Research Highlights from the Division of Intramural Research (DIR)

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.

Tiny pink dots clustered against a blue background. A fish fin is visible in the lower right corner.

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.

Three-dimensional computer image of red blood cells floating on a pink background. The cells are tablet-shaped with indented centers.

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.

Four sections of mouse intestine. Top left shows high levels of brown staining in the crypts. Bottom left shows comparatively little brown staining. Top right shows blue staining concentrated in the villi. Bottom right shows blue staining concentrated in the crypts.

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.

A diverse group of teenagers are sharing a pizza outdoors in a city environment.

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.

Purple mitochondria and green autophagosomes appear as lines and blotches against a black background. A large purple, green, and white ball representing swelling in the axon appears in the center and is outlined by a white dashed line. The neuron cell body is visible in the lower left.

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.

Three dimensional rendering of translation. Orange messenger RNA is translated by a purple ribosome into red protein.

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.

A young teenager sits alone in the cafeteria with a sad look on her face.

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.

Child sitting alone on a playground bench.

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.

Microscopy section with green, blue, and orange highlights showing components of the fruit fly nervous system, including the spine-like ventral nerve cord.

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.

Three dimensional rendering of the inside of a cell. Organelles like the nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi bodies are visible.

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.

A child sitting in a classroom glances over her shoulder at two classmates who are whispering to each other.

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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