Scientific breakthroughs are built on insights from good data, but sometimes those breakthroughs are hidden under an ocean of too much of it. Integrating data Recently, the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) approved a new kind of investment. A new infrastructure award aims to create tools to make sense of the massive, complex biological datasets produced through CIRM-funded research. The program would fund the creation of new … Continue reading Funding Available to Create Software to Integrate Regenerative Medicine Data
Research
Targeted treatment for pediatric brain tumors shows promising results
Image of medulloblastoma Imagine sitting in the doctor's office and being told the heartbreaking news that your child has been diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. As one might expect, the doctor states that the most effective treatment option is typically a combination of chemotherapy and radiation. However, the doctor reveals that there are additional … Continue reading Targeted treatment for pediatric brain tumors shows promising results
Promising Advances in Alzheimer’s Research Could Create More Advanced Therapy Options
New developments in Alzheimer’s research are bringing us closer to more precise therapies for this debilitating disease. Alzheimer’s disease, is characterized by the formation of amyloid plaques in the brain, which interfere with the normal communication flow between brain cells, leading to debilitating symptoms like memory loss and impaired decision-making. These plaques are made out … Continue reading Promising Advances in Alzheimer’s Research Could Create More Advanced Therapy Options
Life after SPARK: CIRM high school intern gets prestigious scholarship to Stanford
As part of our CIRM scholar blog series, we’re featuring the research and career accomplishments of CIRM funded students. Meet Ranya Odeh. She is a senior at Sheldon high school in Elk Grove, California, and a 2016 CIRM SPARK intern. The SPARK program provides stem cell research internships to underprivileged high school students at leading research … Continue reading Life after SPARK: CIRM high school intern gets prestigious scholarship to Stanford
Stem cell agency funds clinical trials in three life-threatening conditions
A year ago the CIRM Board unanimously approved a new Strategic Plan for the stem cell agency. In the plan are some rather ambitious goals, including funding ten new clinical trials in 2016. For much of the last year that has looked very ambitious indeed. But today the Board took a big step towards reaching … Continue reading Stem cell agency funds clinical trials in three life-threatening conditions
Using skin cells to repair damaged hearts
When someone has a heart attack, getting treatment quickly can mean the difference between life and death. Every minute delay in getting help means more heart cells die, and that can have profound consequences. One study found that heart attack patients who underwent surgery to re-open blocked arteries within 60 minutes of arriving in the … Continue reading Using skin cells to repair damaged hearts
Call to Action by FDA at World Stem Cell Summit
FDA Deputy Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf talking at the World Stem Cell Summit The World Stem Cell Summit annual conference in Atlanta kicked off today with a clarion call from Dr. Robert Califf, the Deputy Commissioner for the Food and Drug Administration. He told the audience: “We want you to accelerate translation to produce safe … Continue reading Call to Action by FDA at World Stem Cell Summit