Best Astrocytes Podcasts (2025)

1
Exploring the Role of Astrocytes and APOE in Alzheimer's Disease with Dr. Alberto Serrano-Pozo 42:41

25d ago42:41

42:41

In this episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal sits down with Dr. Alberto Serrano-Pozo, Assistant Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School, staff neurologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, and a 2022 Toffler Scholar. Together, they explore Dr. Serrano-Pozo’s pioneering research into the role of glial cells—specifically a…

1
Medically Integrated Dispensing Pharmacy: ASCO-NCODA Standards Update 25:05

4d ago25:05

25:05

Dr. Luis Raez and Michael Reff share the newest update to the medically integrated dispensing pharmacy standards from NCODA and ASCO. They review updates to domain one, on key patient-centered quality standards on health equity and social determinants of health, drug access, patient safety, education, and adherence to maximize treatment outcomes an…

1
Rewiring Brain Research—Why Networks Matter as Much as Genes 54:16

4d ago54:16

54:16

In this eye-opening episode of Research Renaissance, Dr. Rod Scott takes us on a journey through the emerging science of brain networks, complex adaptive systems, and why rethinking how we treat neurological conditions like epilepsy and autism might be the key to improving outcomes—especially in children. Dr. Scott explains why he views the brain n…

1
Inside the Mind of Brain Cancer: Modeling Glioblastoma with Dr. Frank Furnari 54:49

11d ago54:49

54:49

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 i…

1
Inside the Neurodegeneration Puzzle: A Conversation with Jackson Mace 52:02

18d ago52:02

52:02

In this compelling episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal sits down with Jackson Mace, a neuroscience PhD candidate at Johns Hopkins University and 2023 Toffler Scholar, to explore the cutting-edge research driving our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases—particularly multiple sclerosis (MS). Drawing from personal experience—…

1
Symptom Management for Well-Differentiated Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors Guideline 19:20

22d ago19:20

19:20

Dr. Kimberly Perez and Dr. Jaydira Del Rivero discuss the new guideline from ASCO on symptom management for well-differentiated GEP-NETs. They share the latest recommendations on managing symptoms related to hormone excess, including carcinoid syndrome and carcinoid heart disease, managing symptoms of functioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, a…

1
Systemic Therapy in Patients with Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Guideline Update 22:48

29d ago22:48

22:48

Dr. Rohan Garje shares the updated recommendations for the ASCO guideline on systemic therapy for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. He discusses the systemic therapy options for patients based on prior therapy received in the castration-sensitive and non-metastatic castration-resistant settings. He emphasizes personaliz…

1
Therapy for Diffuse Astrocytic and Oligodendroglial Tumors in Adults: ASCO-SNO Rapid Update 9:22

1M ago9:22

9:22

Dr. Nimish Mohile and Dr. Jaishri Blakeley share the new rapid recommendation update to the therapy for diffuse astrocytic and oligodendroglial tumors in adults guideline. They review the evidence from the INDIGO trial that prompted this update, and how to incorporate the use of vorasidenib into clinical practice. They discuss the importance of mol…

1
Rewiring the Brain: Non-Invasive Neurotech & the Future of Treatment with Ana Maiques 48:13

1M ago48:13

48:13

In this illuminating episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal sits down with Ana Maiques, CEO and co-founder of Neuroelectrics, a groundbreaking company at the forefront of non-invasive brain stimulation technology. Together, they explore the intersection of neuroscience, entrepreneurship, and innovation, diving deep into how electric…

1
How Philanthropy is Accelerating Alzheimer’s Breakthroughs with Meg Smith 55:15

1M ago55:15

55:15

In this episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal is joined by Meg Smith, the Chief Executive Officer of Cure Alzheimer’s Fund. They dive deep into the innovative and high-impact research Cure Alzheimer’s Fund is supporting to prevent, slow, and ultimately cure Alzheimer’s disease. Meg shares her fascinating career journey from law and…

1
Oxygen and Alzheimer’s: Dr. Nancy Ruiz on the Vascular Connection 41:02

2M ago41:02

41:02

Can oxygen levels in the brain help explain Alzheimer’s disease? In this episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal sits down with Dr. Nancy E. Ruiz, a Harvard Medical School research fellow and 2023 Toffler Scholar, to explore a powerful yet underexamined piece of the Alzheimer’s puzzle: vascular dysfunction. Dr. Ruiz shares how her ba…

1
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Early-Stage Breast Cancer Guideline Update 20:51

2M ago20:51

20:51

Dr. Ko Un “Clara” Park and Dr. Mylin Torres present the latest evidence-based changes to the SLNB in early-stage breast cancer guideline. They discuss the practice-changing trials that led to the updated recommendations and topics such as when SLNB can be omitted, when ALND is indicated, radiation and systemic treatment decisions after SLNB omissio…

1
Innovation in Biotech & Leadership with Catharine Smith 55:20

2M ago55:20

55:20

In this episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal sits down with Catharine Smith, Executive Director of the Termeer Foundation, to explore innovation in the biotech industry and the evolving role of leadership. They dive into how biotech leaders are shaping the future of healthcare, supporting emerging companies, and addressing rare di…

1
Alexander Disease Research Update – Episode #26: Changes in gene expression and cognitive function in the rat model 28:56

2M ago28:56

28:56

Albee Messing, Tracy Hagemann, and Rob Berman discuss the following recent publication: [02:01] GFAP mutation and astrocyte dysfunction lead to a neurodegenerative profile with impaired synaptic plasticity and cognitive deficits in a rat model of Alexander disease eNeuro (in press) [full text] Send your questions and feedback to: [email protected] …

1
Exploring the Future of Science Policy with Dr. Carrie Wolinetz 59:43

2M ago59:43

59:43

In this episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal welcomes Dr. Carrie Wolinetz, a leading science and health policy expert. With an extensive background, including roles at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, Dr. Wolinetz shares her insights on the evolving landscape of m…

51
TWiN 59: AI co-scientist 1:14:45

2M ago1:14:45

1:14:45

Tim explains AI co-scientist, a tool released by Google, which it hopes to help scientists generate hypotheses and research proposals, and to accelerate the speed of scientific and biomedical discoveries. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Tim Cheung, and Vivianne Morrison Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS Links for this episode Microb…

1
Revolutionizing ALS Drug Development with Dr. Kasper Roet 46:48

2M ago46:48

46:48

Welcome to Research Renaissance, presented by the Karen Toffler Charitable Trust. In this episode, host Deborah Westphal sits down with Dr. Kasper Roet, CEO and co-founder of QurAlis, to explore the evolution of ALS drug development, the power of genetic insights, and the future of personalized medicine for neurodegenerative diseases. 🔬 Episode Hig…

1
Fertility Preservation in People with Cancer Guideline Update 32:09

2M ago32:09

32:09

Dr. Irene Su and Dr. Alison Loren present the latest evidence-based recommendations on fertility preservation for people with cancer. They discuss established, emerging, and investigational methods of fertility preservation for adults and children, and the role of clinicians including discussing the risk of infertility with all patients. Dr. Su and…

1
The Future of Research & Development with Dr. Melissa Flagg 1:05:39

3M ago1:05:39

1:05:39

In this thought-provoking episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal welcomes Dr. Melissa Flagg, an advisor for the Andrew W. Marshall Foundation and a research fellow at the Acquisition Innovation Research Center. Dr. Flagg has had an extensive career spanning government, academia, and the private sector, including her role as Deputy A…

1
Reversing Cognitive Decline: The Power of Lifestyle Medicine with Dr. Dean Ornish 35:35

3M ago35:35

35:35

In this enlightening episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal sits down with Dr. Dean Ornish, founder of the Preventative Medicine Research Institute and a pioneer in lifestyle medicine. Dr. Ornish shares groundbreaking research on how lifestyle changes—including diet, exercise, stress management, and social connection—can not only pr…

51
TWiN 58: Tongue-dragging rescue behavior 1:14:21

3M ago1:14:21

1:14:21

TWiN explains a study showing that when a mouse is confronted with an unconscious conspecific, it engages in behavior including tongue-dragging to resuscitate the animal via a tongue-brain connection. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Tim Cheung, and Vivianne Morrison Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS Links for this episode MicrobeTV …

1
Opioid Conversion in Adults with Cancer: MASCC-ASCO-AAHPM-HPNA-NICSO Guideline 20:19

3M ago20:19

20:19

Dr. Mellar Davis discusses the joint guideline from MASCC, ASCO, AAHPM, HPNA, and NICSO on opioid conversion in adults with cancer. He reviews the limited evidence, and the formal consensus process used to develop the guideline. He shares the key recommendations on pre-conversion assessment, how opioid conversion should be conducted, including opio…

1
The Future of Alzheimer's Treatment: Philanthropy, Innovation, and Hope with Katie Pizzone 44:52

3M ago44:52

44:52

In this episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal speaks with Katie Pizzone, Senior Director of Philanthropy at the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF). They discuss the critical role of philanthropy in advancing Alzheimer's research, the groundbreaking venture philanthropy model that ADDF employs, and the innovative treatment…

1
Therapy for Stage IV NSCLC Without Driver Alterations: ASCO Living Guideline Update 2024.3 Part 1 10:48

3M ago10:48

10:48

Dr. Lyudmila Bazhenova joins us again to share the newest changes to the living guideline on therapy for stage IV NSCLC without driver alterations. She discusses new evidence reviewed by the panel and changes to second-line recommendations for patients with good performance status and HER2 overexpression, and what these updates mean in practice. We…

1
Therapy for Stage IV NSCLC With Driver Alterations: ASCO Living Guideline Update 2024.3 Part 2 15:20

3M ago15:20

15:20

Dr. Jyoti Patel is back on the podcast to discuss the updates to the living guideline on therapy for stage IV NSCLC with driver alterations. She shares updated recommendations in the first- and second-line settings for patients with stage IV NSCLC and classical EGFR mutations, and the impact of these updates for clinicians and patients. We also loo…

1
TORS in the Multidisciplinary Care of Patients with Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Guideline 22:28

4M ago22:28

22:28

Dr. Chris Holsinger shares the new guideline from ASCO on transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. He reviews the evidence-based recommendations on baseline assessment, the role of TORS in HPV-positive and HPV-negative disease and in the salvage/recurrent setting, which patients are eligible or ineli…

1
TWiN 57: Repetitive injury, herpes, and Alzheimer's 40:09

4M ago40:09

40:09

TWiN discusses a study showing that repetitive injury reactivates HSV-1 in a human brain tissue model and induces phenotypes associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello and Tim Cheung Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS Links for this episode MicrobeTV Discord Server Repetitive injury, herpes, and Alzheimers (S…

1
Alexander Disease Research Update – Episode #25: GFAP Variants in the UK Biobank - estimated prevalence of adult-onset AxD 27:21

4M ago27:21

27:21

Albee Messing, Charlie Wade, and Mel Feany discuss the following recent publication: [01:50] Analysis of GFAP variants in UK Biobank suggests underdiagnosis or incomplete penetrance of adult-onset Alexander disease Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry (in press) Please send your questions and feedback to: [email protected] Help suppor…

1
Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Newly Diagnosed, Advanced Ovarian Cancer Guideline Update 19:04

4M ago19:04

19:04

Dr. Stéphanie Gaillard and Dr. Bill Tew share updates to the evidence-based guideline on neoadjuvant chemotherapy for newly diagnosed, advanced ovarian cancer. They highlight recommendations across ten clinical questions, addressing initial assessment, primary cytoreductive surgery, neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT), tests and/or procedures that shou…

1
Germline and Somatic Genomic Testing for Metastatic Prostate Cancer Guideline 16:25

5M ago16:25

16:25

Dr. Evan Yu presents the new evidence-based guideline on genetic testing for metastatic prostate cancer. He discusses who should receive germline and somatic testing with next-generation sequencing technologies, what samples are preferred for testing, and the therapeutic & prognosistc impacts of genetic testing. Dr. Yu emphasizes the need for aware…

1
Treatment of Pleural Mesothelioma Update 10:37

5M ago10:37

10:37

Dr. Hedy Kindler joins us on the podcast to discuss the latest update to the treatment of pleural mesothelioma guideline. She discusses the latest changes to the updated recommendations across topics including surgery, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, pathology, and germline testing. Dr. Kindler describes the impact of this guideline and the need for o…

1
Systemic Therapy for Stage I-III Anal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Guideline 16:14

6M ago16:14

16:14

Dr. Van Morris presents the new evidence-based guideline on systemic therapy for localized anal squamous cell carcinoma. Dr. Morris discusses the key recommendations from the Expert Panel, including recommended radiosensitizing chemotherapy agents, dosing and schedule recommendations, the role of induction chemotherapy and ongoing adjuvant chemothe…

1
TWiN 56: Astrocytes help neurons remember 1:00:44

6M ago1:00:44

1:00:44

TWiN explains a study showing that while groups of neurons, form the basis for memory, astrocytes are key components of the adaptive reponse to learning experiences, and regulate the flow of information during circuit plasticity and memory recall. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Jason Shepherd, and Tim Cheung Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Pod…

1
Alexander Disease Research Update – Episode #24: 1) iPS cell model with aberrant development and 2) unusual variant in GFAP affecting the eye 28:32

6M ago28:32

28:32

Albee Messing and Natasha Snider discuss the following recent publications: [01:04] Aberrant neurodevelopment in human iPS cell-derived models of Alexander disease Glia (2024) (in press) [16:46] A novel GFAP frameshift variant identified in a family with optico-retinal dysplasia and vision impairment Human Molecular Genetics (2024) (in press) Send …

1
Systemic Therapy for SCLC Rapid Update 14:28

6M ago14:28

14:28

Dr. Greg Kalemkerian reviews the latest evidence-based rapid update from the Expert Panel on systemic therapy for small cell lung cancer. He discusses the updated recommendations for patients with limited-stage SCLC based on the ADRIATIC trial, and for patients with relapsed SCLC based on the DeLLphi-301 trial. Dr. Kalemkerian shares insights on wh…

1
Therapy for Stage IV NSCLC With Driver Alterations: ASCO Living Guideline Update 2024.2 9:53

7M ago9:53

9:53

Dr. Lyudmila Bazheova share the latest updates to the ASCO living guideline on therapy for stage IV non-small cell lung cancer with driver alterations. She discusses changes for patients with EGFR driver alterations in both the first- and second-line setting, and reviews the evidence supporting these updated recommendations, from trials such as MAR…

1
Exploring Cognitive Super Aging and Brain Science with Dr. Tamar Gefen 53:41

7M ago53:41

53:41

In this episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal sits down with Dr. Tamar Gefen, an Associate Professor at the Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease at Northwestern University. Dr. Gefen, a 2023 Toffler Scholar, shares insights into her groundbreaking work on dementia syndromes and age-related cognitive disord…

1
Empowering Future Scientists: The SARE Program at Johns Hopkins University 52:35

7M ago52:35

52:35

Guests: Dr. Doug Robinson – Director of the Initiative for Careers in Science and Medicine, Johns Hopkins University Pamela Hamm – Director of the Summer Academic Research Experience (SARE) Eleana Parajon – Graduate Student and former SARE Scholar Temitope Adenaike – Current SARE Scholar Aiden Houser – Current SARE Scholar Summary: In this episode,…

1
TWiN 55: A brain circuit for day/night balance 1:09:29

7M ago1:09:29

1:09:29

TWiN explains the identification of a brain circuit and periodic branch-specific neurotransmitter deployment that regulates organismal adaptation to photoperiod change. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Jason Shepherd, and Tim Cheung Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS Links for this episode MicrobeTV Discord Server Brain circuit for ph…

1
Exploring the Future of Alzheimer's Research with Dr. Robert Vassar 57:26

8M ago57:26

57:26

In this enlightening episode of Research Renaissance, Deborah Westphal speaks with Dr. Robert Vassar, a renowned neuroscientist and Director of the Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease at Northwestern University. Dr. Vassar shares his personal journey into the field of Alzheimer’s research, the evolution of diagnostic tool…

1
Pioneering Drug Delivery for Neurological Diseases with Afreen Allam 46:30

8M ago46:30

46:30

In this compelling episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal sits down with Afreen Allam, the CEO and founder of SiNON Nano Sciences and a 2023 Termeer Fellow. Afreen shares her journey from aspiring medical student to biotech entrepreneur, discussing her groundbreaking work in drug delivery for neurological diseases. The conversation …

1
TWiN 54: How pregnancy transforms the brain 1:05:25

8M ago1:05:25

1:05:25

TWiN explores how pregnancy leads to modifications in brain structure and function that may prepare the mother for parenting. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Jason Shepherd, and Vivianne Morrison Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS Links for this episode MicrobeTV Discord Server Pregnancy transforms the brain (Nature) Hormone-mediated…

1
Unraveling the Senses: Dr. Douglas Storace on the Olfactory Bulb and Brain Function 1:00:59

8M ago1:00:59

1:00:59

Welcome to the latest episode of Research Renaissance, presented by the Karen Toffler Charitable Trust. I’m your host, Deborah Westphal, and today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Douglas Storace, a neuroscientist and assistant professor at Florida State University. Dr. Storace is also a 2022 Toffler Scholar. Our discussion will delve int…

1
The Power of Strategic Communication in Healthcare with Anne Woodbury 54:51

8M ago54:51

54:51

In this episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal sits down with Anne Woodbury, the founder and CEO of Cura Strategies, a healthcare communication and public affairs agency. Together, they explore the crucial role of strategic communication in shaping healthcare policies and improving patient outcomes. Anne shares her journey from Capi…

1
Unraveling ALS and Genetic Modifiers with Dr. Zhe Zhang 46:55

9M ago46:55

46:55

In this insightful episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal engages in an enlightening conversation with Dr. Zhe Zhang, a research associate at Johns Hopkins and a 2021 Toffler Scholar. Dr. Zhang discusses her journey from aspiring to be a doctor to becoming a dedicated researcher focused on neurodegenerative diseases, particularly AL…

1
Neurovascular Breakthroughs: Exploring Alzheimer's Treatments with Dr. Elisa Canepa 47:50

9M ago47:50

47:50

In this enlightening episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal engages in a compelling conversation with Dr. Elisa Canepa, a neurobiologist and associate scientist from Temple University and a 2022 Toffler Scholar. Dr. Canepa shares her journey into neuroscience, driven by a fascination with the brain's complexity and its pivotal role …

1
Neurovascular Dysfunction and Neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's with Ashley Carey 40:46

9M ago40:46

40:46

In this episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal engages in an enlightening conversation with Ashley Carey, a PhD candidate and 2023 Toffler Scholar at Temple University's Lewis Katz School of Medicine. Ashley's research focuses on the neurovascular dysfunction and neuroinflammation associated with Alzheimer's disease. She shares her …

1
Innovative Collaborations in Biotech with Marissa Pettit Jones 50:24

10M ago50:24

50:24

Welcome to Research Renaissance, presented by the Karen Toffler Charitable Trust. In this episode, host Deborah Westphal sits down with Marissa Pettit Jones, the Director of Business Development at Genentech and co-founder of Nucleate. They discuss Marissa's fascinating journey from biomedical engineering at Yale to her strategic role at Genentech,…

1
The Technology Advancing Alzheimer's Research with Dr. Sudeshna Das 59:00

10M ago59:00

59:00

In this episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal dives into a fascinating conversation with Dr. Sudeshna Das, Associate Professor of Neurology at Mass General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Dr. Das is a pioneer in the field of biomedical informatics and a 2022 Toffler Scholar. Her work focuses on developing tools for multi-scale…

1
Management of Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer Guideline 12:23

10M ago12:23

12:23

Dr. Sepideh Gholami and Dr. Aaron Scott join us to discuss the latest evidence-based guideline from ASCO on the management of locally advanced rectal cancer. They review the recommendation highlights on topics including assessment, total neoadjuvant therapy, timing of chemotherapy, nonoperative management, and immunotherapy. Additionally, we discus…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Astrocytes Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen