The Stem Cell Podcast

Guest: Dr. Yonatan Stelzer is a Principal Investigator at the Weizmann Institute of Science. He discusses how his lab combines developmental biology, epigenetics, and single-cell technologies to understand how cells acquire distinct identities during embryonic development. He also explores building quantitative models that track development across space and time, how extracellular signals and epigenetic mechanisms shape cell fate, and the opportunities and limitations of using AI to uncover the underlying logic of biology. Featured Products and Resources: Get a free wallchart on the derivation and applications of hPSCs. Subscribe to ESC & iPSC News to receive all of the latest research, news, jobs, and events in ESC & iPSC research. The Stem Cell Science Round Up Stem Cells Drive Spinal Stenosis – Researchers identified tendon/ligament stem cells and showed that their abnormal differentiation contributes to ligament thickening and lumbar spinal stenosis. Building Better Bones – Engineered vascularized callus organoids act as temporary biological templates that promote blood vessel formation and regeneration of large bone defects. Regenerating Beta Cells – Loss of ALDH3B2 converts human pancreatic duct cells into insulin-producing β-like cells capable of improving blood glucose in diabetic mice. Controlling Organ Size – A Hippo–IGF2 signaling pathway controls organ growth and liver regeneration, with IGF2 restoring impaired regenerative capacity in aged mice. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Yonatan Stelzer Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

Guest: Dr. Charles Easley is an Associate Professor and Associate Dean for Research at the University of Georgia. He discusses how his lab uses pluripotent stem cells and in vitro models of spermatogenesis to investigate how environmental exposures affect male fertility. He also explores efforts to generate functional sperm from stem cells, develop regenerative therapies for male infertility, and use human-based models to advance drug discovery and male contraception. Featured Products and Resources: Take your human pluripotent stem cell cultures further with mTeSR™ Plus from STEMCELL Technologies. Save time and keep current with ESC & iPSC News, a free bi-weekly newsletter covering all of the latest research and news. The Stem Cell Science Round Up Tracking Brain Organoid Maturation – Scientists have found that human brain organoids cultured for five years continue to mature and retain a molecular memory of time spent in culture. Oligodendrocytes and Cognitive Aging – Changes in oligodendrocytes and reduced NRF2 signaling are linked to cognitive decline during aging, identifying a potential therapeutic target. Maturing iPSC-Derived Cardiomyocytes – Generating tetraploid iPSCs produces cardiomyocytes with more mature molecular, metabolic, and functional properties than conventional iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes. Embryo Mechanics and Fertility – Reproductive aging increases embryo contractility and alters tissue mechanics, reducing the ability of embryos to implant successfully. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Charles Easley Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

Guest: Dr. Abdullah Khan is an Associate Professor of Tissue Engineering at the University of Oxford and a Group Leader at the MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine. He discusses how his lab engineers complex human tissue models to study the cellular interactions that drive development, aging, and disease. He also explores how multi-organoid systems can model interactions between tissues such as the bone marrow and heart, and how these platforms could advance disease modeling, drug discovery, and preclinical research. Featured Products and Resources: Get a free wallchart on the derivation and applications of hPSCs. Subscribe to ESC & iPSC News to receive all of the latest research, news, jobs, and events in ESC & iPSC research. The Stem Cell Science Round Up Rescuing hPSC Differentiation – A chemical chromatin restoration approach reverses differentiation defects in human pluripotent stem cells, restoring their ability to generate diverse cell types and brain organoids. A Tumor Organoid Atlas – Patient-derived tumor organoids reveal cancer-specific gene dependencies and therapeutic vulnerabilities, providing a resource for advancing precision oncology. Mapping New Cancer Vulnerabilities – CRISPR screening of organoids and spheroids expands the Cancer Dependency Map, revealing cancer vulnerabilities and molecular subtypes missed by traditional cell lines. Building Better Cancer Models – A large collection of next-generation cancer models captures much of the genetic and epigenetic diversity of patient tumors, creating a resource for studying cancer biology and treatment response. Modeling Heart Valve Disease – Human iPSC-derived valve assembloid models heart valve development and reveals how mechanical forces and fluid flow shape valve formation and disease. Heart Valves in the Lab – Stem cell-derived 3D heart valve tissues recapitulate key features of valve maturation and provide a human platform for studying inflammation and calcific valve disease. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Abdullah Khan. Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

Guest: Nobel Laureate Dr. Shinya Yamanaka is the Director Emeritus of the Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), President of the CiRA Foundation, Professor at Kyoto University, and Senior Investigator at the Gladstone Institutes. 20 years after the discovery of iPSCs, he discusses how his lab is advancing iPSC therapies toward the clinic while continuing to investigate the basic mechanisms underlying pluripotency, stem cell biology, and translation initiation. He also shares his vision for the future of regenerative medicine, the ethical challenges posed by emerging stem cell technologies, and the opportunities created by combining iPSC with advances such as CRISPR and organoids. Featured Products and Resources: Get a free wallchart on the directed differentiation of hPSCs. Subscribe to STEMCELL Sceince News to stay current with the latest research and news in the fields of immunology and cell biology. The Stem Cell Science Round Up Elephant iPS Cells – Researchers have generated the first induced pluripotent stem cells from Asian elephants, providing a new platform for conservation and disease research. Epigenetic Cell Counter – Intestinal stem cells use an epigenetic division-counting mechanism to precisely control cell fate decisions during tissue maintenance. Reversing Bone Marrow Aging – Long-term vitamin C supplementation partially reverses age-related changes in primate bone marrow and hematopoietic stem cell function. Human Heart Atlas – A comprehensive atlas of human cardiac organoids reveals how signaling molecules regulate heart function and identifies pathways linked to heart failure. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Shinya Yamanaka. Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

Guest: This special episode, created in partnership with the ISSCR Early Career Advisory Committee, features two rising leaders in stem cell research. Dr. Yifei (Simon) Miao, a Professor at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, discusses engineering vascularized organoids and integrating bioengineering approaches to build more physiologically relevant human tissues. Dr. Anca Pașca, an Assistant Professor at Stanford Medicine, explores how stem cell-derived brain organoids and assembloids are advancing our understanding of neonatal brain injury and neurodevelopmental disorders, with the goal of developing new therapies for vulnerable infants. If you’d like to nominate yourself or a colleague for our Early Career Researcher Series, submit your nomination here. Featured Products and Resources: Join us at ISSCR 2026 to discover breakthroughs, technologies, and clinical insights you can take back to your lab. Enter to win 350 US dollars or equivalent toward refreshments to fuel your journal club discussions. The Stem Cell Science Round Up Editing Early Human Development – Base editing of human embryos reveals that NANOG is essential for epiblast formation and human pluripotency. Reprogramming Colorectal Cancer – Loss of GATA6 promotes colorectal cancer liver metastasis by driving multilineage cellular plasticity. Precision Medicine for Pancreatitis – Patient-derived organoids identify chronic pancreatitis subtypes and reveal CFTR modulators as a potential treatment. Tracking Heart Organoids – A wireless cantilever platform enables high-throughput measurement of contractile forces in human cardiac organoids. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Drs. Yifei (Simon) Miao and Anca Pasca Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

Guest: Dr. Mekayla Storer is an Associate Professor at the University of Cambridge and a Principal Investigator at the Cambridge Stem Cell Institute. She discusses how mammalian digit tips regenerate after injury, focusing on the formation of the blastema and the cellular and molecular mechanisms that distinguish regeneration from scarring. She highlights the role of the extracellular matrix, tissue mechanics, and regenerative microenvironments in directing tissue repair, and explores how insights from digit tip regeneration may inform strategies to promote regeneration in other organs. Featured Products and Resources: Join us at ISSCR and discover breakthroughs, technologies, and clinical insights you can take back to your lab. Kick start your own journal club using our free toolkit equipped with downloadable checklists and templates. The Stem Cell Science Round Up Modeling EMT in Human Cells – Scientists have developed a human iPSC-based platform that enables standardized, multimodal analysis of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition dynamics across 2D and 3D contexts. Modeling Persistent Ebola Infection – Human brain organoids reveal how persistent Ebola virus infection in neural cells drives long-term inflammation and viral evolution. Reducing Retinal Graft Rejection – Transient JAK inhibition reduces immune rejection of stem cell-derived retinal grafts and improves visual recovery. Enhancing Renal Regeneration – Targeting ENPP1 with a therapeutic antibody enhances regeneration and restores function after acute kidney injury. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Mekayla Storer Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

Guest: Dr. Filipa Simões is a Group Leader at the University of Oxford and Co-Director of the Oxford Organoid Hub. She discusses how macrophages shape heart development, repair, and regeneration, and how cellular crosstalk within the cardiac niche influences tissue outcomes after injury. Using zebrafish models, stem cell–derived cardiac organoids, and spatial genomics approaches, she explores the molecular signals that govern macrophage identity and function, with the goal of uncovering new strategies to promote cardiac regeneration and limit fibrosis. Featured Products and Resources: Join us at ISSCR and discover the breakthroughs and technologies you can take straight back to your lab. Enter to win 350 US dollars or equivalent towards refreshments to fuel your next journal club. The Stem Cell Science Round Up iPSC Therapy for Heart Failure – Engineered heart muscle grafts derived from iPSCs increased heart wall thickness and improved cardiac function in patients with heart failure. Inflammatory Memory in HSCs – A distinct human HSC subset retains inflammatory memory, influencing blood production, aging, and disease risk. Organoid-Mediated Vision Recovery – Transplanted human retinal organoids partially restored vision after complete optic nerve transection in rats. Improving HSPC Gene Therapy – A new selection strategy enriches precisely edited hematopoietic stem cells while reducing unwanted genomic alterations. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Filipa Simões. Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

Guest: Dr. Vijay Sankaran is a Professor at Harvard Medical School and Investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. He discusses how his lab uses human genetics and stem cell biology to uncover mechanisms regulating hematopoiesis and blood disease, including the discovery of key regulators such as BCL11A and HOTSCRAMBL. He also explores how advances in genome editing, stem cell engineering, and single-cell genomics are shaping new therapies for disorders such as sickle cell disease, thalassemia, and leukemia, while highlighting the challenges of translating these breakthroughs into scalable patient treatments. Featured Products and Resources: Join us at ISSCR 2026 to catch the latest breakthroughs Learn to confidently apply the ISSCR Standards for Human Stem Cell Use The Stem Cell Science Round Up Building Pancreatic Cancer Models – A stem cell-derived organoid model reveals genetic and epigenetic mechanisms driving human pancreatic cancer initiation. Functional Cancer Stem Cell Assays – Researchers have developed a microwell platform that enables rapid enrichment of breast cancer stem cells for personalized drug testing. Human Pacemaker Assembloids – A human cardiac assembloid model recreates neural control of pacemaker activity and atrial conduction. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Vijay Sankaran. Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

Guest: Dr. Kotaro Sasaki is an Associate Professor at the University of Pennsylvania. In this episode, he discusses how his lab uses human pluripotent stem cells to model germ cell development and endocrine organs such as the testis and adrenal gland. He highlights progress toward in vitro gametogenesis, including generating spermatogonial-like cells and reconstructing testicular environments, as well as recent advances in building adrenal organoids with zonal architecture. He also explores the scientific, translational, and ethical challenges of creating functional human gametes, and emphasizes the importance of developmental biology in guiding stem cell-based approaches. Featured Products and Resources: Get a free wallchart on the derivation and applications of hPSCs. Take your human pluripotent stem cell cultures further with mTeSR™ Plus from STEMCELL Technologies. The Stem Cell Science Round Up Stage-Specific Cell Competition – Cell competition in gastruloids is stage-specific and driven by relative p53 levels during pluripotency exit. Modeling Pediatric Brain Tumors – Scientists have enabled robust generation and drug testing of patient-derived pediatric brain tumor organoids. Immune Reprogramming in Heart Failure – Engineered dendritic cells reduce cardiac fibrosis and improve heart function by modulating immune responses. Overcoming Hypoxia in Islets – Inhibiting zinc transport enhances stem cell–derived islet survival and function by improving angiogenesis and hypoxia resistance. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Kotaro Sasaki. Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

Guest: Dr. Aitor Aguirre is an Associate Professor at Michigan State University and Director of the Stem Cell Core. In this episode, he discusses how his lab uses pluripotent stem cells and cardiac organoids to model human heart development and disease. He highlights the role of self-organization and bioengineering in building complex heart models, including assembloids with immune and neural components, and their applications in studying conditions like atrial fibrillation. He also shares perspectives on open science, collaboration, and training the next generation of scientists. Featured Products and Resources: Get a free wallchart on the directed differentiation of hPSCs. Explore STEMCELL Technologies’ collection of technical videos and webinars on neurological disease modeling. The Stem Cell Science Round Up Modeling West Nile Encephalitis – Human cerebral organoids effectively model West Nile virus encephalitis and its associated neuronal damage and inflammation. New Therapy for Leigh Syndrome – Researchers identified sildenafil as a potential treatment for Leigh syndrome. Epigenetic Landscapes of Breast Cancer – Patient-derived organoids reveal epigenetic subtypes of breast cancer, including a metastasis-specific group. Unexpected Totipotency in Hofstenia – Hofstenia embryos retain surprising totipotency and plasticity despite early fate-specifying cleavage. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Aitor Aguirre Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

Guest: Dr. Thorsten Boroviak is an Assistant Professor at the University of Cambridge and a member of the Cambridge Stem Cell Institute. He discusses how stem cell–based embryo models are helping researchers study early human and primate development, including implantation and gastrulation. He also talks about using primate systems such as marmoset to understand human development, the role of biomechanics and extraembryonic tissues in embryogenesis, and the ethical considerations surrounding embryo models and emerging technologies like in vitro gametogenesis. Featured Products and Resources: Explore a basic overview of organoids and resources to support your organoid culture. Explore STEMCELL Technologies’ collection of technical videos and webinars on neurological disease modeling. The Stem Cell Science Round Up Mitophagy Controls Blood Stem Cells – Embryonic blood stem cells expand while staying multipotent thanks to tightly controlled ROS levels regulated by developmental mitophagy. SLC4A3 Variants Drive Arrhythmia Risk – Mutations in SLC4A3 raise intracellular pH in heart cells, which shortens electrical signals and increases the risk of dangerous arrhythmias. HSC Dynamics After Myeloablation – After chemotherapy, blood stem cells briefly boost differentiation to rebuild the blood system before returning to normal. Modeling Duchenne Cardiomyopathy – Scientists generated heart organoids from Duchenne muscular dystrophy patient stem cells that mimic cardiomyopathy. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Thorsten Boroviak. Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

Guest: Drs. Shuibing Chen and Hans Clevers, members of the Steering Committee for the ISSCR Consortium on Advanced Stem Cell-Based Models in Drug Discovery and Development, discuss the need to accelerate the responsible integration of stem cell–derived models into preclinical drug development. Their conversation reflects growing regulatory and policy momentum around new approach methodologies (NAMs) and underscores the importance of rigorous standards, regulatory alignment, and cross-sector collaboration to improve reproducibility and advance more predictive, human-relevant therapies. Building on its long-standing leadership in global standards, ethics, and policy, the ISSCR is uniquely positioned to convene industry, academia, and regulators around this effort. The initiative also reflects the Society’s expanding industry engagement, with industry membership increasing nearly 180% over the past five years – creating new opportunities for strategic partnerships to address shared scientific and translational challenges. Featured Products and Resources: Learn how organoids can be used to expand clinical applications of diseases and disorders.   Get a free wallchart showing how organoids are used as model systems to study infectious diseases, cancer, congenital disorders, and tissue regeneration. The Stem Cell Science Round Up Treating Frailty with Stem Cells – In a clinical trial, mesenchymal stem cell therapy improved walking distance and physical function in older adults with frailty. Combined Bone & Bone Marrow Organoids – Researchers developed a scalable iPSC-derived bone marrow organoid that models human lympho-myeloid hematopoiesis and disease. CAR-NK Progenitors Prevent Relapse – Engineered pluripotent stem cell–derived CAR-expressing NK progenitor cells reduced minimal residual disease and prevented relapse in leukemia models following chemotherapy. Whole-Body Single-Cell Mapping – Scientists have developed a 3D single-cell-resolution map of mouse organs and the whole neonatal body. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Drs. Shuibing Chen and Hans Clevers Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

Guest: Drs. Fiona Doetsch and Nozomu Yachie, Co-Chairs of the ISSCR 2026 Annual Meeting Program Committee, join the podcast to discuss what to expect at the upcoming ISSCR 2026 meeting taking place in Montreal, Canada from July 8 – 11, 2026. This is the world’s largest and most comprehensive gathering dedicated to stem cell research and regenerative medicine, bringing together global leaders across basic science, technology development, translational research, and clinical application. They discuss the meeting’s global focus, program highlights, and spotlight the many new invited speakers and expanded opportunities for trainees to present and network. Featured Products and Resources: Explore STEMCELL Technologies’ collection of technical videos and webinars on neurological disease modeling. Get a free wallchart showing how organoids are used as model systems to study infectious diseases, cancer, congenital disorders, and tissue regeneration. The Stem Cell Science Round Up HCMV Infection and Cholangiocyte Barriers – Scientists show that human cytomegalovirus infection induces epithelial–mesenchymal transition in cholangiocytes. Cross-Circulation for Liver Failure – Extracorporeal cross-circulation with genetically modified pig livers provided effective temporary liver support with minimal immune response in a human decedent model. How Sleep Loss Hurts the Gut – Researchers identified a sleep deprivation-responsive neural circuit that controls intestinal stem cell function. Mapping the Fetal Stem Cell Niche – Scientists demonstrate a central role of hepatoblasts in the regulation of fetal liver hematopoiesis and stem cell maintenance. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Fiona Doetsch and Nozomu Yachie Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

Guest: Dr. Joseph Wu is a Professor of Medicine and Radiology and the Director of the Stanford Cardiovascular Institute. He talks about the importance of pharmacology knowledge in drug discovery. He also discusses his early iPSC research, investigating vaccine-induced myocarditis, and embracing New Approach Methodologies (NAMs). (39:40) Featured Products and Resources: Submit your abstract for ISSCR 2026 by February 25th! STEMdiff™ Ventricular Cardiomyocyte Differentiation Kit The Stem Cell Science Round Up Autism Genes in Organoids: Research provides new insight into the convergent impact of autism spectrum disorder genetic risk on human neurodevelopment. (2:35) Pancreatic Organoid Screening: High-content screen reveals 54 compounds altering pancreatic organoid shape or differentiation. (13:15) CRISPR Screening for Tauopathies: CRISPR screens in human neurons reveal modifiers of tau oligomer accumulation. (21:03) Fixing Facial Scarring: Modulating ROBO2-EID1-EP300 signaling pathway promotes facial-like reduced fibrosis at scar-prone sites. (31:00) Image courtesy of Dr. Joseph Wu <div id="footable_parent_5807" class=" footable_parent ninja_table_wrapper loading_ninja_table wp_table_data_press_parent semantic_ui "> <table data-ninja_table_instance="ninja_table_instance_20" data-footable_id="5807" data-filter-delay="1000" aria-label="Global Sidebar Ad One" id="footable_5807" data-unique_identifier="ninja_table_unique_id_2823370055_5807" class=" foo-table ninja_footable foo_table_5807 ninja_table_unique_id_2823370055_5807 ui table nt_type_ajax_table selectable striped vertical_centered footable-paging-right"> <div id="footable_parent_5808" class=" footable_parent ninja_table_wrapper loading_ninja_table wp_table_data_press_parent semantic_ui "> <table data-ninja_table_instance="ninja_table_instance_21" data-footable_id="5808" data-filter-delay="1000" aria-label="Global Sidebar Ad Two" id="footable_5808" data-unique_identifier="ninja_table_unique_id_1633397943_5808" class=" foo-table ninja_footable foo_table_5808 ninja_table_unique_id_1633397943_5808 ui table nt_type_ajax_table selectable striped vertical_centered footable-paging-right"> Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

Guest: Dr. Pinar Mesci is the Global Head of Biomanufacturing and Biotechnology at Axiom Space, where she manages a portfolio focused on biomedical research programs including stem cells, tissue engineering, disease modeling, cancer research, and DNA-inspired nanomaterials. She talks about her early career developing brain organoid models, transitioning to the space industry, and how microgravity affects biological systems. She also discusses the future of low Earth orbit research and how new technologies can be transferred back to Earth. (40:55) Featured Products and Resources: Submit your abstract for ISSCR 2026 by February 25th! Take your human pluripotent stem cell cultures further with mTeSR™ Plus from STEMCELL Technologies. The Stem Cell Science Round Up iPSC-Derived Ovarian Support Cells – Fertilo is an ovarian support cell product that improves the in vitro maturation rate of human oocytes. (1:25) Culturing HSPCs Ex Vivo – A nanoengineered 3D system improves HSPC multi-lineage differentiation and engraftment capacity. (13:30) Spinal Core Repair Scaffolds – A nanoengineered extrusion-aligned tract promotes axonal reconnection, synapse formation, and locomotor recovery after spinal cord injury. (22:50) Vascularizing Retinal Organoids – Transient vascular support enhances survival of retinal ganglion cells in organoids. (32:14) Image courtesy of Dr. Pinar Mesci <div id="footable_parent_5807" class=" footable_parent ninja_table_wrapper loading_ninja_table wp_table_data_press_parent semantic_ui "> <table data-ninja_table_instance="ninja_table_instance_22" data-footable_id="5807" data-filter-delay="1000" aria-label="Global Sidebar Ad One" id="footable_5807" data-unique_identifier="ninja_table_unique_id_1749449791_5807" class=" foo-table ninja_footable foo_table_5807 ninja_table_unique_id_1749449791_5807 ui table nt_type_ajax_table selectable striped vertical_centered footable-paging-right"> <div id="footable_parent_5808" class=" footable_parent ninja_table_wrapper loading_ninja_table wp_table_data_press_parent semantic_ui "> <table data-ninja_table_instance="ninja_table_instance_23" data-footable_id="5808" data-filter-delay="1000" aria-label="Global Sidebar Ad Two" id="footable_5808" data-unique_identifier="ninja_table_unique_id_147278257_5808" class=" foo-table ninja_footable foo_table_5808 ninja_table_unique_id_147278257_5808 ui table nt_type_ajax_table selectable striped vertical_centered footable-paging-right"> Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

Guest: Dr. Deepak Srivastava is the President of the Gladstone Institutes and Director of the Roddenberry Stem Cell Center. His lab is focused on the gene networks that guide cardiac development. He talks about their recent work investigating heart defects in Down syndrome and strategies for delivering therapies to the heart. He also talks about how to incentivize the development and commercialization of cell and gene therapies. (41:50) Featured Products and Resources: Submit your abstract for ISSCR 2026! STEMdiff™ Ventricular Cardiomyocyte Differentiation Kit The Stem Cell Science Round Up Heart and Ganglion Development – Researchers fused human sympathetic ganglion organoids and heart-forming organoids to construct functional connections between the sympathetic ganglia and the heart. (2:38) Periportal Liver Assembloids – Patient-specific periportal liver assembloids retain the histological arrangement, gene expression, and cell interactions of periportal liver tissue. (9:40) PIEZO1 and Drug-Induced Cardiotoxicity – Restoring endothelial PIEZO1 protects against tyrosine kinase inhibitor-induced hypertension and cardiac dysfunction. (19:28) Somite and Neural Tube Co-Development – Scientists developed human trunk-like structures that have morphologically organized somites and a neural tube that form through self-organized, endogenous signaling. (28:43) Image courtesy of Dr. Deepak Srivastava <div id="footable_parent_5807" class=" footable_parent ninja_table_wrapper loading_ninja_table wp_table_data_press_parent semantic_ui "> <table data-ninja_table_instance="ninja_table_instance_24" data-footable_id="5807" data-filter-delay="1000" aria-label="Global Sidebar Ad One" id="footable_5807" data-unique_identifier="ninja_table_unique_id_2608916943_5807" class=" foo-table ninja_footable foo_table_5807 ninja_table_unique_id_2608916943_5807 ui table nt_type_ajax_table selectable striped vertical_centered footable-paging-right"> <div id="footable_parent_5808" class=" footable_parent ninja_table_wrapper loading_ninja_table wp_table_data_press_parent semantic_ui "> <table data-ninja_table_instance="ninja_table_instance_25" data-footable_id="5808" data-filter-delay="1000" aria-label="Global Sidebar Ad Two" id="footable_5808" data-unique_identifier="ninja_table_unique_id_2008622652_5808" class=" foo-table ninja_footable foo_table_5808 ninja_table_unique_id_2008622652_5808 ui table nt_type_ajax_table selectable striped vertical_centered footable-paging-right"> Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

Guest: Dr. Hans Clevers is a Professor of Molecular Genetics and Distinguished Group Leader at the University of Utrecht. In this episode, he discusses snake gut and lung organoids, transitioning from academia to industry, and the challenges and complexities of creating a cell therapy. (44:26) Featured Products and Resources: Registration and abstracts are open for the ISSCR 2026 annual meeting. Receive an offer to try IntestiCult in your lab. The Stem Cell Science Round Up Computers Made From Human Brain Cells – Researchers have shown that structured neuronal firing sequences appear in spontaneous activity of human and murine brain organoids. (2:37) Organoids Replicate Vascular Pathology – Scientists have developed a blood vessel organoid model from Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome-mutant hESCs. (12:01) Effects of Spaceflight on Stem Cells – Analyses of nine astronauts before, during, and after three short-duration International Space Station missions shows space-associated stem cell hallmarks of aging and resilience. (21:14) The Role of Lysosomes in HSC Aging – Reversing lysosomal dysfunction restores youthful state in aged hematopoietic stem cells. (33:25) Photo Reference: Courtesy of Hans Clevers <div id="footable_parent_5807" class=" footable_parent ninja_table_wrapper loading_ninja_table wp_table_data_press_parent semantic_ui "> <table data-ninja_table_instance="ninja_table_instance_26" data-footable_id="5807" data-filter-delay="1000" aria-label="Global Sidebar Ad One" id="footable_5807" data-unique_identifier="ninja_table_unique_id_3026692176_5807" class=" foo-table ninja_footable foo_table_5807 ninja_table_unique_id_3026692176_5807 ui table nt_type_ajax_table selectable striped vertical_centered footable-paging-right"> <div id="footable_parent_5808" class=" footable_parent ninja_table_wrapper loading_ninja_table wp_table_data_press_parent semantic_ui "> <table data-ninja_table_instance="ninja_table_instance_27" data-footable_id="5808" data-filter-delay="1000" aria-label="Global Sidebar Ad Two" id="footable_5808" data-unique_identifier="ninja_table_unique_id_3819333052_5808" class=" foo-table ninja_footable foo_table_5808 ninja_table_unique_id_3819333052_5808 ui table nt_type_ajax_table selectable striped vertical_centered footable-paging-right"> Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

Guest: Dr. Thomas Vierbuchen is Assistant Professor of Developmental Biology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. In this episode, he talks about using PSCs to model neurodevelopmental processes. He also discusses his direct reprogramming work and his lab&#8217;s recent study on OTX2 in gastrulation. (42:02) Featured Products and Resources: Submit your abstract for ISSCR 2026! Explore STEMCELL Technologies&#8217; collection of technical videos and webinars on neurological disease modeling. The Stem Cell Science Round Up Restoring Function After Spinal Cord Injury: In a non-human primate model of spinal injury, researchers grafted ESC-derived spinal cord neural stem cells and improved forelimb function. (2:00) Improving HSC Expansion: Inhibiting ferroptosis augments the expansion of HSCs ex vivo. (11:40) Cardiomyocytes and Macrophage Reprogramming: Injury-induced Clusterin+ cardiomyocytes promote neonatal heart regeneration by reprogramming macrophages. (21:27) Bone Marrow Organoids: A 3D in vitro bone marrow model captures phenotypic, structural, and functional features of human endosteal bone marrow niches. (33:03) Image courtesy of Dr. Thomas Vierbuchen <div id="footable_parent_5807" class=" footable_parent ninja_table_wrapper loading_ninja_table wp_table_data_press_parent semantic_ui "> <table data-ninja_table_instance="ninja_table_instance_28" data-footable_id="5807" data-filter-delay="1000" aria-label="Global Sidebar Ad One" id="footable_5807" data-unique_identifier="ninja_table_unique_id_3698197904_5807" class=" foo-table ninja_footable foo_table_5807 ninja_table_unique_id_3698197904_5807 ui table nt_type_ajax_table selectable striped vertical_centered footable-paging-right"> <div id="footable_parent_5808" class=" footable_parent ninja_table_wrapper loading_ninja_table wp_table_data_press_parent semantic_ui "> <table data-ninja_table_instance="ninja_table_instance_29" data-footable_id="5808" data-filter-delay="1000" aria-label="Global Sidebar Ad Two" id="footable_5808" data-unique_identifier="ninja_table_unique_id_1563149740_5808" class=" foo-table ninja_footable foo_table_5808 ninja_table_unique_id_1563149740_5808 ui table nt_type_ajax_table selectable striped vertical_centered footable-paging-right"> Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe