Guest Sergiu Pasca is a physician-scientist who turns skin cells into stem cells and then into brain tissues he calls “organoids” and “assembloids” in order to study psychiatric and neurological illness in a dish instead of in living human beings. With this knowledge, Pasca hopes to develop new treatments for conditions ranging from schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders to chronic pain, he tells host Russ Altman in this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.

Episode Reference Links:

• Sergiu’s Lab: Pasca Lab
• Sergiu’s Stanford Profile: Website
• Center at Stanford Sergiu Leads: Stanford Brain Organogenesis
• Sergiu’s recently published paper: Antisense Oligonucleotide Therapeutic Approach for Timothy Syndrome
• Paper by Shinya Yamanaka Sergiu discusses: Induction of Pluripotent Stem Cells from Mouse Embryonic and Adult Fibroblast Cultures

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Russ introduces guest, Sergiu Pasca, professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University.

(00:02:43) The Science of Growing Brain Tissue from Skin Cells

The process of developing brain organoids from skin cells and the potential medical applications of these models.

(00:03:59) Enhancing Neurological Research Tools

Advancing the complexity of brain models to include various brain structures and their applications in modeling diseases.

(00:07:20) Introduction of Assembloids

Introduction to assembloids, detailing how combining different organoids can mimic complex brain structures

(0015:58) Testing Therapeutics Using Humanized Models

The innovative approach of using humanized rat models to test neurological therapies and drugs.

(00:21:03) Complex Circuit Modelling for Disease Understanding

The current capabilities of modeling complex brain circuits and their relevance in understanding the neural pathways involved in diseases.

(00:23:36) The Future of Pain Modelling and Drug Testing

How assembled brain cells can model pain perception and response, leading to potential new treatments for chronic pain and psychiatric disorders

(00:27:46) Ethical Considerations and Public Engagement

Ethical concerns related to creating brain-like tissues and the importance of public engagement in scientific research.

(00:32:01) Future Directions and Global Collaboration

The future of brain organogenesis research and the potential impacts on treating neurological and psychiatric conditions.

(00:34:05) Conclusion

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With TikTok in the hands of 170 million Americans, cybersecurity expert Amy Zegart says it’s time to talk about consequences. Foreign access to all that data on so many Americans is a national security threat, she asserts. For those as concerned as she, Zegart has good news and bad. The government has gotten better at fighting cyberthreats, but artificial intelligence is making things very complicated, very fast. The US needs to adapt quickly to keep pace, Zegart tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.

Episode Reference Links:

• Amy Zegart's Stanford Profile
• Hoover Institution Profile: Website
• Ep.20 How Vulnerable Are We to Cyber Attacks? (Amy’s previous episode on The Future of Everything)

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Host Russ Altman introduces guest Amy Zegart, a cybersecurity expert from Stanford University.

(00:02:37) Government and Cybersecurity Speeds

How AI has changed the pace at which both government and cyber attackers operate, and the evolving dynamics of cybersecurity efforts.

(00:04:12) Corporate Cybersecurity

The unexpected role of the SEC in regulating corporate cybersecurity efforts and how the cyber attack surface has expanded beyond traditional big industries

(00:07:30) Global Cyber Threats and Preparedness

Insights into the strategic use of cyber operations by other countries, and the multifaceted nature of international cyber relations.

(00:09:13) Cyber Dynamics in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict

The cyber aspects of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and its implications for global cybersecurity strategies.

(00:11:35) Misinformation and Disinformation Dynamics

The difference between misinformation and disinformation, their impacts on society and the challenges in combating them.

(00:15:04) TikTok and National Security

Risks associated with TikTok as a platform controlled by Chinese interests, discussing data privacy and potential for foreign influence.

(00:20:11) Corporate Power in AI and National Security

The role of corporations in national security through their control over AI, and the challenges this poses for regulation and innovation.

(00:22:47) Learning from Cybersecurity to Manage AI Risks

Lessons from cybersecurity that could help manage emerging AI risks, highlighting the need for developing independent AI research capacities.

(00:26:44) European Regulation and Global AI Safety

The European approach to AI regulation and data protection, advocating for international AI safety norms and collaborative efforts.

(00:29:21) AI's Role in Enhancing Intelligence

How AI can transform intelligence services, and advancements that could lead to significant efficiency gains in national security.

(00:31:23) Conclusion

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A best of episode where Russ interviews one of his bioengineering colleagues, Fan Yang, about some of the fascinating work she’s doing in the realm of tissue engineering. Hear more about the ways her lab is modeling human tissue to help develop a better understanding of how we might effectively replace damaged tissues and alleviate a number of health concerns.

Episode Reference Links:

• Fan Yang's Stanford Profile: Website
• Fan Yang’s Stanford Lab: Website
• Ep.174 Regenerating and Rejuvenating Human Tissues: Website / YouTube (original episode)

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• Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website
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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Host Russ Altman introduces guest Fan Yang, a bioengineer at Stanford.

(00:03:15) The Basics of Tissue Engineering

The purpose and significance of tissue engineering, emphasizing its role in addressing critical medical needs like late-stage arthritis.

(00:04:23) Challenges in Tissue Engineering

Technical hurdles in creating viable tissues for clinical use, such as integrating these tissues into the human body.

(00:07:00) 3D Printing and In Situ Polymerization

Technological advances in shaping tissues using 3D printing and the benefits of in situ polymerization to adapt to complex tissue shapes.

(00:09:15) Specific Challenges with Cartilage

The challenges specific to cartilage regeneration, explaining why it has been a difficult tissue to replicate and heal.

(00:13:56) Micro Ribbon Based Hydrogels

Explanation of micro ribbon based hydrogels, a new development aimed at improving tissue regeneration.

(00:19:16) Cancer Research and Tissue Engineering

How tissue engineering technologies are not only pivotal for therapeutic uses but also crucial for understanding diseases and aiding drug discovery.

(00:24:38) Regulatory Challenges and Commercialization

The regulatory and commercialization challenges facing new medical technologies, including the need for industry partnerships and the role of the FDA

(00:26:20) Conclusion

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