California Stem Cell Biobank Shutdown: The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) is closing its once-largest human stem cell biobank due to high maintenance costs and low researcher usage, offering discounted sales of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) samples before discarding them. This could limit access to diverse patient-derived cells for disease research and therapy development. Original article
Pentagon Invests in Sensors for Tissue Monitoring: The U.S. Defense Department is funding the BIO INSPECT project to develop silicon photonics-based sensors that provide real-time data on tissue health (e.g., pressure, temperature, proteins) during regeneration, aiming to improve battlefield injury treatments and boost domestic biotech. Original article
City of Hope Receives CIRM Training Grant: City of Hope has been awarded $4.9 million from CIRM to train the next generation of leaders in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine, supporting education and research to advance therapies for various diseases. Original article
USC Advances in Musculoskeletal Regeneration: Researchers at USC are progressing with stem cell-based therapies, including clinical trials for a cartilage-regenerating drug for osteoarthritis, Plurocart implants for knee injuries, and 3D scaffolds with stem cells to treat craniosynostosis and large skull defects. Original article
Cedars-Sinai’s Stem Cell Progress and Future: The Cedars-Sinai Regenerative Medicine Institute highlights 15 years of iPSC disease modeling, a Biomanufacturing Center for clinical products, and future whole-body approaches like organ-on-chip studies, plus expanded CAR-T/NK therapies for cancers and non-cancer diseases. Original article
ISSCR President’s Vision for Stem Cell Research: The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) president emphasizes embracing diversity, nurturing new leaders, global collaborations, and ethical engagement to unlock stem cell potential in embryo models, gene editing, and regenerative therapies for human health. Original article
AI’s Role in Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs): A new review outlines challenges in ATMP manufacturing (e.g., scaling, safety, regulations) and future directions like organoids and biobanking, with AI aiding automation, monitoring, and data management for more precise regenerative treatments. Original article