Neural stem cells – Anna Falk group

Our group is focusing on questions in early human neurogenesis. Reprogramming somatic cells to induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells and directed differentiation opens up for studies on neural cells from patients.

Part of the:
iPS core instruments.
"Growing mini-brains in labs"
Anna Falk and Andreas Andersson Photo: Cecilia Odlind

"Growing mini-brains in labs"

The goal is to understand the structure and development of the human brain in order to cure and prevent diseases and injuries. Nowadays, researchers can create an infinite number of brain cells for studies from individuals with or without a diagnosis through reprogramming. Anna Falk is one of the researchers using this technique, and more specifically, she grows brain cells in the form of mini-brains.

Find out more her research and its possible applications in episode #4 of Medicinvetarna (in Swedish). And yes: the zombie apocalypse is mentioned in the episode...

Anna Falk grows brain cells in culture bowls

Small brains float in the culture bowl in her hand. The reprogramming technique allows researchers at KI to transform skin cells into brain cells. Video produced by the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research.