News
Blau LabHelen Blau Presents at the 5th Interventions in Aging Conference
The 5th Interventions in Aging Conference held in October 2025 at Hilton Malta united global aging research leaders, including Helen Blau, to share advances in molecular mechanisms and translational interventions aiming to extend healthspan and combat age-related decline.
Blau Lab2025 Society for Muscle Biology Conference
The 2025 Society for Muscle Biology conference showcased groundbreaking research and innovations in muscle development, stem cell regulation, aging, and repair, with contributions from Helen Blau and former lab member Will Wang.
Blau LabHighlights from the 2025 Ascona Conference
The 2025 International Conference on Muscle Wasting held in Ascona, Switzerland, featured keynote and poster presentations from the Blau Lab. It showcased cutting-edge research on the gerozyme 15-PGDH and its potential to enhance muscle strength in aging populations.
Stanford Center on LongevityBuilding Muscle for the Long Haul
Sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength, affects millions of older adults and currently has no approved treatments, but Stanford scientist Helen Blau’s research shows that a single dose of the molecule PGE2 can restore muscle strength in aging mice. Her team’s findings, now entering early clinical trials, offer hope for a future therapy to help older people regain mobility and independence.
Blau LabNmesoma Wins CVI Poster Prize
The Blau Lab congratulates summer intern Nmesoma Onyejekwe for winning the Stanford CVI Poster Prize at the Bay Area Cardiovascular Research Symposium for her research on how PGE2 signaling influences human muscle stem cell behavior.
Blau LabElena presents at the 2025 ECSS meeting
Elena Monti presented her project at the 2025 ECSS meeting held in Italy from July 1-4.
Blau LabAri and Ireh present Honors thesis data
Ari and Ireh, members of the Class of 2025, present their research at the 2025 Achauer Undergraduate Honors Symposium in Biology.
Blau LabBlau Named Great Immigrant
Helen Blau was named a 2025 Great Immigrant by the Carnegie Foundation of New York.
News CenterA single dose of a molecule that dwindles in aging restores long-term strength to old mice
A brief exposure to prostaglandin E2, along with regular exercise, dramatically increased strength in old mice. The treatment removes aging-induced chemical tags on the DNA of muscle stem cells.
Helen Blau awarded the National Medal of ScienceHelen Blau awarded the National Medal of Science
Often called “America’s Nobel Prize,” the National Medal of Science honors the country’s leading researchers. Stem cell biologist Helen Blau was recognized for her work on cellular plasticity and aging.
Blau LabStem Cells to the Rescue reviewed in Science and in the Harvard Review
Stem Cells to the Rescue simplifies stem cell science for young readers, making complex concepts accessible and engaging. It effectively conveys both the potential and limitations of stem cell therapies, offering a realistic outlook on current treatments and future research.
Blau LabBlau and Heilshorn Awarded 2024 BioX Seed Grant
The Stanford Bio-X Seed Grants fund proposals that enhance interdisciplinary research among the Stanford scientific communities in areas related to bioengineering, biosciences, and biomedicine, providing seed funding for high-risk, high-reward collaborative proposals including basic research leading to fundamental discoveries, as well as innovative technology, relating to human health.
Blau LabStem Cells to the Rescue published
Stem Cells to the Rescue, a new children's book co-authored by Helen M. Blau and Margery J. Fain is now available from Cold Spring Harbor Press. Due October 22, 2024 • 34 pages, Color illustrations, Glossary, References Paperback • ISBN 978-1-621825-28-9
Blau LabMinas Presents at Bay Area Metabolism Meeting
Postdoctoral Fellow Minas Nalbandian spoke during the afternoon session on Integrative Approaches to Metabolic Health and Obesity Management of the BAMM Meeting held on Sept 19, 2024, at Stanford.
Blau LabHelen Blau elected to EMBO
Helen Blau was elected as an Associate Member at the July 2024 EMBO Meeting. New EMBO Members are elected annually in recognition of their contributions to scientific excellence. Associate Membership is reserved for a small number of leading scientists outside Europe and is intended to highlight the importance of interacting with scientists on a global scale.