Radiation and lack of gravity help scientists research brain disease as cells prematurely age in the orbiting laboratories

The 2025 Sanford Stem Cell Institute (SSCI) symposium at UC San Diego brought together an extraordinary group of scientists, clinicians, innovators and patients united by a shared vision: harnessing t...

The 2025 Sanford Stem Cell Institute (SSCI) symposium at UC San Diego brought together an extraordinary group of scientists, clinicians, innovators and patients united by a shared vision: harnessing…

Our discussion in this episode features Alex Khalessi, MD, MBA, and his innovative work on the intersection between stem cell therapies, regenerative medicine, and neurological disorders. He serves as co-director of the Brain Tumor and Neurorestoration Program at the Sanford Stem Cell Institute. Khalessi is the current president of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), and is chair of the Department of Neurological Surgery, professor of neurological surgery, radiology and neurosciences and the inaugural Don and Karen Cohn Chancellor’s Endowed Chair in Neurosurgery at UC San Diego. As a board-certified neurosurgeon, he specializes in complex cranial surgery, endovascular neurosurgery, stroke care, and neurological oncology. Hosted by Bobby Gordon. This episode was recorded Aug. 15, 2025; information presented was current as of the date of recording.

YouTube video by FOX 5 San Diego

This episode is a robust conversation with Pinar Mesci, PhD, the Senior Program Manager for In-Space Manufacturing at Axiom Space. Our discussion includes her postdoctoral work with Alysson Muotri, PhD, at UC San Diego and her ongoing work leading and facilitating space-based research in low-Earth orbit. Previously, Dr Mesci was a project scientist at UC San Diego studying human neurodevelopment using human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Her career includes experience in translational and biomedical research with a track record of publications in the fields of neuroscience, stem cells, inflammation, Zika virus and coronavirus infections. Dr. Mesci holds a patent for the development of methods to generate functional human brain organoids. In 2021, she received the International Rett Syndrome Foundation (IRSF) Innovation Award for her work studying the immune interactions in Rett Syndrome using iPSCs. Hosted by Bobby Gordon. This episode was recorded Aug. 8, 2025; information presented was current as of the date of recording.

Spaceflight makes certain human stem cells age faster, a study finds, furthering the understanding of the possible effects of space exploration on the human body.

Spaceflight makes certain human stem cells age faster, a study finds, furthering the understanding of the possible effects of space exploration on the human body.

In this episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal sits down with Dr. Frank Furnari, professor of medicine at UC San Diego and co-director of the Brain Tumor Program at the Sanford Stem Cell Institute. Together, they explore one of the most aggressive and complex cancers known to medicine—glioblastoma—and the innovative tools his team is developing to study and treat it. 🔬 Topics Covered: Why glioblastoma is so resistant to treatment—and what makes it unique The role of tumor heterogeneity and how “chameleon-like” cancer cells adapt How Dr. Furnari’s lab uses CRISPR-edited stem cells and “cancer avatars” to model brain tumors in mice and organoids Promising breakthroughs in radiation sensitization and tumor state manipulation CAR-T cells therapies, BRD2 inhibitors, and the future of personalized brain cancer vaccines The emerging field of cancer neuroscience—and how neuron-tumor interactions may hold new clues to treatment The cost and complexity of running a modern lab and the growing need for diversified funding Why partnerships across disciplines (immunology, bioengineering, AI, bioinformatics) are essential for accelerating breakthroughs 💡 Dr. Furnari also reflects on his career beginnings, his leadership philosophy, and what excites him most about the future of brain cancer research. 🔗 Connect with Dr. Frank Furnari: Website: Search “Furnari Lab UCSD” (not a real link – adjust as needed) Email: ffan@ucsd.edu LinkedIn: Frank Furnari (link placeholder) Twitter/X: @FurnariLab 🧠 May is Brain Tumor Awareness Month Join the conversation, share this episode, and help raise awareness about the urgent need for brain cancer research and funding.

Sandip Patel, MD, explores how AI and multiomics are transforming localized non–small cell lung cancer care.

The Axiom-4 mission will do solid science and help prep for a replacement for the International Space Station.