Stem Cell Channel (Audio)

The infections disease landscape is constantly changing - challenging our standard treatments. Can new - as well as ancient - therapies be the answer? Hear from experts on the cutting edge of phage therapy, HIV/AIDS research and cancer care about what is on the horizon to improve human health. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 39982]

John Dick, Ph.D., F.R.S., explores the role of CD83, a molecule found in blood stem cells, in how these cells respond to inflammation. His team demonstrates that CD83 becomes highly active during inflammation and contributes to the loss of healthy stem cells. Using advanced gene-editing tools, they show that removing CD83 protects stem cells from inflammation-related damage. This discovery highlights CD83 as a potential marker for identifying inflamed stem cells and as a possible target for treatments to improve recovery after stem cell transplants. He also discusses early findings on potential differences in blood stem cell behavior between men and women and raises questions about how inflammation from severe illnesses, like COVID-19, could impact the blood system as we age. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 39949]

Catriona Jamieson, M.D., Ph.D., discusses pioneering research on cancer and aging in space environments, highlighting how microgravity accelerates cancer cell growth and leads to stem cell exhaustion, genomic instability, and “dark genome” activation. Using innovative tools like nano-bioreactors and artificial intelligence, her team simulates these effects and tracks cellular changes, uncovering how space’s unique conditions drive mutations and alter cellular behavior. They find that stem cells rapidly proliferate but then become exhausted in space, a process tied to telomere shortening and mitochondrial stress, impacting cell longevity and regenerative potential. Through collaborations with NASA and industry partners, Jamieson’s research aims to develop therapies to counter these effects, offering potential insights for cancer treatment and stem cell health on Earth. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 39948]

Elizabeth Blackburn, Ph.D., examines the relationship between telomeres, cellular aging, and metabolic health, highlighting how telomere regulation differs between insulin-sensitive and insulin-resistant individuals. She discusses the effects of environmental factors—like glucose levels, stress hormones, and drugs—on telomere maintenance, which can disrupt cellular coordination and contribute to age-related diseases. Blackburn also shares insights from studies on hibernating lemurs, indicating that while their telomere health remains stable during metabolic slowdowns, it declines upon reactivation. Ultimately, she suggests that telomere maintenance could serve as a valuable biomarker for early signs of metabolic dysfunction, informing strategies for long-term health and resilience. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 39944]

Dennis O. Clegg, Ph.D., discusses treatments for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a condition that causes vision loss. Clegg explains that while patients often report improved vision after receiving implants, objective tests don't always confirm this. He explores the potential differences in patients' responses based on genetics and disease progression. There is also an ongoing challenge in finding the best ways to reduce immune rejection of these treatments. New trials are underway to test implants in earlier stages of the disease, and researchers are looking at different strategies like localized immunosuppression. Additionally, some studies suggest that secretions from retinal cells may help preserve vision. Overall, there are many open questions, but advances in the field offer hope for better AMD treatments. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 39459]

Curious about the secret to staying young? Rob Signer shares insights into how our bodies age, focusing on the role of stem cells and a critical protein called HSF1 that helps them cope with stress. Signer explores the delicate balance of keeping these cells healthy without increasing cancer risk and highlighted some promising progress in enhancing the cells' ability to manage waste. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 39980]

Explore the captivating realm of brain research at UC San Diego with Frank Furnari, Ph.D., and Alexander Khalessi, M.D., M.B.A. Furnari and Khalessi delve into groundbreaking efforts to find new treatments for neurological conditions such as brain tumors, stroke, and brain injuries, bringing hope to patients and their families. Emphasizing ethics, innovation, and patient care, Furnari and Khalessi shed light on the challenges and successes in their quest to unravel the mysteries of the mind. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 39723]

Catherine Yeung, Pharm.D., Ph.D., M.P.H., discusses groundbreaking advancements in kidney-on-a-chip technology, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize human health. She delves into the role of environmental toxins, such as okra toxin A, microplastics, and plasticizers, in contributing to chronic kidney disease, particularly in regions with specific dietary practices. Yeung also addresses the challenges of replicating adult kidney cells from stem cells, which often retain a fetal phenotype, and underscores the value of stem cell-derived models for genetic manipulation and disease research. Additionally, she highlights the increased risk of kidney stones in astronauts post-spaceflight and the broader implications of organ-on-chip technology for studying therapies and diseases. Series: "Women in Science" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 39458]

Curious about what happens to our cells as we age and how it affects our health? Shiri Gur-Cohen explores the role of tiny chemical tags on our DNA, like methylation, in influencing our healing and overall well-being. Gur-Cohen discusses how these tags might be shaped by our body's systems, such as the lymphatic system, and could even help repair or regenerate various parts of our body. Gur-Cohen proposes that uncovering these processes could lead to innovative ways to slow aging or boost our body’s natural healing capabilities. Series: "Women in Science" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 39979]

Michael Lane, Ph.D., shares his work investigating the effects of cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) on breathing and upper extremity function, focusing on the potential for spontaneous functional recovery, or "plasticity." Lane also discusses efforts to develop and test strategies to promote beneficial plasticity and recovery following cervical SCI, with a particular emphasis on improving respiratory function and activity in respiratory muscles. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 39457]