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Using Stem Cells to Cure Autism, Epilepsy & Schizophrenia | Dr. Sergiu Pașca

Episode 242 Aug 18, 2025 2h 23m 15 insights
My guest is Dr. Sergiu Pașca, MD, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University. We discuss the biology and genetics of autism, why autism diagnoses are increasing and recent progress in using stem cells to understand and treat profound autism and other brain disorders. Dr. Pașca explains “organoids and assembloids”—human stem cell–derived tools he pioneered to study, treat and cure complex brain diseases. We also discuss ethical and safety issues with using gene editing and stem cells in humans. Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com.
Actionable Insights

1. Avoid Unregulated Stem Cell Injections

Exercise extreme caution and avoid unregulated stem cell injection procedures, especially those offered outside of established clinical trials, as the contents are often unknown, lack scientific rationale, and carry significant risks, including infection, paralysis, or tumor growth.

2. Regular Therapy for Health

Consider engaging in regular professional therapy as an essential component of overall health, on par with physical exercise. Therapy can provide support, guidance, and useful insights for improving work, relationships, and self-relationship.

3. Comprehensive Lab Testing for Health

Undergo comprehensive lab testing, such as Function Health’s 100+ advanced tests, to gain insights into heart, hormone, immune health, nutrient levels, and toxin exposure. This provides a detailed snapshot of your bodily health and can guide personalized health improvements.

4. Reduce Mercury, Boost Detox

If elevated mercury levels are detected, reduce consumption of high-mercury foods like tuna. Support detoxification by increasing intake of leafy greens and supplementing with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) to boost glutathione production.

5. Tailor Mattress to Sleep Needs

Select a mattress (softness, firmness) that is customized to your unique sleep needs, as this significantly impacts the quality of sleep, which is foundational for mental health, physical health, and performance. Use a sleep quiz to match to the ideal mattress for your back, side, or stomach sleeping preference and temperature regulation.

6. Improve Sleep for Social Skills

Recognize that severe sleep disturbances can impair social skills and overall function. Prioritize and improve the quality of sleep, as even a few nights of poor sleep can negatively impact social interactions and general well-being for anyone.

7. Daily AG1 for Health Support

Incorporate AG1 daily to support gut microbiome, immune health, and energy levels, choosing from original, berry, citrus, or tropical flavors. This comprehensive drink contains vitamins, minerals, probiotics, prebiotics, and adaptogens.

8. Meet Protein Goals Efficiently

Consume high-protein, low-calorie snacks like David protein bars (28g protein, 150 calories) to easily achieve a daily protein intake of one gram per pound of body weight without ingesting too many calories. Integrate them as afternoon snacks or for on-the-go nutrition.

9. Walk 12,000+ Steps Daily

Aim to walk more than 12,000 to 15,000 steps daily, as Dr. Pasca does, to maintain physical fitness and support overall well-being. Incorporate walking into daily routines like commuting or exploring new places.

10. Practice One Meal Daily (OMAD)

Consider adopting a one-meal-a-day eating pattern, a practice Dr. Pasca has maintained for years, potentially for health or practical reasons.

11. Pursue Genetic Autism Diagnosis

If a child receives an autism diagnosis, pursue genetic testing to identify specific mutations, as about 20% of cases have a genetic diagnosis. While specific therapies are currently limited, being part of the community for that genetic form can be beneficial for future individual treatments.

12. Distinguish Profound Autism

Understand that research for autism treatments primarily targets profound forms of the condition, which involve severe impairment and lifelong care needs, distinct from the broader autism spectrum that includes high-functioning individuals. This distinction is crucial for appropriate terminology and focus.

13. Umbilical Cord Stem Cell Limits

Be aware that umbilical cord stem cells are restricted in their potential, primarily useful for blood disorders, and are not a universal solution for all future stem cell therapies. They differ from pluripotent stem cells in their capabilities.

14. Precise Science Communication

Scientists should use precise language when communicating research, especially to the public, to avoid trivializing complex topics or creating confusion (e.g., avoiding terms like ‘mini-brains’ for organoids). This ensures accurate understanding and manages public perception.

15. Explain Science Simply, Acknowledge Change

When explaining science to the general public, assume zero prior knowledge but infinite intelligence, allowing for simple yet accurate explanations without trivialization. Also, communicate that scientific understanding evolves and self-corrects over time.