The journal is seeking early-career scientists to serve on its editorial team, providing hands-on experience and mentorship. Selected members will play an active role in shaping the journal's scientific vision and community engagement.
The International Society for Stem Cell Research published its most downloaded papers of 2025, reflecting the field's scientific range from pluripotency to regenerative medicine. The journal's mission is to publish rigorous, transparent, and consequential science advancing discovery while informing clinical translation.
Researchers have compiled a comprehensive list of 166 human pluripotent stem cell lines available for clinical applications, guiding researchers and developers in selecting optimal cell lines. The study aims to drive hPSC-derived products towards the clinic, addressing a knowledge gap in off-the-shelf product development.
Dry eye disease affects 5-15% of people, causing symptoms like redness and burning sensation. Researchers generated human tear gland organoids from stem cells to understand the connection between DED and autophagy. They found that disabling autophagy led to cellular disruption, reduced tear protein secretion, and increased cell death.
A novel approach to chronic pain management uses induced pluripotent stem cell-derived peripheral pain-sensing neurons to treat osteoarthritis joint pain. The therapy, SN101, sequesters inflammatory pain factors without transmitting pain signals, preserving joint tissues and relieving chronic pain.
The ISSCR symposium highlights new clinical trial results and emerging technologies advancing PSC-derived cell therapies. Key findings include breakthrough approaches for treating drug-resistant epilepsy and geographic atrophy, as well as durable remission in type 1 diabetes.
A new retinal organoid platform has identified biomarkers for Leber Congenital Amaurosis (LCA) and allows for genetic testing of patients. The platform uses small 3D structures of retinal cells to classify variants of uncertain significance in LCA genes.
The ISSCR, SDB, and the Allen Institute are hosting a three-day scientific symposium featuring early-career scientists, focusing on cross-disciplinary exchange and amplifying emerging leaders in developmental biology and stem cell science. Confirmed topics include data analysis, model systems, spatial awareness, and cell fates.
Researchers at Kyoto University create a method to produce platelet-producing cells from stem cells, offering an unlimited supply of patient-derived platelets. Monitoring KAT7 levels can help ensure efficient and consistent platelet manufacturing.
Researchers successfully converted human stomach cells into insulin-secreting cells in mice, helping to control blood sugar levels and alleviate diabetes. The approach could potentially be used to treat patients with lost or dysfunctional pancreatic beta cells.
The ISSCR and SCN are partnering to develop a global conversation on workforce development in regenerative medicine, examining current challenges and identifying skills gaps. The joint initiative aims to build the talent required for continued discovery and innovation in the field.
The International Society for Stem Cell Research invites you to celebrate 20 years of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) discovery and chart its future. The symposium features keynote speakers, featured sessions, and presentations on cutting-edge research.
Researchers from Kyoto University have found that immature oligodendrocyte progenitor cells can switch fate to restore blood flow after stroke. These low-oxygen-conditioned OPCs migrate to the stroke region and survive, promoting new blood vessel formation and partially restoring brain function.
The ISSCR 2026 Annual Meeting will bring together academic and industry leaders to explore advances in stem cell science and regenerative medicine. Scientists can submit abstracts by February 25, 2026, for oral presentations and Travel and Merit Awards.
The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) has released a comprehensive guide to accelerate the translation of human pluripotent stem cell-derived therapies into clinical trials and commercial use. The guidance outlines key principles and decision points for developing safe, effective, and regulatory-compliant products.
The journal has appointed 13 distinguished researchers from around the world to expand its representation across stem cell science disciplines. The new Editorial Board members include experts in basic biology, translational research, clinical application, and ethical considerations.
Researchers have discovered that APOL1 mutations impair mitochondrial function in podocytes, leading to impaired kidney filtering. This finding could explain why inflammation triggers the onset of AMKD in patients, paving the way for targeted treatments.
Research with human fetal tissue has been instrumental in advancing biomedicine and saving millions of lives. The ISSCR asserts that this work is essential for understanding human development, infertility, and diseases like diabetes and neurodegenerative disorders.
The ISSCR and NCOB will conduct an international horizon scan on stem cell research, gathering insights into the field's future and its ethical implications. The analysis will inform the ISSCR Guidelines and support researchers, clinicians, and regulators worldwide.
The ISSCR will host its 2028 Annual Meeting in Copenhagen, Denmark, bringing together researchers, clinicians, industry leaders, and policymakers from over 80 countries. The event will support new frontiers in stem cell science and regenerative medicine, fostering global collaboration and discovery of cutting-edge scientific advances.
Early-life changes in fAD brain cells have been identified using stem cell-derived brain organoids, revealing key features of Alzheimer's disease. Treatment with Thymosin beta 4 has shown promise in reversing AD-specific changes.
The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) and STEMCELL Technologies have partnered to develop a free, on-demand course on the ISSCR Standards for Human Stem Cell Use in Research. The course will provide practical guidance on applying the standards to enhance rigor and reproducibility in human stem cell research worldwide.
The ISSCR has released an updated set of guidelines for stem cell research and clinical translation, incorporating advances in human stem cell-based embryo models. The new guidelines aim to provide clear guidance on the development and application of these innovative models.
Researchers have generated a first large-scale stem cell bank from over 100 individuals with extreme Alzheimer's disease risk. This new resource, called iPSC Platform to Model Alzheimer’s disease Risk (IPMAR), will facilitate studies on the impact of genetic variants in cellular models of AD.
The International Society for Stem Cell Research has selected five distinguished early career scientists to serve as Early Career Editors for Stem Cell Reports. The new editors bring expertise in cell differentiation, tissue engineering, and precision therapies to the journal.
Hideyuki Okano has been elected President of the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR), an organization dedicated to promoting excellence in stem cell science. He will champion inclusive excellence, advance discovery, and ensure that the transformative promise of stem cell science benefits the world.
A recent study published in Stem Cell Reports found that microgravity accelerates skeletal muscle degeneration, leading to a decline in muscle strength and protein content. The researchers used an ISS lab-on-chip model to simulate ageing-related muscle loss and discovered that electrical stimulation can mitigate these changes.
Researchers have created 'spinal cord-like' microtissues from stem cells to study ALS-linked neuroinflammation. These microtissues, derived from ALS patients and healthy donors, exhibit distinct inflammatory responses, enabling the testing of FDA-approved drugs for personalized treatment approaches.
The ISSCR Embryo Models Working Group has released updated recommendations for the oversight and regulation of SCBEMs. The proposed guidelines aim to balance scientific progress with ethical, legal, and social considerations.
The ISSCR has launched a comprehensive online course on stem cell medicine, covering topics from basic biology to clinical applications and patient communication. The course aims to equip clinicians with the information necessary for informed, responsible patient care amid growing demand for evidence-based expert-led education.
The ISSCR has assembled an international consortium to support the adoption of human stem cell-derived disease models for drug discovery and development. This initiative aims to reduce R&D costs and accelerate therapy development, aligning with efforts by regulatory bodies such as the FDA, NIH, and European Commission.
Researchers have discovered that mature liver cells transform into immature states and divide rapidly in response to damaged tissue, a process similar to what occurs in human patients with drug-induced liver injury. This understanding could lead to more effective treatments for liver failure by targeting the regenerative program.
A study found that exercise improves the maturation of transplanted stem cells and their integration with host neurons in a rodent model of Parkinson's disease. This enhancement is attributed to increased secretion of beneficial proteins in exercising rats, promoting transplant survival and function.
Researchers developed a human alpha cell model from immature stem cells, closely resembling pancreas-derived cells. The stem cell-derived alpha cells responded to diabetic conditions with elevated glucagon secretion and dysregulation.
The ISSCR 2026 Annual Meeting will bring together global stem cell experts to discuss key scientific themes and applications. The meeting will take place at the Palais des congrès de Montréal from July 8-11, 2026.
The ISSCR has elected new Vice President, Treasurer, Clerk, and Directors to lead the organization. Fiona Doetsch, Lee Rubin, and Megan Munsie bring expertise in neural stem cells, iPSCs, and developmental biology to their new roles.
Alice Rossi, Angeliki Spathopoulou, and Gareth D. Chapman received the ISSCR Outstanding Poster Award for their innovative work on quiescent neural stem cells, neural stem/progenitor cell populations, and epigenetic dysregulation in Tatton-Brown-Rahman-Syndrome.
BaCell 3D conference to feature original research in organoids and regenerative medicine, published in Stem Cell Reports. The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) partners with Stem Cell Reports to promote discoveries with potential to transform regenerative medicine.
A new stem cell transplant treatment has shown promising results in clearing clinical safety hurdles for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration. The treatment involves removing abnormal blood vessels and transplanting stem cell-derived retinal cells to replace damaged or lost retinal cells.
Dr. Yonatan Stelzer has made significant contributions to understanding epigenetic mechanisms and embryonic development, challenging conventional knowledge with innovative approaches. His research aims to establish fully data-driven quantitative models of spatiotemporal processes in mammals.
Dr. Paola Arlotta's groundbreaking research on stem cell-derived brain organoids has redefined human brain development and neurological disease understanding. Her work provides access to the complexities of developing human brains, making her a deserving recipient of the ISSCR Momentum Award.
Dr. Gordon Keller's groundbreaking research on directed differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells has illuminated the path to transforming human health. His lab's world-first discovery and pioneering efforts have pushed the boundaries of what is possible, offering hope for regenerating heart, liver, and blood cells.
The ISSCR International Symposium will commemorate the 20th anniversary of iPSC discovery, highlighting breakthrough achievements and new research advances. The event aims to celebrate the transformative power of scientific curiosity and its potential to unlock cures for previously untreatable diseases.
The ISSCR has appointed Lizhong Liu, Kate MacDuffie, and Mubeen Goolam as the third cohort of Lawrence Goldstein Science Policy Fellows. The fellows will serve for three years and focus on science policy and advocacy work in regenerative medicine.
Stem Cell Reports, an open access journal of the International Society for Stem Cell Research, is seeking highly motivated early career scientists to join its Early Career Scientist Editorial Board. The selected members will have the opportunity to shape the journal's editorial direction and promote stem cell research.
Janet Rossant takes over as Editor-in-Chief of Stem Cell Reports, aiming to publish high-quality primary research articles and commentaries that shape the field of stem cell science. She brings extensive experience and scientific expertise to the position, previously serving as ISSCR President.
A new method has been developed to create motor neurons from stem cells taken directly from ALS patients, allowing for fast and individualized drug testing. The cultured ALS motor neurons had increased susceptibility to cell death, underscoring the utility of this system to identify potential drugs.
The ISSCR has developed a comprehensive Continuing Education (CE) course on stem cell-based therapies, covering fundamental biology, clinical trials, and patient communication. The open-access course aims to equip healthcare providers with accurate information, empowering them to navigate the complexities of this evolving field.
A recent study published in Stem Cell Reports has found that brief exposure to certain 'danger signals' can prime the body's innate immune system, leading to a long-term hyperreactive and inflammatory state. This mechanism can help fight infections but also increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Researchers found Edaravone inhibits growth of brain tumor stem cells and prolongs survival in mice with glioblastoma. The study suggests repurposing Edaravone as a potential treatment for this aggressive brain cancer.