The Stem Cell Podcast

Dr. Aitor Aguirre, Associate Professor at Michigan State University who builds cardiac organoids from pluripotent stem cells. He explores self-organization versus engineering in heart models. He talks about assembloids with immune and neural components, modeling atrial fibrillation, and plans for functional screening and open science collaborations.

Dr. Thorsten Boroviak, Assistant Professor at Cambridge studying primate embryogenesis and stem cell–based embryo models. He discusses building primate embryo models to probe implantation and gastrulation. He explains advantages of marmoset and rhesus systems, how biomechanics and extraembryonic tissues shape development, and ethical and regulatory challenges around embryo models and in vitro gametogenesis.

Dr. Hans Clevers, pioneer of LGR5 and organoid technology, and Dr. Shuibing Chen, stem cell expert creating patient-specific tissues, discuss advancing stem cell–derived models for drug development. They talk standards, regulatory momentum, benchmarking and reproducibility. The conversation covers scaling, automation, data sharing, and how organoids and NAMs can be integrated into preclinical pipelines.

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

Dr. Joseph Wu, Stanford cardiology and radiology professor who leads cardiovascular translational research, discusses using stem cells, organoids, genomics, CRISPR and AI to probe heart disease. He covers modeling vaccine-associated myocarditis, pharmacology pitfalls in preclinical drug discovery, and building tiered pipelines that pair NAMs with animal studies for better translation.

Dr. Pinar Mesci, Global Head of Biomanufacturing and Biotechnology at Axiom Space, blends organoid neuroscience with space biology. She recounts moving from brain organoids to studying microgravity effects. Topics include in‑orbit biomanufacturing, how microgravity alters disease models and drug testing, and tech transfer from low Earth orbit back to Earth.

Dr. Deepak Srivastava, President of the Gladstone Institutes, dives deep into congenital heart diseases and his groundbreaking research on cardiac development. He reveals insights from their study on Down syndrome and how it links to heart defects. The discussion includes innovative strategies for heart therapy delivery and the economics behind cell and gene therapies. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of using AI and organoids to uncover mechanisms of congenital diseases, stressing the need for creativity and collaboration in biomedical research.

Dr. Hans Clevers, a leading expert in molecular genetics, discusses the fascinating world of epithelial organoids, including innovative projects like snake lung organoids. He shares insights on the transition from academia to the pharmaceutical industry, emphasizing the complexities of developing cell therapies. Clevers also touches on the importance of simplicity in research, the value of organoids for drug testing, and the significance of mentorship and collaboration in scientific success.

Dr. Thomas Vierbuchen, an Assistant Professor at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, explores the intricacies of neural development through pluripotent stem cells. He discusses the advantages of 2D cultures versus complex organoids for research reproducibility. Vierbuchen recounts the surprising journey of direct reprogramming from fibroblasts to neurons and the challenges faced in translating these techniques to human cells. He also highlights the importance of understanding embryogenesis and the intriguing question of how organs determine their size.

Dr. Sumru Bayin, a Group Leader at the Gurdon Institute, dives into the fascinating world of regeneration in the neonatal cerebellum. She discusses her groundbreaking research on Bergmann glia plasticity and how it impacts neuronal regeneration post-injury. Bayin also highlights the challenges in reactivating stem cell programs in adults and the innovative use of modified RNAs to improve neuronal proliferation while mitigating tumor risks. Her work, influenced by her training, emphasizes the potential for therapeutic advances in regenerative medicine.