In many regenerative medicine strategies, we know that one strategy is usually not enough. Stimulating regeneration in any tissue is a complex, multifaceted problem involving the coordination of many biological signals. Yet what if we could deliver a therapeutic, like a drug or cells, to the body in such a precisely controlled manner that we knew exactly when it would be released, and for how long? Or if we could deliver multiple therapeutics at once,…

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In my last post, I drew our readers’ attention to an excellent article by Giulio Cossu and colleagues on stem cells and regenerative medicine where the authors set out a number of recommendations for the regenerative medicine field. One of those recommendations was surprising (and very welcomed): “Researchers and others involved in funding, publishing, and communicating stem cell research should integrate some responsibility for public dialogue into their research.” In its own small way, the…

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  A networking highlight of the conference is the boat cruise Cell and Gene Therapy World, or “Phacilitate” as delegates like to refer to it, happened last week in Miami, Florida (January 22-25). The conference, with 1,500 in attendance, brings together industry professionals from more than 30 countries. The event explores trends and opportunities that are shaping the future of cell and gene therapies (CGTs). As the organizers describe it, “we work together to improve,…

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A CCRM scientist pipetting cells Over the Christmas break, I finally got around to reading an article that has been in my “to read” pile for far too long. For anybody new to the regenerative medicine and cellular therapy fields, it is an absolutely fantastic resource to catch up on some of the biggest issues. “Lancet Commission: Stem cells and regenerative medicine,” by Giulio Cossu and colleagues, details the inner workings of the cellular therapy…

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With the start of a new year, I like to take a moment to think about what things in cancer research got me really excited the previous year. Beyond a doubt, that thing for me in 2017 was the first (and second!) FDA approval of a CAR T-cell (chimeric antigen receptor T-cell) therapy as a treatment option for certain cancers. I am particularly excited about these leaps forward for cancer treatment options, as I used…

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  In this month’s blog on addressing specific bioprocess and bioanalytical challenges to develop Cell and Gene Therapies (CGTs), we hear from Dr. Nick Timmins on quantifying performance of CGTs using cell yield, and some of the methods to measure it, as a metric of optimized manufacturing of CGTs. (SV) Nick Timmins is VP, Process Science at BlueRock Therapeutics – a company focused on harnessing the power of induced pluripotent stem cells as a manufacturing…

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This time of year is special for many reasons, and traditions are a big part of that. It’s risky to mess with traditions; many people look forward to, and value, the familiarity and ritual of repeating something they have done for years, or even decades. You might think that introduction means I’m heading to the Signals archives to bring you another hilarious holiday video of familiar faces in odd contexts, like CCRM executives dancing the Macarena or…

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  If I say the names Kirsty Duncan, Mona Nemer, Julie Payette and Molly Shoichet, what comes to mind? There are many ways to answer that question, of course, but the answer I’m looking for is that they are all female scientists or engineers who hold significant posts in government with the ability to influence Canada’s science agenda. The Honourable Kirsty Duncan is the federal Minister of Science. As of the September 2017 announcement, she…

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Ann Perry is senior communications officer at Medicine by Design at the University of Toronto. She previously held strategic communications roles in the Ontario government and not-for-profit sector, and was an editorial writer, reporter and editor at the Toronto Star. You can follow Medicine by Design on Twitter @MbD_UofT. Please click here to read the original version of the article that first appeared on Medicine by Design’s site and is reprinted with permission.   Artist…

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The holidays are right around the corner. If you have a child or pre-teen in your life, the pressure is on to find that perfect gift. Since you’re reading Signals, you probably understand the value of encouraging kids to be enthusiastic about science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). After all, a STEM education, both at school and in the home, has a positive impact on overall academic success. So, why not give a STEM-related gift…

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