Spinach to hearts Leafy vegetable inspires new way to generate heart tissue - Science Nation

The video explores innovative research where spinach leaves inspire the development of heart tissue due to their vascular pattern. Graduate student Josh Gershlach exemplifies an innovator's mindset by making connections between seemingly unrelated ideas. Supported by the National Science Foundation, Worcester Polytechnic Institute trains PhD students to be both scientists and entrepreneurs, integrating business and creativity into technical courses. The program focuses on developing methods for stem cell delivery to failing hearts and prepares students for careers in private industry. The bioengineering team prioritizes heart function regeneration and adapts to changing times by fostering innovation. The spinach leaf serves as a scaffold for growing vascularized tissue, potentially reaching clinically relevant sizes.

What inspired Josh Gershlach to turn spinach into heart tissue?

How does the program at Worcester Polytechnic Institute aim to prepare PhD students?

What is the significance of teaching entrepreneurship to scientist engineers?

In what ways does the training differ from conventional methods for students?

What are the potential applications of using spinach leaves in tissue engineering?