CIRM Bridges intern researches stem cells to grow kidneys 

David Anjakos in the lab. Photo courtesy Sarah White/SDSU. When he was younger, David Anjakos experienced kidney failure due to an autoimmune disease, leaving him without kidneys in his body. As a trainee in the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine’s Bridges to Stem Cell Research Internship Program, Anjakos is researching methods of growing organs for … Continue reading CIRM Bridges intern researches stem cells to grow kidneys 

Reminder! Apply now for discovery stage stem cell and gene therapy research funding

The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) is seeking applications for its next round of Quest Awards (DISC2) for discovery stage research. Applications are due August 2nd, 2022, at 2:00 PM PDT. Please visit the CIRM website for full details.   The purpose of the Quest Awards is to promote the discovery of promising new stem cell-based or gene therapy … Continue reading Reminder! Apply now for discovery stage stem cell and gene therapy research funding

Study shows sleep deprivation impairs stem cells in the cornea 

We spend around one third of our life sleeping—or at least we should. Not getting enough sleep can have serious consequences on many aspects of our health and has been linked to high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.  A study by the American Sleep Apnea Association found that some 70 percent of Americans report getting … Continue reading Study shows sleep deprivation impairs stem cells in the cornea 

Stem cell-derived retinal patch continues to show promising results two years post-implantation

Earlier this year we wrote about the promising results of a phase 1 clinical trial aimed at replacing the deteriorating cells in the retinas of people suffering from age-related macular degeneration- one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide for people over 50. Now there’s even more good news! Highlighted in a news story on … Continue reading Stem cell-derived retinal patch continues to show promising results two years post-implantation

Rare Disease: An Uphill Battle for Diagnosis and Treatment

THIS BLOG IS ALSO AVAILABLE AS AN AUDIO CAST From left to right: Baby Dalia pre-diagnosis, Dalia on her way to the kindergarten, and Dalia today. When Dalia was 5 years old, she was finally diagnosed with MERRF syndrome- an extremely rare form of mitochondrial disease. By then, her parents had been searching for an … Continue reading Rare Disease: An Uphill Battle for Diagnosis and Treatment

CIRM-funded stem cell clinical trial patients: Where are they now?

Ronnie with his parents Pawash Priyank and Upasana Thakur. Since its launch in 2004, the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) has been a leader in growing the stem cell and regenerative medicine field while keeping the needs of patients at the core of its mission.  To date, CIRM has:   Advanced stem cell research and therapy development for … Continue reading CIRM-funded stem cell clinical trial patients: Where are they now?

The Most Read Stem Cellar Blog Posts of 2021

THIS BLOG IS ALSO AVAILABLE AS AN AUDIO CAST This year was a momentous one for the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM). We celebrated the passage of Proposition 14, and as a result, introduced our new strategic plan and added a group of talented individuals to our team.   We shared our most exciting updates and newsworthy stories—topics ranging from stem cell research to diversity … Continue reading The Most Read Stem Cellar Blog Posts of 2021

Newly-developed organoid mimics how gut and heart tissues arise cooperatively from stem cells 

Gladstone Senior Investigator Todd McDevitt, PhD said this first-of-its-kind organoid could serve as a new tool for laboratory research and improve our understanding of how developing organs and tissues cooperate and instruct each other. 

Paving the way for a treatment for dementia

What happens in a stroke When someone has a stroke, the blood flow to the brain is blocked. This kills some nerve cells and injures others. The damaged nerve cells are unable to communicate with other cells, which often results in people having impaired speech or movement. While ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes affect large blood … Continue reading Paving the way for a treatment for dementia

A conversation with Bob Klein about the past, present, and future of CIRM

Bob Klein Anyone who knows anything about CIRM knows about Bob Klein. He's the main author and driving force behind both Proposition 71 and Proposition 14, the voter-approved ballot initiatives that first created and then refunded CIRM. It's safe to say that without Bob, there'd be no CIRM. Recently, we had the great good fortune … Continue reading A conversation with Bob Klein about the past, present, and future of CIRM