Growing Stem Cell Mini-Brains: Understanding What Makes Us Human

Course Date: On demand
Location: Online (Amathuba)
Time: Self-paced
Duration: Self-managed
Application Deadline: None

About the course

In this talk, Dr Goolam will explore how stem cells are unlocking this possibility through a groundbreaking technology known as brain organoids. These 3D structures are grown from lab made stem cells, a special cell that can develop into any type of cell and helps to repair or grow new tissues. Brain organoids mimic early brain development and are changing the way researchers study human biology, evolution, and neural diseases.

Course Content

This lecture will take you on a journey from the basics of stem cell science to the futuristic world of lab-grown mini-brains. It will cover how scientists are able to generate stem cells in the lab, coax these cells into forming organoids, how these organoids compare to real brains, and discuss what these models can (and can’t) tell us. You’ll also hear how this research is helping researchers better understand brain disorders and is paving the way for novel treatment approaches.