Welcome to Episode three of a very special mini series of the Pint of Science podcast, in collaboration with Aston University. Over the next four episodes, we're meeting with a few of the leading lights of research at the university – some you may know if you've been to a Pint of Science talk, and some you may not. We'll be talking about their research, what makes them tick, how they are changing the world for the better and pushing the boundaries of the understanding of humankind... You know, the day to day stuff. If you're listening to this and you're maybe inspired to learn more about these scientists' fields or STEM courses in general, head to www.aston.ac.uk for more information. In this episode, we’re meeting Dr Eric Hill, senior lecturer and member of Aston University’s Biosciences Research Group. Eric does something pretty remarkable sounding on a day to day basis –he 3D prints brains. Not the whole thing, but his team uses very sensitive 3D printers and stem cell technology to implant neurons and other brain cells in order to create working models of parts of the brain, which they use to study the cause and effects of early onset Alzheimer’s and other terrible degenerative conditions. It’s an incredible technology which could have wide-reaching effects on diagnosis and scientific research. We’re also going to be talking about the incredible experience of growing your first beating heart cells in a dish, and the future of stem cell therapies and possible treatments for everything from epilepsy to heart failure in years to come. Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | Stitcher | Apple The Pint of Science podcast is a part of the Pint of Science Festival, the world's largest science communication festival. Thousands of guests and speakers descend on pubs in hundreds of cities worldwide to introduce science in a fun, engaging, and usually pint-fuelled way. This year, Pint of Science is going live online! We will be going digital on the evenings of 7-9th September with a great selection and variety of online Pint of Science events.  You can donate and help Pint of Science through these incredibly challenging times. For obvious public health reasons, we are recording remotely at the moment - but we hope to be back in the pub very soon (and very safely).