S2E4: What would it take to create an Artificial Ovary?⚡️
Big ideas in ovarian biology with Dr. Ariella Shikanov
Our body is like a universe — the more you zoom in, the more complex and fascinating it gets.
This week, we are zooming in.
Meet Ariella Shikanov, professor of biomedical engineering at the University of Michigan.
Earlier this year, her team at Shikanov Lab made history when they created a new Map of the Ovary.
With the support of the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, Ariella's team mapped gene expression in various regions of the ovary, marking a major milestone in our understanding of reproductive biology.
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Ovarian biology has been under-researched for decades, despite its critical role in female health. But things are changing. It is so thrilling to observe and make sense of all the fascinating discoveries happening in real-time.
On the Horizon: Artificial Ovaries
One of the most exciting ideas we explore in this episode is the concept of artificial ovaries.
First, let’s recall what we have learned again and again on this podcast:
Ovaries are endocrine organs, not just reproductive ones.
This means they play a critical role in everything from metabolism to mood. When ovarian function declines, it affects overall health. So prolonging ovarian health could be the key to not just fertility but female longevity.
And yet, ovaries age faster than any other organ and women spend almost half of their life in menopause.
Here is what’s puzzling scientists:
Women are born with around 1-2 million eggs (or "oocytes")
By puberty, this number decreases to about 300,000 to 400,000
While in our lifetime, we only “use” or ovulate about 400-500
Nature is never wasteful. So, what’s the purpose of the remaining eggs?
Both Ariella and our previous guest, Dr. Jennifer Garrison from the Buck Institute for Research on Aging, are asking the same question.
What if we could somehow harness those unused oocytes to extend ovarian function, particularly during perimenopause or menopause?
In this episode, you’ll also learn about:
Key findings from Map of The Ovary research
Oncofertility: preserving fertility during cancer treatment
Delaying menopause: new approaches to keep ovaries functioning longer
How the immunology is the next frontier in women's health 🔥
And much, much more!
I loved recording this episode, Ariella is fun, knowledgeable and a real visionary.
If you enjoy listening to this episode, I'd love to hear from you in DMs or comments ❤️🔥
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About MOTHER-podcast
MOTHER is a movement of bold ideas about the female body.
In this newsletter, we will dive into fascinating science and new technology pushing the boundaries of the female experience as we know it.
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The name for the podcast "MOTHER" is inspired by the creative force inside us all - the force that creates ideas, businesses, spaces, communities, and life itself.