Research on stem cells and regenerative medicine. Covers engineered T cells, scalable manufacturing, blood-cancer research, and stem-cell training programs.
Dr. Zon's pioneering research has illuminated how blood develops in embryos, leading to a deeper understanding of rare blood diseases, including pregnancy complications. His discoveries have also led to breakthrough treatments for genetic blood disorders affecting babies and children.
Researchers have explored how human mesenchymal stem cells can help repair brain injury in children born preterm. The PREMSTEM project has investigated the use of h-MSCs to address brain injury caused by early-life birth, with promising results showing a positive impact on brain damage and inflammation.
Aviv Regev, a pioneering computational biologist, will deliver a keynote address on tissue stem cells at the ISSCR 2026 Annual Meeting. Her work has transformed our understanding of cell and tissue function in health and disease.
Researchers at City of Hope have made significant breakthroughs in cancer treatment, immune system regulation and early disease detection. A study found that subtle RNA changes can shape cancer behavior, opening new avenues for precision oncology. In contrast, combining immunotherapy with chemoradiation did not improve survival rates f...
An international working group has been appointed to advance the Global Workforce Development in Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine Initiative, a collaboration between ISSCR and Canada's Stem Cell Network. The initiative aims to strengthen workforce development and ensure the field of regenerative medicine delivers meaningful...
The journal welcomes Bo Shen, Ph.D., and Luca Peruzzotti-Jametti, M.D., Ph.D. as Early Career Editors, bringing complementary strengths in stem cell niche biology and metabolism to the editorial board. Their perspectives will help ensure rigorous peer review, relevance, and global engagement.
The new NIH policy on research using human fetal tissue could undermine the development of life-saving therapies for various diseases. The ISSCR urges NIH to reconsider its decision and engage constructively with the scientific community to support biomedical research.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers have found that patients with blood cancers can safely receive stem cell transplants from mismatched, unrelated donors using a protective regimen. The study's findings could make transplants accessible to nearly all patients with blood cancers, regardless of ancestry.
Researchers found that the tenascin-C protein promotes a thriving community of functional muscle stem cells needed for efficient muscle regeneration. Aging reduces skeletal muscle regeneration due to lower levels of TnC and impaired muscle stem cell function.
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.
A recent study found that young donors (18-35 years old) with minor HLA differences can provide better survival rates and outcomes compared to older sibling donors. Additionally, gender and CMV status also play a role in donor selection.
Dr. Tara O. Henderson is the recipient of the 2026 Norman J. Siegel New Member Outstanding Science Award, recognizing her groundbreaking research and dedication to improving outcomes for children with cancer. She has established a distinguished record as a mentor and educator, shaping the careers of numerous physicians and scientists i...
Researchers used human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived kidney organoids to model nephronophthisis, revealing the Hippo signaling pathway's role in fibrosis. Inhibiting this pathway with drugs like verteporfin shows promise as a treatment option.
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.
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.
A clinical trial published by The BMJ raised concerns over data irregularities, age criteria violations, and undeclared conflicts of interest. The BMJ has placed an expression of concern on the paper and will investigate fully with institutions and regulatory authorities as necessary.
Scientists at The University of Osaka developed a novel hydrogel that supports the efficient 3D culture of human induced pluripotent stem cells. This new material combines the properties of fibrin and laminin-511, creating a potent, xeno-free scaffold with strong cell adhesion.
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.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes discover a gene called HMGN1 that disrupts DNA packaging and regulation, leading to heart malformations in people with Down syndrome. Removing the extra copy of HMGN1 from mice with Down syndrome prevents heart defects, paving the way for potential treatments.
The acquisition unifies genetics and stem cell research expertise to accelerate discovery and translate science into therapies. Researchers will gain access to advanced platforms, including the NYSCF Global Stem Cell Array, to study disease mechanisms and test treatments.
Researchers at UIC discovered that platelet factor 4 helps regulate hematopoietic stem cell division and proliferation. Adding the protein to old blood cells reversed signs of aging in mice and human stem cells, suggesting a promising therapeutic target for preventing or improving age-related disorders.
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 ASAP study found that transplantation as soon as possible does not provide a survival advantage over remission induction, but reduces hospital stays and chemotherapy exposure. Age and AML genetics are the most important risk factors influencing survival.
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.
Scientists successfully derive and maintain self-renewing and pluripotent ESCs from chickens and seven other bird species using a growing medium of egg yolk. The study holds promise for applications in studying embryonic development, producing lab-grown poultry, and reviving endangered birds.
A USC Stem Cell-led team has successfully generated lab-grown kidney structures, or organoids, that exhibit kidney-like functions such as blood filtration and urine production. The 'assembloids' achieved maturity levels comparable to newborn mouse kidneys, paving the way for developing new therapies for patients awaiting transplant.
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 DKMS John Hansen Research Grant is supporting innovative research projects in blood cancer therapy, aiming to improve treatment outcomes. The grant, worth almost €1 million, will support young scientists with a focus on transplant immunology and novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
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.
A new study has found that TAF1 operates as a key molecular switch in adult hematopoietic stem cell maintenance and lineage commitment. This discovery challenges prevailing models of gene regulation and has the potential to lead to new therapeutic strategies targeting the molecule, which could improve blood production and transplantation.
A new route of delivering gene therapy is being explored, potentially reducing invasiveness and increasing accessibility. Researchers will test a novel approach on non-human primates, aiming to expand access to office-based treatments.
Researchers at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem have found that mesenchymal stem cell secretions can help protect mammary cells from stress while increasing milk fat production. This breakthrough could lead to healthier cows and richer, creamier milk without the need for additives or heavy processing.
Researchers have developed novel three-dimensional liver organoids using bile acids, which retain hepatocyte-like features and can be sustained in long-term cultures. These organoids demonstrate a unique gene expression profile similar to fetal hepatocytes and support replication of hepatitis viruses.
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.
Professor Eran Meshorer's groundbreaking research in epigenetics and stem cell biology has uncovered critical insights into chromatin structure and gene expression. His work has broad implications for regenerative medicine, developmental biology, and understanding neurological disorders.
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.
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...
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.
A new gene therapy has successfully restored immune function in nine children with severe leukocyte adhesion deficiency-I (LAD-I), a rare genetic disorder. The treatment has eliminated symptoms and reduced severe infections, offering a life-changing benefit to these patients.
Dr. Ulrich Steidl, a leading expert in blood diseases, has been elected to the Association of American Physicians for his groundbreaking research on myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukemia. His work seeks to understand the characteristics of pre-leukemic stem cells and develop drugs to interrupt their progression.
A highly sensitive bone marrow test has shown to double survival rates for patients with AML mutations in NPM1 and FLT3 genes, allowing for early detection of potential relapse. This trial indicates that regular molecular testing can improve long-term survival rates by restarting treatment earlier.