National Institutes of Health (NIH): Intramural Research Program (IRP)

Beverly Gage’s mutation is one-of-a-kind. Her predicament is not. Listen to the latest #SpeakingofScience podcast episode to hear how her experience reflects the fragility and uncertainty for those living with rare incurable diseases. Listen to learn more: https://go.nih.gov/YKlxTtS #NIH_IRP

During day one of The National Institutes of Health's Postbac Poster Day, participants shared the research that they have been conducting in laboratories and clinics across the NIH campus. Congratulations to all presenters for showcasing their hard work and diverse research! Day two starts today. Learn more about the event: https://go.nih.gov/UCRNOm6 #NIH_IRP

Nearly half of the world’s population lives in areas where malaria is common. The disease, which occurs when an infected mosquito’s bite introduces Plasmodium parasites into a person’s body, can cause serious illness and death. In 1999, a research effort led by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) scientists produced the first high-resolution genetic map of Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest #malaria parasite. Learn about the research #NIH_IRP scientists are conducting with hopes that their findings could help curb malaria infections: https://go.nih.gov/2ZStay4 #NIHFirst

To better understand the link between abnormal RNA binding proteins (RBPs) and neurological diseases, Benjamin Packer, a postbac fellow at The National Institutes of Health’s Roy Blunt Center for Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias, is studying how translation is affected by RBPs in neurites using a protocol called ‘FUNCAT,’ which lets scientists see the amount of proteins produced in a cell. He along with his labmates want to see if there are any differences in the amount of proteins created in neurons when RBPs don’t work right. Learn more about his research: https://go.nih.gov/PE16evU #NIH_IRP Pictured: Neurons after the FUNCAT experiment. When a new protein is made, FUNCAT tags it with a red marker.

Congratulations to #NIH_IRP scientists Sandra Wolin (National Cancer Institute (NCI)), Kyung J. Kwon-Chung (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)), Thomas Kunkel (National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)), Giorgio Trinchieri (NCI), and Steven Rosenberg (NCI) on their election to the National Academy of Sciences! Learn more about Dr. Wolin's research: https://go.nih.gov/27L1Y7e Learn more about Dr. Kwon-Chung's research: https://go.nih.gov/RU98A4C Learn more about Dr. Kunkel's research: https://go.nih.gov/JFqeN83 Learn more about Dr. Trinchieri's research: https://go.nih.gov/56SUEne Learn more about Dr. Rosenberg's research: https://go.nih.gov/FQ7Z3L7

Congratulations to the National Cancer Institute (NCI)'s Drs. Marston Linehan, Brigitte Widemann, and Andre Nussenzweig on their HHS Departmental Awards. These awards recognize and honor HHS employees and teams who distinguished themselves in the previous year. These employees faced and overcame some of the world’s biggest and most pressing health-related challenges as they worked to enhance the health and well-being of all Americans. #NIH_IRP More about Dr. Andre Nussenzweig's research: https://go.nih.gov/g0Mosth More about Dr. Brigitte Widemann's research: https://go.nih.gov/PLUdqf0 More about Dr. Marston Linehan's research: https://go.nih.gov/6TZLIeG

Join the NIH Intramural Research Program for a Reddit "Ask Me Anything" (AMA) featuring Megan Majocha, Ph.D., who conducted her Ph.D. thesis at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in the lab of NCI Center for Cancer Research's Dr. Kent Hunter. Megan's research focuses on a specific protein's role in the metastatic progression of triple-negative #breastcancer. In joining The National Institutes of Health (NIH)-Georgetown University partnership program, Megan gained access to resources that not only helped her conduct her research but also allowed her, a fluent user of both American Sign Language and English to communicate her work in a way that is accessible to a broader audience. Join us on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at 12 pm ET to ask your questions: https://go.nih.gov/KrY3mT1 #NIH_IRP

From identifying the mutation responsible for progeria, a rare genetic disorder that causes children to stop growing and age rapidly to studying the genes involved in type 2 diabetes, a disease that affects an estimated 38 million Americans, Dr. Francis Collins is helping lead discoveries that range from rare mutations to common ailments. On #NationalDNADay, read the latest 'I am Intramural' blog to catch up with former director of The National Institutes of Health, Francis Collins and learn how he is leading efforts to better understand the links between our genes and our health: https://go.nih.gov/9aA2FJz #NIH_IRP

More than 30 million Americans live with a rare disease. For these patients, getting an accurate diagnosis can be difficult. David D’Onofrio, a postbaccalaureate research fellow at The National Institutes of Health, is using artificial intelligence to help make things simple and find the rare mutations responsible for patients’ symptoms. With more advanced software tools like his, doctors can more quickly diagnose patients and determine the best treatment for their unique conditions. Watch the latest #SciBites video to learn more: https://go.nih.gov/epEDLYr #NIH_IRP #rarediseases #artificialintelligence

This #ToolTuesday we’re taking a look at the two-photon microscope. The device flings particles of light at neurons, allowing Dr. Yi Gu's lab to use the tool to study how a part of the brain, known as the medial entorhinal cortex (MEC), enables people to navigate their environment. Discoveries from their research could lead to the creation of new ways to treat #Alzheimer’s disease and to diagnose it in its early stages. Learn more: https://go.nih.gov/PkRKAmy #NIH_IRP