IRP Life

Next Big Thing in Genome Modification: the CRISPR/Cas9 System

Ever since the discovery of the double-helix structure of DNA, scientists have sought ways to edit the genome. Altering gene expression partially and transiently via small interfering RNA has come a long way, and the progress has been spectacular. However, achieving complete and sustained modification of gene expression in a cell remains a tedious procedure that is often costly and time-consuming. For molecular biologists working with cell lines, quick and efficient knock out of one or more genes would provide a powerful tool for their studies. The CRISPR technology arrived two years ago to potentially fulfill that need.

CRISPR genome editing

Exploring the Body’s Microcosmos

Monitoring cell movement. Examining the microenvironment of a tumor. Mapping a gene. Scientists at the NCI Center for Cancer Research (CCR)—the intramural research program at the National Cancer Institute—use a wide variety of microscopy techniques to observe and probe the otherwise invisible processes that drive cancer at the molecular level

Breast cancer cells

Lab Safety and Biospecimen Inventory in Focus

The winning entry from the 2014 “In Focus! Safe Workplaces for All” photo contest is entitled “Biospecimen Inventory." It not only highlights the importance of proper gear, but also that of maintaining an accurate and up-to-date inventory of biospecimens.

NIH Biospecimen Inventory, Diane Poole and Amanda Vandeveer

NIH Nurses Play Critical Roles in Cancer and Ebola Discovery

In 2007, the NIH Clinical Center (CC) established two research nursing roles that are critical to the success of the many studies undertaken at the CC. Clinical Research Nurses (CRN) are staff nurses who focus on caring for research participants, while also providing support for studies in a clinical delivery setting. Research Nurse Coordinators (RCN) are responsible for managing research studies and enormous amounts of data collection. They are in charge of recruiting and enrolling participants, maintaining study consistency, and overseeing regulatory adherence.

NIH Special Clinical Studies Unit Nurse

5 Tips for Journal Club First-Timers

Recently, I had the privilege of presenting a journal article to my lab group’s journal club in the PAIN (Pain And Integrative Neuroscience) lab for Dr. Catherine Bushnell. One goal of our lab is to look at the relationship and differences between itch and pain. So, what is the purpose of a journal club?

Lucy Bauer - NIH NCCIH Presentation

Phoenix Rising to Obesity and Diabetes Research

Phoenix, Arizona, received its name from a British pioneer named Darrell Duppa. When he saw what was left of prehistoric settlements built by the Hohokam civilization thousands of years before his arrival, he knew that another great civilization would “rise from these ashes” just like the mythic bird. The desert city is today home to the Phoenix Epidemiology and Clinical Research Branch, one of six IRP research campuses.

PECRB Main Campus - NIH NIDDK

A Graduate Student’s Journey in the NIH IRP

Lucy Kotlyanskaya at the lab bench

As a recently graduated student at the NIH, in partnership with University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, I felt so privileged to be a member of this amazing community of scientists, and I want to create awareness that there are opportunities for graduate students to do research in the NIH Intramural Research Program (IRP). The NIH IRP provides training to scientists at every level of experience.

Unlocking Brain Function, One Neuron at a Time

The brain’s complexity and how its coordinated actions of billions of neurons shape our behavior and cognition have always fascinated me. So, I decided to go into neuroscience as a career and contribute to biomedical science.

Electrophysiology system

Aspirations for Standards to Bolster Reproducibility in Scientific Research

Each day, hundreds of thousands of biomedical researchers around the world design and execute studies, with diverse trajectories and outcomes and where success is based largely on reproducibility. However, a large percentage of experiments using cell culture techniques have been labelled as irreproducible, with around 25 percent of all cell-line research described as either contaminated with other cells or mischaracterized in some way. In other words, if your kidney cancer cell isn’t really a kidney cancer line, then how will anyone else be able to reproduce your work?

NIH lab