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!

Mark your calendars for the 2025 AATB Annual Meeting, which will take place October 12-15, 2025, in Atlanta, GA. Help shape the event by submitting an educational session proposal or research abstract—your contributions are essential to its success. Submit your ideas today!

The ASCO Post
Baseline liquid biopsies identified RAS and BRAF mutations in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer initially considered RAS wild-type based on tissue analyses.

News-Medical.Net
Newborns regenerate heart tissue better than adults due to macrophages producing more thromboxane, which signals heart muscle cells to divide. 

New Atlas
Researchers developed a biohybrid hand using lab-grown muscle tissue and flexible mechanical joints, capable of gripping and making gestures.

Environmental Research
Microplastics were found in the fibrotic intestinal and mesenteric tissues of Crohn's disease patients, correlating with fibrosis severity.

Scientific American
The FDA approved the first clinical trial of genetically modified pig kidney transplants in humans, starting midyear with up to 50 participants.

AATB’s Back to Basics webinar series continues on March 12, with a deep dive into tissue distribution! Whether fresh, frozen, cryopreserved, or freeze-dried, understanding preservation methods is crucial for maintaining tissue integrity. This session will cover allograft allocation, distribution channels, storage, shipping considerations, and the challenges that arise along the way—plus insights into how allografts are handled in clinical settings. Don’t miss this essential learning opportunity!
Target Audience: This webinar is for entry-level professionals with expertise and/or interest in tissue processing and distribution.

Join AATB on March 19, for an essential discussion on donor eligibility and cancer. This webinar will examine the challenges of evaluating prospective donors with known or incidental malignancies, exploring the potential risks to recipients and the key factors in determining eligibility. Gain valuable insights into risk assessment and decision-making in tissue banking. Don’t miss this important session!
Target Audience: This webinar is for tissue bank professionals in quality, recovery, and donor eligibility.

Join AATB and EBAA on March 26 for an exclusive joint webinar exploring the vital collaboration between Eye Banks and Tissue Recovery Agencies. Industry experts will share insights on how these partnerships honor donor intent, maximize the impact of donations, and enhance recipient outcomes. Learn best practices, key responsibilities, and real-world case studies that demonstrate the power of working together to improve lives. Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your knowledge and strengthen your role in the donation process!
Target Audience: Professionals with an interest in learning and/or expanding knowledge and skills in tissue recovery/acquisition.

Kettering, Ohio: The Associate Medical Director: Provides medical and technical direction.

Portland, Oregon: The Medical Examiner/Coroner Liaison plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between the tissue bank and medicolegal professionals, ensuring collaboration to support tissue donation.

Scottsdale, Arizona: Receives, compiles, and reviews cadaveric and birth tissue donor records ensuring initial minimal required documentation is received from recovery/acquisition agencies to ensure adequate and relevant donor information is received to perform chart quality assurance for Medical Director donor eligibility determination.