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Guest:
Dr. David Mooney, Professor of Bioengineering at the Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences discusses his work using biomaterials to help stem cells more efficiently integrate after transplantation.
Resources and Links
Gene-Editing Record Smashed in Pigs – Researchers modify more than 60 genes using CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technology in effort to enable organ transplants into humans.
NASA Discovers Evidence for Liquid Water on Mars – NASA scientists have found compelling evidence that liquid water exists on Mars based on the “recurring slope lineae,” patches of precipitated salt that appear to dribble down Mars’ steep slopes like tears rolling gently down a cheek.
Stem Cell Fraud: A 60 Minutes Investigation – Scott Pelley confronts one disgraced doctor offering false hope to a family with a disabled child using unproven stem cell treatment.
Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. David Mooney
Awesome discussion on the pursuit of a PhD and “getting paid to learn”!
Also, I really enjoyed your interview with Dr. Mooney on using biomaterials to direct stem cell fate. This will likely be an important aspect of stem cell models in vitro and regenerative medicine therapies using stem cells, as the extracellular matrix is an instructive cue that can maintain pluripotency of stem cells within the stem cell niche and can direct differentiation of stem cells in tissues. Great topic!