The University of Georgia Regenerative Bioscience Center is researching how a novel stem cell therapy can rebuild the brain by enhancing the body’s self-repair system to treat a range of neurodegenerative disorders. “Our goal is to find solutions that can help people immediately. For stroke patients, with our cell therapy advancing through clinical trials, we're trying to make a difference sooner rather than later,” said Steven Stice, director and co-founder of the UGA Regenerative Bioscience Center.

Researchers from the University of Georgia found a new drug that may boost the brain’s ability to heal itself after injury. The discovery could lead to significant advances in treating traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs. There are currently no FDA-approved drugs that directly repair or prevent brain damage following TBI, a major gap in treatment. The compound, called CMX-2043, may help fill that void by increasing the enzymes that play a crucial role in mopping up harmful molecules after injury.

The University of Georgia’s class of 2025 included the first student to graduate from UGA’s new doctoral program in regenerative bioscience. Introduced in 2024 by the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, the new degree focuses on interdisciplinary training in regenerative medicine, biomanufacturing, and biomedical imaging and computation. “I realized on commencement day that I was the first person to graduate from the program,” said Jinghui Gao. “I felt both excited and very, very proud.”

The 2025 Georgia Aquaculture Conference will advance sustainable aquaculture practices and foster economic growth across the state. Hosted by University of Georgia Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, and the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, the conference will take place on April 18 at the UGA Center for Continuing Education and Hotel in Athens.

In the most competitive FABricate contest to date, Sean Snarey, a graduate student in agribusiness in the University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, took home the $10,000 prize on March 27 for his automated poultry rehanging system. FABricate is an entrepreneurial pitch contest where students develop their idea for a new food product, new agricultural technology, new food or agricultural-related business or new environmental or sustainable business.

University of Georgia Regenerative Bioscience Center Director Steven Stice has been elected to the 2025 class of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) College of Fellows. Stice, Georgia Research Alliance Eminent Scholar and D.W. Brooks Professor in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, was elected to the AIMBE by his peers in recognition of his pioneering contributions in translational human stem cell research and leadership in regenerative biology, education and advocacy.