Programs and Activities Highlights
- Immunological Dysfunction in Long COVID Patients Characterized Using ORIP S10-Funded Equipment
ORIP published a research highlight in July 2024 featuring research by Dr. Nadia Roan, Professor of Urology at the University of California, San Francisco. Dr. Roan is using an S10-funded instrument to better understand the state of the immune system in patients with long COVID and identified significant changes in immune cells from the blood of individuals experiencing long COVID. Dr. Roan’s study sheds light on possible underlying causes of long COVID and uncovers biological changes that might serve as biomarkers of long COVID or targets for therapies to cure this debilitating condition.</>
- A Novel Multi-Camera Array Microscope: Expanding the View of Optical Microscopy
ORIP published a research highlight in August 2024 on Ramona Optics, Inc., which used funding from ORIP’s Small Business Programs to develop the Multi-Camera Array Microscope (MCAM) imaging technology, which overcomes challenges and limitations of conventional microscopes. This technology allows researchers to easily observe multiple small animal model organisms, including zebrafish, at high resolution and high speed. The ORIP funding enabled Ramona Optics to serve a broader community of researchers who need to capture better and faster microscope data. Zebrafish research laboratories are using the MCAM technology to investigate different toxins that could affect human health or to conduct drug discovery studies.
- ORIP U42 Specific-Pathogen-Free Macaque Colonies Program
ORIP presented its U42 Specific-Pathogen-Free (SPF) Macaque Colonies Program to the NIH HIV/AIDS Executive Committee (NAEC) in July 2024. NAEC is the advisory arm and coordinating committee for all NIH HIV research efforts that provides recommendations to the Director of the Office of AIDS Research (OAR) regarding the development and implementation of HIV/AIDS research programs and funding priorities. NAEC also facilitates inter and intra-agency communication among OAR and other NIH institutes, centers, and offices to coordinate program initiatives and assists in the governance of NIH-wide HIV research plans, policies, and procedures.
- ORIP-Supported Research Spotlighted in NIH Research Matters
Research in part supported by the NIH Shared Instrumentation Programs (S10OD025245) was highlighted in NIH Research Matters. A study found that people with two copies of the APOE4 gene variant, called APOE4 homozygotes, almost always develop Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology by age 55 and experience symptoms about 7 to 10 years earlier than those without the variant. This research suggests that AD in APOE4 homozygotes shares characteristics with other genetically determined forms of AD, emphasizing the need for targeted diagnosis and treatment strategies and more diverse studies across different populations.
- American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine Forum 2024
The American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine Forum 2024 was held April 28–May 1, 2024, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The ORIP Director participated in a panel discussion focused on facility and infrastructure improvements to animal programs. As a representative for ORIP, she provided a high-level discussion focused on funding mechanisms, as well as research projects that NIH is interested in funding.
Read more in the archive.
Collaborations with Other NIH Institutes/Centers/Offices
- National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering Signs on to S10 Funding Opportunity
ORIP continues to strategically expand coalition building with more NIH institute and center (IC) partners to broaden its NIH-wide resource and infrastructure support. The National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering recently signed onto the S10 funding opportunity, catalyzed by DPCPSI leadership. These IC partnerships will contribute to the S10 program’s future success.
- Awards Funding Policy
ORIP issued its Fiscal Year 2024 Awards Funding Policy on its website. ORIP is committed to funding the largest number of meritorious projects possible, while allowing the flexibility needed to support selected program priorities and respond to emerging scientific opportunities.
- NIA Support for NHP Colony for Aging Research
NIA committed to supporting an aging NHP colony at the Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC) for another 5 years. This is a commitment of $581,663 (total costs) per year for 5 years (2024–2028, inclusive). The ONPRC grant, together with the aging component, was released in May 2024. The goal of this colony is to provide animals for the study of aging processes on all body systems.
- NIGMS Co-Funds Four R24 Equipment Grants
Between April and June 2024, the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, whose mission is to support basic research that increases understanding of biological processes and lays the foundation for advances in disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, has co-funded four of ORIP’s R24 equipment grants.
- 2024 Workshop for Early Career Investigators in HIV
The 2024 Workshop for Early Career Investigators in HIV was held virtually on April 24, 2024. Hosted by the Office of AIDS Research (OAR), the workshop provided early-stage investigators, early-career investigators (ECIs), and undergraduate and graduate students with information about OAR and HIV research at NIH, as well as NIH resources that are available to support ECIs. An ORIP staff member served on the organizing committee for this workshop.
Read more in the archive.
