Behind Our Science

Behind Our Science Podcast aims to close the gap in understanding the complex mechanisms driving disease formation and engage the general public and research advocates. We will engage the public by explaining the latest exciting biomedical innovations in simple terms free from jargon and emphasize the importance of supporting continued research in the biomedical sciences. We will explain the importance of how understanding fundamental mechanisms driving diseases provides a solid foundation for breakthroughs in scientific research.https://asippathways.com/behind-our-science/

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Behind Our Science

Episode 29- Organ-on-a-Chip: an afternoon with Dr. Lans Taylor

July 30, 2025 • Behind Our Science • Episode 29

Welcome to Behind Our Science! In Episode 29, we sit down with Dr. D. Lansing 'Lans' Taylor from the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Taylor is a renowned scientist, entrepreneur, and innovator whose pioneering work bridges academic discovery and biotech entrepreneurship. We hope you enjoy as Dr. Taylor shares his journey through decades of groundbreaking research and leadership across various sectors of biomedical science.

With the recent NIH focus on in vitro and organoid systems, we explore Dr. Taylor's work on biomimetic microphysiology systems (MPS), sophisticated “organs-on-chips” that function as personalized human organs to study drug development and effectiveness. By using MPS, Dr. Taylor aims to revolutionize drug discovery, precision medicine, and disease modeling by providing more accurate, human-relevant data compared to traditional cell culture or animal models.

Dr. Taylor also discusses his transitions between academia and industry, including founding multiple biotech companies and returning to academia to build interdisciplinary teams that focus on drug development using MPS and tackling complex diseases like cancer. He offers insights into the benefits of entrepreneurial thinking in academia, the hurdles of translating innovation, and the future of predictive, human-relevant preclinical models.

Whether you're interested in cutting-edge bioengineering, translational science, or navigating a career that spans the laboratory and the boardroom, this conversation delivers insight and practical wisdom from a leader who has experienced it all.

Stay curious!