September–October 2024 | NIH Intramural Research Program

The Autoantibody Hunters

From PANDAS to Long COVID, Defining and Treating Infection-associated Conditions That Aren't So Black and White

Collaborative research at NIH is exploring underlying connections between infection and neurological abnormalities, specifically for a constellation of poorly understood infection-associated illnesses, such as long COVID, chronic Lyme disease, and myalgic encephalomyelitis-chronic fatigue syndrome.

Research Festival to Celebrate NIH Past, Present, and Future

Three Days of Peace and Science

The 2024 NIH Research Festival is coming to the Bethesda campus on September 23–25. Delve into NIH history, hear the latest biomedical breakthroughs, and glimpse fresh research directions from outstanding new investigators. From lectures to workshops to a bountiful spread of career- and science-supporting resources, read on for a preview of what to expect.

From the Deputy Director for Intramural Research

NIH Is Home to Life-long Learners

This “Back to School” issue of the NIH Catalyst highlights why NIH is one of the best places to unravel the next set of interdisciplinary mysteries. Additionally, we look forward to a series of upcoming events this fall that promise to be rich fodder for insight and inspiration.

NCCIH’s New Clinical Director: Miroslav “Misha” Bačkonja

Bačkonja Develops Clinical Models to Sense, Combat Pain

Meet Miroslav "Misha" Bačkonja, the new clinical director of the NCCIH Division of Intramural Research.

Wednesday: The Day We Come Together to Be Inspired

Join the Wednesday Afternoon Lecture Series As It Enters Its 30th Season

The NIH Director’s Wednesday Afternoon Lecture Series (WALS) began in 1994, when Harold Varmus, still in his first year as NIH director, envisioned a dedicated time each week for NIH colleagues to gather in a lecture hall and hear from remarkable invited speakers about their recent scientific results and breakthroughs, regardless of the discipline. Thirty years on, WALS is NIH’s highest-profile lecture program. Will you join us for this year's special 30th anniversary season?

Clear Plastic Aligners Give Patients with Brittle Teeth New Smiles

Multicenter Clinical Trial Aims to Improve Oral Health for Those With a Rare Disorder

Learn about an international multicenter clinical trial funded by NIH that is testing the effectiveness of FDA-approved clear plastic aligners to improve dental function in patients with osteogenesis imperfecta.

NEI Launches New Funding Mechanism to “Innovate Together”

Intramural Grants Help Awardees Step Outside Comfort Zones, Gain Career-building Experience

Learn about seven projects funded by the “Innovate Together” program that will enable NEI intramural postdoctoral fellows and staff scientists to explore new tools and techniques.

Celebrating 50 Years of Cancer Immunotherapy Research

Symposium Marks Half Century of Steven Rosenberg’s Research Discoveries, Mentorship

Steven Rosenberg came to NIH 50 years ago and has become known as the father of cancer immunotherapy. To mark 50 years of immunotherapy at the NIH, NCI will host a symposium on the Bethesda campus celebrating Rosenberg and featuring scientific presentations with the aim of catalyzing the next 50 years of cellular immunotherapies.

News You Can Use

Learn about newly available resources for social and behavioral sciences research.

Research Briefs

Read about scientific advances and discoveries by NIH intramural scientists: Quantum computing sifts through genetic haystack; microRNAs play a role in scleroderma; pros and cons of using artificial intelligence to make a diagnosis; using fragmentomics to asses tumor risk; impact of food allergies varies by age; rapid face-detecting circuit discovered; opportunistic infections common in VEXAS syndrome.

Opinion: Contemplating the Colorful NIH Canopy in Fall

How the Exquisite Trees on the Bethesda Campus Support the NIH Mission

The 310-acre Bethesda campus is home to some 8,500 trees, more than 160 species, mostly native to the mid-Atlantic region. Some are quite old; some have interesting biographies; and all join the human staff in supporting the NIH mission.