Dr. Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz: Photo courtesy Caltech Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) have transformed our understanding of biology and development. These remarkable cells can become every cell type in the human body. That ability makes them an invaluable tool for studying disease, testing therapies, and exploring how life begins. Yet researchers face important limitations when working … Continue reading Researchers Create Embryo-Like Structures Using Stem Cells
Month: September 2021
Training a diverse group of future scientists
Students in CIRM's Bridges program showing posters of their work If you have read the headlines lately, you’ll know that the COVID-19 pandemic is having a huge impact on the shipping industry. Container vessels are forced to sit out at anchor for a week or more because there just aren’t enough dock workers to unload … Continue reading Training a diverse group of future scientists
A new approach to a deadly childhood cancer
Cancers of the blood, bone marrow, and lymph nodes—also called hematologic malignancies—are the most common cancers in children and young adults. Current treatments can be effective but often carry serious, sometimes life‑threatening risks. Now, Stanford researchers have developed a new approach, and the CIRM Board voted to support it in a clinical trial. The Board … Continue reading A new approach to a deadly childhood cancer
Researchers Identify a Possible Way to Rejuvenate Aging Bones
Broken bones Aging affects nearly every part of the body, including our bones. As people age, bones become thinner, weaker, and more prone to fractures. Recovery also takes longer, making broken bones a serious health concern for many older adults. Now, researchers in Germany have uncovered clues about why bones lose strength with age. Their … Continue reading Researchers Identify a Possible Way to Rejuvenate Aging Bones
Alzheimer’s research needs to better reflect the communities it serves
A National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases clinical trial admissions coordinator collects information from a volunteer to create a medical record. Credit: NIAID Alzheimer's disease has received significant attention in recent years, particularly following debates over new treatments and how best to use them. Yet another challenge continues to receive far less attention: many … Continue reading Alzheimer’s research needs to better reflect the communities it serves
New Gene Therapy Approach Could Improve Treatment for Muscle Diseases
Credit : Allison Dougherty, Broad Communications For Sharif Tabebordbar, the search for better treatments for genetic muscle diseases is deeply personal. As a teenager, he watched his father develop a rare inherited muscle disorder. Over time, the disease progressed until his father could no longer walk. That experience inspired Tabebordbar to pursue a career in … Continue reading New Gene Therapy Approach Could Improve Treatment for Muscle Diseases
Researchers develop smaller CRISPR tool for gene editing
Developing new tools to edit genes Having the right tool for the job matters. In gene editing, size can make a big difference. Scientists often rely on CRISPR technology to edit genes and correct disease-causing mutations. The approach has transformed biomedical research and is advancing new therapies for a wide range of diseases. However, one … Continue reading Researchers develop smaller CRISPR tool for gene editing
Mother and daughter team up to fight bias and discrimination in treatment for people with sickle cell disease
Adrienne Shapiro and Marissa Cors share more than a family bond. They share a mission. Together, they have become powerful advocates for people living with sickle cell disease (SCD). They work to improve care, raise awareness, and ensure patients receive the respect they deserve. Turning Personal Experience Into Advocacy Marissa was born with sickle cell … Continue reading Mother and daughter team up to fight bias and discrimination in treatment for people with sickle cell disease
National Academy of Medicine honors CIRM Grantees
As someone who doesn’t always send birthday cards on time, I’m used to offering belated congratulations. So I have no shame in sending them now to four CIRM grantees elected to the National Academy of Medicine in 2020. I say four, but it’s really three and a half. I’ll explain why in a moment. Being … Continue reading National Academy of Medicine honors CIRM Grantees
Creating a better way to treat type 1 diabetes
LISTEN TO THIS BLOG AS AN AUDIOCAST ON SPOTIFY The cell encapsulation device (right) that is being developed by Encellin, a San Francisco–based biotechnology company. Photo courtesy of Encellin Type 1 diabetes (t1d) affects every aspect of a person’s life, from what they eat and when they eat, to when they exercise and how they feel … Continue reading Creating a better way to treat type 1 diabetes