DIR provides fundamental knowledge about the nature and behavior of living systems through basic, clinical, and population-based research. Review the following slideshow to learn about select scientific advances from each affinity group.
Studying Wound Healing in Zebrafish
A better understanding of wound healing and how it is altered by aging or disease will help scientists develop new therapeutics to improve poor healing. Learn how the Weinstein Lab is using zebrafish to help gain this knowledge.
Developing Novel Tools to Assess Iron-Metabolism in Cells
Iron is an essential trace element for all living organisms and plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, including oxygen transport. Learn about work from the Rouault Lab on a new tool for analyzing iron regulatory proteins.
Exploring Growth and Development of Intestinal Cells
Maintaining intestinal integrity and function requires a careful balance of interactions among different cell types, including those within the intestinal lining. Learn about work from the Shi Lab to better understand how growth and development of secretory cells are regulated.
Improving the Accuracy of Birthweight Estimates
Fetal weight is estimated during pregnancy to assess growth and health. Inaccurate estimates can potentially lead to unnecessary clinical recommendations, such as Cesarean delivery. Learn about work from the Epidemiology Branch on how ultrasound-based weight estimates can differ from actual birthweight.
Exploring Links Between Food Addiction and Weight-Related Outcomes in Young Adults
Emerging adulthood—a period when adolescents transition to early adulthood—is a time when people are at higher risk for disordered eating behaviors, eating disorders, and excess weight gain. Learn about work from the Social and Behavioral Sciences Branch on the role that food addiction plays in weight-related outcomes in emerging adults.
Illuminating Contributors to Neurodegenerative Diseases
Problems with lysosomes, structures within cells that break down unneeded or worn-out cell parts, can contribute to neurological diseases. Learn about work from the Bonifacino Lab to understand how a protein complex that regulates lysosome positioning contributes to neurodegeneration.
Understanding Processes that Regulate the Translation of Messenger RNA into Protein
Translation refers to the building of proteins from instructions carried by messenger RNAs. This process is highly regulated. Learn about work from the Lorsch Lab on how machinery required for translation, called the preinitiation complex, is assembled.
Evaluating How Social Exclusion Affects Children’s Eating Behaviors
Children and adolescents often experience stress after being excluded or ignored by their peers. Learn about work from the Social and Behavioral Sciences Branch on how exclusion may affect children’s eating behaviors and body mass index.
Understanding the Neurological Effects of Childhood Adversity
Research has linked adverse childhood experiences with a higher risk of health problems. Learn about work from the Social and Behavioral Sciences Branch on how adversity affects neurocognitive development.
Unlocking the Mysteries of the Nervous System
The nervous system is strikingly complex, with diverse cell types working in concert to perform various tasks. Learn about a new resource from the Serpe Lab that catalogues the cells of the fruit fly ventral nerve cord.
Understanding How Organelle Membranes are Made
Eukaryotic cells have membrane-enclosed organelles that feature unique lipid compositions. Learn about work from the Balla Lab on how some lipids are selectively transported to organelles.
Evaluating the Effects of Social Threats on Eating Behaviors
Children with low social standing or who experience teasing may be more likely to overeat or to have high body mass index. Learn about new insights into how the interplay between low social status and teasing affects eating behaviors and body composition.
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