Advertise on podcast: Research Renaissance: Exploring the Future of Brain Science

In this powerful episode of Research Renaissance, Arushi Raina and John Chernesky from the Praxis Spinal Cord Institute pull back the curtain on what it really takes to innovate in spinal cord injury—and why the future of neurological care depends on integrating technology, science, and most importantly, lived experience. Rather than treating individuals as patients or passive recipients of care, Praxis centers their entire innovation pipeline around those living with spinal cord injury (SCI), involving them from ideation through market launch. Arushi shares how shifting from product “for” to product “with” the SCI community has accelerated meaningful breakthroughs. John explains why he refuses the label “patient” and instead champions the term Plex – Persons with Lived Experience, a philosophy now driving clinical research, product development, and even investment strategies. From cutting-edge neuromodulation to low-cost wound gels saving lives, this conversation explores how innovation scales not by solving one condition in isolation—but by designing for complexity, translating solutions across adjacent neurological and aging populations, and creating sustainable pathways to market. Key highlights include: ♿ Why integrating lived experience from day one leads to better innovation—and better outcomes 🔄 How a “test bed” approach in SCI is accelerating breakthroughs for MS, stroke, Parkinson’s, aging and more ⚙️ The surprising power of simple, scalable technologies—like a gel applied at the first sign of a pressure sore 🧩 Why coachability in entrepreneurs may matter more than capital in medtech success 🧠 Neuromodulation reversing effects of paralysis—and improving autonomic functions like temperature, bowel, and bladder control 💬 How real-time, direct feedback from SCI users saved startups from costly mistakes 📈 Why Praxis built a fund model that generates investor returns and channels profits back into the charity ❤️ What it means to rethink innovation around dignity, identity, and human mobility—not just mobility of limbs Most profound takeaway “If technology can be used not only to make it acceptable, but to celebrate the different ways people walk and move through the world, that’s where innovation meets humanity.” — Arushi Raina Resources & Links 🌐 Praxis Spinal Cord Institute: PracticeInstitute.org  🔗 Connect with Arushi & John on LinkedIn  📧 General contact: [email protected]  💡 Learn more about the Karen Toffler Charitable Trust: tofflertrust.org Connect with Research Renaissance 💌 Subscribe for more thought-provoking interviews  🌐 Visit: tofflertrust.org  📲 Follow us on LinkedIn To learn more about the breakthroughs discussed in this episode and to support ongoing research, visit our website at tofflertrust.org. Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co.

In this episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal sits down with Dr. Wendy Ellis, Assistant Professor of Global Health at George Washington University and Founding Director of the Center for Community Resilience. Together, they explore how resilience science and systems-level thinking can drive lasting change for communities impacted by adversity. Dr. Ellis shares her groundbreaking Pair of ACEs Framework, which connects adverse childhood experiences to adverse community environments, and discusses how this approach is helping policymakers, educators, and community leaders address root causes rather than symptoms. From innovative school-based partnerships in Portland to the development of an Opportunity Dashboard that measures both social and economic return on community investments, this conversation reveals how data, collaboration, and hope can transform entire neighborhoods. Whether you're a researcher, policymaker, or community advocate, this episode will inspire you to think bigger about what it means to build truly resilient communities. 🎙 What you’ll learn in this episode:  • Why resilience science must go beyond individuals and address systems.  • The power of the Pair of ACEs Framework in reframing public health and policy.  • How community-driven solutions have produced measurable results in education, healthcare, and economic stability.  • Why connecting health data with economic outcomes can shift investment and policy decisions.  • The role of hope, social cohesion, and collaboration in driving lasting change. Subscribe to Research Renaissance and join us in exploring the science, policy, and community action shaping the future of brain health and resilience. Visit tofflertrust.org for resources and updates. #ResilienceScience #PublicHealth #PairOfACEs #CommunityResilience #SystemsThinking #SocialImpact #AdverseChildhoodExperiences #HealthEquity #BrainHealth #TraumaInformed #PolicyChange #CommunityHealth #SocialDeterminantsOfHealth #CollaborativeLeadership #EconomicMobility #EducationEquity #HealthcareInnovation #DataDrivenPolicy #CommunityDevelopment To learn more about the breakthroughs discussed in this episode and to support ongoing research, visit our website at tofflertrust.org. Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co.

Welcome back to Research Renaissance, presented by the Karen Toffler Charitable Trust. In this episode, host Deborah Westphal explores the cutting edge of rare disease research with special guests Andrew Rosen, CEO of the National Ataxia Foundation (NAF), and Dr. Lauren Moore, NAF’s Chief Scientific Officer. Together, they unpack how the NAF has evolved from a small support-focused nonprofit into a strategic, science-driven organization that’s advancing treatments and reshaping what’s possible for people living with ataxia—a rare, progressive neurological condition affecting movement and coordination. 🔍 In this episode, we explore: The history and mission of the National Ataxia Foundation—from its 1957 founding to its current research initiativesWhat ataxia is, how it’s diagnosed, and why it’s so often misunderstood or misdiagnosedThe diagnostic odyssey patients face and how genetic testing is both essential and still evolvingHow patient advocacy, family involvement, and rare-disease communities are accelerating the pace of scientific discoveryLauren’s personal journey from biomedical physics student to ataxia researcher—sparked by her father’s diagnosisWhy wearable tech, remote trials, and AI are changing the game for neurological researchThe power of public-private partnerships and how the first FDA-approved ataxia treatment led to a $7.3B acquisition by BiogenWhy “rare” doesn’t mean small—and why rare diseases deserve different standards of study, funding, and approval 🧠 Key Takeaway: Treatments are on the horizon—but getting there takes relentless advocacy, strategic funding, and courageous participation from patients and families. As Andrew puts it: “We’d love to put ourselves out of business someday. Until then, we’re here to build the infrastructure that gets us there.” 🌐 Resources & Links: National Ataxia Foundation (NAF)Karen Toffler Charitable TrustLearn more about hereditary ataxias and ongoing research initiativesSupport or participate in patient-driven research and advocacy🎧 Subscribe to Research Renaissance  Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms. For more conversations at the intersection of neuroscience, technology, and purpose-driven science, follow us at tofflertrust.org or get in touch. To learn more about the breakthroughs discussed in this episode and to support ongoing research, visit our website at tofflertrust.org. Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co.

In this groundbreaking episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal reconnects with Dr. Adithya Gopinath, University of Florida, to explore a game-changing discovery in Parkinson’s research: a direct connection between dopamine neurons in the brain and the peripheral immune system, specifically the spleen. Dr. Gopinath shares how his lab’s findings could reshape the future of Parkinson’s diagnosis and treatment—potentially identifying the disease earlier and opening new therapeutic avenues using existing immune-modulating drugs. The episode also touches on surprising implications for conditions like addiction, ADHD, and even cancer. Key Topics Covered: The role of dopamine transporters in both the brain and peripheral immune cellsA newly mapped brain-to-spleen pathway and its implications for Parkinson’sWhy gastric bypass surgery offers unexpected clues about neuroimmune functionHow Parkinson’s might eventually be detected through blood biomarkersThe challenge of longitudinal studies and the need for philanthropic supportCrossovers with autoimmune disease, glioblastoma, and methamphetamine useThe future vision for translational research at Dr. Gopinath’s lab Standout Quote:  "If we're able to identify Parkinson’s early, we may have the opportunity to either slow or stop its progression. And we might already have the tools—we just need to apply them in the right way." – Dr. Adithya Gopinath Connect with Us:  🔗 Learn more and subscribe: https://tofflertrust.org 📧 Interested in supporting or collaborating? Dr. Gopinath’s contact info: [email protected] or [email protected]  To learn more about the breakthroughs discussed in this episode and to support ongoing research, visit our website at tofflertrust.org. Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co.

In this episode of Research Renaissance, Deborah Westphal sits down with Dr. Grant Mitchell, co-founder and CEO of Every Cure — a nonprofit revolutionizing how we treat disease using artificial intelligence and drug repurposing. You’ll hear the incredible true story behind the organization’s founding: a rare disease, a near-death diagnosis, and the life-saving power of finding the right drug at the right time — one that was already FDA-approved but never intended for that disease. Dr. Mitchell unpacks how Every Cure is: Using AI to map connections between 4,000+ FDA-approved drugs and 20,000+ diseases.Tackling the “organizational problem” in medical research — not just the scientific one.Building a nonprofit model that bypasses commercial incentives to focus purely on patient outcomes.Launching a new public platform that will allow researchers, doctors, and even patients to explore potential drug-disease matches.💡 From real-world case studies to a bold vision for transforming clinical trial timelines, this is an inspiring and eye-opening look at how a small team might just be out-innovating Big Pharma — and doing it faster, cheaper, and with more heart. Resources Mentioned: Visit everycure.org to learn more or get involved.Contact Grant directly at [email protected] more about the Karen Toffler Charitable Trust at tofflertrust.orgNever miss an episode of Research Renaissance — subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and follow us at tofflertrust.org for updates. To learn more about the breakthroughs discussed in this episode and to support ongoing research, visit our website at tofflertrust.org. Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co.

In this powerful episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal sits down with Dr. Rachel Buckley, Associate Professor of Neurology at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Together, they explore a growing body of research that challenges long-standing assumptions about sex differences in Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Buckley shares her unexpected journey from skepticism to advocacy in studying how biological sex and hormonal changes—particularly around menopause—can influence Alzheimer's risk, pathology, and progression. From PET scans to postmortem tissue studies, she unpacks what we now know about tau pathology in women, the role of hormone therapy, and how reproductive history may shape brain health. You’ll also hear about: Why women are disproportionately impacted by Alzheimer’s—and why it’s more than just longevityHow timing of hormone therapy may impact tau buildupSurprising research around pregnancy, caregiving, and even the X chromosomeWhere the research gaps still exist—and how AI might help close themWhy training the next generation of sex-based neuroscientists is essentialWhether you’re a caregiver, clinician, researcher, or simply curious about how brain health intersects with gender, this episode offers eye-opening insight and hope for the future. Guest Bio:  Dr. Rachel Buckley is an internationally recognized neuroscientist focused on the intersection of sex differences and Alzheimer's disease. She leads groundbreaking research at Massachusetts General Hospital and serves as Chair of the Alzheimer’s Association’s Sex and Gender Professional Interest Area. Resources & Links:  🔗 Learn more: https://www.tofflertrust.org 📧 Contact Dr. Buckley via email or LinkedIn 💡 Alzheimer’s Association: https://www.alz.org Subscribe & Follow: Don’t miss upcoming episodes—subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and follow us on social for updates. To learn more about the breakthroughs discussed in this episode and to support ongoing research, visit our website at tofflertrust.org. Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co.

In this episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal sits down with Dr. Prabesh Bhattarai, Associate Research Scientist - The Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease, the aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center and a 2024 Toffler Scholar. Dr. Bhattarai shares his groundbreaking work on regenerative biology and how understanding the remarkable ability of certain fish to regrow neurons could eventually lead to new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. They explore: 🧠 How the fish geography can regenerate neurons lost to Alzheimer-like damage 🧬 The role of signaling molecules like IL-4 and BDNF in promoting brain regeneration 🐭 Why these regenerative processes don’t naturally occur in mice or humans—and what happens when researchers try to induce them 🔍 How astrocytes and the blood-brain barrier play a key role in Alzheimer’s pathology 🧪 How single-cell and spatial transcriptomics are unlocking new insights into brain cell function 🕵️‍♂️ The importance of identifying early biomarkers for Alzheimer’s to enable earlier intervention 🧩 Why Alzheimer’s is a multifactorial disease that requires a broad, integrative research approach 🔮 The future of therapeutic strategies—and the potential for delaying or even preventing disease progression Dr. Bhattarai also discusses his latest findings around fibronectin 1 as a promising therapeutic target, and the complex but hopeful road ahead in Alzheimer’s research. 👉 If you’d like to learn more about Dr. Bhattarai’s work or connect with him, you can reach him at: [email protected] 🎧 Stay tuned for more episodes of Research Renaissance—exploring the future of brain science. Visit tofflertrust.org to subscribe and learn more about the Karen Toffler Charitable Trust and its mission to advance cutting-edge brain research. To learn more about the breakthroughs discussed in this episode and to support ongoing research, visit our website at tofflertrust.org. Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co.

In this exciting episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal speaks with Dr. Ted Zwang, Assistant Professor of neurology at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Dr. Andrew Holbrook, Assistant Professor at UCLA and Jasen Zhang, PhD student in biostatistics in Holbrook’s lab. Together, they share how novel neural recording devices and advanced machine learning techniques are transforming the study of Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Ted and Jasen discuss their collaborative project—funded by the Kavli Foundation, Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, and the Karen Toffler Charitable Trust—which captures how neurons change over time in Alzheimer’s mouse models. They reveal surprising discoveries about how some neurons “go quiet” and later recover—challenging long-held assumptions about neurodegeneration. The conversation also explores how these insights could lead to earlier diagnostics, predictive models of cognitive decline, and more personalized treatments for patients. 🔬 Topics include:  - How flexible neural recording devices track neuron activity over months  - Why biostatistics and machine learning is key to decoding massive neural datasets -  New findings about reversible neuronal dysfunction in Alzheimer’s -  How predictive models could inform personalized medicine -  The challenges of translating animal research to human diagnostics -  The importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in brain science Whether you’re a researcher, student, clinician, or curious learner, this episode offers a glimpse into the future of Alzheimer’s research—and why there’s new reason for hope. 🧠 Guests: Dr. Ted Zwang https://zwanglab.com/, Dr. Andrew Holbrook https://andrewjholbrook.github.io/ and Jasen Zhang https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasen-zhang/ 🌐 For more episodes and updates, visit: tofflertrust.org To learn more about the breakthroughs discussed in this episode and to support ongoing research, visit our website at tofflertrust.org. Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co.

In this fascinating episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal sits down with Dr. Heather Brenhouse, professor of psychology and director of the Developmental Neuropsychobiology Lab at Northeastern University—and a 2024 Toffler Scholar. Together, they explore the deep connections between childhood adversity, brain development, and long-term mental health. Dr. Brenhouse discusses why early life stress impacts some individuals more than others, how adversity can alter the timing of puberty, and why understanding neurodevelopment is essential to preventing psychiatric disorders. They also delve into the biology of behavior, the role of immune cells in the brain, and how evolving tools in neuroscience are helping uncover hidden patterns that shape health outcomes later in life. 🔬 Topics include: What a neuropsychobiology lab really studiesHow early stress accelerates brain and body developmentThe surprising link between early adversity and pubertyWhy male and female brains respond differently to early life challengesHow microglia and inflammation relate to long-term brain healthThe future of neuroscience research—from metabolic studies to computational modelingHow eastern and western medicine might converge around mind-body health Whether you're a researcher, student, or curious lifelong learner, this episode sheds light on how early experiences shape us—and what that means for preventing disease and promoting wellness across a lifetime. 🧠 Guest: Dr. Heather Brenhouse  🔗 Learn more: brenhouselab.sites.northeastern.edu  📧 Contact: [email protected] 🌐 For more episodes and updates, visit: tofflertrust.org To learn more about the breakthroughs discussed in this episode and to support ongoing research, visit our website at tofflertrust.org. Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co.

In this fascinating episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphall welcomes Dr. Alysson Muotri,  a professor in the Departments of Pediatrics and Cellular & Molecular Medicine at the University of California, San Diego., for a deep dive into what makes the human brain unique—and how understanding that uniqueness might unlock new treatments for neurological disorders. From stem cell brain models grown in the lab to sending "mini-brains" into space, Dr. Muotri shares his bold, unconventional path to advancing neuroscience and personalized medicine. Dr. Muotri discusses his work creating 3D brain organoids to model human neurological development, including conditions like autism and epilepsy. He explains how modern humans evolved slower brain development than our ancestors, and how that developmental window leaves us vulnerable to mutation and disease—but also offers the complexity that makes human cognition and collaboration possible. The conversation also touches on ethical frontiers, including the potential for lab-grown brains to develop consciousness, the future of neuroscience in space, and how traditional Amazonian medicine may offer clues to protecting the brain. In This Episode: Why collaboration and sociality are key traits of the human brainHow brain organoids help us study disorders like autism without invasive methodsUsing Neanderthal DNA to uncover what’s uniquely humanWhy space accelerates brain aging—and how that might fast-track drug discoveryThe ethical questions we must face as lab-grown brain tissues become more advancedHow Dr. Muotri’s personal journey as a father shaped his scientific missionThe need for alternative funding models to support bold, high-risk scienceQuotes to Remember: 🧠 “We’re not just studying the brain. We’re building avatars of it.” 🚀 “Thirty days in space aged our brain organoids by ten years.” 🧬 “Autism may be the price we pay for having evolved a social brain.” 🌱 “Maybe the cure for Alzheimer’s is growing in the Amazon. We just have to look.” Links & Resources: Learn more about Dr. Muotri’s lab: [Search “Alysson Muotri UCSD”]Explore the Karen Toffler Charitable Trust: https://tofflertrust.org Connect with Us:  💬 Have feedback or want to get involved? Reach out via our website or social channels.  🔔 Don’t miss an episode—subscribe now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast app. To learn more about the breakthroughs discussed in this episode and to support ongoing research, visit our website at tofflertrust.org. Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co.

In this episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal welcomes Dr. Yvette Wong, Assistant Professor of Neurology at Northwestern University and 2024 Toffler Scholar, for a deep dive into the dynamic inner world of cells—and how her lab is uncovering new clues about neurodegenerative diseases by studying the microscopic interactions between organelles. Dr. Wong discusses how organelles like mitochondria and lysosomes don’t just function in isolation—they actually “talk” to each other at contact points within cells. These cellular conversations may hold the key to unlocking better understanding and treatments for conditions like ALS, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s disease. Through vivid analogies (like buses exchanging cargo), Dr. Wong helps translate complex science into clear visuals, while also highlighting how advances in super-resolution live-cell microscopy and data analysis are transforming what’s possible in neuroscience. 🔬 Topics Covered: What organelles and organoids are—and why they matterThe importance of mitochondrial-lysosomal contact sites in brain cellsHow defects in organelle crosstalk may contribute to diseases like ALS and Parkinson’sWhy time-lapse microscopy is revolutionizing our understanding of disease mechanismsHow Huntington’s disease mutations affect cellular cleanup systemsThe promise (and challenge) of modeling decades-long diseases in a labDr. Wong’s vision for the future of neuroscience—and the dream experiment she hopes technology will make possible🔗 Resources & Links: Dr. Yvette Wong’s Lab: [Search “Yvette Wong Lab” or visit Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine]Learn more about the Karen Toffler Charitable Trust: https://tofflertrust.org/ 📬 Contact Dr. Wong:  Email: [email protected]🎧 Subscribe & Follow:  For more episodes and breakthroughs in brain science, subscribe to Research Renaissance and follow the Karen Toffler Charitable Trust on your favorite podcast platform. To learn more about the breakthroughs discussed in this episode and to support ongoing research, visit our website at tofflertrust.org. Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co.

In this compelling episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal sits down with Sue Peschin, President and CEO of the Alliance for Aging Research, for a candid conversation about the intersection of science, policy, and aging. From Alzheimer’s drug coverage to the future of stem cell research, they unpack what it truly means to age with dignity—and how equity, access, and advocacy play a critical role. Sue shares her personal journey into aging research, her leadership transition at the Alliance, and the organization’s long-standing commitment to ensuring older adults receive fair and effective healthcare. They explore the challenges of Coverage with Evidence Development (CED) in Medicare, the rising need for culturally competent communication, and how the stigma around neuropsychiatric symptoms in aging can be addressed through education and empathy. Key Topics Covered: The origins and mission of the Alliance for Aging ResearchMedicare’s use of “Coverage with Evidence Development” for Alzheimer’s therapiesChallenges in equitable access to aging-related treatmentsThe political and scientific landscape of stem cell researchOutreach strategies for underserved and underrepresented aging populationsNeuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia and the importance of caregiver educationMental health trends in older adults and increasing substance use concernsThe role of policy, education, and interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing healthy agingMemorable Quote:  “Everybody deserves to age as healthy as they can.” – Sue Peschin Resources & Links:  🔗 Alliance for Aging Research 📧 Contact Sue: [email protected] 📺 YouTube: Alliance for Aging Research Video Library 🔬 Learn more about our mission at TofflerTrust.org To learn more about the breakthroughs discussed in this episode and to support ongoing research, visit our website at tofflertrust.org. Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co.

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 not as a collection of isolated parts, but as a dynamic, self-organizing system. From his clinical experience to his cutting-edge lab work on neural firing patterns and cognitive behavior, he shares why focusing on repairing brain networks—rather than treating individual genes or symptoms—could reshape our entire approach to neurological care. Key highlights include: 🧠 Why traditional “gene-to-cure” models often fall short in treating epilepsy and autism🧬 How complex systems thinking offers a more holistic—and promising—framework for brain health⚡ Dr. Scott’s experimental work with electrical brain stimulation to restore cognitive function in mouse models🧒 Why he focuses more on quality of life than stopping every seizure in pediatric epilepsy treatment💡 The surprising effects of environmental enrichment on malformed brain networksWhether you're a clinician, researcher, or simply curious about the future of neuroscience, this episode offers a radically different perspective on what it means to heal the brain. Resources & Links: Learn more about Nemours Children’s Hospital: nemours.orgContact Dr. Rod Scott: [email protected] the Karen Toffler Charitable Trust: tofflertrust.orgConnect with Us: 💌 Subscribe to the show for more thought-provoking interviews  🌐 Visit our website: tofflertrust.org 📲 Follow us on LinkedIn To learn more about the breakthroughs discussed in this episode and to support ongoing research, visit our website at tofflertrust.org. Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co.

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 uniqueThe role of tumor heterogeneity and how “chameleon-like” cancer cells adaptHow Dr. Furnari’s lab uses CRISPR-edited stem cells and “cancer avatars” to model brain tumors in mice and organoidsPromising breakthroughs in radiation sensitization and tumor state manipulationCAR-T cells therapies, BRD2 inhibitors, and the future of personalized brain cancer vaccinesThe emerging field of cancer neuroscience—and how neuron-tumor interactions may hold new clues to treatmentThe cost and complexity of running a modern lab and the growing need for diversified fundingWhy 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: [email protected]: 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. To learn more about the breakthroughs discussed in this episode and to support ongoing research, visit our website at tofflertrust.org. Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co.

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—his father’s MS diagnosis—and a deep academic curiosity, Jackson shares the winding path that led him from undergraduate lab work to a promising career in neuroimmunology. Together, they discuss: 🧠 Why MS is more than just an autoimmune condition—and how it’s being reframed as a neurodegenerative disease  🧪 The experimental models Jackson uses to study gray matter lesions and cell death in the brain, spinal cord, and eyes  🧬 His work on a little-known but powerful cell death pathway known as Parthanatos, and how it could unlock new therapeutic strategies  💊 A behind-the-scenes look at how early research and seed funding (including support from the Karen Toffler Charitable Trust) fuels long-term breakthroughs  🌍 The critical role of interdisciplinary collaboration between neuroscience, immunology, and pharmacology  🗣️ Why scientific communication and mentorship matter just as much as lab results Whether you're a fellow researcher, a curious patient advocate, or simply fascinated by the future of brain science, this episode sheds light on the personal and professional forces driving the next generation of neuroscience discovery. 👤 Guest:  Jackson Mace, Neuroscience PhD Candidate, Johns Hopkins University  📍LinkedIn: Jackson Mace 📧 Email: [email protected] 🔗 Learn more about the show and the Karen Toffler Charitable Trust: https://tofflertrust.org/  To learn more about the breakthroughs discussed in this episode and to support ongoing research, visit our website at tofflertrust.org. Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co.