NIAMS - National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

06/27/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/27/2024 07:41

NIAMS Update, Issue 3, 2024

Spotlight

Benign Nail Condition Linked to Rare Syndrome That Greatly Increases Cancer Risk

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Researchers at NIAMS and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) have discovered that the presence of a benign nail abnormality may lead to the diagnosis of a rare inherited disorder known as BAP1 tumor predisposition syndrome. The condition is a rare inherited disorder that increases the risk of developing cancerous tumors of the skin, eyes, kidneys, and the tissue that lines the chest and abdomen. Read the press release and also watch a short video featuring Edward Cowen, M.D., M.H.Sc., Head of Dermatology Consultation Services at NIAMS.

News

NIAMS-Supported Early-Stage Investigator Makes Scientific Discovery About Sex Differences in Autoimmune Diseases

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A NIAMS-supported study offers new insight as to why most people with autoimmune diseases are women. Early-stage investigator and NIAMS grantee Diana Dou, Ph.D., of Stanford University, is the first author on the paper. NIAMS features her in videos discussing her career and cutting-edge research into autoimmune diseases, which were posted during Women's Health Week in May.

NIH Improves Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Categories Reporting

Recently, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) made changes to the reporting of minority health and health disparities research categories as part of the NIH Research, Condition, and Disease Categorization reporting system. These updates will improve the accuracy and transparency of minority health and health disparities research investments and better track progress toward the goals of the NIH Minority Health and Health Disparities Strategic Plan.

NIH Cloud Lab Now Available to NIH-Supported Researchers

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The NIH Cloud Lab, part of the NIH STRIDES Initiative, is a new program that enables NIH-affiliated researchers to explore the cloud at no cost in a secure, NIH-approved environment for 90 days. The program is open to NIH staff, current recipients of NIH funding, and researchers at institutions actively applying for NIH funding. Visit the Cloud Lab homepage to find more information and registration instructions.

NIH Director's Blog: Machine Learning Study Offers Clues to Why Some People Have Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain Without Inflammation

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Many people with rheumatoid arthritis don't find pain relief, even with the strongest anti-inflammatory, disease-modifying therapies available. Why? A new NIAMS-supported study has an intriguing answer.

A Nanomaterial One-Two Punch Quickly Heals Wounds in Diabetic Animal Model

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NIH-supported bioengineers developed a strategy that applies different nanomaterials to wounds at different times to support both early and late-stage healing in diabetes.

Blood Biomarkers for Knee Osteoarthritis

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Researchers with NIH funding found biomarkers in blood that may predict knee osteoarthritis up to 8 years before clinical diagnosis.

Understanding How Exercise Affects the Body

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A Molecular Transducers of Physical Activity Consortium study funded by the NIH Common Fund found that endurance training in rats caused molecular changes throughout the body.

Montgomery County, Md., Council Commemorates Lupus Awareness Month

On May 21, Will Jawando, a councilmember of Montgomery County, Md., presented a proclamation to commemorate Lupus Awareness Month and expressed gratitude and respect for the work done by the NIAMS Lupus Clinical Trials Unit and Clinical Research Program. During the awareness month, NIAMS and the D.C. Lupus Consortium marked the 30th anniversary of lupus clinical research.

NIH Launches $30 Million Pilot to Test Feasibility of a National Primary Care Research Network

NIH is investing approximately $30 million in total over fiscal years 2024 and 2025 to pilot a national primary care research network that integrates clinical research with community-based primary care.

Fiscal Year 2024 Funding Plan

NIAMS is operating under the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 (Public Law 118-47) signed by President Biden on March 23, 2024.

Resources

Spotlight on Scientific Imagery: Nanoparticles Reduce Inflammation After Injury

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Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have found that injecting nanoparticles carrying an inflammation-blocking drug into an injured mouse joint can inhibit the inflammation that damages the cartilage in osteoarthritis (OA). Shown in green is an inflammatory protein, NF-κB, in cartilage cells (blue) of an injured joint. After the nanoparticles were injected (shown in the image on the right), the inflammation was greatly reduced. This study may help researchers develop treatments that reduce or prevent the development of OA in injured joints.

Photo Credit: Christine Pham, M.D., Washington University School of Medicine

Looking for New Online Educational Resources to Teach Kids About the Human Body?

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NIAMS has launched new resources designed for kids in grades 4 to 6 who are interested in learning about their bones, joints, muscles, and skin. These webpages aim to educate and engage kids in simple, fun, and interactive ways. Kahoot! quizzes are included. These resources align with national science and health education standards.

NIH-Wide Strategic Plan for Research on the Health of Women

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The NIH-Wide Strategic Plan for Research on the Health of Women 2024-2028 [PDF-9 MB] is now available. The plan outlines strategic goals to guide and inform NIH-supported research on women's health.

NIAMS "Explainer" Videos Feature Osteoporosis, Arthritis, and Lupus

NIAMS created three new videos in May to help raise awareness during Osteoporosis Awareness Month, Arthritis Awareness Month, and Lupus Awareness Month. See NIAMS' YouTube Playlist to watch all three videos.

Stay Updated About Funding Announcements

To get timely information about grants and funding opportunities, subscribe to funding-dedicated email newsletters, including periodic NIAMS Funding Alerts and a monthly NIAMS Funding News email. Also check out the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts, the primary source for information about NIH funding opportunities, and request a weekly Table of Contents from the NIH Guide. In addition, the NIAMS website provides comprehensive information on NIAMS-related grants and processes.

Events

NIAMS Advisory Council

The next NIAMS Advisory Council Meeting will be a hybrid (virtual and in-person) meeting on September 17, 2024. The meeting will be available for viewing via the NIH videocasting service. Watch a videocast recording of the most recent NIAMS Advisory Council Meeting, held on May 29, 2024.

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Look for past videocasts, including:

For additional online science seminars and events hosted by the NIH, view the NIH VideoCast Future Events and the NIH calendar.