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A simple message helps keep stem cell donors on track

Researchers from the University of Osaka found that adding a sentence about limited donor compatibility increased donors' willingness to progress through pre-donation testing. This simple message resulted in a 7.3% increase in donor completion rates, offsetting nearly half of projected donor declines.

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalJournal of Economic Behavior & Organization·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 1, 2026

Physical exercise may improve stem cell donation

A pilot study suggests that physical exercise can support stem cell donation by releasing specific types of blood stem cells into the bloodstream. The exercise stimulus increases stem cell numbers only moderately, but may offer a more targeted approach than medication.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalEuropean Journal of Applied Physiology·DateMay 11, 2026

Beyond cell death: The hidden drivers of stem cell aging

A recent study reveals that MLKL activation causes direct damage to mitochondria, impairing energy production and leading to functional decline in hematopoietic stem cells. In contrast, deletion or inhibition of MLKL significantly alleviates these defects, suggesting a post-transcriptional mechanism driving HSC aging.

SourceThe Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 16, 2026

Study: New protocol for Treg expansion uses targeted immunotherapy to reduce transplant complications

A new protocol for Treg expansion uses targeted immunotherapy to reduce transplant complications, boosting survival rates while preserving anti-cancer immunity. The protocol, led by Robert Levy, uses TL1A-Ig fusion protein and low-dose IL-2 to stimulate specific receptors on Tregs, promoting a safer environment for stem cell transplants.

Rejuvenating the blood: A new pharmacological strategy targeting RhoA in haematopoietic stem cells

Researchers develop ex vivo treatment of blood stem cells with Rhosin, a RhoA inhibitor, to rejuvenate them and improve the production of healthy blood cells. This strategy targets the core of the ageing process, making blood stem cells more capable of regenerating and producing new healthy blood cells.

SourceIDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute·JournalNature Aging·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2025

New lab-grown human embryo model produces blood cells

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a new lab-grown human embryo model that replicates early human development, including the production of blood stem cells. The 'hematoids' model mimics the natural developmental process, offering potential medical advances in screening drugs and studying blood disorders.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2025

Assessing blood stem cell quality by analyzing cell behavior in real time

A study from The University of Tokyo predicts HSC quality based on real-time cellular behavior using advanced imaging technology and machine learning. The researchers discovered previously hidden diversity within HSC populations and found that kinetic features could predict the expression levels of a key gene related to 'stemness'.

SourceThe Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2025

Britta Will, Ph.D., named director of Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine at Albert Einstein College of Medicine

Dr. Britta Will has been appointed as the permanent director of the Ruth L. and David S. Gottesman Institute, succeeding Ulrich Steidl. Her research focuses on restoring blood regeneration in older adults and those with cancer. She aims to advance fundamental research into stem cell function and tissue regeneration to combat chronic de...

Selenoproteins: The fountain of youth?

Researchers from Osaka University found that selenoproteins are essential for counteracting lipid peroxides and maintaining hematopoiesis in human cells. The study also showed that dietary Vitamin E can protect hematopoiesis and repair impaired B cell differentiation, providing potential strategies for fighting age-related diseases.

SourceOsaka University·JournalBlood·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 3, 2025

Borrowing nature’s blueprint: How scientists replicated bone marrow

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science have developed a platform that emulates human marrow's native environment. The device, called a bone marrow-on-a-chip, generates functional human blood cells and models the immune system's response to infections, paving the way for advanced drug dev...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalCell Stem Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 30, 2025

'Black box' of stem cell transplants opened in world-first blood study

Researchers tracked the long-term dynamics of transplanted stem cells in patients' bodies up to three decades post-transplant. They found that younger donors produce more vital stem cells, while older donors experience reduced immunity and higher relapse risk. The study provides new insights into donor selection and transplant success.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateOct 30, 2024

Kumamoto University scientists achieve successful reproduction of hematopoietic stem cell developmental process in an in vitro culture system

Researchers at Kumamoto University have achieved a groundbreaking advancement in stem cell biology by reproducing the developmental process of hematopoietic stem cells in vitro. This culture system enhances our understanding of HSC development and has the potential to be instrumental in stem cell therapy and blood disease treatments.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2024

USC’s Rong Lu and Caltech’s Michael B. Elowitz win the NIH Director’s Transformative Research Award for their new approach to study blood and immune cell production in bone marrow

Researchers from USC and Caltech develop a new method to study hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells within the bone marrow without extracting them. This breakthrough could inform efforts to optimize bone marrow transplantation and provide insights into various health conditions, including cancer and heart disease.

Pausing biological clock could give boost to lab-produced blood stem cells

Researchers at Iowa State University have discovered a potential breakthrough in producing lab-grown blood stem cells by pausing the initial activation of inflammatory signals. This allows for the production of hundreds of functional stem cells, which could replace bone marrow transplants for blood disorders such as leukemia and anemia.

SourceIowa State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2024

Blood stem cell breakthrough could transform bone marrow transplants

Melbourne researchers have developed a breakthrough in creating lab-grown human blood stem cells, which can be used to treat childhood blood disorders. The cells closely mimic those found in the human embryo and can create specific matched blood cells for transplantation, reducing complications and addressing donor shortages.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 2, 2024

Novel drug application shows improved survival for patients with relapsed and refractory acute myeloid leukemia

A novel strategy using venetoclax and azacitidine demonstrates significant anti-cancer effect with mild toxicity for relapsed/refractory AML patients. The treatment showed markedly better survival rates after one year compared to a control group, with improved 'graft-versus-leukemia effects' via alterations of immune cells.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalBlood Cancer Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJul 18, 2024

New study finds cell donor’s socioeconomic status shapes cancer treatment outcomes

A new study published in PNAS reveals that cancer patients who receive hematopoietic cell transplants from donors with lower socioeconomic status experience reduced overall survival and increased transplant-related mortality. The research highlights the profound impact of social inequality on health outcomes, particularly in cancer care.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 17, 2024

Scientists create first mouse model with complete, functional human immune system

Researchers have developed a humanized mouse model with a fully functional human immune system, enabling the study of immunotherapy development, disease modeling, and vaccine development. The new model, called TruHuX, mounts specific antibody responses and can develop full-fledged systemic lupus autoimmunity.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 5, 2024

Editorial: Genomics has more to reveal

A new editorial paper discusses molecular and cytogenetic analyses used to identify distinct subtypes of acute myeloid leukemias (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Researchers found that around 15% of AML cases remain genetically unclassifiable, emphasizing the need for further research.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 2, 2024

How old is your bone marrow?

A study published in Blood reveals that hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow of genetically identical middle-aged mice aged differently. The team found that subtle changes in the bone marrow microenvironment and two growth factors, Kitl and Igf1, correlated with age-associated molecular programs in the stem cells.

SourceJackson Laboratory·JournalBlood·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 21, 2024

Pilot study in JNCCN explores new approach for reducing anxiety and improving quality of life after stem cell transplantation

Researchers developed a nine-week, phone-delivered positive psychology program called PATH to improve psychological well-being in blood cancer patients. The intervention had promising effects on patient-reported outcomes, with high participation and completion rates.

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·DateJun 11, 2024

Understanding a broken heart

A new study reveals that heart failure leaves a 'stress memory' in hematopoietic stem cells, which can lead to recurrent heart failure and other health issues. The researchers propose improving TGF-β levels as a new avenue for treating recurrent heart failure.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScience Immunology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 24, 2024

Uncovering the secret of long-lived stem cells

A team at Baylor College of Medicine found that cyclophilin A helps HSCs retain their regenerative potential by supporting proteins with intrinsically disordered regions. This mechanism may contribute to the longevity of HSCs, which can maintain a relatively youthful profile throughout an organism's life.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2024

Evidence of a pan-tissue decline in stemness during human aging

Researchers found that ~60% of tissues exhibit a significant negative correlation between age and stemness score, indicating a pan-tissue decline in stemness. This study adds weight to the idea that stem cell deterioration contributes to human aging, with hematopoietic stem cells from older individuals showing higher stemness scores.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeObservational study·DateApr 16, 2024

Chinese Medical Journal Review highlights novel pathogenic mechanisms and therapeutic potentials in cancer treatment targeting internal N6-methyladenosine and N7-methylguanine

Researchers highlight the role of post-transcriptional RNA modifications in AML pathogenesis, identifying m6A and m7G regulators as potential therapeutic targets. Targeted therapies, including selective inhibitors and Traditional Chinese Medicine compounds, show promise in promoting cell differentiation and reversing AML phenotypes.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 10, 2024