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Beyond cell transplants: The next frontier in mesenchymal stem/stromal cell therapy and regenerative medicine

A comprehensive review reveals that Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells (MSCs) function as master regulators of the body's internal microenvironment, driving tissue regeneration through immunomodulatory and paracrine properties. MSCs can sense changes in the host microenvironment in real-time and adjust their regulatory phenotypes and secre...

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 24, 2026

Turning scar-forming cells into neurons helps restore movement after spinal cord injury

Researchers developed a gene-delivery system that converts reactive astrocytes into functional neurons, improving motor recovery in mice and rats. The system, TRANsCre-DIONE, selectively targets scar-forming cells and reprograms them into neurons, which generate nerve impulses and receive signals from other neurons.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalExperimental & Molecular Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 23, 2026

Beyond plastic: A new culture membrane mimics the native intestinal environment

Researchers developed a new culture membrane that recreates the biochemical composition and soft physical environment of native intestinal tissue, enhancing intestinal cell growth and behavior. The membrane, combined with human colon organoid-derived epithelial cells, exhibited increased characteristics associated with intestinal stem ...

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·DateSep 14, 2026

Aging blocks the retina's ability to regrow lost neurons, a first-of-its-kind Upstate study finds

A new study found that aging significantly limits the ability of support cells in the retina to be reprogrammed into new neurons, a discovery that has important implications for the future of regenerative medicine. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, also found that inflammation and decreased ce...

SourceState University of New York Upstate Medical University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 2026

Bone healing is a team effort, study finds

Researchers discovered that β1 integrin and DDR2 form a cooperative collagen-sensing system in skeletal progenitor cells, regulating their migration, proliferation, and differentiation during bone regeneration. Targeting both receptors may provide a more effective strategy for enhancing bone repair in degenerative or injury-related ske...

SourceEditorial Office of West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University·JournalInternational Journal of Oral Science·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 8, 2026

Japanese scientists develop heart-in-a-dish model of heart relaxation failure

Researchers have developed a human engineered heart tissue model of diastolic heart failure, enabling treatment testing with SGLT2 inhibitors, which partially prevented disease development. The model demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects of SGLT2i, improving ion exchanger function and preventing accumulation of ions in tissues.

SourceFujita Health University·JournalCell Stem Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 2, 2026

Pusan National University develops injectable microgels for targeted keloid radiotherapy

Researchers from Pusan National University developed an injectable system to deliver radiation directly within keloid tissue, providing a minimally invasive approach to treat abnormal scars. The microgels enabled rapid and efficient radiolabeling, and therapeutic efficacy was demonstrated in mice carrying patient-derived keloid tissue.

SourcePusan National University·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 27, 2026

From plants to bones: Researchers develop sustainable material that could help the body rebuild itself

A new study reveals that lignin can be transformed into a bioactive material that promotes the formation of bone-like minerals while supporting the growth of bone-forming cells. The material also degrades gradually under physiological conditions, making it suitable for scaffolds intended to be replaced by newly formed bone during healing.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 27, 2026

Hidden cell network offers new clues to intestinal healing and disease

Researchers have discovered a hidden network of specialized mesenchymal support cells in the intestine that work together to maintain its inner lining. The study found four distinct populations of cells with unique genetic programs, each occupying specific locations and influencing stem cell activity and immune responses.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalCellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 20, 2026

Aging-linked cells emerge as unexpected allies in tendon healing

Recent studies suggest that p16INK4a+ cells, previously thought to be non-beneficial due to their association with aging, actually contribute to tendon regeneration. These mesenchymal cells produce collagen and factors promoting new blood vessel and nerve growth, crucial for normal tendon function.

SourceEditorial Office of West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University·JournalBone Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 3, 2026

Scientists uncover key protein that helps build and strengthen bone

Researchers found that CAR3 coordinates bone formation and regeneration by forming a molecular complex with collagen type I alpha 1 and recruiting bone sialoprotein. The study identified CAR3 as a previously unrecognized regulator of osteoblast differentiation, highlighting its potential for treating bone disorders.

SourceEditorial Office of West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University·JournalInternational Journal of Oral Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2026

Developing clinical-grade intestinal organoids for regenerative medicine applications

Researchers at Institute of Science Tokyo have developed a novel culture system to produce stable, scalable, and low-cost clinical-grade intestinal organoids from patient biopsy samples. The innovative approach uses clinical-grade collagen and synthetic peptides to enhance growth and improve scalability.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalStem Cell Research & Therapy·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2026

Video game stroke rehab restores arm movement in chronic stroke survivors

A new study from Northwestern University developed a customized video game to help chronic stroke survivors regain lost arm function. After six weeks of therapy, participants showed significant improvement in arm function and daily activities, with scores improving up to 7.8 times that of the control group.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNeurorehabilitation and Neural Repair·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 9, 2026

Senolytic drug combination delays early intervertebral disc degeneration in mice

Researchers developed a senolytic therapy using dasatinib and quercetin, which preserved disc structure and reduced inflammation, highlighting JUN signaling as a key pathway. This preclinical study provides evidence for a potential therapeutic strategy to slow disease progression in individuals with genetic susceptibility.

SourceEditorial Office of West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University·JournalBone Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 25, 2026

Cincinnati scientists develop human gut organoids with functional nerves that can be mass produced

Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have developed a new method to produce large, functional human gut organoids with nerve cells, growing them twice as fast as previous methods. These organoids can now be used for patching damage or restoring diminished functions of the small intestine, stomach, or colon.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 22, 2026

Targeted therapy improves mobility in children with rare bone disorder

A phase 2 clinical trial found that burosumab safely restored normal phosphate levels and improved physical function in patients with severe fibrous dysplasia. Key findings include reduced pain, fatigue, and mobility impairment, as well as significant improvements in children's mobility and independence.

SourceEditorial Office of West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University·JournalBone Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 20, 2026

From silkworm to super material

Scientists at Tufts University and Imperial College London develop a new method to transform silk into high-performance solids that preserve its natural strength. The resulting material is remarkably tough and has exceptional properties similar to wood, while also being transparent to visible light.

SourceTufts University·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2026

New AI tool developed by Stowers Institute and Helmholtz Munich scientists predicts how cells choose their future — helping uncover hidden drivers of development

Researchers developed RegVelo, an AI framework that models cellular dynamics and gene regulation to predict cellular fate decisions. The model traces developmental trajectories and simulates regulatory interactions, providing insights into hidden drivers of development and potential therapeutic targets.

How immune cells spur repair of the heart

Macrophages are among the earliest responders to heart injury, activating an inflammatory program that helps kickstart regeneration. The researchers found that dampening this response specifically in macrophages promotes blood vessel growth and heart muscle cell proliferation, both essential for regeneration.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 6, 2026

Wild flatworms heal wounds

Researchers from Lund University successfully harnessed the regenerative capacity of Scandinavian flatworms to accelerate wound healing in human skin models. The study found that signalling molecules from flatworm exosomes increased skin thickness and improved wound healing rates, including accelerated blood vessel regeneration.

SourceLund University·JournalACS Omega·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2026

How a key regulatory protein guides cartilage formation during embryonic development

Researchers mapped how Sox9 guides cartilage formation in mouse embryonic limbs, finding that it dynamically targets different genes depending on developmental timing and cell type. The study provides a foundation for understanding skeletal development and may contribute to future research on bone and cartilage diseases.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournaliScience·TypeObservational study·DateApr 21, 2026

Giving a voice to vocal fold regeneration

A team of researchers from Kyoto University has identified multiple types of stromal and secretory cells in the larynx, revealing new insights into vocal fold regeneration. The study's findings provide potential stem cells for treating vocal cord dysfunction and other voice disorders.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 15, 2026

Scientists reverse brain aging, with a nasal spray

Researchers developed a nasal spray that reversibly reduces brain inflammation, restores cellular power plants, and improves memory. The treatment bypasses the brain's protective shield through intranasal delivery, suppressing chronic inflammation and promoting successful brain aging.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalJournal of Extracellular Vesicles·DateApr 14, 2026

Successful use of high-pressure freezing for cell cryopreservation

Researchers from the University of Tokyo successfully developed a high-pressure freezing method that reduces CPA concentration to 20-30% and improves cell viability and metabolic activity. The method holds promise for cryopreservation in regenerative medicine research, with potential applications in drug testing and cell transplantation.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2026

Uncovering the molecular mechanisms that drive cartilage-to-bone transition

Researchers developed in vitro and in vivo models to track cartilage-to-bone transition, identifying key signaling pathways and transcription factors involved. The study found that some cartilage cells can transition into bone-like cells, challenging the traditional view of bone cell origin.

SourceEditorial Office of West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University·JournalBone Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 20, 2026