IOM Topic: Diseases

The Science and Applications of Microbial Genomics

5/24/2012

Over the past several decades, new scientific tools and approaches for detecting microbial species have dramatically enhanced our understanding of the microbial flora and fauna and their dynamic interactions with the environments in which they reside. On June 12th and 13th 2012, the Institute of Medicine’s Forum on Microbial Threats will host a public workshop, to explore new scientific tools and methods for detecting and characterizing culturable and unculturable microbial species. This workshop may also explore the origins, nature, and spread of historical and contemporaneous infectious disease outbreaks in human, plant, and wildlife host systems.

The Social Biology of Microbial Communities

5/21/2012

Microorganisms lead intensely ‘social’ lives, forming communities and engaging in behaviors that involve complex systems of cooperation and communication. This workshop will explore factors contributing to microbial community formation and function, and potential applications for improving health.

Reducing Tobacco-Related Cancer Incidence and Mortality

5/17/2012

NCPF Tobacco Workshop

Alliances for Obesity Prevention: Finding Common Ground - Workshop Summary

5/11/2012

Many organizations are making focused efforts to prevent obesity. To achieve their goals, accelerate their progress, and sustain their success, the assistance of many other individuals and groups—not all of them with a singular focus on obesity prevention—will be essential. In October 2011 the Institute of Medicine held a workshop that provided an opportunity for obesity prevention groups to hear from and hold discussions with many of these potential allies in obesity prevention. They explored common ground for joint activities and mutual successes, and lessons learned from efforts at aligning diverse groups with goals in common.

2011 Annual Report

5/9/2012

Annual Report

What You're Reading - April 2012

5/1/2012

A list of the most viewed IOM reports for the month of April, 2012.

Informatics Needs and Challenges in Cancer Research: A Workshop

4/25/2012

The National Cancer Policy Forum will hold a public workshop on February 27th and 28th, 2012 to examine the informatics needs and challenges for 21st century biomedical research, with a focus on the broad spectrum of cancer research, ranging from basic discovery science to translational research, product development, clinical trials, comparative effectiveness, and health services research.

Delivering Affordable Cancer Care in the 21st Century

4/24/2012

With the goal of ensuring that patients have access to high quality, affordable cancer care, the National Cancer Policy Forum will convene a public workshop, Delivering Affordable Cancer Care in the 21st Century, on October 8 and 9, 2012.

IOM Partners in 'The Weight of the Nation,' A New National Initiative to Confront Obesity Crisis

4/17/2012

As obesity continues to diminish the quality of people's lives and raise health care costs, the Institute of Medicine is pleased to join HBO, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, and Kaiser Permanente in developing "The Weight of the Nation," a new national campaign tackling the obesity crisis.

The Role of Obesity in Cancer Survival and Recurrence - Workshop Summary

4/3/2012

Recent research suggests that obesity and excess weight can influence cancer survival and recurrence. Given the increasing rate of obesity and an aging population more susceptible to cancer, there is mounting concern about obesity’s role in fueling tumor growth. At an IOM workshop, experts presented the latest evidence on the obesity-cancer link and the possible mechanisms underlying that link, as well as potential interventions to mitigate the effects of obesity on cancer, and research and policy measures needed to counter the expected rise of cancer incidence and mortality due to an increasingly overweight and older population.

Report Release: Committee on the Public Health Dimensions of the Epilepsies

4/2/2012

The IOM held a public briefing to discuss its new report on the public health dimensions of the epilepsies on March 30 at the National Academies Keck Center in Washington, DC.

The Public Health Dimensions of the Epilepsies

4/2/2012

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurologic conditions in the United States, affecting at least 1 in 100 adults and 1 in 20 children. The IOM is considering the public health dimensions of epilepsy in the United States--including health care and human services, health literacy, and education--in order to better understand the impact of epilepsy and to find ways to meet the needs of people with epilepsy and their caregivers.

Country-Level Decision Making for Control of Chronic Diseases - Workshop Summary

4/2/2012

A 2010 IOM report, Promoting Cardiovascular Health in the Developing World, found that not only is it possible to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease and related chronic diseases in developing countries, but also that such a reduction will be critical to achieving global health and development goals. As part a series of follow-up activities to the 2010 report, the IOM held a workshop that aimed to identify what is needed to create tools for country-led planning of effective, efficient, and equitable provision of chronic disease control programs.

IOM Report Identifies Public Health Actions for Improving the Lives of Those With Epilepsy

3/30/2012

An estimated 2.2 million people in the United States live with epilepsy, a complex brain disorder characterized by sudden and often unpredictable seizures. The highest rate of onset occurs in children and older adults, and it affects people of all ethnicities and socio-economic backgrounds, yet this common disorder is widely misunderstood. Epilepsy refers to a spectrum of disorders with seizures that vary in type, cause, severity, and frequency. Many people do not know the causes of epilepsy or what measures to take if they witness a seizure. A new report from the Institute of Medicine highlights numerous gaps in the knowledge and management of epilepsy and recommends actions for improving the lives of those with epilepsy and their families and promoting better understanding of the disorder.

Epilepsy Across the Spectrum: Promoting Health and Understanding

3/30/2012

Although epilepsy is one of the nation’s most common neurological disorders, public understanding of it is limited. Living with epilepsy is about much more than just seizures; the disorder is often defined in practical terms, such as challenges in school, uncertainties about social situations and employment, limitations on driving, and questions about independent living. The IOM examines the public health dimensions of the epilepsies, focusing on public health surveillance and data collection; population and public health research; health policy, health care, and human services; and education for people with the disorder and their families, health care providers, and the public.

Developing Biomarker-based Tools for Cancer Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment

3/29/2012

An ad hoc committee, via a workshop, will examine questions regarding the potential to improve cancer screening, diagnosis, and therapy through the use of emerging biomarker technologies

Peace Corps Announced a New Global Health Service Partnership (GHSP) Funded Through PEPFAR

3/27/2012

On March 13, 2012, the Peace Corps announced a new Global Health Service Partnership (GHSP), which will deploy physicians and nurses to serve as medical and nursing faculty members in developing countries.

Addressing the Threat of Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis: A Realistic Assessment of the Challenge - Workshop Summary

3/23/2012

Tuberculosis is one of the leading causes of death in the world today, with 4,500 people dying from the disease every day. Many cases of TB can be cured by available antibiotics, but some TB is resistant to multiple drugs--a major and growing threat worldwide. The Institute of Medicine’s Forum on Drug Discovery, Development, and Translation hosted a workshop on November 5, 2008, to address the mounting concern of drug-resistant TB. The session brought together a wide range of international experts to discuss what is known and not known about this growing threat, and to explore possible solutions.

Global Issues in Water, Sanitation, and Health. Workshop Summary

3/22/2012

Worldwide, over one billion people lack access to an adequate water supply. Recognizing water availability, water quality, and sanitation as fundamental issues underlying infectious disease emergence, the IOM’s Forum on Microbial Threats held a two-day public workshop.

Public Health Priorities for Those Living With Epilepsy: IOM Report Release March 30

3/22/2012

An estimated 2.2 million people in the United States live with epilepsy, a brain disorder characterized by sudden and unpredictable seizures. Epilepsy Across the Spectrum: Promoting Health and Understanding, a new report from the Institute of Medicine, proposes public health initiatives that aim to improve the lives of people with epilepsy and their families and promote public understanding of the disorder. The report will be released at a one-hour public briefing starting at 10 a.m. EDT Friday, March 30, in Room 100 of the National Academies’ Keck Center, 500 Fifth St., N.W., Washington, D.C.

Meeting 4: Identifying and Prioritizing New Preventive Vaccines for Development

3/15/2012

Vaccine Targets Meeting 4

Scientific Criteria to Ensure Safe Food

3/15/2012

Concerned about the growing controversy, Congress mandated the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies to study the scientific basis for existing criteria and the extent to which they are appropriate to protect consumers. The resulting report, Scientific Criteria to Ensure Safe Food, provides a blueprint for how the agencies responsible for regulating food safety should develop appropriate, science-based criteria.

Enhancing Food Safety: The Role of the Food and Drug Administration

3/15/2012

Foodborne illnesses cause hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and thousands of deaths in the United States each year. At the request of Congress, the IOM examined gaps in the current food safety system under the purview of the Food and Drug Administration.

Improving Translation of Animal Models for Nervous System Disorders: A Workshop

3/13/2012

An IOM committee will hold a two day workshop to discuss potential opportunities for maximizing the translation of effective therapies from animal models to clincal practice.

"Like" the IOM on Facebook

3/6/2012

For every new "like" on the IOM's Facebook page, a donor will contribute $1 toward improving the nation's health, up to $5,000.

Implementing Colorectal Cancer Screening - Workshop Summary

3/5/2012

Colorectal cancer screening remains low, despite strong evidence that screening prevents deaths. With the aim to make recommended colorectal cancer screening more widespread, the workshop discussed steps to be taken at the clinic, community, and health system levels.

What You're Reading - February 2012

3/1/2012

A list of the most viewed IOM reports for the month of February, 2012.

Forum on Neuroscience and Nervous System Disorders

2/21/2012

The IOM's Forum on Neuroscience and Nervous System Disorders focuses on building partnerships to further understand the brain and nervous system, disorders in their structure and function, as well as effective clinical prevention and treatment strategies.

Neurodegeneration: Opportunities for Collaboration Across Disease-Specific Research and Development Communities: A Workshop

2/16/2012

This workshop will explore commonalities across neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and frontotemporal dementia, and identify potential opportunities for collaboration across the respective research and development communities

Alzheimer's Diagnostic Guideline Validation: Exploration of Next Steps - Workshop Summary

2/16/2012

Scientific advances over the last decade now indicate that Alzheimer’s disease is a continuous, progressive cognitive disease, most likely beginning many years before dementia is apparent. To discuss the next steps in validating new diagnostic guidelines for Alzheimer’s disease, the IOM Forum on Neuroscience and Nervous System Disorders hosted a public workshop session at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference.