NEWS
Requesting Your Input on the NIAMS Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2020–2024
The NIAMS has published a Request for Information seeking input on research priorities for the NIAMS’ Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2020–2024. Researchers, health care professionals, patient advocates and health advocacy organizations, scientific and professional organizations, federal agencies and other interested members of the public are encouraged to review the current Long-Range Plan and submit suggestions via the online form by October 26, 2018.
Molecular Factors Underlie Mouth’s Head Start on Healing
Maria Morasso, Ph.D., from the NIAMS, and J. Silvio Gutkind, Ph.D., from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) have identified major differences in the way the mouth and skin repair themselves, pointing to potential therapeutic targets that could speed healing. Watch a video describing the process of discovery and the findings.
Image: Skin tissue
Photo credit: NIAMS
FNIH Biomarkers Consortium Launches Project Seeking Regulatory Qualification of Biomarkers for Measuring Knee Osteoarthritis
The Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH) Biomarkers Consortium has launched a project to seek regulatory qualification of new biological markers (biomarkers) that predict the change in joint damage over time from osteoarthritis in the knee.
NIH Research Program To Explore the Transition From Acute to Chronic Pain
The NIH has launched the Acute to Chronic Pain Signatures (A2CPS) program to investigate the biological characteristics underlying the transition from acute to chronic pain. A2CPS is part of the NIH-wide HEAL (Helping to End Addiction Long-term) Initiative.
Photo credit: sebastianosecondi/iStock
Researchers Elucidate Role of Stress Gene in Chronic Pain
In this NIH Director’s Blog post, Francis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D., features NIAMS-supported research at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The findings help to explain why an injury that has healed may persist as chronic pain for some people but not for others.
Photo credit: simonkr/Getty Images
Gene Editing in Dogs Boosts Hope for Kids With Muscular Dystrophy
In this NIH Director’s Blog post, Dr. Collins highlights a NIAMS-supported study at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, where researchers used the CRISPR/Cas9 editing system to restore production of the critical protein dystrophin by up to 92 percent in the muscle tissue of affected dogs.
Image: A CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing-based treatment restored production of dystrophin proteins (green) in the diaphragm muscles of dogs with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Photo credit: Olson Lab, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Building a Smarter Bandage
In this NIH Director’s Blog post, Dr. Collins highlights research funded in part by the NIAMS. He describes results that included the development of a prototype smart bandage that offers real-time wound monitoring and tailored treatment delivery.
Image: Smart bandage prototype
Photo credit: Sonkusale Lab, Tufts University
RESOURCES
Spotlight on Scientific Imagery: NET Formation in Low-Density Granulocytes
Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell in humans. Certain types of these cells, known as low-density granulocytes (LDG), are suspected to have a role in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and other autoimmune diseases. There is evidence that they contribute to organ-damaging inflammation and can form neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which may promote autoantibody production. In this image, NET formation in LDGs has been detected by a laser confocal microscope. Understanding how these cells act may give clues to new targets for treatment of diseases such as SLE.
Photo credit: Luz Blanco, Ph.D., NIAMS Systemic Autoimmunity Branch
AHRQ: Free Booklets About Low Bone Density
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) has developed the booklet, “Reducing the Risk of Bone Fracture: A Review of the Research for Adults With Low Bone Density.” Free copies are available in both English and Spanish by contacting the AHRQ’s clearinghouse by phone (1-800-358-9295) or email ([email protected]). This is a limited-time offer while supplies last.
Photo credit: AHRQ
EVENTS
September NIAMS Advisory Council Meeting Available on Videocast
A video recording of the September 5 NIAMS Advisory Council Meeting is available. The next NIAMS Advisory Council Meeting will be held February 5, 2019.
NCATS Day 2018: Engaging Patients and Communities for Smarter Science
September 28, 2018
8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Natcher Conference Center, Building 45, NIH Campus, Bethesda, Maryland
The event will be videocast.
2018 Research Conference on Sleep and the Health of Women
October 16–17, 2018
Natcher Conference Center, Building 45, NIH Campus, Bethesda, Maryland
The event will be videocast.
NIH Pathways to Prevention Workshop: Appropriate Use of Drug Therapies for Osteoporotic Fracture Prevention
October 30–31, 2018
Masur Auditorium, Building 10, NIH Campus, Bethesda, Maryland
The event will be videocast.
NIH Wednesday Afternoon Lecture Series
The NIH’s Wednesday Afternoon Lecture Series offers weekly lectures every Wednesday at 3 p.m. in Masur Auditorium, Building 10, NIH Campus. Renowned scientists from around the globe present research on a variety of topics. The lectures are Continuing Medical Education-certified, open to the public and available live via webcast.
Upcoming Lectures:
November 7, 2018
Astute Clinician Lecture
William A. Gahl, M.D., Ph.D., Clinical Director, National Human Genome Research Institute
“What Makes America Great”
November 14, 2018
Mark M. Davis, Ph.D., Stanford University
“Standing on the Shoulders of Mice: Adventures in Human Immunology”