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UCLA scientists receive CIRM grants to advance stem cell-based treatments for vision loss, infertility

Researchers aim to understand the conditions that determine the survival of transplanted retinal cells and develop more effective regenerative therapies for geographic atrophy. They also seek to uncover early mechanisms that contribute to infertility and create a more detailed blueprint for human germ cell development.

Boston Medical Center and Boston University researchers develop scalable method to generate key immune cells for cancer therapy

Researchers at Boston Medical Center and Boston University have developed a scalable method for generating CD4+ helper T cells from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), overcoming a longstanding challenge in the development of stem cell-based immunotherapies. This breakthrough could help advance efforts to create off-the-shelf CAR-T...

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateAug 27, 2026

UT Health San Antonio names NIH expert inaugural director of stem cell transplant and cellular therapy program

Dr. Georg Aue, a nationally recognized blood cancer expert, has been named the inaugural director of the Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy Program at UT Health San Antonio. The program aims to increase access to new therapeutic approaches for patients across South Texas, with a focus on clinical excellence, research innovation,...

Pediatric investigation study reveals subtle lung function differences before pediatric stem cell transplant

A new study found that children preparing for stem cell transplantation already have subtle respiratory abnormalities, including increased small-airway resistance and greater lung stiffness. These abnormalities are likely related to their underlying disease or previous therapies rather than the transplant itself.

SourcePediatric Investigation·JournalPediatric Investigation·TypeObservational study·DateAug 3, 2026

Scientists uncover how muscles preserve their repair cells

Scientists have discovered that TRF2, a protein previously known for protecting chromosome ends, plays a crucial role in preserving the identity of muscle stem cells and enabling their regenerative abilities. This new understanding may lead to the development of therapeutic strategies for muscular dystrophy and cancer research.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 31, 2026

The ISSCR recognizes Outstanding Poster Award Winners at the ISSCR 2026 Annual Meeting in Montreal

The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) has recognized five outstanding researchers for their innovative work on developmental biology, disease modeling, regenerative medicine, and functional genomics. The award winners were selected from over 1,300 scientific posters presented at the ISSCR 2026 Annual Meeting in Montr...

New first-in-human study presented at ISSCR 2026 explores immune-engineered cell therapy approach for type 1 diabetes

Researchers evaluate whether hypoimmune cell engineering can help transplanted insulin-producing cells survive without chronic immunosuppression. The study aims to develop a cell replacement approach that can function without chronic immunosuppression, providing a curative therapy for people with type 1 diabetes.

Data presented at ISSCR 2026 highlight progress toward personalized stem cell therapy for Parkinson’s disease

Researchers at ISSCR 2026 present interim clinical findings from the first Phase 1/2a trial of autologous iPSC-derived dopamine neuron precursor cells for Parkinson's disease. The approach uses each patient's own cells, and new genomic quality control methods ensure the manufactured cells are suitable for transplantation.

New data highlight off-the-shelf iPSC-derived CAR T-cell therapy for treatment-resistant systemic sclerosis

Early signs of clinical improvement have been observed in patients with treatment-resistant systemic sclerosis treated with investigational stem cell-derived CAR T-cell therapy, known as FT819. The therapy has demonstrated a reassuring safety profile and has the potential to expand access to patients who might otherwise face barriers t...

New clinical data presented at ISSCR 2026 demonstrate one-year survival of stem cell-derived neural progenitor cells in patients with retinitis pigmentosa

A Phase 1/2a clinical study demonstrates long-term survival of transplanted human neural progenitor cells in patients with retinitis pigmentosa, maintaining a favorable safety profile. Visual acuity remained stable, and imaging showed cells remaining present in the subretinal space for at least one year.

High fructose during pregnancy impairs stem cell function in the fetal brain

A recent study published in Stem Cell Reports found that prenatal high fructose exposure impairs fetal brain stem cell function, leading to long-lasting effects on learning and memory. The researchers discovered distinct epigenetic changes in fetal neural stem cells that persisted into adulthood, affecting gene expression and adult neu...

SourceInternational Society for Stem Cell Research·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateJul 2, 2026

Vascular organoid patches offer new hope for coronary artery disease treatment

Researchers have developed vascular organoid patches that can regenerate microvessels in the heart, leading to improved heart function and reduced progression of coronary artery disease. The patches were shown to survive for several weeks and stimulate new microvessel formation, providing a potential treatment for ischemic heart disease.

SourceInternational Society for Stem Cell Research·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateJul 2, 2026

Can scientists learn cells' language? UCLA-led team aims to decode cellular conversations

The project aims to systematically map how individual pairs of cells influence each other, with the goal of understanding cell-cell communication in health and disease. By characterizing the cellular dyad, scientists can determine which cell influenced which partner, when the interaction began and what changed as a result.

Electrical pulses reverse aging in sea squirts, offering clues for extending human longevity

Researchers at Stanford University found that electrical pulses can significantly extend the lifespan of sea squirts by rejuvenating their stem cells. The treatment causes a "reboot and rebound" of gene activity, similar to effects observed in humans after stress and exercise, leading to improved health and longevity.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 26, 2026

ISSCR Consortium urges FDA to maintain flexible, science-driven framework for new approach methodologies in drug development

The ISSCR Consortium supports the FDA's draft guidance on using new approach methodologies (NAMs) in drug development, emphasizing the need for a flexible and science-driven framework. The consortium recommends clarifying biological complexity alignment with context of use and expanding recognition of computational modeling and hybrid ...

Early human embryonic cells may be vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection

Researchers discovered that early-stage ectoderm cells are especially susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, with heightened vulnerability driven by elevated TMPRSS2 activity and thinner glycocalyx. This raises concerns about potential developmental risks, particularly for infants born to mothers infected during early pregnancy.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalFrontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 1, 2026

Natural component from licorice alleviates inflammatory bowel disease in stem cell-based model and in animals

A new study uses a human stem cell-derived model to identify potential therapies for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), highlighting glycyrrhizin as a promising candidate. Glycyrrhizin significantly prevents intestinal cell death in both stem cell models and mice with IBD, reducing inflammation and cell death.

SourceInternational Society for Stem Cell Research·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateApr 16, 2026

Progress in stem cell therapy for type 1 diabetes

Scientists at Karolinska Institutet have created a new method to produce insulin-producing cells from human stem cells, effectively regulating blood sugar levels in laboratory tests and reversing diabetes in mice. The optimized production process yields more mature and purer cells, demonstrating their potential for future treatments.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalStem Cell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 16, 2026

Embryo model ethics beyond box-checking

A proposed embedded ethics approach facilitates ethically responsible research with human stem-cell-based embryo models by integrating continuous dialogue among scientists, ethicists, and regulators. This framework helps build trust and serves as a public policy tool to ensure that research meets both scientific and societal values.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG)·JournalNature Cell Biology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateApr 9, 2026

Stem cell reports strengthens commitment to scientific rigor with new publication standards

The International Society for Stem Cell Research's official journal has implemented enhanced measures to strengthen scientific rigor and reproducibility in published research. New requirements include a completed ISSCR Standards Checklist shared with peer reviewers, ensuring critical experimental details are fully disclosed. All manusc...

SourceInternational Society for Stem Cell Research·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateApr 1, 2026

Global trial supported by SickKids stem cell research shows targeted heart drug reduces obstructive HCM in youth

A global clinical trial led by SickKids has found that mavacamten improves blood flow and reduces obstruction in youth with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a genetic heart disease. The study's results offer hope to families avoiding open-heart surgery, setting the stage for precision therapeutics.

SourceThe Hospital for Sick Children·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 29, 2026

Stem Cell Reports named official conference journal for “Latest Advances in Stem Cell-Based Disease Modelling and Drug Screening”

The International Society for Stem Cell Research has named Stem Cell Reports as the official conference journal for the Latest Advances in Stem Cell-Based Disease Modelling and Drug Screening meeting. The journal will focus on high-impact research spanning basic discovery to clinical translation in stem cell science.

The ISSCR honors stem cell COREdinates and CorEUstem with the 2026 ISSCR Public Service Award

Stem Cell COREdinates and CorEUstem have transformed the global infrastructure of pluripotent stem cell research by uniting 79 core facilities across continents to advance collaboration, rigor, inclusivity, and innovation. Their shared standards and protocols have strengthened reproducibility and ensured excellence in accessible for in...

The International Society for Stem Cell Research honors Dr. Allen Eaves and the late Dr. Connie Eaves with the 2026 ISSCR Lifetime Achievement Award

The International Society for Stem Cell Research has awarded the 2026 ISSCR Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Allen Eaves and late Dr. Connie Eaves, recognizing their groundbreaking work on blood stem cell biology, leukemia, and cancer stem cells. Their research and mentorship have profoundly influenced the field of stem cell science.