, drugs targeting pathways predicted to produce cardiotoxicity, validated inter-patient differential responses. Modeling Dengue Virus-Hepatic Cell Interactions Using Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Hepatocyte-like Cells – Researchers differentiated human pluripotent stem cells into hepatocytes, one of the target cells of Dengue virus (DENV), to investigate various aspects of DENV-hepatocyte interaction. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Allen Eaves Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

  • Aug 16, 2016 · 1 hr 8 min

    Ep. 72: “Modeling ALS with Stem Cells” Featuring Dr. Ritchie Ho

    Guest: Dr. Ritchie Ho, a postdoctoral fellow from Cedars-Sinai, joins us with his latest study on an induced pluripotent stem cell in vitro model of ALS. Resources and Links Circadian Clock Influences Young Sunflowers to follow the Sun – Research from University of California, Davis shows how sunflowers use their circadian clock to anticipate the dawn and follow the sun across the sky during the day. Humans Prefer the Gait of Mutant Horses – Researchers examine historic horse remains for the DMRT3 SNP, tracking the origin of gaitedness to Medieval England between 850 and 900 AD. Young Blood Antiaging Trial Raises Questions – A startup company, Ambrosia, has launched the first pay-to-participate clinical trial in the United States to test the antiaging benefits of young blood in relatively healthy people. Science Literacy Isn’t Just about What People Know, It’s Also about Their Communities – Increasing science literacy will not lead to appreciably greater support for science, but may be shaped by factors such as values and beliefs. NIH Proposes Removal of Moratorium on Chimera Research – A proposed National Institutes of Health (NIH) policy would require extra review for certain studies that create chimeras, or animals with both human and animal cells. Gene Correction of iPSCs from a Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome Patient Normalizes the Lymphoid Developmental and Functional Defects – Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) were derived from a Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome patient (WAS-iPSCs) and the endogenous chromosomal WAS locus was targeted with a wtWAS–2A–eGFP transgene using zinc finger nucleases to generate corrected WAS-iPSCs. Contributions of Mammalian Chimeras to Pluripotent Stem Cell Research – This article highlights the applications and current limitations presented by intra- and inter-species chimeras and their future contribution to the stem cell field. Development of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone-Secreting Neurons from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells – Researchers report a three-step protocol to differentiate human pluripotent stem cells into gonadotropin-releasing hormone-secreting neurons which regulate puberty and reproduction. Direct Induction and Functional Maturation of Forebrain GABAergic Neurons from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells – Scientists identified a set of genetic factors that could robustly induce human pluripotent stem cells into GABAergic neurons with high efficiency. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Ritchie Ho Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

  • Aug 2, 2016 · 1 hr 11 min

    Ep. 71: “Stem Cells and Breast Cancer” Featuring Dr. Christine Pratt

    Guest: We bring on professor and researcher Dr. Christine Pratt from the University of Ottawa to discuss her research on breast cancer. Resources and Links 2016 Republican Platform against Embryonic Stem Cell Research and Other Science Issues – Live Science examined the Republican Party’s platform against embryonic stem cell research, climate change, fetal tissue research, and other science issues. US behind in Road Safety – The United States tops 19 other high-income countries on overall death rate due to motor vehicle crashes. Antibiotics May Help Fight Alzheimer’s Disease – This article reveals that a long course of antibiotics reduced the levels of a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease in the brains of mice, possibly by changing the species of bacteria in the gut. Biting Your Nails and Sucking Your Thumb Might Have Some Positive Effects – Kids who sucked their thumbs or chewed their nails had lower rates of allergic reactions in lab tests. New Brain Map Most Detailed Yet – Scientists have drawn a new map of the human brain with each side of the outer layer of the brain parceled into 180 distinct areas. Cerebrospinal Fluid Signals Control the Behavior of Stem Cells in the Brain – The choroid plexus, a largely ignored structure in the brain that produces the cerebrospinal fluid, is an important regulator of adult neural stem cells. Cartilage Grown from Stem Cells Could Replace Hip Implants – Researchers from the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and Cytex Therapeutics have found a way to program stem cells to grow new cartilage on a 3D template of the ball of a hip joint. Molecular Obstacles to Clinical Translation of iPSCs – This article discusses whether the therapeutic obstacles of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) clones are specific to transcription-factor-mediated reprogramming or inherent to every cellular reprogramming method. Conversion of Human Gastric Epithelial Cells to Multipotent Endodermal Progenitors Using Defined Small Molecules – Researchers describe the derivation of human induced endodermal progenitor cells from gastrointestinal epithelial cells using a cocktail of defined small molecules along with support from tissue-specific mesenchymal feeders. A New Bio-Ink for 3D Printing with Stem Cells – Scientists at the University of Bristol have developed a new kind of bio-ink, which could eventually allow the production of complex tissues for surgical implants. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Christine Pratt Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

  • Jul 19, 2016 · 1 hr 16 min

    Ep. 70: “New MS Therapy” Featuring Dr. Mark Freedman

    Guest: Neurologist and researcher Dr. Mark Freedman discusses his research, including a new discovery and treatment for multiple sclerosis using stem cells. Resources and Links Greased Up Head Helps Swordfish Swim Fast – This article reveals that a newly discovered oil-producing organ in the fish’s head gives it slick skin that could boost its speed. Activating Reward May Increase Immune System – Feeling good may help the body fight germs; when activated, nerve cells that help signal reward also boost the mice’s immune systems. Major Hole in the Ozone Layer Is Closing – This article reports that the average size of the Antarctic ozone hole has shrunk by about 4.5 million square kilometers, an area larger than India, since 2000. Mass Killings Are Contagious, Media Is the Vector – Mass killings and school shootings spread “contagiously,” where one killing or shooting increases the chances that others will occur within about two weeks. Young Stem Cell Scientists Struggle for Funding – A study led by government scientists showed that middle-aged and older stem cell researchers are crowding out younger scientists in competition for federal grants. Zika Virus Disrupts Neural Progenitor Development and Leads to Microcephaly in Mice – Researchers found that Asian Zika virus (ZIKV) strain SZ01 replicates efficiently in embryonic mouse brain by directly targeting different neuronal linages and that ZIKV infection leads to cell-cycle arrest, apoptosis, and inhibition of neural progenitor cell differentiation, resulting in cortical thinning and microcephaly. A Stem Cell Therapy to Replace Root Canals? – Scientists from the University of Nottingham and Harvard University’s Wyss Institute are developing a new treatment strategy that could someday help heal a damaged tooth using the patient’s own stem cells. A New Model of Autism Using Stem Cells – Researchers at the Salk Institute turned skin cells of people with autism spectrum disorder into neurons, showing specific defects compared with those neurons derived from healthy people. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Mark Freedman Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

  • Jul 5, 2016 · 1 hr 15 min

    Ep. 69: “Politics, Parkinson’s and More” Featuring Dr. Raj Kittappa

    Guest: Stem cell researcher and politician Dr. Raj Kittappa to discuss his political expertise as well as his latest research endeavors with stem cells and Parkinson’s disease. Resources and Links Wine Being Made 6300 Years Ago – Researchers have uncorked the oldest solid evidence of grape-based wine making in Europe, and possibly the world, at a site in northern Greece using a new method of analyzing the chemicals in liquids absorbed by clay containers. Scientists Have Gained Insight to Why Mitochondrial DNA Is Passed Down to Children by Their Mothers — But Not Their Fathers – DNA inside energy-producing organelles called mitochondria is destroyed in a dad’s sperm shortly after it fertilizes an egg. A New Cause of Lyme Disease – This article reveals that a new species of bacteria is causing Lyme disease, adding to worries that the infection will continue its relentless escalation across the United States. Functional Coupling with Cardiac Muscle Promotes Maturation of hPSC-Derived Sympathetic Neurons – Researchers derive sympathetic neurons from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) and show that they can form physical and functional connections with cardiac muscle cells. In Vivo Tracking of Human Hematopoiesis Reveals Patterns of Clonal Dynamics during Early and Steady-State Reconstitution Phases – Scientists discovered that in vitro-manipulated hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells retain the ability to return to latency after transplant and can be physiologically reactivated, sustaining a stable hematopoietic output. Derivation of Diverse Hormone-Releasing Pituitary Cells from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells – This article presents a simple and efficient strategy to derive human pituitary lineages from human pluripotent stem cells using monolayer culture conditions suitable for cell manufacturing. Retinoic Acid Is Sufficient for the In Vitro Induction of Mouse Spermatocytes – Researchers report that retinoic acid is sufficient for inducing leptotene/zygotene spermatocytes from cultured mouse spermatogonial stem cells. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Raj Kittappa Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

  • Jun 21, 2016 · 57 min

    Ep. 68: “Gene Editing and Stem Cells” Featuring Dr. Danwei Huangfu

    Guest: Stem cell researcher Dr. Danwei Huangfu discusses her work and latest paper in Cell Stem Cell. Her team used CRISPR technology to genetically manipulate human pluripotent stem cells and induce pancreatic beta cells. Resources and Links FDA Warning about Imodium Ad Overdoses – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned that higher-than-recommended doses of the antidiarrheal medicine loperamide, sold under the brand name Imodium, can lead to serious heart problems and even death. Who Advises Women to Delay Pregnancy over Zika Virus Threat – World Health Organisation (WHO) issues advice to millions of people in regions affected by virus that can cause severe birth defects and microcephaly. Sense of Touch and Autism – This article reveals that in mice, mutations in autism-related genes in skin nerve cells linked to anxiety, poor social skills. Four New Elements Now Have Names – Four elements that were officially added to the periodic table have been named as nihonium, moscovium, tennessine, and oganesson. Integrated Genomic Analysis of Diverse Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell from the Progenitor Cell Biology Consortium – The Progenitor Cell Biology Consortium performed comprehensive experimental and genomic analyses of 58 induced pluripotent stem cells from ten laboratories generated using a variety of reprogramming genes, vectors, and cells. A Cure for Multiple Sclerosis? – According to this article, chemotherapy, combined with stem cell transplants, could halt the onslaught of multiple sclerosis in people suffering from the disease. New Techniques to Assess the Fate of Stem Cells In Vivo – Researchers from the Université Libre de Bruxelles Cancer Research Center, led by Cédric Blanpain, developed new methods to assess with great precision the multipotent or unipotent fate of mammary gland and prostate stem cells. Generation of Mice with Longer and Better Preserved Telomeres in the Absence of Genetic Manipulations – This article reveals how researchers use mouse embryonic stem cells with ‘hyper-long’ telomeres, which also express green fluorescent protein, to generate chimaeric mice containing cells with both hyper-long and normal telomeres. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Danwei Huangfu Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

  • Jun 7, 2016 · 1 hr 7 min

    Ep. 67: “Blood Stem Cell Therapy” Featuring Dr. Kristin Hope

    Guest: Stem cell researcher Dr. Kristin Hope discusses her work and latest paper in Nature. Her team examined umbilical cord blood-derived hematopoietic stem cells and the RNA-binding protein musashi-2. Resources and Links Doctors Say Olympics Should Be Postponed or Moved – Doctors and professors are urging the World Health Organization to move or postpone the summer Olympic games in Rio de Janeiro due to the widening Zika outbreak in Brazil. Bacteria Resistant to Last-Resort Antibiotic Appears in U.S. – This article reports that a 49-year-old woman in United States has tested positive for a strain of Escherichia coli, known as mrc–1, which is resistant to the antibiotic colistin and that the bacteria’s gene rides on a transferable loop of DNA called a a plasmid. Fruit Fly’s Giant Sperm Is Quite an Exaggeration – This article reveals that certain fruit fly species, such as Drosophila bifurca, males measuring just a few millimeters produce sperm with a tail as long as 5.8-centimeters. FDA Approves Device to Wean Addicts off Heroin – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a drug-emitting implant to combat addiction to heroin and other opioids killing thousands of people annually. Stem Cell Industry Blowing Up… The Global Market for Stem Cells – This article reports that the global stem cell market reached over $5.9 billion in 2015 and will grow from about $6.7 billion in 2016 to nearly $12.3 billion in 2021, registering a compound annual growth rate of 13.1% from 2016 through 2021. Israeli Firms Develop High-Speed 3D Printer for Stem Cells – Israeli 3D printer firm Nano Dimension has successfully lab-tested a 3D bioprinter for stem cells, paving the way for the potential printing of large tissues and organs. Biologists Find How Plants Reconstitute Stem Cells – A team of biologists at New York University showed that regenerating plants can naturally reconstitute their stem cells from more mature cells by replaying embryogenesis. Genetic Drift Can Compromise Mitochondrial Replacement by Nuclear Transfer in Human Oocytes – Researchers show that using human mitochondrial replacement stem cell lines, even though the low levels of heteroplasmy introduced into human oocytes by mitochondrial carryover during nuclear transfer often vanish, they can sometimes instead result in mtDNA genotypic drift and reversion to the original genotype. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Kristin Hope Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

  • May 24, 2016 · 1 hr 20 min

    Ep. 66: “New Parkinson’s Therapy” Featuring Dr. Su-Chun Zhang

    Guest: Stem cell researcher and neuroscientist Dr. Su-Chun Zhang discusses his work and latest paper in Cell Stem Cell. His paper looks at grafting human pluripotent stem cells in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease. Resources and Links Scientists Talk Privately about Creating a Synthetic Human Genome – Scientists are now contemplating the fabrication of a human genome, meaning they would use chemicals to manufacture all the DNA contained in human chromosomes. Second Skin’ May Reduce Wrinkles, Eyebags, Scientists Say – Researchers said a “second skin” composed of commonly used chemicals like siloxanes can be painted on your skin and give it the elasticity of youth. Faulty Gene Can Turn Colds Deadly for Babies, Toddlers – This article reveals that some children have rare genetic variants that can turn their first encounter with colds and other respiratory viruses deadly. Australia Will Release Herpes into Its Rivers to Wipe Out Invasive Carp – This article reports that the Australian government plans to use a herpes virus to eradicate the country’s most devastating invasive species—common carp. The US Is about to Hit a Big Solar Energy Milestone – The US is on track to hit a big number in renewable energy: more than 1 million American homes should have solar panels by February 2016. Stem Cells Are Dangerously Overhyped, Warn Researchers – A study recently published says it’s time for everyone—from the media, to press officers, to journal publishers and even the scientists themselves—to chill out about stem cells. New Stem Cell Discovery Could Boost Corn Crop Yields by an Astounding 50 Percent – This article reports that a newly discovered stem cell signaling pathway could boost yields from corn and other staple crops by up to 50 percent in the very near term. Zika Virus Disrupts Neural Progenitor Development and Leads to Microcephaly in Mice – Researchers found that Asian Zika virus strain SZ01 could infect neural precursor cells in vivo and affect brain development; it replicates efficiently in embryonic mouse brain by directly targeting different neuronal linages. Zika Virus Depletes Neural Progenitors in Human Cerebral Organoids through Activation of the Innate Immune Receptor TLR3 – This article describes how Zika virus infection leads to microcephaly, using human embryonic stem cell-derived cerebral organoids to recapitulate early stage, first trimester fetal brain development. Why Lab-Made Stem Cells Might Fail: Errors in DNA Folding – Researchers have discovered one of the reasons why induced pluripotent stem cells don’t always correctly differentiate back into adult cells: the reversion process does not always fully capture the way a cell’s genome is folded up inside its nucleus. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Su-Chun Zhang Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

  • May 10, 2016 · 1 hr 23 min

    Ep. 65: “Zika Virus and Stem Cells” Featuring Dr. Arnold Kriegstein

    Guest: Stem cell researcher Dr. Arnold Kriegstein from the University of California, San Francisco to discusses his work and latest paper in Cell Stem Cell on how the Zika virus affects neural stem cells. Resources and Links Zika Is More Dangerous than We Thought – This article describes the danger of Zika virus like microcephaly in children born from women who have had Zika during pregnancy and Guillain-Barre syndrome – a nerve disorder that causes temporary muscle paralysis. Plants Use Prions to Remember – This article reveals that prions, proteins that change shape and shift tasks, may occur in plants as a form of memory. Uncertainty Is Stressful, but that Stress May Not Always Be Bad – This article demonstrates that subjective estimates of uncertainty predict the dynamics of subjective and physiological stress responses. Dragons Sleep Like Us – Sleeping lizards appear to share distinctive brain activity patterns with sleeping birds and mammals. EPA Boosts Estimate of U.S. Methane Emissions – This article reports that US. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has boosted its estimate of total U.S. methane emissions by 13 percent, which is an increase of more than 3.4 million metric tons of the greenhouse gas and has the same long-term global warming impact as a year’s worth of emissions from about 20 million cars. Risky Skull Surgery Done for Ritual Reasons 6,000 Years Ago – This article reveals that between 6,000 and 4,000 years ago, skilled surgeons in southwestern Russia cut holes the size of silver dollars or larger out of the backs of people’s skills for ritual reasons. Miniature, Beating Hearts Grown Using Stem Cells – Researchers describe an approach that combines features of engineered heart muscle and cardiospheres: micro-heart muscle arrays, in which elongated muscle fibers are formed in an easily fabricated template, with as few as 2,000 iPS-cardiomyocytes per individual tissue. Genome Editing of Lineage Determinants in Human Pluripotent Stem Cells Reveals Mechanisms of Pancreatic Development and Diabetes – Researchers not only verified conserved gene requirements between mice and humans but also revealed a number of previously unsuspected developmental mechanisms with implications for type 2 diabetes. Chemical Control of Grafted Human PSC-Derived Neurons in a Mouse Model of Parkinson’s Disease – This article shows tunable rescue of motor function in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease, following transplantation of human midbrain dopaminergic neurons differentiated from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) engineered to express DREADDs (designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drug). Combined Inhibition of DNMT and HDAC Blocks the Tumorigenicity of Cancer Stem-Like Cells and Attenuates Mammary Tumor Growth – A combination of the DNMT inhibitor 5-azacytidine and the HDAC inhibitor butyrate markedly reduced cancer stem cell abundance and increased the overall survival in this mouse model. Scientists Uncover New Way to Grow Rare Life-Saving Blood Stem Cells – This article shows that overexpression of the RNA-binding protein Musashi-2 (MSI2) induces multiple pro-self-renewal phenotypes, including a 17-fold increase in short-term repopulating cells and a net 23-fold ex vivo expansion of long-term repopulating hematopoietic stem cells. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Arnold Kriegstein Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

  • Apr 26, 2016 · 1 hr 5 min

    Ep. 64: “Blood Reprogramming” Featuring Dr. Kateri Moore

    Guest: Stem cell researcher Dr. Kateri Moore from Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai discusses her work and latest paper in Developmental Cell. Her paper covers hematopoietic reprogramming in mice. Resources and Links Zika Definitely Causes Severe Birth Defects, CDC Says – A causal relationship exists between prenatal Zika virus infection and microcephaly and other serious brain anomalies. Neural Prosthesis Lets Quadriplegic Man Wiggle Fingers, Flex Wrist, Grasp Items – This article shows that intracortically recorded signals can be linked in real-time to muscle activation to restore movement in a paralyzed human. Bees May Need a Protein Supplement! – This article indicates that increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide can reduce protein content of a floral pollen source widely used by North American bees. Some People Are Resistant to Genetic Disease – Researchers describe a complementary approach that seeks to identify healthy individuals resilient to highly penetrant forms of genetic childhood disorders, like Mendelian diseases. 73 Percent of Teens Own or Have Access to a Smartphone – Distractions from engaging in mobile devices in class lead to bad study habits and vehicle crashes when texting or talking while driving. Using Love Handles to Cure Diabetes? – Martin Fussenegger, Professor of Biotechnology and Bioengineering at ETH Zurich’s Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering in Basel, performed a feat that many specialists had until now held to be impossible: his team extracted stem cells from a 50-year-old test subject’s fatty tissue and applied genetic reprogramming to make them mature into functional beta cells. 3D Printing Biopen Lets Surgeons Draw with Stem Cells – This article reveals that orthopedic surgeons may soon simply draw new cartilage inside your knee, using a 3D printing, stem-cell-extruding device called the “BioPen”. Retinal Organoids from Pluripotent Stem Cells Efficiently Recapitulate Retinogenesis – Researchers developed a protocol for the efficient generation of large, 3D-stratified retinal organoids that does not require evagination of optic-vesicle-like structures, which so far limited the organoid yield. Naive Pluripotent Stem Cells Derived Directly from Isolated Cells of the Human Inner Cell Mass – In resetting culture conditions of selective kinase inhibition, individual inner cell mass cells grow into colonies that may then be expanded over multiple passages while retaining a diploid karyotype and naive properties. Expression Analysis Highlights AXL as a Candidate Zika Virus Entry Receptor in Neural Stem Cells – Researchers found that the candidate viral entry receptor AXL is highly expressed by human radial glial cells, astrocytes, endothelial cells, and microglia in developing human cortex and by progenitor cells in developing retina. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Kateri Moore Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

  • Jan 19, 2016 · 59 min

    Ep. 62: “Forever Young” Featuring Dr. Aubrey de Grey

    Guest: We bring on writer and researcher Dr. Aubrey de Grey to discuss his work on anti-aging. We talk with Dr. de Grey on his latest findings and his ultimate goal of eliminating aging so we call can one day celebrate our 1000th birthday. Resources and Links Sex-Specific Mechanisms of Stress Susceptibility – According to this article, stress-related mental illnesses are twice as prevalent in women as in men. Global Divergence of the Human Follicle Mite Demodex folliculorum: Persistent Associations between Host Ancestry and Mite Lineages – Researchers found that hosts with different regional ancestries harbor distinct lineages of mites and that these associations can persist despite generations spent in a new geographic region. Pain Produces Memory Gain – This article reveals that physical pain can make memories last longer. Integrated, Multi-Cohort Analysis Identifies Conserved Transcriptional Signatures across Multiple Respiratory Viruses – Researchers performed two integrated, multi-cohort analyses of publicly available transcriptional data of viral infections. Human Parasites in the Roman World – This article presents the archeological evidence for parasites in the Roman era in order to demonstrate the species present at that time, and highlight the health consequences for people living under Roman rule. Key Elements of Healthy Eating Patterns – This article provides guidelines and key recommendations for individuals to enhance eating and physical activity patterns. 9 Science-Backed Steps to Have the Best Sleep of Your Life – Tonight – This article shares nine simple, science-backed strategies you can do today that’ll increase your odds of sleeping better tonight and waking up refreshed tomorrow. StemCells (STEM) Names New CEO – StemCells Inc. announced that Dr. Ian Massey, its President and Chief Operating Officer, has been appointed by the Board of Directors to succeed Martin McGlynn as the company’s Chief Executive Officer. A Protein Biomarker Confirms the Presence of Stem Cells that Maintain Ovaries – Stem cell activity in the outer lining of the ovary, now identified in mice by A*STAR researchers, will elucidate normal ovarian activity and offer insights into the origins of disease. Defined Three-Dimensional Microenvironments Boost Induction of Pluripotency – Researchers find that the physical cell confinement imposed by the 3D microenvironment boosts reprogramming through an accelerated mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition and increased epigenetic remodeling. Engineered Stem Cells May Help in ALS – Stem cells engineered to secrete neurotrophic growth factors may slow progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Slow Stem Cell Division May Cause Small Brains – Duke University researchers have figured out how a developmental disease called microcephaly produces a much smaller brain than normal: some cells are simply too slow as they proceed through the neuron production process. Genetically Engineering Self-Organization of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells into a Liver Bud-Like Tissue Using Gata6 – Scientists present a novel approach for generating and then co-differentiating human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived progenitors through a genetically engineered pulse of GATA-binding protein 6 (GATA6) expression. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Aubrey de Grey Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

  • Jan 5, 2016 · 1 hr 25 min

    Ep. 61: World Stem Cell Summit 2015

    Guest: We feature some of our conversations with attendees from the 2015 World Stem Cell Summit from Atlanta, GA. Happy New Year! Resources and Links 4 New Elements Are Added to the Periodic Table – This article reports that the elements with atomic numbers 113, 115, 117 and 118 will get permanent names soon, according to the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry, with two of the four elements now known as ununseptium and ununtrium. New Type of Moon Rock Discovered by China’s Yutu Lunar Rover – China’s Yutu lunar rover made the discovery on a long-dead lava flow in the giant Mare Imbrium dark spot and found the volcanic rock known as basalt which has intermediate levels of titanium. CMV Vaccine Created at City of Hope Is Found Safe, Effective in Patients Receiving Stem Cell Transplants – City of Hope researchers report that an innovative vaccine known as CMVPepVax, that boosts cellular immunity against cytomegalovirus, or CMV, is safe and effective in stem cell transplant recipients. Melting Sea Ice Increases Arctic Precipitation, Complicates Climate Predictions – This article reports that the melting of sea ice will significantly increase Arctic precipitation, creating a climate feedback comparable to doubling global carbon dioxide, according to the findings of Dartmouth College-led study. Eating Poorly and Depressed? Yale Team Finds Connection — And Maybe a Solution – Yale researchers report that effects of a high-fat diet overlap with those of chronic stress and could also be a contributing factor in depression as well as metabolic disorders, such as type 2 diabetes. MERS Vaccine Protects Camels, Which Is Good for People – The vaccine, which was developed by German scientists, protects against the virus that causes Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and has been shown to be effective in camels. Asperger’s and Autism Linked to Decreased Action of Neurotransmitter GABA: Study – A new study from Harvard and MIT links autism symptoms to reduced action of GABA, a neurotransmitter responsible for dampening cellular activity in the brain. Is Extreme Longevity Genetic? Scientists Find Centenarians Lack Genes Underlying Certain Chronic Diseases – A group of U.S. and international researchers cited genetic studies have thus far identified a single gene, APOE, absent in centenarians, or the people who are one hundred or more years old. Stem Cells May Save Northern White Rhinos – This article reveals how researchers plan to use stem cells to create fertilized rhino embryos, which will be carried by surrogate southern white rhino females. Banking on Stem Cells at Cellular Dynamics International – Cellular Dynamics International is still one of the prominent companies at Unviersity Reasearch Park since it was purchased by Fujifilm, and plans to add staff in 2016. Human-Mouse Chimerism Validates Human Stem Cell Pluripotency – Researchers show, using a stage-matching approach, that human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and human embryonic stem cells have the capacity to participate in normal mouse development when transplanted into gastrula-stage embryos, providing in vivo functional validation of hiPSC pluripotency. Grafted Human iPS Cell-Derived Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells Contribute to Robust Remyelination of Demyelinated Axons after Spinal Cord Injury – This article describes how researchers took advantage of their recently developed protocol to obtain human-induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell-derived oligodendrocyte precursor cell-enriched neural stem/progenitor cells and report the benefits of transplanting these cells in a spinal cord injury model. Identification of Drugs that Regulate Dermal Stem Cells and Enhance Skin Repair – Researchers identified and validated five compounds that has the ability to enhance the self-renewal of human and rodent skin-derived precursors, and showed that two of them, alprostadil and trimebutine maleate, enhanced the repair of full thickness skin wounds in middle-aged mice. 3D Chromosome Regulatory Landscape of Human Pluripotent Cells – This article reveals that 3D regulatory maps of human pluripotent cells provide a foundation for future interrogation of the relationships between chromosome structure and gene control in development and disease. Generation of Serotonin Neurons from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells – Researchers demonstrate efficient differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells to cells resembling central serotonin neurons, primarily those located in the rhombomeric segments 2-3 of the rostral raphe, which participate in high-order brain functions through manipulation of the WNT pathway. Photo Reference: Courtesy of World Stem Cell Summit Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

  • Dec 22, 2015 · 55 min

    Ep. 60: “Stemcentrx” Featuring Scott Dylla

    Guest: Scott Dylla, CSO and co-founder of Stemcentrx, a really cool new company that is using novel technology to target stem cells as a therapy for different cancers, joins us for the interview portion. Happy Holidays and New Year! Photo Reference: Courtesy of Scott Dylla Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

  • Dec 8, 2015 · 1 hr 3 min

    Ep. 59: “Clinical Grade” Featuring Dr. Tilo Kunath

    Guest: Dr. Tilo Kunath discusses his work on characterizing clinical grade stem cells so they can be used for patient therapies. We talk to Tilo about his past and current work, including his latest paper published in Scientific Reports. Don’t miss Tilo’s funny story! Resources and Links Boeing Develops New Metal that Could Revolutionize Airplanes – Boeing reveals microlattice: a metal so thin that it can sit on the head of a dandelion. Smoking High-Strength Cannabis May Damage Nerve Fibres in Brain – People who regularly smoked strong skunk-like cannabis revealed subtle differences in the white matter that connects the left and right hemispheres and carries signals from one side of the brain to the other. A Breakdown Product of Aspirin Blocks Cell Death Associated with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s Diseases – A new study finds component of aspirin binds to an enzyme, called GAPDH, which is believed to play a major role in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s diseases. Sleep Deprivation Affects Stem Cells, Reducing Transplant Efficiency – Researchers found that a sleep deficit of just four hours affects by as much as 50 percent the ability of stem cells of the blood and immune system to migrate to the proper spots in the bone marrow of recipient mice and churn out the cell types necessary to reconstitute a damaged immune system. Genome-Wide RNA-Seq of Human Motor Neurons Implicates Selective ER Stress Activation in Spinal Muscular Atrophy – This article shows that selective activation of ER stress underlies motor neuron death in spinal muscular atrophy. Genetically Engineered Salmon Approved for Consumption – The federal regulators approved a genetically engineered salmon as fit for consumption, making it the first genetically altered animal to be cleared for American supermarkets and dinner tables. Microgravity Inhibits Regenerative and Differentiation Potential of Embryonic Stem Cells – A study performed on the NASA Space Shuttle Discovery showed that exposure of mouse embryonic stem cells to microgravity inhibited their ability to differentiate and generate most cell lineages, needed for the development of bone, muscle, the immune system, and other organs and tissues. Cranberry Juice Capsules Cut UTI Risk after Gynecological Surgery – This article reveals that cranberry juice capsules reduce the rate of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women undergoing elective benign gynecological surgery involving urinary catheterization. Microbes Play Role in Anti-Tumor Response – The presence of certain types of gut microbes in mice can boost the anti-tumor effects of cancer immunotherapy. Amyloid-Targeting Immunotherapy Disrupts Neuronal Function – In this article, some antibodies designed to eliminate the plaques prominent in Alzheimer’s disease can aggravate neuronal hyperactivity in mice. Expert Panel Approves Human Gene Editing – A new expert panel says research on human gene editing should proceed, with one notable exception: no putting edited cells in the womb to make a baby. Creating Patient-Specific Neural Cells for the In Vitro Study of Brain Disorders – This article outlines the researchers’ collective views on the current state of hiPSC-based disease modeling and discusses what they see to be the critical objectives that must be addressed collectively as a field. Growing Stem Cells Faster on Seaweed – Scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering IBMT in Sulzbach have identified seaweed from Chile as a particularly efficient source of nutrients for the expansion of pluripotent stem cells. Stem-Cell Gene Therapy Restores Immune System Response – Researchers at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases found that gene therapy may be able to rebuild the immune systems of older children, adolescents and young adults who suffer from the disease known as X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency. A qPCR ScoreCard Quantifies the Differentiation Potential of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells – Scientists provide an in-depth characterization of the revised signature panel (commercially available as the TaqMan hPSC Scorecard Assay) through embryoid body and directed differentiation experiments as well as a detailed comparison to the teratoma assay. MSU and Stanford Study: Ancient Viral Molecules Essential for Human Development – Top stem cell scientists at Montana State University (MSU) and Stanford University have shown that certain noncoding RNA molecules, which are genetic remnants of an ancient virus, play a critical role in balancing decisions in early human development – namely pluripotency of early stem cells, a genetic state that enables them to modulate the gamut of human developmental decisions and timing. Researchers Grow Retinal Nerve Cells in the Lab – Johns Hopkins researchers developed a method to efficiently turn human stem cells into retinal ganglion cells, the type of nerve cells located within the retina that transmit visual signals from the eye to the brain. Lumen Formation Is an Intrinsic Property of Isolated Human Pluripotent Stem Cells – Researchers demonstrate that dissociated human pluripotent stem cells are intrinsically programmed to form lumens. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Tilo Kunath Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

  • Nov 24, 2015 · 1 hr 7 min

    Ep. 58: “Heart Disease Modeling” Featuring Dr. Lior Gepstein

    Guest: Clinician and researcher Dr. Lior Gepstein discusses his work on using stem cells to model heart disease. We talk to Dr. Gepstein about his past and current work, including his latest paper published in Stem Cell Reports. His research covers human-induced pluripotent stem cell-cardiomyocytes and calcium levels. Resources and Links Antibiotic Resistance: World on Cusp of ‘Post-Antibiotic Era – The world is on the cusp of a “post-antibiotic era”, scientists have warned after finding bacteria resistant to drugs used when all other treatments have failed. MG, the Newest STD on the Block, Found in over 1% of the Population – This article reports that slightly more than 1 percent of 4,500 participants tested positive for a sexually transmitted disease (STD) known as Mycoplasma genitalium (MG). Parasitic Worm ‘Increases Women’s Fertility’ – This article suggests that infection with a species of parasitic round worm, Ascaris lumbricoides that alters the immune system, makes it easier for women to get pregnant. How a Raisin Can Predict a Toddler’s Future Academic Ability – A simple test using a raisin can predict how well a toddler will perform academically at age eight, based on a research conducted at the University of Warwick. Uterus Transplant: First US Clinical Trial Begins – This article reports that the first clinical trial of uterus transplantation in the United States has begun at Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, and in the process of selecting women with uterine factor infertility, a condition in which a woman was born without a uterus, has lost her uterus, or has a uterus that no longer functions. Viagra for Type 2 Diabetes: ‘Little Blue Pill’ Reduces Insulin Resistance without Risk of Heart and Kidney Disease – This article reveals that Sildenafil, active ingredient in Viagra, may improve insulin sensitivity and prevent type 2 diabetes, without heart and kidney disease risk. ‘Ringo the Dog’ Helps Find Potential New Therapy for Muscular Dystrophy – Ringo, a golden retriever, has made an important contribution to science by helping researchers discover a gene that inhibits the consequences of dystrophin loss in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Impairment of Sense of Smell May Indicate Dementia – A new study revealed that the decline in a person’s olfactory sense may be an indicator of mild cognitive impairment, Lewy body, vascular dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Nanopores Could Take the Salt out of Seawater – University of Illinois engineers have found an energy-efficient material, a nanometer-thick sheet of molybdenum disulfide riddled with tiny holes called nanopores, specially designed to let high volumes of water through but keep salt and other contaminates out, a process called desalination. With $379M Deal for Ocata, Astellas Buys Stem Cells for Eye Diseases – Japanese drug firm Astellas Pharma announced that it has agreed to buy Ocata Therapeutics, which is developing regenerative medicines for eye diseases. Thanks, George W., for the Boost to Stem Cell Research – This article reports that in 2001, George W. Bush restricted the use of federal funding for embryonic stem cell research but three years later, California started its own stem cell program, and several states followed suit. NFL Legend Bart Starr Undergoes Second Experimental Stem Cell Treatment in Mexico – Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Bart Starr hopes to be in Green Bay on Thanksgiving to see Brett Favre’s No. 4 jersey retired at halftime in person after recently undergoing his second experimental stem cell treatment in Mexico. Parents Hope Harvesting Stem Cells from Baby Teeth Will Save Lives – This article describes how one couple, RJ and Cindy Brideau, are banking stem cells that have been harvested from their children’s baby teeth. Urine-Derived Stem Cells Predict Patient Response to Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs – This article suggests that inhibitors of PCSK9, a liver enzyme involved in regulating cholesterol homeostasis, could provide an effective alternative or adjunct to statin therapy in high-risk hypercholesterolemic patients. StemCells Inc Says Spinal Injury Therapy Shows Promise – StemCells Inc said its experimental stem cell therapy improved the functioning and strength of limbs in patients with spinal cord injuries, becoming the second company to report promising data on the treatment for such injuries. Functional Connectivity under Optogenetic Control Allows Modeling of Human Neuromuscular Disease – Researchers establish optogenetic control in human pluripotent stem cell-derived spinal motorneurons and show that co-culture of these cells with human myoblast-derived skeletal muscle builds a functional all-human neuromuscular junction that can be triggered to twitch upon light stimulation. The Specification and Maturation of Nociceptive Neurons from Human Embryonic Stem Cells – Researchers describe a system for efficiently guiding human embryonic stem cells into nociceptive neurons by first inducing these cells to the neural lineage. Monitoring Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes with Genetically Encoded Calcium and Voltage Fluorescent Reporters – Researchers combined the human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) technology with genetically encoded voltage and calcium fluorescent indicators to allow monitoring of short- and long-term changes in action-potential and calcium-handling properties and the development of arrhythmias in response to several pharmaceutical agents and in hiPSC-cardiomyocytes derived from patients with different inherited arrhythmogenic syndromes. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Lior Gepstein Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

  • Nov 10, 2015 · 1 hr 9 min

    Ep. 57: “Curiosity” Featuring Duane Fernandez

    Guest: Writer, director and photographer Duane Fernandez talks about how curiosity drives him and his work. We talk to Duane on his experience with helping people from all walks of life and business experience their true potential and how this can apply to science. Resources and Links The Woman Who Can Smell Parkinson’s Disease – According to this article, a woman from Perth named Joy Milne can detect people with Parkinson’s through a telltale odor. Neurons from Glia In Vivo – Scientists present new recipes for directly converting glial cells to neurons in mouse brains. Exclusive Video: First “Glowing” Sea Turtle Found – Scientists diving near the Solomon Islands made an illuminating discovery: the first biofluorescent reptile ever recorded. Japanese Scientist Haruko Obokata Stripped of Doctorate over Stem Cell Scandal – Waseda University revoked a doctoral degree awarded to a young researcher embroiled in a scandal that has rocked the scientific establishment. Fighting Citrus Greening with Vibrating Orange Groves – According to this article, hijacking the mating signals of Asian citrus psyllids may help provide an environmentally friendly system for preventing citrus greening – a disease that has cost the Florida citrus industry billions of dollars in recent years. Neurons Reprogrammed in Animals – Harvard Stem Cell Institute researchers have now shown that the networks of communication among reprogrammed neurons and their neighbors can also be changed, or “rewired.” A Cell Therapy Untested in Humans Saves a Baby with Cancer – This article reveals that cancer doctors have been electrified by a new approach that involves genetically altering patients’ T cells, the soldiers of the immune system, so that they can better attack cancers. Ovarian Cancer Drug Promising for Prostate Tumors – Olaparib, a drug designed to fight inherited ovarian cancers in women, appeared to help some men with advanced prostate cancer done in a small trial. Insulin Plays Very Strong Role in Dopamine Release, Significantly Influences This Important Choice – The more insulin there is in the brain, the more dopamine will be released, but new research indicates that this dopamine regulation might actually affect what we choose to eat. The Effect of Oxytocin Nasal Spray on Social Interaction Deficits Observed in Young Children with Autism: A Randomized Clinical Crossover Trial – This article shows that the synthetic hormone oxytocin nasal spray may provide a potential treatment to improve core social and behavioral difficulties in autism, but its efficacy has yet to be evaluated in young children who potentially may benefit to a greater extent. Small Molecules Efficiently Reprogram Human Astroglial Cells into Functional Neurons – Researchers demonstrate that sequential exposure of human astrocytes to a cocktail of nine small molecules that inhibit glial but activate neuronal signaling pathways can successfully reprogram astrocytes into neurons in 8-10 days. 3D Technology, Stem Cells Used to Aid Skull Bone Regrowth – A team of West Australian researchers will help patients needing cranial reconstructions to regrow parts of their own skulls as part of a new procedure using stem cells and advanced 3D printing technology. New Studies Question the Treatment of Female Infertility with Stem Cells – Professor Kui Liu from University of Gothenburg led a study, together with Professor Outi Hovatta of Karolinska Institutet, assert that the procedure of isolating stem cells is aspecific and also that the stem cells have not been capable of forming eggs. Co-Transplantation of Autologous Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Schwann Cells through Cerebral Spinal Fluid for the Treatment of Patients with Chronic Spinal Cord Injury: Safety and Possible Outcome – This article discusses the procedure of how some researchers assess the safety and feasibility of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell and Schwann cell co-injection through cerebral spinal fluid for the treatment of patients with chronic spinal cord injury. Gene Found that Regulates Stem Cell Number Production – A scientific team from the University of Southern California and the University of California, San Diego have described an important gene, Prkci, that maintains a critical balance between producing too many and too few stem cells. In Vitro Optimization of Nanoparticle-Cell Labeling Protocols for In Vivo Cell Tracking Applications – Researchers suggest that while heeding the slight variations within cell lines, modifying the loading time and concentration of gold nanoparticles, can promote cell visibility in various nanoparticle-dependent in vivo cell tracking and imaging applications. Differential Responses to Lithium in Hyperexcitable Neurons from Patients with Bipolar Disorder – Scientists developed an induced pluripotent stem-cell (iPSC) model for human bipolar disorder and investigated the cellular phenotypes of hippocampal dentate gyrus-like neurons derived from iPSCs of patients with bipolar disorder. A Comparison of Genetically Matched Cell Lines Reveals the Equivalence of Human iPSCs and ESCs – Researchers found that human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and human embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are molecularly and functionally equivalent and cannot be distinguished by a consistent gene expression signature. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Duane Fernandez Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe