Check out this beautiful image from the inner ear, specifically hair cells in the cochlea. The cochlea is the spiral-shaped cavity in the inner ear that acts as the sensory organ of hearing, translating sound vibrations into electrical nerve impulses.
Image credit: Dr. Holly Beaulac, NIDCD/NIH.
👂 NIH scientists are hosting EARssentials, a free, week-long virtual course (June 22–26) introducing the auditory system and research approaches used to study hearing and the inner ear.
Lectures, discussions, and workshops are available virtually, with topics ranging from inner ear biology to research tools and techniques. Learn more at the link in bio.
Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a serious kidney disease that causes scarring in the parts of the kidney responsible for filtering waste. This can lead to a loss of protein in the urine, which can worsen kidney function over time. In some cases, dialysis or a kidney transplant may be required.
Unfortunately, current treatments for FSGS often have limited success and may cause harmful side effects. That’s why researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), led by Dr. Gahl, are conducting a clinical study to explore whether an experimental drug called ManNAc can offer a better treatment option. ManNAc is a sugar-based powder that is taken orally twice a day.
The research study aims to evaluate the long-term safety and tolerability of ManNAc, as well as its effect on protein levels in the urine. Eligible participants must be age 18 or older and have primary FSGS. The research study will take place at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, MD, and will include two inpatient visits (two to three overnights) at the beginning and end of the dosing period (week 1, week 12), and three to four short (three to six hours) outpatient visits. Visits will include blood draws, urine tests, physical exams, EKGs, and questionnaires.
Travel and lodging will be covered. Compensation up to $2,000 over the course of the study will be provided.
If you or someone you know is living with FSGS, consider joining this important research effort. To enroll, call 833-JOIN-NIH and refer to research NIH study #002066-HG.
NEWS: NIH-funded scientists have isolated and mapped in detail the first comprehensive group of human antibodies targeting the measles virus.
The findings reveal previously unknown details about how the human immune system fights measles and identify specific antibodies capable of reducing the virus to undetectable levels. The research could serve as the foundation for developing a measles treatment. Read more at the link in bio.
Image: Colorized transmission electron micrograph of a measles virus particle (red).
Credit: Microscopy by CDC; colorization by NIH/NIAID.
Ending malaria in our lifetime is now a genuine scientific possibility, and NIH-supported research is helping make it happen.
Learn about five recent advances that stand out at the link in bio.
A new study highlights the potential of blood as a “window” into a patient’s cancer, enabling clinicians to monitor how tumor composition evolves over time and deepening our understanding of the innerworkings of tumor microenvironments. Read more at the link in bio.
Image: Nine cellular environments, or spatial ecotypes, are shown here in a melanoma tumor. Spatial ecotypes, defined by the cellular interactions and the gene expression patterns of their cells, give clues about effective treatment options. Credit: Aaron Newman @stanford
NEWS: An NIH-funded research team has uncovered new clues about diabetes susceptibility and genetic, cellular and functional characteristics that contribute to disease risk.
Researchers found that the mix of cell types in the pancreas, which varies widely from person to person, may help explain why some people are more likely to develop diabetes than others.
Read more at the link in bio.
Image: Isolated islets showing cell nuclei (blue) and three main endocrine cell types: insulin-producing beta cells (green), glucagon-producing alpha cells (red), and somatostatin-producing delta cells (white).
Courtesy of the IIDP Islet Collection in Pancreatlas, Vanderbilt University Medical Center @vanderbilthealth
🌿 How Do Everyday Chemicals Affect Our Health?
Researchers are studying how common environmental exposures may impact allergic & inflammatory conditions. Volunteers needed!
🔎 Who can join?
Healthy adults ages 18–80
🏥 What’s involved?
• 2 x 7-day hospital stays (4–6 weeks apart)
• Controlled air, food, and personal care products
• Health tests (blood, skin, lung, etc.)
• Follow-up outpatient visits
💰 Compensation: Up to $1,600
📬 Message us or call 833-JOIN-NIH (Ref: NIH Study #002257-I) for more info.
Did you know acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) are types of blood cancers that affect white blood cells? For patients whose cancer has resisted standard treatments, researchers are exploring an exciting new investigational therapy: anti-CD19 CAR T cell therapy.
💪 The process involves modifying a person’s own T cells to target and kill cancer cells, that may help people with advanced ALL, CLL or SLL.
🧬 Eligibility: People 18+ with ALL, CLL or SLL that hasn’t responded to standard treatments.
🏥 Volunteers will undergo thorough screening, leukapheresis (blood collection) to collect and modify their own T cells, CAR T-cell therapy infusion, a minimum 9-day hospital stay at the NIH Clinical Center, and long-term follow-up.
🔗Interested in learning more? Reach out to see if you or someone you know may be eligible to participate in this promising research!
To enroll, call 877-888-3332 and refer to research NIH study #001599-c
"Discover how POCTRN is revolutionizing healthcare by bringing advanced diagnostics directly to patients” - NIBIB Director Dr. Bruce Tromberg
At NIH’s recent Point-of-Care Technologies Research Network conference, researchers, clinicians and industry leaders came together to drive innovation, translation and real-world impact.
From developing wearables to home-based tests, POCTRN is accelerating detection of cardiovascular disease, cancer & more, advancing preventive care and longevity.
Future innovators joined us at NIH for Take Your Child to Work Day, exploring science and seeing how research helps people live longer, healthier lives. 🔬🥼🧪🌎
Check out this image of oocytes in a healthy human ovary; it's egg-straordinary!
Green – oocytes, Pink – extracellular matrix, Cyan – vessels, Blue and Yellow – epithelial cells
Photo credit - @UofPenn & @LurieChildrens (O’Neill, Kim, Laronda)
🔬 Exciting research opportunity!
Men ages 18–65 with a BMI of 25 or higher are invited to join a NIDDK study exploring how low-carb (ketogenic) diets, with or without an investigational supplement, affect energy levels and metabolism during sleep. 💤Help advance science and learn more about your metabolism!
Compensation of up to $4,140 over the course of the Study.
To enroll, call 833-JOIN-NIH and refer to research NIH study #001690-DK
