ARRA and You (Part IVb): Challenge Grant Research Priorities. Currently, science administrators at NIH are allocating grant funds favoring proposals that have a high impact in biomedical or behavioral science and/or public health. Invariably, the 15 areas of priority that NIH has identified will influence the heath sector for years, so I present and discuss them around the nature of this influence.
1. I’ll address Behavior, Behavioral Change and Prevention research first not only because it doesn’t fit neatly into the categories 1. that follow but also because prevention is the beginning of health care. The question: Which has the greatest impact on health and disease? Nature or nurture? Is an argument that may be as old as time, itself. (Okay, I exaggerate, but only a little). As scientist have forged ahead making great strides in their understanding of nature through the sequencing of the entire human genome and the burgeoning discipline of genomics which has sprung forth as a result. They continue to struggle to elucidate the factors that influence behavior. Since the main diseases that plague us today (think heart disease, diabetes and cancer) are exacerbated by our behavior, this path of inquiry is truly worthy. The aim of this research is to better understand the factors that influence behavior as well as the methods that have the most robust impact, changing behaviors to those that promote health and prevent disease. To date, prevention is still the most efficient and cost-effective option for alleviating the burden of suffering and disability brought on by disease. 1. We turn our attention to the highly debated Stem Cells. These are # simple, unspecialized cells in the embryo or adult which have the potential to become any specialized cell in a living organism under the chemical influence of specific compounds and hormones. The aim of this research is to better understand the abnormal structure or function that causes disease. Cells with normal structure and function can be generated to replace diseased cells, through the process of culturing or growing them in the laboratory.
# The area of Genomics aims to examine the entire DNA sequence (the instruction book, if you will, of all life processes) from the number of genes in a living organism to the function of specific genes. The goal is to see how they interact with one another and influence the biological processes of the body as a whole. Ultimately, genomics examines this genetic information to determine biological markers predisposing an individual to disease.
Prevention through biomedical interventions has progressed well through the first decade. In fact, these next six research disciplines operate in concert. I believe the application of these cutting-edge 21st century technologies will transform the way we diagnose and treat disease to a more personal and molecular level.
