Jackie Ward, PhD. Photo courtesy of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke It's always fun to meet someone early in their career and watch them grow, evolve, and take on new challenges. I first met Jackie Ward when she received a training grant from CIRM while she studied for her PhD at the … Continue reading Jackie Ward, from our house to the White House
COVID-19
Using reengineered human skin cells to treat COVID-19
Investigators at Cedars-Sinai have identified a potential new COVID-19 therapy: a biologic substance created by reengineered human skin cells. Using reengineered skin cells In the study—co-funded by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM)—scientists found the substance stopped SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, from reproducing itself. The substance also protected infected cells when … Continue reading Using reengineered human skin cells to treat COVID-19
Could a common herb help in the fight against COVID-19 and other inflammatory diseases?
The culinary herb rosemary has been used to ease muscle pain, support immunity, and improve circulation. Now, scientists at Scripps Research have found evidence that a compound in rosemary may act as a two‑pronged weapon against SARS‑CoV‑2, the virus that causes COVID‑19. CIRM partly funded the research. Published in Antioxidants,, the study found that carnosic … Continue reading Could a common herb help in the fight against COVID-19 and other inflammatory diseases?
A New Model for Diversity in Scientific and Medical Research
Nature Cell Biology cover The global pandemic exposed deep inequities in our health care system and highlighted the need for more diversity in scientific and medical research. The virus hit communities of color the hardest. That in part prompted widespread calls for greater diversity at every level of research. New models for research A recently … Continue reading A New Model for Diversity in Scientific and Medical Research
Bridges Scholar Spotlight: Samira Alwahabi
THIS BLOG IS ALSO AVAILABLE AS AN AUDIO CAST For more than a decade, CIRM has funded a number of educational and research training programs to give students the opportunity to explore stem cell science. One such project, the Bridges to Stem Cell Research program, helps train future generation of scientists by preparing undergraduate and … Continue reading Bridges Scholar Spotlight: Samira Alwahabi
A look back at one year post Prop 14
State flag of California 2020 was, by any standards, a pretty wacky year. Pandemic. Political convulsions. And a huge amount of uncertainty about funding life-saving therapies at CIRM. Happily, all of that turned out OK. We got vaccines to take care of COVID. The election was won fair and square (seriously). Proposition 14 was approved … Continue reading A look back at one year post Prop 14
COVID is a real pain in the ear
The more we learn about COVID-19, the more concerning its effects become. The global death toll has surpassed five million. Survivors can also experience long-term health problems. COVID-19 can affect the lungs, heart, and brain. Researchers now find that it can also affect the ears. The virus may cause hearing loss, tinnitus, and dizziness. Viral … Continue reading COVID is a real pain in the ear
COVID-19 Underscored the Need for Rigorous Stem Cell Research
Coronavirus particles, illustration. When COVID-19 emerged, researchers worldwide raced to find treatments that could save lives. That urgency led to remarkable breakthroughs, including highly effective vaccines. It also led to treatments that failed to deliver meaningful benefits and, in some cases, caused harm. The pandemic revealed both the strengths and weaknesses of the research ecosystem. … Continue reading COVID-19 Underscored the Need for Rigorous Stem Cell Research
Researchers develop a promising new version of Remdesivir
Coronavirus particles, illustration When COVID-19 emerged, scientists worldwide raced to identify treatments that could reduce severe illness and save lives. One of the first antiviral drugs to show real promise was remdesivir. The FDA approved the treatment in October 2020 after studies showed it could help some hospitalized patients recover more quickly. However, remdesivir has … Continue reading Researchers develop a promising new version of Remdesivir
Study shows that COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective in people with cancer
As we have seen in the US and all around the world, SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, can cause severe complications and even death in many patients. In the early days of the pandemic, CIRM authorized $5 million in emergency funding for projects targeting the virus. To date CIRM has funded 20 projects related … Continue reading Study shows that COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective in people with cancer