The Neuron Regeneration Podcast

CNS Neurons That Actually Regenerate Throughout Life

In this eye-opening episode of The Neuron Regeneration Podcast, we explore the remarkable regenerative power of olfactory neurons—and what that could mean for healing damage in the central nervous system. Host Jarod Carter is joined by Claudia Garrigós (PhD student) and Jaume Lillo (postdoctoral researcher), two scientists from the University of Barcelona who are authors on a fascinating review paper titled: Olfactory receptors in neural regeneration in the central nervous system [https://journals.lww.com/nrronline/fulltext/2025/09000/olfactory_receptors_in_neural_regeneration_in_the.4.aspx]. While neurons in the brain and spinal cord typically don't regenerate after injury, olfactory neurons do—and they do so throughout adulthood. This unique biological process may hold critical clues for repairing various forms of neurotrauma or neurodegenerative diseases. Claudia and Jaume share insights from their research into how olfactory receptor cells regenerate, why olfactory glial cells are already being used in preclinical trials for spinal cord repair, and what challenges remain in translating this science into real-world therapies. They also offer personal reflections on the most surprising discoveries from their research—and even trace the evolutionary origins of the sense of smell back 700 million years. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in regenerative neuroscience, and the untapped potential of the body's own sensory systems. Please note, at the time of this writing, Claudia is looking for a 3 month research exchange program with a US-based lab during her PhD. To connect with and message her, please visit her LinkedIn profile here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudia-garrig%C3%B3s-006bb2233/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudia-garrig%C3%B3s-006bb2233/] Full Bios: Claudia Garrigós is a biologist specializing in neuroscience and neurodegenerative diseases. She began her academic journey with an exchange year at Westside High School in Augusta, USA (2016). She then earned her Bachelor's degree in Biology from the University of Alicante (2018-2022), including a study period in Neuroscience at the University of Skövde, Sweden (2021). During her undergraduate studies, she gained research experience at the Institute of Neurosciences (Alicante), where she collaborated on studies of altered molecular mechanisms in Alzheimer's disease (2022). She further specialized in human pathologies through a Master's in Biomedicine at the University of Barcelona (2022-2023), consolidating her expertise in the molecular basis of diseases. Currently, Claudia is a PhD student in Biomedicine at the University of Barcelona, focusing on G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), particularly olfactory receptors and their signaling pathways in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. Jaume Lillo earned a Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology from the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) before completing a Master's in Molecular Biotechnology at the University of Barcelona (UB). In 2019, Jaume began doctoral research under the mentorship of Dr. Rafael Franco and Dr. Gemma Navarro, culminating in a cum laude distinction and receiving the Extraordinary Award from the Biomedicine doctoral program. His research focused on studying the heteromers of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), with a particular emphasis on the Cannabinoid System and its neuroprotective role in various pathologies of the Central Nervous System (CNS). Key Topics Discussed: * A Unique Model for Regeneration: Why olfactory neurons continue to regenerate in adults—and how this process could be applied to the spinal cord and brain. * Olfactory Glia and Spinal Cord Injury: How olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) support axonal regrowth and remyelination, and their use in preclinical trials for SCI and MS. * Challenges of Translational Research: Why studying olfactory receptors is so complex—and what's holding back clinical application in humans. * From Nose to Brain: Surprising findings about how olfactory receptors are found throughout the body—not just the nose—and may play unexpected roles in neurodegenerative disease. * Evolution and Inspiration: What ancient jellyfish teach us about the evolutionary roots of smell, and how a 700-million-year-old receptor might help heal modern injuries. * Scientific Heroes and Human Curiosity: The influences that shaped Claudia and Jaume's paths as scientists—including the legacy of Darwin and Ramón y Cajal. Articles being discussed: * Olfactory receptors in neural regeneration in the central nervous system [https://journals.lww.com/nrronline/fulltext/2025/09000/olfactory_receptors_in_neural_regeneration_in_the.4.aspx] Stay Connected: * Subscribe: Don't miss an episode of the Neuron Regeneration Podcast. Follow us on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe to our newsletter in the sidebar of NeuronRegeneration.com [https://neuronregeneration.com/] to receive weekly updates on the latest news and publications about Neuron Regeneration. * Social Media: Follow us on @neuronregeneration [https://www.instagram.com/neuronregeneration/] to join the conversation and help us spread the word about neural regeneration breakthroughs. * Leave us a review: If you enjoyed this episode and are excited about the mission of The Neuron Regeneration Podcast, please take a moment to leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and advance the conversation around neuron healing!

Redefining Parkinson's Treatment: Dr. Jonathan Sackner-Bernstein on a Novel Approach to Treatment and Disease Reversal

In this insightful episode of the Neuron Regeneration Podcast, we explore a groundbreaking new perspective on Parkinson's disease treatment. Dr. Jonathan Sackner-Bernstein, a physician, engineer, and former FDA and DARPA leader, challenges the long-held belief that Parkinson's is solely a disease of dopamine deficiency. Instead, his research suggests that excess dopamine inside neurons may be a key driver of the disease—an insight soon-to-be-tested in human clinical trials with a repurposed drug that could potentially stop Parkinson's progression. Dr. Sackner-Bernstein shares his journey from cardiology to neuroscience, how personal experience led him to question conventional wisdom, and why breaking out of silos in research is key to advancing new treatments. Key Topics Discussed: * Rethinking Parkinson's Disease: Why the prevailing dopamine deficiency model may be incomplete—and how shifting our understanding could transform treatment. * From Discovery to Clinical Trials: How a repurposed drug, already FDA-approved for other uses, will soon being tested for its potential to stop or even reverse Parkinson's disease. * The Challenge of Scientific Dogma: What it takes to challenge long-standing medical assumptions and gain acceptance for new ideas in the scientific community. * Cross-Disciplinary Innovation: How expertise in cardiology, drug development, and regulatory science informed Dr. Sackner-Bernstein's unique approach to Parkinson's research. * Funding and the Future of Repurposed Drugs: Why securing investment for repurposed drugs is difficult, and how strategic patenting can help ensure their viability as new treatments for new indications. * The Power of "First Principles" Thinking: How revisiting the fundamental assumptions of a disease can unlock new therapeutic possibilities. Articles being discussed: * Rethinking Parkinson's disease: could dopamine reduction therapy have clinical utility? [https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s00415-024-12526-7.pdf] * Estimates of Intracellular Dopamine in Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis [https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/epub/10.3233/JPD-212715] Stay connected: * Connect with Dr. Jonathan Sackner-Bernstein: * Website: https://www.parkinsonsdisease.blog [https://www.parkinsonsdisease.blog/] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathansb/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathansb/] * Subscribe: Don't miss an episode of the Neuron Regeneration Podcast. Follow us on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe to our newsletter in the sidebar of NeuronRegeneration.com [http://NeuronRegeneration.com] to receive weekly updates on the latest news and publications about Neuron Regeneration. * Social Media: Follow us on @neuronregeneration [https://www.instagram.com/neuronregeneration/] to join the conversation and help us spread the word about neural regeneration breakthroughs. * Leave us a review: If you enjoyed this episode and are excited about the mission of The Neuron Regeneration Podcast, please take a moment to leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and advance the conversation around neuron healing!

Advances in Neuroregeneration: How Exercise, Reprogramming, Exosomes, Nanotechnology, and Brain Glue Are Transforming Recovery

Welcome to Another News and Abstract reading episode of The Neuron Regeneration Podcast. Here, we keep you informed on the latest neural regeneration research, innovations, and advancements. Today, we're highlighting recent studies that explore cutting-edge approaches to nerve repair, spinal cord injury recovery, and stroke rehabilitation. Stay tuned as we break down key findings and discuss their potential impact on the future of neuroregeneration and clinical applications. Papers and Topics Discussed: 1. Exercise therapy facilitates neural remodeling and functional recovery post-spinal cord injury via PKA/CREB signaling pathway modulation in rats [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11751360/]Recent findings reveal how exercise therapy stimulates neural remodeling and motor function recovery after spinal cord injury. By activating the PKA/CREB signaling pathway, exercise enhances synaptic plasticity, promotes myelin repair, and supports neuron regeneration. These insights highlight the critical role of movement-based rehabilitation in restoring spinal cord function. 2. Effect of in vivo reprogramming of astrocytes combined with exercise training on neurorepair in rats with spinal cord injury [https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ame2.12545]New research shows that combining exercise therapy with astrocyte reprogramming significantly enhances motor function recovery after spinal cord injury. By overexpressing key transcription factors and incorporating weight-supported treadmill training, scientists observed improved gait, reduced scarring, and increased neuron regeneration. These findings highlight the potential of a combined approach for spinal cord repair. 3. Exosomes: new targets for understanding axon guidance in the developing central nervous system [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11754257/]Exosomes, tiny extracellular vesicles, are emerging as key players in axon guidance, a crucial process in neural circuit development. Researchers are exploring how exosomes interact with guidance molecules to influence axon growth, regeneration, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Understanding these interactions could open new pathways for therapeutic applications in brain and spinal cord repair. 4. Metabolic Reprogramming of Neural Stem Cells by Chiral Nanofiber for Spinal Cord Injury [https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsnano.4c15770]Researchers have developed a chiral nanofiber hydrogel that reprograms neural stem cell metabolism, enhancing their ability to regenerate damaged spinal cord tissue. By optimizing lipid metabolism, this innovative material promotes neural differentiation and significantly improves motor recovery in spinal cord injury models, offering a promising approach for future regenerative therapies. 5. bFGF-Chitosan "brain glue" promotes functional recovery after cortical ischemic stroke [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11755050/]Researchers have developed a bFGF-Chitosan "brain glue" that fills stroke cavities and supports the brain's natural healing process. This innovative gel promotes the growth of new blood vessels, guides neural stem cells to replace lost neurons, and helps rebuild functional neural networks. The result? Improved sensorimotor recovery after an ischemic stroke—offering a potential new path toward restoring brain function. Stay Connected: * Subscribe: Don't miss an episode of the Neuron Regeneration Podcast. Follow us on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe to our email newsletter on this page. * Social Media: Follow @neuronregeneration [https://www.instagram.com/neuronregeneration/] on Instagram for daily informative videos on neurodegenerative diseases, neuro traumas, prevention, and regeneration. * Leave us a review: If you enjoyed this episode and are excited about the mission of The Neuron Regeneration Podcast, please take a moment to leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and advance the conversation around neuron healing!

Bench to Bedside Translation Masterclass: Dr. Jeff Karp on the Art of Innovation and Radical Simplicity

In this thought-provoking episode of the Neuron Regeneration Podcast, we take a deep dive into the lesser-known steps of translating groundbreaking research into real-world solutions and therapeutics. Dr. Jeff Karp, a renowned biomedical engineer and professor at Harvard Medical School and MIT, shares the secrets behind his remarkable success in moving cutting-edge ideas from the lab to clinical and public impact. Known for his philosophy of radical simplicity and his ability to bring transformative technologies and therapeutics to market, Dr. Karp offers invaluable insights for innovators looking to bridge the gap between science and society. Key Topics Discussed: * The Power of Radical Simplicity: Dr. Karp explains how simplifying complex innovations is essential for ensuring feasibility, scalability, and successful translation to real-world applications. * Lessons from Failure: The story of an early project that taught Dr. Karp the importance of reducing complexity and how this lesson shaped his approach to innovation and clinical translation. * Building Cross-Disciplinary Ecosystems: The value of collaborating with experts in regulation, manufacturing, and other fields to de-risk innovation and accelerate progress. * Breakthrough Innovations: A behind-the-scenes look at a novel nasal spray developed during COVID-19 to neutralize pathogens, demonstrating Dr. Karp's approach to rapid, impactful problem-solving. * The Art of Asking the Right Questions: His process for developing on the most meaningful, targeted questions to unlocks innovation and drives significant advancements in science and technology. * Setting the "Bar of Excitement": Defining success in research by setting goals that align with real-world impact and inspire investors, colleagues, and the scientific community. * Introducing LIT – Leading Intentional Lives: A preview of Dr. Karp's book, LIT, which offers tools for breaking free from routine patterns and living with greater purpose and intention. * The Role of Reflection in Personal and Professional Growth: Dr. Karp's advice on pausing, reflecting, and connecting deeply with personal goals to foster meaningful innovation and fulfillment in your career and life. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adma.202406348 [https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adma.202406348] Advanced Materials paper on Jeff's Nasal Spray for Preventing Respiratory Infections Profi Nasal Spray: https://www.profispray.com/ [https://www.profispray.com/] Learn from Jeff via his email newsletter: https://www.jeffkarp.com/join-the-free-beyond-boundaries/ [https://www.jeffkarp.com/join-the-free-beyond-boundaries/] Stay connected: * Connect with Jeff Karp * Website: jeffkarp.com [http://jeffkarp.com] * IG: mrjeffkarp [https://www.instagram.com/mrjeffkarp?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==] * Subscribe: Don't miss an episode of the Neuron Regeneration Podcast. Follow us on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe to our newsletter at NeuronRegeneration.com [https://www.neuronregeneration.com]. * Social Media: Follow us on @neuronregeneration [https://www.instagram.com/neuronregeneration/] to join the conversation and help us spread the word about neural regeneration breakthroughs. * Leave us a review: If you enjoyed this episode and are excited about the mission of The Neuron Regeneration Podcast, please take a moment to leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and advance the conversation around neuron healing!

How to Fund Breakthroughs in Neuron Regeneration with Tom Kalil

In this episode of the Neuron Regeneration podcast, we step outside the lab and into a topic that's just as critical as the science itself—funding. While most episodes focus on the cutting-edge discoveries behind neuron regeneration, today, we're talking about how those discoveries can make it into the clinic to help people. We're joined by Tom Kalil, a leader in innovation and science policy who has spent decades helping researchers turn high-risk, high-reward ideas into reality. With an incredible background that includes working in the White House for Presidents Clinton and Obama, and now leading Renaissance Philanthropy, Tom shares powerful insights about how philanthropy is driving groundbreaking scientific advancements. Key Topics Discussed: * The Role of Philanthropy in Scientific Innovation: Tom Kalil highlights the importance of philanthropic funding in advancing high-risk, high-reward research, particularly for early-stage ideas that traditional funding sources often overlook. * Focused Research Organizations (FROs): An introduction to FROs—time-bound, nonprofit entities designed to tackle specific, transformative scientific challenges—and how they address gaps between academic research and venture-backed startups. * Breakthrough Technologies in Neuroscience: Discussion of innovative projects such as brain mapping through expansion microscopy and chip-sized focused ultrasound devices for minimally invasive neurological treatments. * The "Why Now" Narrative: Strategies for researchers to craft compelling stories about why new capabilities or discoveries make this the perfect moment to invest in their work. * Finding the Right Philanthropists: Practical advice on identifying and engaging donors, with an emphasis on understanding the heterogeneity of philanthropists' interests, priorities, and decision-making processes. * Community-Driven Research Agendas: The benefits of creating collective research agendas to unify scientists, attract large-scale funding, and identify projects that can move entire fields forward. * Overcoming Funding Challenges: Insights into navigating funding obstacles, including limited data availability, tech transfer issues, and the competitive landscape of scientific grants. * The Future of High-Impact Funding Models: Exploration of milestone-based payments, prize competitions like XPRIZE, and the potential role of ARPA-H in supporting bold, high-risk neuroscience research. * Lessons from Successful Philanthropic Projects: Examples of impactful philanthropic investments, such as accelerating cancer research through biomarker development and reducing the cost of brain mapping by orders of magnitude. Stay connected: * Connect with Tom Kalil: * Websites: renaissancephilanthropy.org [http://renaissancephilanthropy.org] * Subscribe: Don't miss an episode of the Neuron Regeneration Podcast. Follow us on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe to our newsletter at NeuronRegeneration.com [https://www.neuronregeneration.com]. * Social Media: Follow us on @neuronregeneration [https://www.instagram.com/neuronregeneration/] to join the conversation and help us spread the word about neural regeneration breakthroughs. * Leave us a review: If you enjoyed this episode and are excited about the mission of The Neuron Regeneration Podcast, please take a moment to leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and advance the conversation around neuron healing