May 24, 2012

SPOTLIGHT

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the NIAMS have a long-standing commitment to address disparities in the development and dissemination of science-based health information. As part of this commitment, the NIAMS is reaching out to underserved populations through a variety of methods, including the National Multicultural Outreach Initiative, publications, special events, and, most recently, social media.

Image: Stephen I. Katz, M.D., Ph.D.

NEWS

Research Findings Challenge the Current Understanding of Cell Development Processes

Investigators within the NIAMS Intramural Research Program have recently shed light on the roles of two proteins that are critical to cell development, and, in so doing, could alter the way scientists approach regenerative medicine, tissue engineering and the treatment of cancer.

New Classification Criteria Released for Research on Sjögren’s Syndrome: NIH-Supported Alliance Validates Classification Criteria for Condition Based on Objective Tests

An international team of researchers released new classification criteria for the common autoimmune condition Sjögren’s syndrome. Classification criteria are the consensus opinion of a group of experts that researchers use in clinical studies to confirm a previous diagnosis and/or subclassify patients who have the same type of a given condition.

Brain-Activated Muscle Stimulation Restores Monkeys’ Hand Movement After Paralysis

An artificial connection between the brain and muscles can restore complex hand movements in monkeys following paralysis, according to a study funded by the NIH.

NIH Launches Collaborative Program With Industry and Researchers To Spur Therapeutic Development: Scientists Will Gain Access to Select Compounds From Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Lilly

The NIH unveiled a collaborative program that will match researchers with a selection of pharmaceutical industry compounds to help scientists explore new treatments for patients. The NIH’s new National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences has partnered initially with Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Eli Lilly and Company, which have agreed to make dozens of their compounds available for this initiative’s pilot phase.

NIH Research Featured in HBO Documentary Series on Obesity

The Weight of the Nation documentary series and public awareness campaign by the cable network HBO features NIH research showing how obesity affects the country’s health and how interventions can turn the tide against obesity and its complications.

A New Medical College Admission Test for Tomorrow’s Physician: Building a Better Physician Through Behavioral and Social Sciences

Half of all premature deaths in the United States can be attributed to a few modifiable behaviors such as smoking, poor diet and physical inactivity. Knowledge about behavioral and social sciences is critical to practicing effective medicine, as studies demonstrate the value of cognitive and behavioral interventions in treating mental illness, substance abuse and chronic diseases.

NIH Makes a Scene at USA Science and Engineering Festival

The NIH made waves with exciting exhibits, interactive fun for all ages and special science performances at the 2nd USA Science and Engineering Festival at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC. The festival showed attendees that science is fun, intriguing and accessible to people of all ages.

New Arthritis Publications Available From the AHRQ

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality’s (AHRQ’s) Effective Health Care Program announced the availability of the following reports on its website:

Final Recommendation Statement on Behavioral Counseling To Prevent Skin Cancer

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has posted its final recommendation statement on counseling to prevent skin cancer. The USPSTF recommends counseling children, adolescents and young adults age 10–24 who have fair skin about minimizing their exposure to ultraviolet radiation to reduce risk for skin cancer. In a recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, 11 fair- or good-quality, randomized, controlled trials examined the counseling interventions’ effect on sun-protective behaviors. In young women, appearance-focused behavioral interventions decrease indoor tanning and ultraviolet exposure. In young adolescents, computer support can decrease midday sun exposure and increase sunscreen use. In conclusion, the randomized, controlled trials suggest that primary care-relevant counseling can increase sun-protective behaviors and decrease indoor tanning. The USPSTF encourages people to share this recommendation with colleagues. To help with dissemination, the USPSTF has developed a newsletter article, tweet, Facebook post and website callout box. The final recommendation and the evidence it is based on is available on the USPSTF website. A fact sheet that explains the final recommendation statement in plain language also is posted on this web page.

Read Behavioral Counseling To Prevent Skin Cancer: A Systematic Review for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.

NEW PUBLICATIONS 

Exercising With Osteoarthritis (PDF—511 KB)

Everyday Fitness Ideas From NIH’s National Institute on Aging
Exercise is safe for almost everyone. In fact, studies show that people with osteoarthritis benefit from regular exercise and physical activity.

NIH Research Matters

NIH Research Matters is a review of NIH research from the Office of Communications and Public Liaison, Office of the Director, NIH.

Genetics of Bone Density

A new study linked 32 novel genetic regions to bone mineral density. The findings may help researchers understand why some people are more susceptible to bone fractures. The research also points to potential drug targets for preventing or treating osteoporosis.

Device Restores Movement to Paralyzed Limbs

Monkeys paralyzed from the elbow down to their fingers were able to manipulate a ball with the help of an artificial connection between the brain and hand muscles. The technology might one day help paralysis victims regain muscle control.

Insights Into MRSA Epidemic

Scientists identified a gene that’s been playing a pivotal role in epidemic waves of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections in Asia. The finding suggests a promising target for novel therapeutics.

NIH Public Bulletin

Read about the latest public events, activities and health information resources from the NIH in the latest issue of the NIH Public Bulletin.

NIH News in Health

Read practical health information in NIH News in Health, which is reviewed by the NIH’s medical experts and is based on research conducted either by the NIH’s own scientists or by its grantees at universities and medical schools around the country.

MEETINGS

Save the Date: NIAMS Advisory Council Meeting

The next NIAMS Advisory Council Meeting will be held June 5, 2012, in Building 31, 6th floor, C Wing, Conference Room 6, NIH Campus.

NIH Pain Consortium 7th Annual Symposium on Advances in Pain Research

National Institutes of Health
Natcher Conference Center, Building 45
Bethesda, MD 20892
May 29–30, 2012

Registration and Information

FDA Workshop: Assessment of Analgesic Treatment of Chronic Pain—A Scientific Workshop

National Institutes of Health
Natcher Conference Center, Building 45
Bethesda, MD 20892
May 30–31, 2012

Registration and Information

Save the Date: Summit on the Science of Eliminating Health Disparities

Integrating Science, Policy and Practice
Building a Healthier Society
October 31–November 3, 2012
Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center
National Harbor, Maryland

For more information, please contact 2012summit@mail.nih.gov.

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 lectures, open to the public and available live via webcast.

Upcoming lectures:

June 6, 2012
Dr. Peter J. Hotez
“Antipoverty Vaccines for the World’s Neglected Diseases”

June 20, 2012
Dr. Atul Butte
“Translational Bioinformatics: Transforming 300 Billion Points of Data Into Diagnostics, Therapeutics and New Insights Into Disease”

FUNDING ANNOUNCEMENTS

NIH Common Fund Initiative Announcements

NIH Announces the Posting of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Other Technical Assistance Resources To Assist Applicants to PA-12-119 (Use-Oriented Basic Research: Change Mechanisms of Behavioral or Social Interventions)
(NOT-RM-12-017)

Clarification of Application Submission Instructions for RFA-RM-12-002: NIH Health Care Systems Research Collaboratory—Pragmatic Trials Demonstration Projects (UH2/UH3)
(NOT-RM-12-020)

Other Funding Announcements

Research Supplements To Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research (Admin Supp)
(PA-12-149)
Letter of Intent Receipt Date: Not applicable
Application Receipt Dates: Supplemental applications are accepted year round, except from July 1 through October 1. See Table of IC-Specific Information, Requirements and Staff Contacts.

Research Supplements To Promote Re-Entry Into Biomedical and Behavioral Research Careers (Admin Supp)
(PA-12-150)
Letter of Intent Receipt Date: Not applicable
Application Receipt Dates: Supplemental applications are accepted year round, except from July 1 through October 1. See Table of IC-Specific Information, Requirements and Staff Contacts.

Multidisciplinary Studies of HIV/AIDS and Aging (R21)
(PAR-12-174)
Letters of Intent Receipt Date: Not applicable
Application Receipt Dates: August 7, 2012; December 7, 2012; April 9, 2013; August 7, 2013; December 6, 2013; April 9, 2014; August 7, 2014; December 9, 2014; April 7, 2015

Multidisciplinary Studies of HIV/AIDS and Aging (R01)
(PAR-12-175)
Letters of Intent Receipt Date: Not applicable
Application Receipt Dates: August 7, 2012; December 7, 2012; April 9, 2013; August 7, 2013; December 6, 2013; April 9, 2014; August 7, 2014; December 9, 2014; April 7, 2015

Notice of Change in Participation of NIH Institutes and Centers in PAR-11-028 “Continued Development and Maintenance of Software (R01)”
(NOT-OD-12-094)

Notice of Change in Participation of NIH Institutes and Centers in PAR-10-196 “Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) Phase III: Transitional Centers [P30]”
(NOT-OD-12-095)

Notice of Change in Participation of NIH Institutes and Centers in PAR-11-229 “Limited Competition: Institutional Development Award (IDeA) Program Infrastructure for Clinical and Translational Research (IDeA-CTR) [U54]”
(NOT-OD-12-096)

Notice of Change in Participation of NIH Institutes and Centers in PAR-10-204 “NIH Blueprint for Neuroscience Research Competitive Revisions for Studies Focused on Neuropathic Pain or Neural Plasticity To Promote Collaborative Pain Research (R01)”
(NOT-OD-12-097)

NIH Announces the Posting of a Checklist for Policy Development Related to the 2011 Revised Regulation on Promoting Objectivity in Research (Financial Conflict of Interest)
(NOT-OD-12-103)

Notice of Change in Participation of NIH Institutes and Centers in PAS-12-169 “Limited Competition: Revision Applications To Advance Evidence-Based Research Related to Protections for Human Subjects (U54)”
(NOT-OD-12-105)

Notice of Intent To Publish a Request for Pre-Applications for the NIH-Industry Pilot Program: Discovering New Therapeutic Uses for Existing Molecules (X02, UH2/UH3)
(NOT-TR-12-001)

Request for Information (RFI): Input on the NIH-Industry Program, Discovering New Therapeutic Uses for Existing Molecules
(NOT-TR-12-002)

If you would like to review information about funding opportunities more frequently than our monthly updates allow, see the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts, the primary source for information about NIH funding opportunities. You can also request a weekly Table of Contents from the NIH Guide.
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