Effective January 1, AATB transitioned from a 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership association to a 501(c)(6) trade association and now operates as the Association for Advancing Tissue and Biologics (AATB).

The FDA has published its list of guidance topics that CBER is considering for development during 2026.

ScienceAlert
Scientists have uncovered how damaged tissue regenerates by activating a coordinated repair process in cells that briefly signal for self-destruction but survive, a discovery that could explain cancer recurrence after radiation and open new paths for healing and cancer prevention.

Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News
Stem cell-derived human neurons were shown in mouse models to survive, navigate hostile injury environments, integrate into existing brain circuits, and restore lost functions by using intrinsic genetic “navigation codes,” offering a promising new strategy for repairing the injured brain after stroke or trauma.

University of Colorado Anschutz
Researchers at the University of Colorado Cancer Center are developing advanced animal models using patient-derived thymic tissue to better activate immune cells and predict which cancer patients are most likely to benefit from immunotherapy.

NPG Biomedical Innovations
Recent research on human pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiomyocytes outlines major progress and ongoing challenges in producing, delivering, and safely integrating these cells for cardiac repair, while highlighting emerging clinical evidence and future directions toward effective heart regeneration.

Science Daily
Researchers report a new magnetic core–shell nanomaterial that can simultaneously destroy bone cancer cells through heat generated in a magnetic field while promoting bone regeneration via a bioactive glass coating, potentially enabling less invasive, dual‑purpose treatments.

As FDA expectations evolve, even experienced quality professionals must reassess their audit readiness. Join us on January 21 for a webinar that delivers a timely analysis of today’s regulatory climate, highlighting key trends shaping audits and enforcement while offering practical guidance on preparing effectively, reinforcing system oversight, and aligning internal practices with modern regulatory expectations. Gain the insights you need to refine your audit playbook for 2026 and beyond.
This webinar is Part 2 of a two-part series on FDA audit readiness. While both webinars can be attended independently, attendees may find it helpful to also view Part 1, “FDA Audits Unwrapped: A Beginner’s Guide for Tissue Banking Professionals.”
Target Audience: This webinar is designed for experienced quality managers, auditors, compliance officers, and leaders seeking to stay ahead of evolving FDA expectations, strengthen audit readiness, and update their regulatory strategies for 2026 and beyond.

Just like crafting the perfect meal from an à la carte menu, building a successful birth tissue program means choosing the ingredients that match your organization’s unique flavor, there’s no one-size-fits-all recipe. Join us January 28 for a dynamic exploration of customizable program models, covering topics such as tissue acquisition methods, consent processes, referral sources, staffing structures, and more. Whether you’re looking for a fully in-house approach, a collaborative partnership, or something in between, you’ll leave ready to create a birth tissue program that’s as tailored, effective, and satisfying as your favorite dish.
Target Audience: This session is ideal for tissue bank leaders, program managers, donor coordinators, and healthcare professionals who are managing or planning to launch a birth tissue program.

Nashville, Tennessee: This position will require staff to approach patients for participation in research protocols, obtain consent and biofluids for CHTN Donating Tissue for research and Investigator driven protocols (VUMC internal investigators). The position will require staff to work closely with the VUMC perioperative nurses to access the patient for consent and biofluids collections. The consent staff will be required to keep detailed records of the approach to consent, questions that the patient or family have regarding the studies. Consent staff will be responsible for mailing the consent forms and letters to the patients after consent has been obtained and recording the data in CHTN Donor systems. Consent staff will be required maintain accurate records and report consent numbers, quarterly to the VICC.

Seattle, Washington: This position is ideal for a recent graduate seeking intensive, hands-on research experience prior to pursuing graduate school, medical school, or an MD/PhD program. The Research Technician I will receive structured mentoring, exposure to experimental design, and guidance on professional development, including preparation for competitive graduate or physician-scientist training programs.

Seattle, Washington: This research opportunity is with the McElrath Lab within the Vaccine & Infectious Disease Division. The technician will work under the direction of a Staff Scientist managing the molecular profiling team in support of the antigen-specific B cell platform to help with the characterization of antigen-specific B cell receptor repertoires in the context of HIV vaccine trials. In particular, they will assist in developing and implementing high-throughput B cell receptor sequencing assays, including BCR PCR, Illumina NGS library preparation, CITE-seq, micro neutralization screening, PCR cloning and transient transfection for monoclonal antibody production and functional screening of these monoclonals. They will also be responsible for performing a variety of molecular and cellular biology techniques including multiplex PCR, single-cell RT-PCR, digital droplet PCR, maintenance of feeder cells under aseptic conditions, and RNA/DNA isolation. They will be involved in data management, interpretation and reporting on experimental results and assist with data presentation for lab meetings, conferences and manuscripts.