Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are a groundbreaking, and mind-blowing, scientific advancement—one of many that help make it possible for n-Lorem to do what we do. In short, typical skin cells (such as fibroblasts) are taken from an individual and reprogrammed using specific factors to become iPSCs. These iPSCs are then redifferentiated into any desired cell type in the body, such as muscle or liver cells. You can do that? Yes, and we do! The most common cell type that we use at n-Lorem are neurons (nerve cells). These cells are not easily accessible in living humans without serious surgeries and that is why scientists instead use iPSCs to grow them.

On This Episode We Discuss: 1:23 - What are Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells? 5:45 - Chromatin – compressed DNA and proteins 9:13 - Differentiation and de-differentiation 10:26 - Transcription and transcription factors 12:35 - Why are iPSCs important? 15:20 - Making iPSC and re-differentiating them into the cells we study is time consuming and expensive Important Links: n-Lorem 2025 Nano-rare Patient Colloquium - https://www.nlorem.org/nano-rare-patient-colloquium-2025/

Support nano-rare with a donation to n-Lorem: https://www.nlorem.org/donate/ Learn about Hongene Biotech: https://hongene.com/

What Are Chemicals? | How Drugs Work in the Body | Understanding Homeostasis

We’re all made of chemicals—but what exactly is a chemical? In this video, we break down the basics: chemicals are forms of matter that exist as solids, liquids, or gases. Inside living organisms, these chemicals create complex networks that keep us alive and balanced—a process known as homeostasis.

Drugs are chemicals too! They work by interacting with these biological networks to help restore or adjust how the body functions. Whether you’re a curious learner, a patient, or a future scientist, understanding these fundamentals can empower better decisions about your health and treatment.

🔬 Learn more about biology, medicine, and how science impacts your daily life.

💊 Subscribe for more videos on drug development, health, and patient education.

Full Intro to Medical Science Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrDVyc3t26Fy5aQpo3mulackGlUwrIqYL

In This Episode, We Explore

- What exactly is a chemical—and why it matters - The definition of a drug and how it works in the body - How chemical reactions power life - Biochemicals: the molecules that make living systems tick - Cells: the basic building blocks of life - Types of polymers and their roles in biology - The languages of life: how nucleic acids and proteins communicate - DNA and RNA—what they are and what they do - What happens when genes change: understanding mutations - The difference between helpful and harmful gene mutations

What makes antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) so special? Let’s first understand what an oligonucleotide is. An oligonucleotide is a short strand of synthetic DNA or RNA (a nucleic-acid chain), usually consisting of up to approximately 20 nucleotides long—designed to bind with specific sequences in the body. At n-Lorem, our ASO technology is built on more than 30 years of research, innovation, and investment. It’s uniquely suited for treating nano-rare diseases—ultra-rare genetic conditions that affect just one or a few individuals. The versatility and specificity of ASOs allow us to address a wide variety of gene mutations, creating customized therapies for each unique patient. Compared to other traditional drug discovery platforms, discovering and developing an optimal ASO is inexpensive, quick and can be used to treat diseases that are caused by many different types of gene mutations. ASOs work by binding to RNA, thereby modifying the expression of disease-causing proteins. This makes them exceptionally well-suited for treating diseases caused by rare or unique genetic mutations. On This Episode We Discuss:

- The repurposing of small molecule drugs

- The promise and limitations of gene replacement therapies

- What makes ASO drug development different—and better—for nano-rare diseases

- A brief history of modern drug development

- How regulatory frameworks evolved after medical disasters

- The decentralization of the biotechnology industry

- What challenges still lie ahead in genetic medicine

Intro to Medical Science Series YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrDVyc3t26Fy5aQpo3mulackGlUwrIqYL