NHGRI News Features from the Office of the Director

NHGRI invites you to the 'Woodstock of Science' April 28-29

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Join National Human Genome Research Institute staff at the USA Science & Engineering Festival April 28-29 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington D.C. This free event, dubbed the 'Woodstock of Science,' will inform and fascinate, and inspire the next generation of innovators in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Join us April 20 for National DNA Day!

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Are you ready to celebrate the discovery of DNA's double helix? The National Human Genome Research Institute reminds everyone that National DNA Day takes place Friday, April 20! Join us for our live, online chatroom, which brings together scientists, clinical researchers and other experts in the field, with students, teachers and the public to answer questions about genetics and genomics.

NIH summer student alum wins Best Graduate Student Presentation award

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Keolu Fox, a 2010 alumnus of the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) Diversity Action program, has taken big steps towards his dream of opening a genome center in Hawaii that focuses on health disparities.

NHGRI supports proposed incentives for electronic recording of family health histories

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Family health history is still one of the most powerful tools for promoting health. Family health history information is also critical for the appropriate interpretation of genetic and genomic test results. The Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have taken a major step towards ensuring that electronic health records will be able to collect and use family history information.

Rare Disease Day: Patients and Researchers: Partners for Life

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

The National Human Genome Research Institute will help raise the awareness of rare diseases by observing Rare Disease Day on Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012, as it participates in a daylong symposium. The event is coordinated by the National Organization for Rare Disorders and is supported in part by the NIH Office of Rare Diseases Research. This year's theme is Solidarity.

Genes and plays: Bringing ethical issues to life

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Challenging ethical issues pervade genomic research. These complex issues are ripe for innovative approaches to enhance greater understanding and respect for different points of view. Karen Rothenberg, J.D., and Lynn Bush, Ph.D., have created two short plays to help convey the complexity of ethical issues raised by genomic research. The second play — and a commentary — are now available from Genetics in Medicine.

Health disparities research program life-changing for postdoctoral fellows

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Keisha Findley, Ph.D., and Bashira Charles, Ph.D., recent fellows in NHGRI's Intramural Health Disparities Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, used genetic and genomic approaches in the area of health disparities research. Hear about their experiences conducting research, which supported their own, profound scientific growth.

Dr. Stanley Lipkowitz to talk on genomics of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

On Friday, Feb. 3, 2012, Stanley Lipkowitz, M.D., Ph.D., of the Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute, will present, An Introduction to Genomics: Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment. The lecture is part of the Genomics in Medicine Lecture Series, sponsored by the National Human Genome Research Institute, Suburban Hospital and Johns Hopkins Medical School.

Nurses, administrators sought for research project on genomic competency

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) has found a number of ways to encourage health care professionals to get more training in genomics research and practice. This includes convening health care professionals, publishing in professional journals and supporting the development of resources such as the Genetics/Genomics Competency Center, an online educational resource for nurses, genetic counselors and physician assistants.

Pharmacists focus on education in genomics at meeting with NHGRI

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

The field of pharmacogenomics — the science of determining how differences in our genes affect our response to medicines — has exploded in recent years. Genomic discoveries relevant to commonly prescribed medications, coupled with the rise in direct-to-consumer marketing of pharmacogenetic testing, has emphasized the need for pharmacist education. NHGRI recently hosted a meeting for several major U.S. pharmacy organizations to discuss the current landscape of pharmacist education in genomics.

Genomics in Medicine: Researchers examine genomics for breast cancer treatment

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Addressing the genomics of breast cancer and the inherited factors that influence a person's risk for the disease, Lawrence Brody, Ph.D., chief of NHGRI's Genome Technology Branch, gave the second of the Genomics in Medicine, seven-lecture series — An introduction to genomics: breast cancer genes, risk assessment and screening — on Jan. 6, 2012. A video of the lecture is now available.

NHGRI Proposes Reorganizing

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

With the arrival of a new institute director in 2010 and publication of a new strategic plan last year articulating an ambitious vision for the field of genomics, restructuring is a natural next step for the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), one of the 27 institutes and centers that make up the National Institutes of Health.

Addressing the challenges of using genetic variants in medical care

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT

To address the problem of identifying the clear genomic signals doctors can use to make medical decisions, the National Human Genome Research Institute organized Characterizing and Displaying Genetic Variants for Clinical Action in early December 2011. Workshop videos are now available.

Genomics in Medicine: Lecture series opener explores individualized medicine

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT

David L. Valle, M.D., director of the McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genomic Medicine at Johns Hopkins University, explored individulized patient care from the genomic perspective as the first speaker in a seven-lecture series, Genomics in Medicine, Dec. 2, 2011, at Suburban Hospital, in Bethesda, Md.

NHGRI funds researchers to evaluate standard measures in genomic studies

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT

NHGRI's Office of Population Genomics has launched a new effort called the PhenX Real-world Implementation and Sharing (PhenX RISING) program. The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) has awarded nearly $900,000, with an additional $100,000 from NIH Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research (OBSSR), to seven investigators to use and evaluate the standards. Each investigator will incorporate a variety of PhenX measures into their ongoing genome-wide association or large population study.

African researchers weigh in on ethics of genomic research on African continent

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Bioethicists, scientists, policy makers and representatives from Africa, the United States and the United Kingdom met Nov. 28-29, 2011, in Abuja, Nigeria, to develop a comprehensive plan for the ethical conduct of genomic research in Africa.

Create a health portrait for your family this Thanksgiving

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Families across the nation will celebrate Thanksgiving with a traditional meal and an extra helping of time together. It's a golden opportunity to learn about, record and pass down your family health history using a customized resource for you and your healthcare provider. Identifying diseases and conditions that run in your family can help you make informed decisions about your health.

Students gain real world experience through NIH summer internship program

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 04:00:00 GMT

In the fall, The National Institutes of Health (NIH) receives thousands of online applications for the NIH Summer Internship Program in Biomedical Research. This competitive and rewarding opportunity allows students to work with top notch researchers who help shape their future endeavors in science and health.

NHGRI launches improved online Spanish talking glossary of genetic terms

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 04:00:00 GMT

¿Cómo se dice "gene" en español? The National Human Genome Research Institute releases an updated online Spanish Talking Glossary of Genetics to provide a resource to the Spanish-speaking community seeking a better understanding of genetics and genomics. New features of the glossary — originally launched in 2003 — include an alphabetically-organized navigational tool and lists of related terms.

NHGRI sets sights on 61st ASHG meeting in Montreal

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 04:00:00 GMT

National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) researchers will present seven platform presentations, a plenary and an invited talk and 30 posters at the annual meeting of the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) from Oct. 11-15, 2011, in Montreal. Approximately 7,000 researchers from more than 60 countries are expected to attend this year's ASHG meeting, which is being held jointly with the International Congress of Human Genetics.

Take the "Talking Glossary of Genetic Terms" mobile app with you

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 04:00:00 GMT

Looking for an on-the-go genetics tool for your mobile device? Well, wait no longer: There's an app for that! Just in time for the back-to-school season, the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) is releasing the free 'Talking Glossary of Genetic Terms' mobile app.

NIH Requests Public Comments on the Genetic Testing Registry (GTR)

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 04:00:00 GMT

In a July 27 Federal Register notice, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) requested public comments on the Genetic Testing Registry (GTR), an online database to which genetic test developers, manufacturers and researchers would voluntarily submit detailed information about their genetic tests. The goal of GTR, scheduled to launch later this year, is to provide consumers and health care providers with information on the usefulness and availability of thousands of genetic tests.

Rackover lauded for introducing genetic literacy to physician assistant education

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 04:00:00 GMT

On June 1, Michael "Rocky" Rackover, PA-C, M.S., a consultant to the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), received the 2011 PAragon Outstanding PA of the Year Award from the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) for outstanding service. Mr. Rackover, associate professor and associate director of Philadelphia University's physician assistant studies program, received the award for introducing genetic literacy to physician assistant (PA) education.

Calculating the economic impact of the Human Genome Project

Thu, 12 May 2011 04:00:00 GMT

Public funding of scientific R&D has a significant positive impact on the wider economy, but quantifying the exact impact of research can be difficult to assess. A new report by research firm Battelle Technology Partnership Practice estimates that from 1988 to 2010, federal investment in genomic research generated an economic impact of $796 billion. Compared to Human Genome Project spending from 1990 to 2003 of $3.8 billion, this equates to a return on investment (ROI) of 141:1.

New Web Portal Expands View of Genetic Association Data for Researchers

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 04:00:00 GMT

Researchers can now select a physical trait or phenotype and find the genomic variants associated with it, to date, by using a new web portal, called the Phenotype-Genotype Integrator (PheGenI, pronounced FEE-GEE-NEE). PheGenI permits researchers to view a tabular display of genome-wide association study results for DNA sequence variations, genes and gene expression differences for a given trait such as asthma or diabetes.

NHGRI Taps Laura Lyman Rodriguez to Lead Office of Policy, Communications and Education

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 04:00:00 GMT

Laura Lyman Rodriguez, Ph.D., has been interested in the potential societal implications of the Human Genome Project since graduate school. As the newly-appointed director of the Office of Policy, Communications and Education at the National Human Genome Research Institute, Dr. Rodriguez will now oversee development of the institute's policy positions on the ethical, legal and social implications of human genome research.

NHGRI and NCI Team Up for a Series of Genetic/Genomic Articles for Nursing Educators

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 05:00:00 GMT

To support genetic and genomic training in healthcare professional education programs, Jean Jenkins, Ph.D., R.N., F.A.A.N., National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), and Kathleen Calzone, M.S.N., R.N., A.P.N.G., F.A.A.N., National Cancer Institute (NCI), have coordinated a series of articles that highlight the importance of genetics and genomics for nurse educators and nursing education worldwide. Genetics/Genomics and Nursing Education, will appear free in the Journal of Nursing Scholarship throughout 2011.

Luminaries Shed Light on Genomics' Bright Future

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 05:00:00 GMT

At a February 11 symposium, luminaries of genomic research shared their vision for the field's future direction before a standing room only crowd at the National Institutes of Health's Natcher Conference Center. The event, hosted by the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), marked the publication of NHGRI's new strategic vision for genomics in the Feb. 10 issue of the journal Nature.

Rare Disease Day 2011

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 05:00:00 GMT

NHGRI observes Rare Disease Day on Monday, Feb. 28, urging those who can to attend the daylong Rare Disease Day at NIH (RDD@NIH) symposium in Lipsett Amphitheater in the NIH Clinical Center, starting at 8:30 a.m.

Four NHGRI Scientists, Grantees Recognized By President Obama

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Charles Venditti, M.D., Ph.D., an investigator in the Genetics and Molecular Biology Branch of the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), has been selected to receive a prestigious Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE). He is one of four researchers affiliated with NHGRI, and 85 researchers from across the country, who all received similar transmissions indicating they had been selected for the highest honor awarded by the U. S. government to science and engineering professionals in the early stages of their independent research careers.

Sharing your family health history can save your life

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Thanksgiving is the time for family get-togethers. It's also a golden opportunity to ask your family about their health histories. The U. S. Surgeon General has a tool to help with gathering this information so you can make informed decisions about preventive health screening and improved health behaviors.

NHGRI Director Green honored by Washington University at St. Louis

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Eric D. Green, M.D., Ph.D., director of the National Human Genome Research Institute at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), will receive the 2010 Distinguished Alumni and Faculty Award from Washington University at St. Louis on Saturday, Nov. 6 at the St. Louis Union Station Marriott. The award is given in recognition of Dr. Green's national success and achievement in the field of genomics and his significant public service at NIH. Every year, the university honors distinguished alumni in commemoration of Washington University's founding in 1853.

60th ASHG Program to Showcase NHGRI Research

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 04:00:00 GMT

The 60th annual meeting of the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG), the largest human genetics gathering in the world, comes to Walter E. Washington Convention Center in the nation's capital from November 2-6, 2010. National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) researchers and staff will participate in presentations, poster sessions and exhibits at this widely anticipated event.

NHGRI Director Eric Green to Give Watson Lecture

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Eric D. Green, M.D., Ph.D., director of the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), will present the Jean Mitchell Watson Lecture at the University of Chicago on Oct. 29. The lecture honors the mother of James Dewey Watson, co-discoverer of the structure of DNA in 1953 and recipient of the 1962 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine.

Back-to-school gene tools are just a click away

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Summer's over, so it's back to the books and biology class. That means genetics labs and research reports on the Human Genome Project. To help teachers and pupils get a jumpstart, the Education and Community Involvement Branch at NHGRI has created a collection of fun and useful online educational resources. With topics in genetics typically scheduled for fall teaching, now is a good time to get ahead of the curve.

NHGRI Scientists Present Genomic Advances to Visiting Judges

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Sixty judges from across the country travelled to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recently to participate in a continuing education program about genomics, an area of science now impacting criminal and civil cases in the courts. Genomics, Medicine and Discrimination spanned topics from genes and how they work, to the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, which protects Americans against health insurance and employment discrimination based on their genetic information.

Genome Pioneers Share Albany Prize, "America's Nobel"

Sat, 01 May 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Three scientists with strong ties to the Human Genome Project and the National Human Genome Research Institute recently received the Albany Medical Center Prize, an award often referred to as "America's Nobel".

Rare Disease Day 2010: Patients and Researchers, Partners for Life!

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Join the National Human Genome Research Institute in helping raise awareness of rare diseases by observing Rare Disease Day on Sunday, February 28, 2010. The event is coordinated in the United States by the National Organization for Rare Disorders and is supported in part by the NIH Office of Rare Diseases Research. This year's focus is Bridging Patients and Researchers to celebrate this vital partnership.

Greider Talks Telomeres for Trent

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Nobel laureate Carol Greider, Ph.D., presented the seventh annual Jeffrey M. Trent Lectureship in Cancer Research - Telomerase and the Consequences of Telomere Dysfunction - to a standing room only crowd on Jan. 19. Learn about the groundbreaking research that won her the 2009 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.

January 13, 2010: Welcome to NHGRI's Redesigned Web Site!

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

The National Human Genome Research Institute has launched a new, redesigned Web site. Our goal is to make it easier for you to find what you're looking for, and to help you take greater advantage of social media to interact with our institute.