The SIG Beat

NEWS FROM AND ABOUT THE NIH SCIENTIFIC INTEREST GROUPS

NEW SIG: MIND-BODY MODALITIES

The new Mind-Body Modalities (MBM) Scientific Interest Group (SIG) brings together scientists and clinicians who are interested in research in and the practice of mind-body modalities (including meditation, acupuncture, yoga, and Reiki). There is burgeoning interest and empirical support for the efficacy of mind-body modalities in improving health and well-being. Mind-body practices are also typically low-risk and applicable to both the prevention and the treatment of illness. In addition, mind-body practices raise interesting questions about the philosophy of science and epistemology.

The MBM-SIG aims to facilitate constructive dialogue and scientific and experiential inquiry about mind-body practices; discuss appropriate research and analytic methods to understand the mechanisms and efficacy of mind-body practices; and inspire active discussion about the epistemology and philosophy of science.

The SIG plans to hold monthly meetings that will include a brief demonstration of a mind-body practice, followed by a speaker presentation or a group discussion. Demonstrations will provide attendees some subjective experience with the technique so they will have a better basis for understanding its subjective effects. For more information join the SIG LISTSERV at MBM-SIG@list.nih.gov or contact Laura Case at laura.case@nih.gov.

UPCOMING MEETINGS
Second and/or fourth Mondays
3:30–5:00 p.m.; Bethesda campus, Building 40, Room 1201
Monday July 14: Guest speaker Dr. Steffany Moonaz, yoga therapist and researcher (Baltimore)
Monday August 11: Guest speaker Dr. James Giordano, researcher and neuroethicist (Georgetown University)
Future events will be advertised through the MBM-SIG LISTSERV.

NEW SIG: 3-D PRINTING AND MODELING

The 3-D Printing group’s mission is to provide NIH users with information on 3-D printing and modeling resources, services, and technologies; to offer a forum for the exchange of information and ideas; and to promote awareness of the benefits of 3-D printing technologies in fulfilling the NIH mission. The group will use a Web site (3Dprint.nih.gov) and LISTSERV (3D-SIG-L) to share digital models, disseminate information on new technology, industry trends, research resources, NIH-specific programs and initiatives, and training opportunities. Sponsors are NIAID’s Bioinformatics and Computational Biosciences Branch, NICHD, and the NIH Library. The LISTSERV is 3D-SIG-L@LIST.NIH.GOV. Contact Ben Hope (hopeb@mail.nih.gov) for more information.