South SFV Today

Helen Blau, a prominent figure in the field of stem cell biology, has been honored with the National Medal of Science by President Biden. The award ceremony took place at the White House on January 3, recognizing Blau's significant contributions to understanding cellular plasticity and her research into stem cells, tissue regeneration, and muscle rejuvenation.

Lloyd Minor, MD, dean of Stanford School of Medicine and vice president for medical affairs at Stanford University, praised Blau's achievements. “Dr. Blau’s role in advancing knowledge in the fields of regenerative medicine and aging is remarkable,” he stated. Minor also highlighted her reputation as an innovator and mentor.

The National Medal of Science was established by Congress in 1959 to honor scientists and engineers who have made outstanding contributions to their fields. It represents the highest recognition bestowed upon scientists in the United States.

Blau's early work challenged existing scientific beliefs by demonstrating that mature cells are not fixed but can be reprogrammed for new functions. This discovery laid the groundwork for advances in regenerative medicine globally. Her lab has applied these principles to address Duchenne muscular dystrophy and age-related muscle weakness.

“The idea that discoveries in my lab can be translated to clinical therapies to help people is the most gratifying feeling in the world,” said Blau about receiving this prestigious honor.

Denise Monack, PhD, chair of Stanford's Department of Microbiology and Immunology, expressed her excitement over Blau's recognition. "Her groundbreaking work...has unraveled key mechanisms affecting muscle stem cell functionality," Monack noted.

Blau’s current research focuses on blocking a molecule she calls a "gerozyme," which contributes to muscle wasting. Inhibition of this molecule has shown promise in restoring muscle strength in aged mice.

Blau recently authored a children's book titled "Stem Cells to the Rescue" aimed at educating young readers about stem cells' potential. Despite not coming from a scientific family background—her father was a historian and her mother taught literature—Blau pursued her interest through self-driven study from an early age.

After completing advanced studies at Harvard University and UC San Francisco, she joined Stanford University as one of its first tenure-track female professors in basic sciences alongside Carla Shatz, PhD.

During her career at Stanford Medicine, Blau conducted pivotal experiments showing differentiated human cells could produce muscle-specific proteins after fusing with mouse muscle cells. This breakthrough contributed significantly towards understanding cell reprogramming capabilities essential for later developments like induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).

In 2008-2017 further studies led by Blau included isolating muscle stem cells using novel techniques; exploring how aging affects these cells' functionality; discovering roles played by various molecules involved during healing processes such as prostaglandin E2; identifying 15-PGDH enzyme as key player degrading important metabolites required maintaining healthy muscles among elderly individuals or those recovering from injuries/diseases affecting movement capabilities over time span between different life stages across species boundaries where applicable according findings reported respective publications available open access formats wherever possible so broader audience may benefit insights gained thus far regarding potential applications future treatments addressing similar issues faced everyday lives worldwide today tomorrow alike without exception whatsoever under circumstances conceivable imagine reasonable terms meaningfully speaking contextually relevant manner commensurate 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“I’m thrilled that Helen has been awarded the 2025 National Medal of Science...a truly well-deserved honor!” said Denise Monack.

In December while traveling Japan received call White House staff informing awarded medal early January swore secrecy knew recipients Jan ceremony also recognized individual organizational recipients mingled researchers involved development gene editing technique CRISPR mRNA-based vaccines SARS-CoV-2 cellphone camera

“It was amazing,” commented advised younger scientists pursue dreams enjoy doing take risks think big avoid ‘me too’ science challenge ideas work outside box passionate about what do member Bio-X Cancer Institute Cardiovascular Institute Maternal Child Health Research Wu Tsai Neurosciences Human Performance Alliance