Stem cells used to look at how COVID-19 attacks heart muscle

Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (heart cells) shown in green and blue, are infected by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (red). Image provided by Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute. There is still a lot that we don't understand about SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), the new coronavirus that has caused a worldwide pandemic. Some patients that … Continue reading Stem cells used to look at how COVID-19 attacks heart muscle

CIRM Highlights Industrial Alliance Program (IAP)

In the addition to the innovative scientists and clinicians who conceive and develop novel experimental therapies, it takes a village to drive a promising experimental therapy through phases of clinical trials, regulatory marketing approval, and commercialization before it becomes broadly accessible to patients with unmet medical needs. In this case, the village is the broader … Continue reading CIRM Highlights Industrial Alliance Program (IAP)

CIRM Board Approves Third Clinical Trial for COVID-19

Dr. Xiaokui Zhang (left), Dr. Albert Wong (center), and Dr. Preet Chaudhary (right) Today the governing Board of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) awarded $750,000 to Dr. Xiaokui Zhang at Celularity to conduct a clinical trial for the treatment of COVID-19.  This brings the total number of CIRM clinical trials to 64, including … Continue reading CIRM Board Approves Third Clinical Trial for COVID-19

Stem cells used to promote quick and precise bone healing

A close-up view of the intricate microarchitecture of the pluripotent stem-cell-derived extracellular matrix. Image Credit: Carl Gregory/Texas A&M Although some broken bones can be mended with the help of a cast, others require more complex treatments. Bone grafts, which can come from the patient's own body or a donor, are used to transplant bone tissue … Continue reading Stem cells used to promote quick and precise bone healing

Magnetized stem cells used to treat lung disease in mice

Magnetic targeting technique has emerged as a new strategy to aid delivery, increase retention, and enhance the effects of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) but, so far, has not been performed in lung diseases. With the aid of magnets, magnetized MSCs remained longer in the lungs, and this was associated with increased beneficial effects for the … Continue reading Magnetized stem cells used to treat lung disease in mice

CIRM Board Approves Two Additional COVID-19 Projects

Dr. Vaithilingaraja Arumugaswami (left) and Dr. Song Li (right), UCLA Today the governing Board of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) approved two additional projects as part of the $5 million in emergency funding for COVID-19 related projects. This brings the number of projects CIRM is supporting to 11, including two clinical trials. The Board awarded $349,999 … Continue reading CIRM Board Approves Two Additional COVID-19 Projects

The growth of virtual clinical trials during COVID-19

A participant in a virtual study run by the California firm Science 37 receives materials at home. Credit: Christian Alexander In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, there has been a desire to continue to conduct ongoing clinical trials while maintaining social distancing as much as possible. Clinical trial participants have been hesitant to attend … Continue reading The growth of virtual clinical trials during COVID-19

Researchers grow hairy skin from human stem cells

 Dr. Jiyoon Lee (left) and Dr. Karl Koehler (right), Indiana University School of Medicine For years the idea of being able to regrow hair has been the domain of cheesy, middle-of-the-night TV infomercials. Now two researchers may have found a way to actually make it happen, and their work could have implications far more important … Continue reading Researchers grow hairy skin from human stem cells

“Mini” human liver made of stem cells successfully transplanted in rats

Miniature liver made from human skin cells turned stem cells turned specialized liver cells Photo Credit: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine According to the American Liver Foundation website, almost 14,000 patients are on the waiting list for a liver transplant. But what if there was a way to generate a liver using your own … Continue reading “Mini” human liver made of stem cells successfully transplanted in rats

Stem Cell Agency Board Approves Three More Projects Targeting COVID-19

Dr. Jianhua Yu (left), Dr. Helen Blau (center), and Dr. Albert Wong (right) The COVID-19 virus targets many different parts of the body, often with deadly or life-threatening consequences. This past Friday the governing Board of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) approved investments in three early-stage research programs taking different approaches to battling … Continue reading Stem Cell Agency Board Approves Three More Projects Targeting COVID-19