Japan gov't panel approves 2 iPS-derived drugs

Japan gov't panel approves 2 iPS-derived drugs

University of Osaka professor Yoshiki Sawa holds a press conference in Osaka on Feb. 19, 2026, after Japan's health ministry panel approved the commercialization of two regenerative medicine products prepared from iPS cells, the first of their kind in the world. One of the two drugs, ReHeart, heart muscle sheets derived from human iPS cells, was developed by a startup originating from Sawa's team at the university.

Japan gov't panel approves 2 iPS-derived drugs

Japan gov't panel approves 2 iPS-derived drugs

University of Osaka professor Yoshiki Sawa holds a press conference in Osaka on Feb. 19, 2026, after Japan's health ministry panel approved the commercialization of two regenerative medicine products prepared from iPS cells, the first of their kind in the world. One of the two drugs, ReHeart, heart muscle sheets derived from human iPS cells, was developed by a startup originating from Sawa's team at the university.

Japan gov't panel approves 2 iPS-derived drugs

Japan gov't panel approves 2 iPS-derived drugs

University of Osaka professor Yoshiki Sawa holds a press conference in Osaka on Feb. 19, 2026, after Japan's health ministry panel approved the commercialization of two regenerative medicine products prepared from iPS cells, the first of their kind in the world. One of the two drugs, ReHeart, heart muscle sheets derived from human iPS cells, was developed by a startup originating from Sawa's team at the university.

Milan Cortina Olympics: Ski jumping

Milan Cortina Olympics: Ski jumping

Ryoyu Kobayashi of Japan reacts after his first jump in the men's Ski jumping super team competition at the Milan Cortina Olympics at Predazzo Ski Jumping Stadium in Predazzo, Italy, on Feb. 16, 2026.

Milan Cortina Olympics: Ski jumping

Milan Cortina Olympics: Ski jumping

Ryoyu Kobayashi of Japan is pictured after landing his first jump in the men's Ski jumping super team competition at the Milan Cortina Olympics at Predazzo Ski Jumping Stadium in Predazzo, Italy, on Feb. 16, 2026.

Milan Cortina Olympics: Ski jumping

Milan Cortina Olympics: Ski jumping

Ryoyu Kobayashi of Japan lands his first jump in the men's Ski jumping super team competition at the Milan Cortina Olympics at Predazzo Ski Jumping Stadium in Predazzo, Italy, on Feb. 16, 2026.

Milan Cortina Olympics: Ski jumping

Milan Cortina Olympics: Ski jumping

Ryoyu Kobayashi of Japan is pictured after landing his first jump in the men's Ski jumping super team competition at the Milan Cortina Olympics at Predazzo Ski Jumping Stadium in Predazzo, Italy, on Feb. 16, 2026.

Milan Cortina Olympics: Ski jumping

Milan Cortina Olympics: Ski jumping

Ryoyu Kobayashi of Japan soars through the air during his first jump in the men's Ski jumping super team competition at the Milan Cortina Olympics at Predazzo Ski Jumping Stadium in Predazzo, Italy, on Feb. 16, 2026.

Milan Cortina Olympics: Ski jumping

Milan Cortina Olympics: Ski jumping

Ryoyu Kobayashi of Japan soars through the air during his first jump in the men's Ski jumping super team competition at the Milan Cortina Olympics at Predazzo Ski Jumping Stadium in Predazzo, Italy, on Feb. 16, 2026.

Milan Cortina Olympics: Ski jumping

Milan Cortina Olympics: Ski jumping

Ryoyu Kobayashi of Japan soars through the air during his first jump in the men's Ski jumping super team competition at the Milan Cortina Olympics at Predazzo Ski Jumping Stadium in Predazzo, Italy, on Feb. 16, 2026.

Milan Cortina Olympics: Ski jumping

Milan Cortina Olympics: Ski jumping

Ren Nikaido of Japan reacts after his first jump in the men's Ski jumping super team competition at the Milan Cortina Olympics at Predazzo Ski Jumping Stadium in Predazzo, Italy, on Feb. 16, 2026.

Milan Cortina Olympics: Ski jumping

Milan Cortina Olympics: Ski jumping

Ren Nikaido of Japan reacts after his first jump in the men's Ski jumping super team competition at the Milan Cortina Olympics at Predazzo Ski Jumping Stadium in Predazzo, Italy, on Feb. 16, 2026.

Milan Cortina Olympics: Ski jumping

Milan Cortina Olympics: Ski jumping

Ren Nikaido of Japan jumps during his first round in the men's Ski jumping super team competition at the Milan Cortina Olympics at Predazzo Ski Jumping Stadium in Predazzo, Italy, on Feb. 16, 2026.

Milan Cortina Olympics: Ski jumping

Milan Cortina Olympics: Ski jumping

Ren Nikaido of Japan is pictured after his first jump in the men's Ski jumping super team competition at the Milan Cortina Olympics at Predazzo Ski Jumping Stadium in Predazzo, Italy, on Feb. 16, 2026.

Milan Cortina Olympics: Ski jumping

Milan Cortina Olympics: Ski jumping

Ren Nikaido of Japan lands his first jump in the men's Ski jumping super team competition at the Milan Cortina Olympics at Predazzo Ski Jumping Stadium in Predazzo, Italy, on Feb. 16, 2026.

Milan Cortina Olympics: Ski jumping

Milan Cortina Olympics: Ski jumping

Ren Nikaido of Japan soars through the air during his first jump in the men's Ski jumping super team competition at the Milan Cortina Olympics at Predazzo Ski Jumping Stadium in Predazzo, Italy, on Feb. 16, 2026.

Milan Cortina Olympics: Ski jumping

Milan Cortina Olympics: Ski jumping

Ren Nikaido of Japan soars through the air during his first jump in the men's Ski jumping super team competition at the Milan Cortina Olympics at Predazzo Ski Jumping Stadium in Predazzo, Italy, on Feb. 16, 2026.

Milan Cortina Olympics: Ski jumping

Milan Cortina Olympics: Ski jumping

Ren Nikaido of Japan soars through the air during his first jump in the men's Ski jumping super team competition at the Milan Cortina Olympics at Predazzo Ski Jumping Stadium in Predazzo, Italy, on Feb. 16, 2026.

CORRECTED: Milan Cortina Olympics: Ski jumping

CORRECTED: Milan Cortina Olympics: Ski jumping

Ren Nikaido of Japan soars through the air during his first jump in the men's Ski jumping super team competition at the Milan Cortina Olympics at Predazzo Ski Jumping Stadium in Predazzo, Italy, on Feb. 16, 2026.

Baseball: MLB spring training

Baseball: MLB spring training

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani meets the press at the end of the first day of the team's workout for pitchers and catchers in Glendale, Arizona, on Feb. 13, 2026.

Baseball: MLB spring training

Baseball: MLB spring training

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani works out in Glendale, Arizona, on Feb. 13, 2026, the first day of the team's spring training for pitchers and catchers.

Baseball: MLB spring training

Baseball: MLB spring training

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani throws a bullpen session in Glendale, Arizona, on Feb. 13, 2026, the first day of the team's spring workout for pitchers and catchers.

Baseball: MLB spring training

Baseball: MLB spring training

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani throws a bullpen session in Glendale, Arizona, on Feb. 13, 2026, the first day of the team's spring workout for pitchers and catchers.

Baseball: MLB spring training

Baseball: MLB spring training

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani throws a bullpen session in Glendale, Arizona, on Feb. 13, 2026, the first day of the team's spring workout for pitchers and catchers.

Baseball: MLB spring training

Baseball: MLB spring training

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani throws a bullpen session in Glendale, Arizona, on Feb. 13, 2026, the first day of the team's spring workout for pitchers and catchers.

Baseball: MLB spring training

Baseball: MLB spring training

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani throws a bullpen session in Glendale, Arizona, on Feb. 13, 2026, the first day of the team's spring workout for pitchers and catchers.

Baseball: MLB spring training

Baseball: MLB spring training

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani throws a bullpen session in Glendale, Arizona, on Feb. 13, 2026, the first day of the team's spring workout for pitchers and catchers.

Baseball: MLB spring training

Baseball: MLB spring training

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani throws a bullpen session in Glendale, Arizona, on Feb. 13, 2026, the first day of the team's spring workout for pitchers and catchers.

Baseball: MLB spring training

Baseball: MLB spring training

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani throws a bullpen session in Glendale, Arizona, on Feb. 13, 2026, the first day of the team's spring workout for pitchers and catchers.

Baseball: MLB spring training

Baseball: MLB spring training

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani throws a bullpen session in Glendale, Arizona, on Feb. 13, 2026, the first day of the team's spring workout for pitchers and catchers.

Baseball: MLB spring training

Baseball: MLB spring training

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki throws a bullpen session in Glendale, Arizona, on Feb. 13, 2026, the first day of the team's spring workout for pitchers and catchers.

Baseball: MLB spring training

Baseball: MLB spring training

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki throws a bullpen session in Glendale, Arizona, on Feb. 13, 2026, the first day of the team's spring workout for pitchers and catchers.

Baseball: MLB spring training

Baseball: MLB spring training

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki throws a bullpen session in Glendale, Arizona, on Feb. 13, 2026, the first day of the team's spring workout for pitchers and catchers.

Baseball: MLB spring training

Baseball: MLB spring training

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki throws a bullpen session in Glendale, Arizona, on Feb. 13, 2026, the first day of the team's spring workout for pitchers and catchers.

Baseball: MLB spring training

Baseball: MLB spring training

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki throws a bullpen session in Glendale, Arizona, on Feb. 13, 2026, the first day of the team's spring workout for pitchers and catchers.

Baseball: MLB spring training

Baseball: MLB spring training

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki throws a bullpen session in Glendale, Arizona, on Feb. 13, 2026, the first day of the team's spring workout for pitchers and catchers.

Baseball: MLB spring training

Baseball: MLB spring training

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto throws a live batting practice session in Glendale, Arizona, on Feb. 13, 2026, the first day of the team's spring workout for pitchers and catchers.

Baseball: MLB spring training

Baseball: MLB spring training

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto throws a live batting practice session in Glendale, Arizona, on Feb. 13, 2026, the first day of the team's spring workout for pitchers and catchers.

Baseball: MLB spring training

Baseball: MLB spring training

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto throws a live batting practice session in Glendale, Arizona, on Feb. 13, 2026, the first day of the team's spring workout for pitchers and catchers.

Baseball: MLB spring training

Baseball: MLB spring training

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto throws a live batting practice session in Glendale, Arizona, on Feb. 13, 2026, the first day of the team's spring workout for pitchers and catchers.

Baseball: MLB spring training

Baseball: MLB spring training

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto throws a live batting practice session in Glendale, Arizona, on Feb. 13, 2026, the first day of the team's spring workout for pitchers and catchers.

Baseball: MLB spring training

Baseball: MLB spring training

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto throws a live batting practice session in Glendale, Arizona, on Feb. 13, 2026, the first day of the team's spring workout for pitchers and catchers.

Pope Leo XIV Meets Members of Como Football Club - Vatican

Pope Leo XIV Meets Members of Como Football Club - Vatican

Pope Leo XIV greets Alvaro Morata, captain of the team, during a meeting with members of Como football club on January 19, 2026 at the Vatican. Como is an Italian professional football club based in Como, Lombardy (North Italy). The club competes in the Serie A, the first tier of Italian football. Photo by (EV) Simone Risoluti/ Vatican Media/ ABACAPRESS.COM

Baseball: Kazuma Okamoto

Baseball: Kazuma Okamoto

Japanese infielder Kazuma Okamoto puts on a team cap during his first press conference after joining the MLB's Toronto Blue Jays in Toronto, on Jan. 6, 2026.

GMO Internet Group wins national corporate ekiden in Japan

GMO Internet Group wins national corporate ekiden in Japan

GMO Internet Group ekiden road relay team anchor Masaya Tsurukawa crosses the finish line of the national corporate championship race in Maebashi, eastern Japan, on Jan. 1, 2026, for the team's first victory.

GMO Internet Group wins national corporate ekiden in Japan

GMO Internet Group wins national corporate ekiden in Japan

GMO Internet Group ekiden road relay team anchor Masaya Tsurukawa is tossed in the air by teammates after the team won the national corporate championship race in Maebashi, eastern Japan, on Jan. 1, 2026, for the team's first victory.

GMO Internet Group wins national corporate ekiden in Japan

GMO Internet Group wins national corporate ekiden in Japan

GMO Internet Group ekiden road relay team members pose for a photo after winning the national corporate championship race in Maebashi, eastern Japan, on Jan. 1, 2026, for the team's first victory.

Top 10 World Sports News Events In 2025

Top 10 World Sports News Events In 2025

The inaugural expanded FIFA Club World Cup was held in the United States from June 14 to July 13, featuring 32 teams. Chelsea defeated Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 to secure its second title in the tournament. The draw for the first 48-team FIFA World Cup was made on December 5. Cape Verde, Curacao, Uzbekistan and Jordan are set to debut in the finals. This file photo taken on July 13, 2025 shows players of Chelsea FC celebrating with trophy during the awarding ceremony for the final match between Chelsea FC (England) and Paris Saint-Germain (France) at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 at the MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, the United States. Photo by Wu Xiaoling/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

World Top 10 Athletes In 2025

World Top 10 Athletes In 2025

4. Chen Yuxi (China, diving) Chen won three gold medals in women's 10m platform, women's synchronized 10m platform and mixed team at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore. Her victory in the individual platform marked her fourth world title in the event and made her the first diver in history to achieve the feat. Chen also secured a fourth consecutive synchronized world title, second only to the five-title record held by compatriot Chen Ruolin. She was named the 2025 Female Diving Athlete of the Year by World Aquatics. This file photo taken on July 31, 2025 shows Chen Yuxi of China posing after the awarding ceremony for the women's 10m platform final of diving at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore. Photo by Luo Yuan/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Baseball:veteran pitcher Maeda joins Rakuten Eagles

Baseball:veteran pitcher Maeda joins Rakuten Eagles

SENDAI, Japan, Dec. 24 Kyodo - Right-hander Kenta Maeda poses for a photo with fans at Rakuten Mobile Park Miyagi in Sendai in Miyagi Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on Dec. 16, 2025, as he holds his first news conference after joining the Pacific League pro baseball team Rakuten Eagles. He returned to Japan after playing for 10 years in the U.S. majors.