ISSCR News
ISSCR Submits Comments Opposing Proposed U.S. Regulations that would Harm Merit-Based Science and International Collaborations
The ISSCR submitted comments on proposed regulations from the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) that would reshape how the U.S. federal government funds scientific research. Among other changes, the proposed regulations would de-emphasize merit-based review of scientific grant applications and instead establish a political review process, enable mid-stream grant cancellations without cause, and place restrictions or significant bureaucratic burdens on international research collaborations. As outlined in the comment letter, these proposed changes would have harmful impacts to the progress of stem cell research and its translation to the clinic. Given this, the ISSCR respectfully urged OMB to withdraw the proposed regulations.
Take Action to Preserve Merit-Based Science and International Collaborations
The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has proposed a new rule titled “Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance” that will significantly reshape how the U.S. government funds and manages scientific research, including international collaborations, through the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other agencies. All ISSCR members, regardless of whether you are U.S.-based or not, are eligible to provide comment on the proposed policy.
Though the rule is extensive and applies to all federal grantmaking, there are several areas where input from our community is critical.
New Podcast Episode. Born Without a Nose
Bosma arhinia microphthalmia syndrome (BAMS) is a rare genetic disorder resulting in babies born without a nose, along with eye and reproductive anomalies. Our guests today investigated the developmental basis of this distinct defect using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from patients with BAMS. They assess the differentiation potential of BAMS patient-derived iPSCs into cranial placode cells, a group of progenitor cells that contributes to the formation of the nasal epithelium. This allowed them to study the behavior of the nasal epithelial cells during early development. Their work uncovered cellular mechanisms underlying BAMS and provided new insights into the developmental processes that shape the human nose.
Joint ISSCR and SCN Global Workforce Development Initiative Launches Survey
The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) and Canada’s Stem Cell Network (SCN) have launched a survey as part of a shared Global Workforce Development Initiative. The survey is intended to gather perspectives from students and trainees, early career researchers, senior career researchers, industry professionals, and other stakeholders in the stem cell research and regenerative medicine community on workforce development, career pathways, training needs, and future opportunities in the field.
New Podcast Episode. Therapeutic Strategy for COVID-19-Induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) induced by COVID-19 was a leading cause of severe illness and death during the pandemic, driven by an intense innate immune response, hyperinflammation, and a decrease in lymphocytes. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) represent a potential therapeutic option for ARDS due to their ability to modulate the immune system and inflammation. Our guests report results from a Health Canada–regulated Phase I and Phase II trials evaluating freshly cultured umbilical cord–derived MSCs in patients with COVID-19-related ARDS, including assessments of safety, maximum feasible tolerated dose, and preliminary efficacy. Their work explores a therapeutic strategy to improve ARDS outcomes using MSCs, which will be important for optimizing and targeting future cellular therapies.
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