Stem Cell Channel (Audio)

UCLA’s Avishek Adhikari, PhD, presents new research on the role of GABAergic neurons in the brain’s periaqueductal gray (PAG) region. Previously studied for their involvement in fear and defensive behaviors, these neurons were found to promote food-seeking behavior when activated—even in fully fed mice. Using calcium imaging and optogenetics, Adhikari’s team discovered that these neurons are active during food approach but suppressed during eating. The effect is stronger for high-value foods like chocolate or crickets and depends on the mouse’s prior experience with that food. A key finding is that these neurons influence behavior through a specific projection to the zona incerta, a subthalamic region. Rather than signaling hunger, this pathway appears to drive food seeking based on reward value, highlighting a new motivational circuit in the brain. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 40444]

William Lowry, Ph.D., discusses manipulating metabolic pathways in hair follicle stem cells to inhibit tumorigenesis. By blocking glycolysis and glutamine lysis simultaneously, they observed tumor regression, highlighting the complex interplay between metabolism and cancer. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 39256]

The 3rd Annual Global Astrobiotechnology Hub focuses on advancing the intersection of space exploration, biotechnology, and innovation. The program brings together scientists, researchers, and space professionals to discuss how space technologies can accelerate scientific breakthroughs, particularly in fields like personalized medicine and bioengineering. Key themes include the challenges of conducting real-time research in space, the need for specialized astronaut-scientists, and the potential of space for groundbreaking experiments, such as organoid growth and in-space manufacturing. Experts underscore the importance of public access to scientific data and highlight the role of new media in engaging the public with space research. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 40389]

Scientists, leaders, and patients discuss the intersection of cutting-edge science and real-world impact. They explore the importance of patient perspectives in shaping medical advancements and how collaboration fuels groundbreaking research. Key scientific achievements in areas like regenerative medicine, cancer therapies, and space biology are highlighted. The group emphasizes the need for scientists to engage more with the public—through social media and media appearances—to help people understand and value the life-changing discoveries in science.

Featuring:

Catriona Jamieson, M.D., Ph.D.

UC San Diego

Sandra Dillon

Patient Advocate

Alexander Khalessi, M.D., M.B.A.

UC San Diego

Jana Stoudemire

Celestial Strategy, LLC

Alysson Muotri, Ph.D.

UC San Diego

Rebecca Moores

Philanthropist and Patient Advocate

Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 40519]

Karen Christman, Sheila Chari, Stella Hurtley, and Robert Stephenson

explore academic publishing in stem cell research, focusing on reproducibility, collaboration, and public communication. Editors from top journals discuss curating impactful research, sharing clinical trial data, and addressing challenges in scaling and standardizing therapies. They emphasize bridging silos, advancing precision regenerative medicine, and navigating open access publishing to responsibly propel the field forward. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 39940]

Learn about advancements in precision medicine, particularly the role of AI, stem cell research, and gene therapy. Experts highlight AI’s potential in personalized treatments, diagnostics, and patient care. Key topics include RNA targeting therapies, base editing for gene mutations, and using stem cells for disease modeling and regeneration. AI’s contribution to enhancing healthcare efficiency and decision-making is also explored, emphasizing its role in personalized medicine through large data sets.

Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 39981]

Martin Kampmann, Ph.D., explores how CRISPR screening and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology can uncover new insights into neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's. His lab uses CRISPR to identify genes that influence protein aggregation and cellular vulnerability, focusing on neurons, astrocytes, and microglia derived from human stem cells. Kampmann highlights the roles of mitochondria, autophagy, and other cellular pathways in disease progression, emphasizing the importance of understanding both protective and damaging processes. He also discusses the potential contributions of glial cells—especially microglia and astrocytes—to neurodegeneration, sparking ideas for therapeutic targets. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 39461]

Frank Furnari, Ph.D., and Alexander Khalessi, M.D., M.B.A., discuss exciting advancements in brain cancer research, focusing on glioblastoma, an aggressive and challenging tumor. They highlight how specific genetic mutations drive tumor growth and how targeting these mutations could lead to new treatments. They also delve into cutting-edge therapies, including using light to activate drugs aimed at combating cancer. A central theme of the talk is the complexity and ever-changing nature of these tumors, which makes them difficult to treat. However, technological breakthroughs, like single-cell genetic sequencing and lab-grown tumor models, are providing scientists with valuable insights into tumor behavior, paving the way for more personalized and effective treatment options in the future. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 39871]

Le Xu, Ph.D., examines the intricate processes underlying lung development and disease, with a focus on idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Xu explores the roles of genetic and cellular mechanisms, including the hedgehog pathway, FGF signaling, and epithelial-mesenchymal interactions, in driving lung fibrosis. Xu also highlights links between congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and lung development, suggesting that both mechanical and genetic factors contribute to lung hypoplasia. The discussion includes the development of advanced mouse models that replicate key aspects of human IPF, offering insights into fibrosis progression. Xu's research ultimately seeks to identify the causes of lung tissue abnormalities and pave the way for targeted therapies. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 39460]

Gloria Yiu, M.D., Ph.D., delves into the transformative potential of genetic editing technologies in addressing rare immune disorders, with a focus on CD3δ severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID)—a condition characterized by impaired T-cell development and severely compromised immune function. Leveraging her expertise as a physician-scientist, Yiu explores how CRISPR and other precision gene-editing tools can correct genetic mutations at the cellular level, potentially restoring T-cell production and immune resilience in patients with CD3δ SCID. Her presentation underscores the challenges and breakthroughs in treating such life-threatening conditions, emphasizing the role of interdisciplinary research, clinical innovation, and ethical considerations in advancing the frontiers of personalized medicine. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 40245]