A best of episode where Russ interviews one of his bioengineering colleagues,  Fan Yang, about some of the fascinating work she’s doing in the realm of tissue engineering. Hear more about the ways her lab is modeling human tissue to help develop a better understanding of how we might effectively replace damaged tissues and alleviate a number of health concerns.

Episode Reference Links:

• Fan Yang's Stanford Profile: Website
• Fan Yang’s Stanford Lab: Website
• Ep.174 Regenerating and Rejuvenating Human Tissues: Website / YouTube (original episode)

Connect With Us:

• Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website
• Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon
• Connect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Host Russ Altman introduces guest Fan Yang, a bioengineer at Stanford.

(00:03:15) The Basics of Tissue Engineering

The purpose and significance of tissue engineering, emphasizing its role in addressing critical medical needs like late-stage arthritis.

(00:04:23) Challenges in Tissue Engineering

Technical hurdles in creating viable tissues for clinical use, such as integrating these tissues into the human body.

(00:07:00) 3D Printing and In Situ Polymerization

Technological advances in shaping tissues using 3D printing and the benefits of in situ polymerization to adapt to complex tissue shapes.

(00:09:15) Specific Challenges with Cartilage

The challenges specific to cartilage regeneration, explaining why it has been a difficult tissue to replicate and heal.

(00:13:56) Micro Ribbon Based Hydrogels

Explanation of micro ribbon based hydrogels, a new development aimed at improving tissue regeneration.

(00:19:16) Cancer Research and Tissue Engineering

How tissue engineering technologies are not only pivotal for therapeutic uses but also crucial for understanding diseases and aiding drug discovery.

(00:24:38) Regulatory Challenges and Commercialization

The regulatory and commercialization challenges facing new medical technologies, including the need for industry partnerships and the role of the FDA

(00:26:20) Conclusion

Connect With Us:

Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website

Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon

Connect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook