Michael Gottesman, who has been the Deputy Director for Intramural Research since November 1994, recently announced that he would be stepping down from that position, but will continue as chief of NCI’s Laboratory of Cell Biology, where his research is focused on multi-drug resistance in cancer cells. He was acting DDIR when he wrote this essay for the January 1994 issue of The NIH Catalyst. Knowing he could make a difference convinced him to take the job. He's still passionate about NIH’s intramural research program and plans to remain as DDIR until a replacement is found. A national search will begin soon.
BY MARK RIEWESTAHL AND DEVON VALERA, OFFICE OF NIH HISTORY
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted how NIH employees make history every day. In Building 31, the Office of NIH History and Stetten Museum (ONHM) has installed a new exhibit, “NIH & COVID-19,” that showcases NIH’s role in the fight against COVID-19. ONHM, which has always sought to record, preserve, and interpret NIH’s stories for future generations, now requests your help in its continuing efforts to compile a COVID-19 history.
Read about NIH scientific advances and discoveries by intramural scientists: protein fragments protect and stimulate retinal neurons; genetic risk factors for rare childhood cancer; many patients change their mind about receiving secondary genomic findings; ancient viruses, bacteria, and host immune system participate in multi-kingdom dialog that controls both tissue homeostasis and inflammation; resting brain replays new skills; and an antibody that’s effective against malaria infection.
Creative Activities Can Reduce Stress and Enhance Work Performance
BY ERICA WYNNE-JONES, NIAID
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us turned to creative activities to provide comfort and entertainment. Some people took on activities that were completely new to them, such as baking, which led to many spectacular pandemic baking fails shared on social media, including deflated sourdough, burnt messes, and fused megacookies. No matter the final outcome, the process of undertaking creative activities can have a positive influence on mental health.
NEWS FROM AND ABOUT THE SCIENTIFIC INTEREST GROUPS
Three new SIGS: The Resilience Research Scientific Interest Group was established to advance resilience research by fostering communication, collaboration, and the sharing of resources; the Biomedical Engineering Scientific Interest Group seeks to fill a current void in bioengineering interest and organization within the broader NIH community; and the Innovation-Driven Enhancements for Advancement provides a platform for the development of creative ideas through the exchange of information among NIH employees who have training and/or an interest in leadership, management, or business acumen.
