AATB has made editorial changes to the Uniform DRAI for Donor Greater than 12 years old. The note regarding international travel or residency after question 24c was revised to reference question 11 on vaccinations and the reference in question 18 to questions 18a. to 18g. has been changed to “18a. to 18f.”. Additionally, AATB is now providing a fully updated Birth Mother DRAI, which had previously been omitted from the AATB website. The Birth Mother DRAI includes three questions (30-32) intended to collect additional information about risk of CJD in the event that the donor did not leave the hospital and a Child Donor DRAI was not completed. These questions were added to ensure compliance with FDA’s donor eligibility criteria and are consistent with those in other UDRAIs. The updated documents are available on the AATB website.

This year-long subscription offers 30+ live webinars and 130+ on-demand sessions designed to advance your knowledge and skills in tissue banking. With topics like donor screening, quality assurance, and surgical innovations, there’s something for professionals at every level. Plus, you’ll earn CEUs to support your certification goals. Don’t miss out—register today.

AATB distributed an Accredited Institution Satisfaction Survey on Tuesday, December 10 to each Accredited Institution's Primary Establishment Contact (formerly MwER). Your feedback is essential in helping us identify areas for improvement and new ways to better serve our community. The survey will remain open until Friday, January 3, 2025. If you did not receive the survey, please check your spam folder. For questions or assistance accessing the survey, contact davisa@aatb.org. Thank you for taking the time to share your input!

AATB is accepting Letters of Intent (LOIs) for its Grant Program, dedicated to advancing innovation and research in tissue banking. We welcome proposals exploring non-proprietary topics, including tissue recovery, allograft processing, clinical outcomes, economic analyses, and more. Researchers from academic institutions, medical centers, and the tissue industry are invited to apply for grants of up to $100,000. Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to the future of tissue banking—submit your LOI by January 16, 2025!

SciTechDaily
Scientists at UCSF have developed a way to direct immune cells enabling them to target tumors without harming healthy tissue.

Cell Science
4D materials are designed to change shape in response to their environment.

MIT News
A new imaging method doubles the depth limit of metabolic imaging, boosting speed and increasing detail in images.

Boston University
A new method in tissue engineering uses gallium as a mold to engineer tissue in varying shapes and sizes.

Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS)
Researchers have developed a tapeworm-inspired tissue-anchoring mechanism that deploys curved hooks to attach to tissue with minimal damage.

Join us on January 15, for “Bolstering Customer Service: A Guide to Building Strong Hospital and Funeral Home Relationships.” This insightful webinar will explore how exceptional customer service can enhance collaborations between tissue procurement agencies, hospitals, and funeral homes, ultimately benefiting donors and their families. Discover proven strategies to foster stronger partnerships, streamline communication, and create a positive impact that extends across the donation process. Don't miss this chance to learn practical ways to strengthen relationships and improve outcomes for everyone involved.
Target Audience: This webinar is designed for tissue bank professionals interested in tissue processing, tissue distribution, quality control, and family services.

Mark your calendar for January 22, and join us for “Back to Basics Mini-Series: Musculoskeletal and Skin Processing.” This essential webinar will guide you through the critical journey of musculoskeletal and dermal tissues, from donor recovery to their transformation into life-changing transplantable forms. Gain insights into logistical considerations, time frames for processing, and key steps in this intricate process. Whether you're new to the field or looking to refresh your knowledge, this session offers a comprehensive overview of the science and care behind donor gifts. Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding of tissue processing!
Target Audience: This webinar is designed for entry-level, mid-level, or experienced tissue bank professionals who are interested in learning more about donor screening, tissue recovery, processing, and distribution.

Join us on January 29, for “Supporting Family Conversations on Whole Body Donation: Honoring Legacies and Maximizing the Gift.” This webinar will explore the unique collaboration between a Tissue Recovery Agency and a Non-Anatomical Donation Organization, showcasing best practices for educating and supporting donor families. Learn how these partnerships honor donors' legacies by maximizing the impact of their gifts for transplant, research, and medical education. Gain valuable insights into fostering meaningful family conversations and ensuring lasting comfort through the donation process.
Target Audience: Donation Professionals, Social Workers, Hospice and Palliative Care Staff, Patient Advocates.

Edison, New Jersey: The Sr. Medical Director leads medical affairs for the organization and is responsible for the overall direction and oversight of programs and activities with medical content.

Birmingham, Alabama: Provides day to day leadership and oversight of organ and tissue operations guided by the organizational mission and core values of Legacy of Hope.

San Antonio, Texas: This is an Open Continuous Announcement (OCA) for Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) Computed Tomography (CT) assigned to the South Texas Veterans Health Care System (STVHCS).