STEMPOWER

What if the experiences of one generation could shape the biology and emotions of the next?

In this episode of STEMPOWER, I speak with UCLA's, Dr. Bridget Callaghan. Her groundbreaking research explores how early life adversity and maternal experiences influence children’s gut microbiome and socioemotional development.

Together, they unpack Dr. Callaghan’s 2023 study “Multigenerational adversity impacts on human gut microbiome composition and socioemotional functioning in early childhood.”They discuss how early adversity gets “under the skin,” the critical role of the gut-brain axis at age two, and how microbial pathways may help explain the biological transmission of trauma across generations.

Tune in to hear about the mechanisms linking the microbiome to mental health, the challenges of studying multigenerational effects, and Dr. Callaghan’s vision for future interventions that could help break the cycle of adversity.

Happy 2025! In this week's episode, we speak with ⁠Dr. Margaret Cheng, Ph.D.,⁠ a professor at the University of Toronto's Institute of Biomedical Engineering and the Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering. Dr. Cheng is a pioneer in quantitative MRI research, with a focus on advanced applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, particularly in cardiovascular imaging and imaging at the physiological, cellular, and molecular levels.

During our conversation, we explore her incredible work on using the bright-ferritin mechanism to non-invasively track neural progenitor cell transplants in spinal cord injuries. We delve into the importance of long-term monitoring of stem cell viability, the biological underpinnings of MRI-based tracking, and how her findings could revolutionize stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine.

Dr. Cheng's research papers discussed in this episode:

1. ⁠Longitudinal Magnetic Resonance Imaging Tracking of Transplanted Neural Progenitor Cells in the Spinal Cord Utilizing the Bright-Ferritin Mechanism

2. Bright ferritin for long-term MR imaging of human embryonic stem cells

In this week's episode, we speak with Dr. Jodi Gilman, Ph.D., a renowned neuroscientist and Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and the Director of Neuroscience at the Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Addiction Medicine. Dr. Gilman spearheads research on the biological, psychological, and clinical aspects of addiction.

Dr. Gilman's research papers discussed in this episode:

1. Identification of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) impairment using functional brain imaging

2. Intoxication due to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol is characterized by disrupted prefrontal cortex activity

In this episode with Dr. Ina Wanner, Ph.D., an Associate Research Neuroscientist at the UCLA Geffen School of Medicine, we dive into the fascinating and complex world of neurotrauma research. Dr. Wanner, part of the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center at the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, has dedicated her career to improving outcomes for patients with traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries.

Dr. Wanner’s background in Biology and Human Biology, coupled with her two post-doctoral fellowships, including work at The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, has driven her groundbreaking research on neuron-glial interactions and the vital role of astrocytes—the star-shaped support cells in the brain—in recovery from neurotrauma. In today’s conversation, Dr. Wanner shares her insights on the cellular aftermath of traumatic injuries and how understanding these responses is reshaping diagnostic and treatment strategies.

We’ll also explore her patented biomarker invention, which has opened new avenues for detecting brain trauma, and discuss her role in leading a multi-site consortium focused on enhancing research consistency across neurotrauma labs. Dr. Wanner’s work is setting the stage for more personalized, effective treatment approaches, and her journey highlights the exciting future of neurotrauma research.

Dr. Wanner's research papers discussed during the interview:

In this episode with ⁠Dr. Daniel Franklin, Ph.D.,⁠ we explore the cutting-edge world of wearable technology designed to monitor cardiovascular health. Dr. Franklin takes us through his groundbreaking research on non-invasive devices that track vital metrics like blood pressure and vascular resistance, helping doctors monitor patients continuously outside the hospital. We dive deep into the complexities of designing synchronized wearable devices, the challenges of integrating multiple sensors, and how these innovations are shaping the future of heart health.

We’ll also discuss practical insights on the importance of real-time health monitoring, the role of advanced sensor technology, and what’s next for wearable medical devices.

Dr. Franklin's research paper discussed in this episode:

In this episode with Dr. Charles Bourque, Ph.D., we explore the fascinating role that sodium plays in regulating not only hydration and thirst but also our brain's circadian rhythms — the internal clock that controls sleep-wake cycles, metabolism, and overall health. We'll dive deep into how the brain uses sodium to maintain balance, how disruptions in sodium levels can impact sleep and performance, and what current research tells us about brain and body function through this critical mineral.

We’ll also discuss practical takeaways, including how sodium intake influences your daily biological clock, the consequences of imbalance, and emerging findings in neuroscience that connect this essential nutrient with overall brain health.

Dr. Bourque's research papers discussed in this episode:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37783507/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37132408/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33730577/

This season, our goal is to get a "behind-the-scenes" of today's ground-breaking science and innovations with leading scientists. From understanding the neuroscience of cannabis on the brain to uncovering the mystery behind black holes, this season is one you would not want to miss!