Features

Hail to the Helix

National DNA Day Celebrates Genomics Coming of Age

Like the elegant double helix itself, DNA Day 2023 at NIH wove together intersecting threads. “Threads of discovery from basic science and threads of necessity that spring from human disease,” said Lawrence Brody, Director of the Division of Genomics and Society at the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), to kick off the 20th Anniversary Symposium at Lipsett Auditorium. National DNA Day was designated by Congress and is recognized annually on April 25 to commemorate the successful completion of the Human Genome Project (HGP) in 2003 and the discovery of DNA's double helix in 1953.

Conference Probes Essence of Aging, Frailty, and Disease

Geroscience Summit Turns Four

The fourth geroscience summit theme was “Geroscience for the Next Generation,” a nod to younger investigators taking more interest in aging research. Divided nearly evenly over nine sessions and three seven-hour days — all archived at videocast.nih.gov — the summit brought together dozens of scientific presenters from diverse backgrounds, including several from the NIH intramural research program.

Measuring Metabolism at the Speed of Light

Irene Georgakoudi’s WALS Lecture on Label-Free, High-Resolution Imaging

Bioengineers build tools, always pushing the envelope on what is possible. They make technology better, faster, or easier to use. A new, advanced imaging technique can—quite literally—shine light on the potential to detect cancer earlier, assess disease progression, and inform better treatments.

With an Eye to the Future

Kapil Bharti is NEI’s New Scientific Director

Kapil Bharti was named Scientific Director of the National Eye Institute (NEI) in May 2023. Bharti will support the NEI mission to eliminate vision loss and improve quality of life through vision research.

NIDCR Celebrates 75 Years of “Scientific Strides”

During the Second World War, rampant tooth decay disqualified nearly 20 percent of military recruits from service. To address this issue, President Truman signed legislation on June 24, 1948, to create what would eventually become the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR). Today, NIDCR is celebrating its 75th anniversary by highlighting past accomplishments and presenting a vision for the future.

Bioengineering to Advance by Collaboration and Inclusion

Manu Platt and the Trans-NIH BETA Center

“I aim to be the science connector,” said Manu Platt of his role as director of the newly created trans-NIH Biomedical Engineering Technology Acceleration (BETA) Center. Established by the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) in January, the BETA Center will serve as a hub for expert teams of technology developers at the NIH intramural program and beyond to work together to rapidly address pressing health needs.

Nurturing Diversity in STEM

Lessons Learned from Studying the Microbiota

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) are the pillars of innovation and discovery. The fruits of these fields impact us all, from the medicine that cures our ailments, to the technology we use daily. To combat biases in these innovations, is vital that the individuals designing protocols, performing studies, and developing novel technologies reflect the diverse populations that their products and discoveries will affect. This is particularly important here at the NIH.

A Ground-moving Groundbreaking

A remarkable groundbreaking event for the Clinical Center’s planned Surgery, Radiology, and Laboratory Medicine (SRLM) Wing, scheduled for completion in 2028.

Clinical Accolades

A Record Number of NIH Clinicians Elected to AAP, ASCI

In April, eight NIHers were elected to the Association of American Physicians (AAP), which constitutes nearly 15% of all AAP inductees worldwide this year—simply extraordinary.

COVID–19 Timeline at NIH (May–June 2023)

COVID–19 Research and Activities at NIH

Highlights of the COVID–19-related activities that were going on at NIH in May and June 2023.