AATB emailed the Member Satisfaction Survey through Survey Monkey to all AATB Members on Thursday, November 13. If you did not receive the survey, please check your spam. By completing the survey, you’ll help us identify areas for improvement and new opportunities to better serve our members. Individuals who complete the survey and leave their name and email address will be entered into a drawing to win one (1) of five (5) gift cards. The survey closes Friday, November 28. If you have questions or problems accessing the survey, please email davisa@aatb.org.

AATB Council Members are working together to support collaboration and ongoing efforts in the tissue banking industry. Their collective expertise and commitment are helping to advance AATB’s mission. Check out this quarter’s updates and discover ways to get involved in shaping the future of our field!

Phys.org
Researchers have developed a non-destructive imaging technique using Optical Photothermal Infrared Spectroscopy (OPTIR) to precisely locate and identify microplastics in intact human tissue, enabling detailed analysis of their potential links to chronic diseases.

Texas A&M Stories
Researchers at Texas A&M University have identified fibroblast growth factor 8 (FGF8) as a key protein capable of regenerating an entire finger joint, marking a major step toward the possibility of full-limb regeneration in humans.

UC Riverside News
Scientists at UC Riverside have created the first fully synthetic brain tissue model using a polymer-based scaffold, paving the way for animal-free, more controlled neurological research and drug testing.

Nature Biotechnology
Transplanting stem cells into the injured spinal cords of rhesus monkeys significantly improved hand function, marking a major advance toward clinical treatments for spinal cord injuries.

News-Medical
Researchers at the University of Chicago have adapted DNA analysis techniques originally used in archaeology to recover genetic and bacterial information from nearly century-old colorectal cancer tissue samples, offering new insights into disease evolution over time.

Curious how non-traditional referrals can expand donation opportunities? Join us on December 3 for “Non-Traditional Referrals: Creating New Opportunities for Donation.” In this session, we’ll clarify what defines a non-traditional referral and why these cases are becoming increasingly important. You will gain an inside look at the processes, training approaches, and real-world challenges involved in partnering with diverse agencies across six states. We’ll wrap up with an interactive Q&A. Reserve your spot today and come ready with your questions and insights for this dynamic conversation.
Target Audience: This webinar is for tissue banking professionals across the donation, recovery, processing, and distribution continuum.

In today’s fast-paced world, trainers are expected to juggle teaching alongside their everyday roles, but are they truly set up to succeed? Join us on December 17 for “Training and Support: Employee Retention.” This webinar will explore what makes a strong trainer support program, how to design effective lessons, and how to meet learners where they are. You’ll walk away with practical strategies to strengthen both trainers and trainees, ensuring a lasting impact. Register today to secure your place in this session!
Target Audience: This webinar is for training professionals, education coordinators, supervisors, and team leads in tissue banking and related fields who are responsible for developing, mentoring, or supporting staff.

Indianapolis, Indiana: This position is for a Technical Specialist in the Donor Screening laboratory and Immunology and Serology Laboratory in the Department of Pathology and Lab services (Indianapolis). It is a salaried position for Mon-Fri day shift. Occasional rotation onto other shifts for training purposes or other technical duties may be required. The Technical Specialist is responsible for providing technical oversight and quality control for all the serology, NAT and microbiology testing in the DSL.

Hershey, Pennsylvania: Responsible to perform complex laboratory tests on blood, body fluids, cells, and tissues. Identify bacteria, parasites, and other microorganisms, analyze chemical content of fluids, and cross match blood for transfusion and organ transplantation aseptically prepare cells for use in cellular therapies. The results of these tests are used in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.

Hershey, Pennsylvania: Responsible to perform complex laboratory tests on blood, body fluids, cells, and tissues. Identify bacteria, parasites, and other microorganisms, analyze chemical content of fluids, cross match blood for transfusion and organ transplantation, aseptically prepare cells for use in cellular therapies. The results of these tests are used in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.