How do research communities contend with controversial science? J. Benjamin Hurlbut, Ph.D., Arizona State University, Alysson Muotri, Ph.D., UC San Diego, Matthew Porteus, M.D., Ph.D., Stanford University, and Jacob (Yaqub) Hanna, M.D., Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, explore controversial case studies and the limitations of scientific deliberation/dissent/ambivalence. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 38729]

The identity of somatic and pluripotent cells can be epigenetically reprogrammed and forced to adapt a new functional cell state by different methods and distinct combinations of exogenous factors. The aspiration to utilize such in vitro reprogrammed pluripotent and somatic cells for therapeutic purposes necessitates understanding of the mechanisms of reprogramming and differentiation and elucidating the extent of equivalence of the in vitro derived cells to their in vivo counterparts. Jacob (Yaqub) Hanna, M.D., Ph.D., presents his group’s recent advances toward understanding these fundamental questions and further details ongoing efforts to generate developmentally unrestricted human naive pluripotent cells with embryonic and extra-embryonic developmental potential. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 38323]

Systems neuroscience aims to understand how brain cells and circuits are organized to produce behavior in living organisms. Julio Martinez-Trujillo, M.D., Ph.D., shares his research studying how neurons interact with one another and other cell types within a circuit during ex vivo and in vivo conditions. He also looks to the future and discusses how stem cell technologies can provide unique access to study human circuits and new insights into the nervous system. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 38322]

As a mechanical engineer, Jin-Hyung Shim, Ph.D. has a unique perspective on tissue and organ regeneration. He discusses the present and potential of 3D printed biomaterials. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 38321]

Shiri Gur-Cohen, Ph.D., UC San Diego, explains how her lab studies how epithelial stem cells communicate with their vascular microenvironment to advance regeneration and combat metastatic diseases.

Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Education] [Show ID: 38409]

How can we better understand the earliest stages of human development? Jianping Fu, Ph.D., University of Michigan, discusses his work using stem cell-derived embryoids. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 38320]

Alysson Muotri discusses modeling Pitt-Hopkins syndrome (PTHS) using stem cells and brain organoids. He shares how rescuing TCF4 expression with CRISPR-mediated epigenetic induction of AAV vector delivery provides a gateway for targeted therapeutics for PTHS and related conditions. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 38516]

Thomas C. Südhof, M.D., Stanford University, discusses facets of the fundamental cell biology of ApoE and APP analyzed in stem cell-derived human neurons. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 38405]

The human placenta may hold important clues to the health of both mothers and babies. Mana Parast, M.D., Ph.D., discusses placental development, what we can learn from pathologic evaluation of the placenta after delivery, and modeling the placenta with stem cells. Karen Mestan, M.S., M.D., shares highlights in neonatal medicine, how to use the placenta as a diagnostic tool to improve the immediate and long term health of newborn patients, and what the role of the placenta could be in NICU management. Catherine and Greg Higgins share their experience as parents with twins in the NICU. Series: "Women in Science" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 37969]

Derrick J. Rossi, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Convelo Therapeutics has a long history of pioneering methods to make stem cell–based treatments for disease a reality. He shares stories of science making its way from the lab and into biotech with the intention of improving the lives of patients.

Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 38404]