In this insightful episode of the Neuron Regeneration Podcast, we explore a groundbreaking new perspective on Parkinson’s disease treatment. Dr. Jonathan Sackner-Bernstein, a physician, engineer, and former FDA and DARPA leader, challenges the long-held belief that Parkinson’s is solely a disease of dopamine deficiency. 

Instead, his research suggests that excess dopamine inside neurons may be a key driver of the disease—an insight soon-to-be-tested in human clinical trials with a repurposed drug that could potentially stop Parkinson’s progression.

Dr. Sackner-Bernstein shares his journey from cardiology to neuroscience, how personal experience led him to question conventional wisdom, and why breaking out of silos in research is key to advancing new treatments.

• Rethinking Parkinson’s Disease: Why the prevailing dopamine deficiency model may be incomplete—and how shifting our understanding could transform treatment.

• From Discovery to Clinical Trials: How a repurposed drug, already FDA-approved for other uses, will soon being tested for its potential to stop or even reverse Parkinson’s disease.

• The Challenge of Scientific Dogma: What it takes to challenge long-standing medical assumptions and gain acceptance for new ideas in the scientific community.

• Cross-Disciplinary Innovation: How expertise in cardiology, drug development, and regulatory science informed Dr. Sackner-Bernstein’s unique approach to Parkinson’s research.

• Funding and the Future of Repurposed Drugs: Why securing investment for repurposed drugs is difficult, and how strategic patenting can help ensure their viability as new treatments for new indications.

• The Power of “First Principles” Thinking: How revisiting the fundamental assumptions of a disease can unlock new therapeutic possibilities.

Articles being discussed:

• Rethinking Parkinson's disease: could dopamine reduction therapy have clinical utility?

• Estimates of Intracellular Dopamine in Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Stay connected:

• Connect with Dr. Jonathan Sackner-Bernstein: 

• Website: https://www.parkinsonsdisease.blog

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathansb/

• Subscribe: Don’t miss an episode of the Neuron Regeneration Podcast. Follow us on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe to our newsletter in the sidebar of NeuronRegeneration.com to receive weekly updates on the latest news and publications about Neuron Regeneration.

• Social Media: Follow us on @neuronregeneration to join the conversation and help us spread the word about neural regeneration breakthroughs.

• Leave us a review: If you enjoyed this episode and are excited about the mission of The Neuron Regeneration Podcast, please take a moment to leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and advance the conversation around neuron healing!

Welcome to Another News and Abstract reading episode of The Neuron Regeneration Podcast. Here, we keep you informed on the latest neural regeneration research, innovations, and advancements. Today, we’re highlighting recent studies that explore cutting-edge approaches to nerve repair, spinal cord injury recovery, and stroke rehabilitation.

Stay tuned as we break down key findings and discuss their potential impact on the future of neuroregeneration and clinical applications.

Papers and Topics Discussed:

1. Exercise therapy facilitates neural remodeling and functional recovery post-spinal cord injury via PKA/CREB signaling pathway modulation in rats Recent findings reveal how exercise therapy stimulates neural remodeling and motor function recovery after spinal cord injury. By activating the PKA/CREB signaling pathway, exercise enhances synaptic plasticity, promotes myelin repair, and supports neuron regeneration. These insights highlight the critical role of movement-based rehabilitation in restoring spinal cord function.
2. Effect of in vivo reprogramming of astrocytes combined with exercise training on neurorepair in rats with spinal cord injury New research shows that combining exercise therapy with astrocyte reprogramming significantly enhances motor function recovery after spinal cord injury. By overexpressing key transcription factors and incorporating weight-supported treadmill training, scientists observed improved gait, reduced scarring, and increased neuron regeneration. These findings highlight the potential of a combined approach for spinal cord repair.
3. Exosomes: new targets for understanding axon guidance in the developing central nervous system Exosomes, tiny extracellular vesicles, are emerging as key players in axon guidance, a crucial process in neural circuit development. Researchers are exploring how exosomes interact with guidance molecules to influence axon growth, regeneration, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Understanding these interactions could open new pathways for therapeutic applications in brain and spinal cord repair.
4. Metabolic Reprogramming of Neural Stem Cells by Chiral Nanofiber for Spinal Cord Injury Researchers have developed a chiral nanofiber hydrogel that reprograms neural stem cell metabolism, enhancing their ability to regenerate damaged spinal cord tissue. By optimizing lipid metabolism, this innovative material promotes neural differentiation and significantly improves motor recovery in spinal cord injury models, offering a promising approach for future regenerative therapies.
5. bFGF-Chitosan “brain glue” promotes functional recovery after cortical ischemic stroke Researchers have developed a bFGF-Chitosan "brain glue" that fills stroke cavities and supports the brain’s natural healing process. This innovative gel promotes the growth of new blood vessels, guides neural stem cells to replace lost neurons, and helps rebuild functional neural networks. The result? Improved sensorimotor recovery after an ischemic stroke—offering a potential new path toward restoring brain function. Stay Connected:

• Subscribe: Don’t miss an episode of the Neuron Regeneration Podcast. Follow us on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe to our email newsletter on this page.

• Social Media: Follow  @neuronregeneration on Instagram for daily informative videos on neurodegenerative diseases, neuro traumas, prevention, and regeneration.

• Leave us a review: If you enjoyed this episode and are excited about the mission of The Neuron Regeneration Podcast, please take a moment to leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and advance the conversation around neuron healing!

In this thought-provoking episode of the Neuron Regeneration Podcast, we take a deep dive into the lesser-known steps of translating groundbreaking research into real-world solutions and therapeutics. Dr. Jeff Karp, a renowned biomedical engineer and professor at Harvard Medical School and MIT, shares the secrets behind his remarkable success in moving cutting-edge ideas from the lab to clinical and public impact. 

Known for his philosophy of radical simplicity and his ability to bring transformative technologies and therapeutics to market, Dr. Karp offers invaluable insights for innovators looking to bridge the gap between science and society.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The Power of Radical Simplicity: Dr. Karp explains how simplifying complex innovations is essential for ensuring feasibility, scalability, and successful translation to real-world applications.

• Lessons from Failure: The story of an early project that taught Dr. Karp the importance of reducing complexity and how this lesson shaped his approach to innovation and clinical translation.

• Building Cross-Disciplinary Ecosystems: The value of collaborating with experts in regulation, manufacturing, and other fields to de-risk innovation and accelerate progress.

• Breakthrough Innovations: A behind-the-scenes look at a novel nasal spray developed during COVID-19 to neutralize pathogens, demonstrating Dr. Karp’s approach to rapid, impactful problem-solving.

• The Art of Asking the Right Questions: His process for developing on the most meaningful, targeted questions to unlocks innovation and drives significant advancements in science and technology.

• Setting the “Bar of Excitement”: Defining success in research by setting goals that align with real-world impact and inspire investors, colleagues, and the scientific community.

• Introducing LIT – Leading Intentional Lives: A preview of Dr. Karp’s book, LIT, which offers tools for breaking free from routine patterns and living with greater purpose and intention.

• The Role of Reflection in Personal and Professional Growth: Dr. Karp’s advice on pausing, reflecting, and connecting deeply with personal goals to foster meaningful innovation and fulfillment in your career and life.

  https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adma.202406348 

  Advanced Materials paper on Jeff’s Nasal Spray for Preventing Respiratory Infections

  Profi Nasal Spray: https://www.profispray.com/ 

  Learn from Jeff via his email newsletter: https://www.jeffkarp.com/join-the-free-beyond-boundaries/ 

Stay connected:

• Connect with Jeff Karp

• Website: jeffkarp.com

• IG: mrjeffkarp

• Subscribe: Don’t miss an episode of the Neuron Regeneration Podcast. Follow us on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe to our newsletter at NeuronRegeneration.com.

• Social Media: Follow us on @neuronregeneration to join the conversation and help us spread the word about neural regeneration breakthroughs.

• Leave us a review: If you enjoyed this episode and are excited about the mission of The Neuron Regeneration Podcast, please take a moment to leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and advance the conversation around neuron healing!

In this episode of the Neuron Regeneration podcast, we step outside the lab and into a topic that's just as critical as the science itself—funding. While most episodes focus on the cutting-edge discoveries behind neuron regeneration, today, we’re talking about how those discoveries can make it into the clinic to help people.

We’re joined by Tom Kalil, a leader in innovation and science policy who has spent decades helping researchers turn high-risk, high-reward ideas into reality. With an incredible background that includes working in the White House for Presidents Clinton and Obama, and now leading Renaissance Philanthropy, Tom shares powerful insights about how philanthropy is driving groundbreaking scientific advancements.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The Role of Philanthropy in Scientific Innovation: Tom Kalil highlights the importance of philanthropic funding in advancing high-risk, high-reward research, particularly for early-stage ideas that traditional funding sources often overlook.

• Focused Research Organizations (FROs): An introduction to FROs—time-bound, nonprofit entities designed to tackle specific, transformative scientific challenges—and how they address gaps between academic research and venture-backed startups.

• Breakthrough Technologies in Neuroscience: Discussion of innovative projects such as brain mapping through expansion microscopy and chip-sized focused ultrasound devices for minimally invasive neurological treatments.

• The “Why Now” Narrative: Strategies for researchers to craft compelling stories about why new capabilities or discoveries make this the perfect moment to invest in their work.

• Finding the Right Philanthropists: Practical advice on identifying and engaging donors, with an emphasis on understanding the heterogeneity of philanthropists’ interests, priorities, and decision-making processes.

• Community-Driven Research Agendas: The benefits of creating collective research agendas to unify scientists, attract large-scale funding, and identify projects that can move entire fields forward.

• Overcoming Funding Challenges: Insights into navigating funding obstacles, including limited data availability, tech transfer issues, and the competitive landscape of scientific grants.

• The Future of High-Impact Funding Models: Exploration of milestone-based payments, prize competitions like XPRIZE, and the potential role of ARPA-H in supporting bold, high-risk neuroscience research.

• Lessons from Successful Philanthropic Projects: Examples of impactful philanthropic investments, such as accelerating cancer research through biomarker development and reducing the cost of brain mapping by orders of magnitude.

Stay connected:

• Connect with Tom Kalil: 

  • Websites: renaissancephilanthropy.org

• Subscribe: Don’t miss an episode of the Neuron Regeneration Podcast. Follow us on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe to our newsletter at NeuronRegeneration.com.

• Social Media: Follow us on @neuronregeneration to join the conversation and help us spread the word about neural regeneration breakthroughs.

• Leave us a review: If you enjoyed this episode and are excited about the mission of The Neuron Regeneration Podcast, please take a moment to leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and advance the conversation around neuron healing

Welcome to another News and Abstract Reading episode of The Neuron Regeneration Podcast, aimed at providing listeners with a convenient way to stay up to date on the latest in neural regeneration research, innovations, and advancements.

Papers and Topics Discussed:

• Implantation of biomimetic polydopamine nanocomposite scaffold promotes optic nerve regeneration through modulating inhibitory microenvironment Published in the Journal of Nanobiotechnology, this study presents a biomimetic GA@PDA scaffold designed to promote optic nerve regeneration by reducing oxidative stress and modulating inflammation. Tested in a rat model, the scaffold enhanced retinal ganglion cell survival and axonal regeneration, suggesting potential applications for optic nerve injuries and possibly other neuroinflammatory conditions like stroke.
• The Effect of Rosuvastatin on Facial Nerve Regeneration After Facial Nerve Injury: An Experimental Animal Study Published in the American Journal of Otolaryngology, this study examines rosuvastatin’s role in enhancing facial nerve recovery in rats with traumatic paralysis. Combined with methylprednisolone, rosuvastatin significantly improved nerve function and structure, suggesting its potential for treating facial nerve injuries.
• Clickable immune-microenvironment modulated hydrogels for spinal cord injury repair Published in Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, this study presents MP-enriched injectable hydrogels that promote nerve regeneration and functional recovery in spinal cord injuries by modulating the immune-inflammatory environment. These findings highlight the hydrogels’ potential for SCI repair and other neuroinflammatory conditions.
• Olfactory receptors in neural regeneration in the central nervous system Published in Neural Regeneration Research, this review explores olfactory receptors as potential targets for enhancing neural regeneration in the central nervous system. Insights from olfactory neuron regeneration suggest new therapeutic approaches for CNS injuries, including spinal cord injury and Alzheimer’s disease.
• Alginate Use in Orthopedics and Peripheral Nerve Repair: A Systematic ReviewPublished in Cureus, this review examines alginate's applications in orthopedics and peripheral nerve repair. The findings suggest that alginate supports Schwann cell migration and reduces scar tissue, potentially aiding nerve regeneration and offering promise for orthopedic and nerve repair therapies. Stay Connected:

• Subscribe: Don’t miss an episode of the Neuron Regeneration Podcast. Follow us on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe to our email newsletter on this page.

• Social Media: Follow  @neuronregeneration on Instagram for daily informative videos on neurodegenerative diseases, neuro traumas, prevention, and regeneration.

• Leave us a review: If you enjoyed this episode and are excited about the mission of The Neuron Regeneration Podcast, please take a moment to leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and advance the conversation around neuron healing!

In this insightful episode of the Neuron Regeneration Podcast, we explore the cutting-edge research of Dr. Reggie Edgerton, a pioneer in spinal cord injury rehabilitation and neuromodulation for multiple forms of neural damage. With over four decades of groundbreaking work at UCLA, Dr. Edgerton has made revolutionary strides in helping individuals with spinal cord injuries regain motor control through different forms of neuromodulation: electrical stimulation as well as pharmacological neuromodulation. 

He also discusses the broader applications of neuromodulation, including treatments for cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease, and other neurodegenerative conditions. This conversation delves into how neuromodulation taps into the body’s innate neuroplasticity, offering new hope for those with paralysis or neurodegenerative diseases.

Dr.Edgerton’s research also addresses the potential for combining neuromodulation with other emerging therapies, such as stem cell treatments, to further accelerate functional recovery and even promote neuron healing and regeneration. With a focus on both animal studies and human trials, Dr. Edgerton shares exciting findings and the promising future of neuromodulation in enhancing motor recovery, organ function, and more.

Key Topics Discussed:

• What is Neuromodulation? Dr. Edgerton defines neuromodulation and explains how targeted electrical and chemical stimuli can alter nerve activity and physiological states in patients with neurological disorders.

• Spinal Cord Injury Recovery: A deep dive into the pioneering experiments on animals and humans, using neuromodulation to restore motor function and voluntary control in individuals with spinal cord injuries.

• Central Pattern Generators and Automaticity: Insights into how central pattern generators in the spinal cord contribute to the automatic control of movement, even in the absence of brain signals, and how neuromodulation activates these networks

• Applications Beyond Spinal Cord Injury: Discussion on the expanding use of neuromodulation for cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease, and other neurodegenerative conditions, with remarkable results in restoring function.

• Transcutaneous vs. Implanted Electrical Neuromodulation: Comparison of the non-invasive transcutaneous stimulation approach versus surgically implanted devices, and why transcutaneous techniques offer a practical, accessible solution that still delivers great results.

• Activity-Dependent Plasticity: The importance of combining neuromodulation with movement training to maximize neuroplasticity and functional recovery.

• Regeneration and Healing Potential: Dr. Edgerton touches on the potential for neuromodulation to not only restore function but also facilitate the regeneration of damaged neural pathways.

• Future Directions and Challenges: The episode closes with a discussion of the future of neuromodulation research, including challenges like funding and the need for more clinical trials to bring these therapies into wider use. Dr.Edgerton also emphasizes the importance of integrating neuromodulation with other emerging therapies for maximum impact.

Stay connected:

• Connect with Dr. Reggie Edgerton:

• Websites:

• https://www.ranchoresearch.org/team/reggie-edgerton

• https://edgertonlab.ibp.ucla.edu/

• Subscribe: Don’t miss an episode of the Neuron Regeneration Podcast. Follow us on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe to our newsletter at NeuronRegeneration.com.

• Social Media: Follow us on @neuronregeneration to join the conversation and help us spread the word about neural regeneration breakthroughs.

• Leave us a review: If you enjoyed this episode and are excited about the mission of The Neuron Regeneration Podcast, please take a moment to leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and advance the conversation around neuron healing!

This third episode of The Neuron Regeneration Podcast is the News and Abstract reading episode of the show.

We will frequently produce these episodes aimed at providing listeners with a convenient way to stay up to date on the latest in neural regeneration research, innovations, and advancements. 

1. P75 ECD 10 FC and Neonatal Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (NHIE) Published in the Journal of Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy, this study examines how a recombinant fusion protein, P75 ECD-FC, reverses neurological deficits and promotes neuronal regeneration in rats with neonatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (NHIE). The research highlights its potential neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects, positioning it as a potential therapy in Stroke.

2. Umbilical Cord Blood-Derived Exosomes and Parkinson’s Disease This paper from the Journal of Nanobiotechnology discusses how umbilical cord blood-derived exosomes (UCB EXOS) show promise in treating Parkinson’s Disease in a mouse model. The study suggests that UCB EXOS could alleviate motor dysfunction, oxidative stress, and other symptoms associated with neurodegenerative disorders.

3. Concentrated Growth Factor (CGF) and Facial Nerve Crush Injury A study from the Journal of Stomatology explores the use of Concentrated Growth Factor (CGF), a PRP-derived substance, to accelerate recovery in facial nerve injuries. The results showed faster recovery in nerve function and reduced fibrosis, highlighting its potential as a cost-effective treatment for peripheral nerve injuries.

4. Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) and Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) From the Journal of Clinical Medicine, this narrative review article examines how ESWT may aid in spinal cord regeneration and reduce spasticity in patients with SCI. While the research is still in early stages, it shows promise as a safe and innovative treatment for SCI-related motor and sensory dysfunction.

5. New Insights Into Myelin RegenerationGenetic Engineering & Biotechnology News reports on recent discoveries about the protein C1QL1 and its role in promoting myelin regeneration. This breakthrough could lead to improved treatments for demyelinating diseases like Multiple Sclerosis (MS), which damage the protective coating of nerve cells.

• Subscribe: Don’t miss an episode of the Neuron Regeneration Podcast. Follow us on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe to our email newsletter on this page.
• Social Media: Follow  @neuronregeneration on Instagram for daily informative videos on neurodegenerative diseases, neuro traumas, prevention, and regeneration.
• Leave us a review: If you enjoyed this episode and are excited about the mission of The Neuron Regeneration Podcast, please take a moment to leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and advance the conversation around neuron healing!

In this fascinating episode, we dive into the groundbreaking research of Dr. Michael Levin of Tufts University, an expert in bioelectricity and its implications for regeneration, cognition, and cell communication. Dr. Levin challenges conventional wisdom around neuron regeneration, limb regrowth, and the body’s healing processes by leveraging the power of bioelectric signals. 

From exploring the remarkable plasticity of cells, to manipulating bioelectric fields for complex tissue regeneration, this episode takes a deep dive into cutting-edge science with real-world applications.

• The Role of Bioelectricity in Cellular Communication: Dr. Levin explains how bioelectric signals serve as a communication system among cells (far beyond nerve-based communication), allowing them to work collectively, much like a computer’s software.

• Bioelectricity Beyond Neurons: Beyond brain function, bioelectric signals regulate complex biological processes, from regenerating limbs and organs to controlling the body’s shape/morphology.

• Groundbreaking Regenerative Experiments:

• “Picasso Tadpole” Experiment: Scrambling facial features in tadpoles, which still develop into normal frogs, highlighting cells' inherent remarkable problem-solving abilities and the concept that morphology is not coded in the DNA.

• Planarian Regeneration: Altering bioelectric signals to induce flatworms to grow extra heads, showing how cells store and act on information about body structure.

• Frog Limb Regeneration: Using bioelectricity to stimulate regrowth of amputated frog legs without manipulating genetics.

• Implications for Human Health: The potential applications for neuron regeneration, spinal cord injury treatment, and even cancer therapy are discussed, emphasizing the need to "crack the bioelectric code."

• Future of Bioelectricity in Medicine: Dr. Levin shares the future of bioelectric medicine, his ongoing work in mammals, and the roadmap for advancing this technology for human clinical use.

Stay connected:

• Connect with Dr. Michael Levin: Website: https://drmichaellevin.org/ 

• Subscribe: Don’t miss an episode of the Neuron Regeneration Podcast. Follow us on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe to our newsletter at NeuronRegeneration.com.

• Social Media: Follow us on @neuronregeneration to join the conversation and help us spread the word about neural regeneration breakthroughs.

• Leave us a review: If you enjoyed this episode and are excited about the mission of The Neuron Regeneration Podcast, please take a moment to leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and advance the conversation around neuron healing!

In this heartfelt and inspiring inaugural episode, host Jarod Carter shares the deeply personal story behind the creation of The Neuron Regeneration Podcast and the Neuron Regeneration community. As the father of twins diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), Jarod opens up about the challenges his family has faced and the ongoing fight to reverse the devastating effects of neurodegenerative diseases. He explains his mission to accelerate breakthroughs in neuron regeneration and the hope of finding treatments that can fully heal and repair damaged neurons—work that could impact millions of lives worldwide.

This episode sets the stage for what's to come on the podcast, outlining the vision for the future and what listeners can expect in terms of guest experts, research discussions, and more.

This episode introduces the podcast's mission, but the journey is just beginning! In Episode 2, we interview Dr. Michael Levin, an expert in bioelectricity from Tufts University. Dr. Levin will share his groundbreaking research on using bioelectric signals to regenerate limbs and repair damaged brains, paving the way for future therapies in humans. Don’t miss this exciting episode!

• Website: Visit NeuronRegeneration.com to join the community, subscribe to the newsletter, and stay updated on the latest developments in neuron regeneration.

• Contact: Have guest suggestions or want to get involved? Email us at [email protected].

• Subscribe: Don’t miss an episode of the Neuron Regeneration Podcast. Follow us on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe to our newsletter at NeuronRegeneration.com

• Social Media: Follow us on @neuronregeneration to join the conversation and help us spread the word about neural regeneration breakthroughs.

• Leave us a review: If you enjoyed this episode and are excited about the mission of The Neuron Regeneration Podcast, please take a moment to leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and advance the conversation around neuron healing!