National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)

A new NIAMS-led study reveals a variation in the IL-6 receptor gene is associated with decreased response to tocilizumab and worse clinical outcomes in patients with giant cell arteritis. This research identifies a potential biomarker that could lead to new precision medicine approaches to treat patients with GCA. Published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases 🔒 Abstract: https://lnkd.in/etbXmzcD

Undergraduate engineers! Are you up for a challenge? NIBIB and VentureWell invite student teams to develop innovative technological solutions to unmet clinical needs as part of the Design by Biomedical Undergraduate Teams (DEBUT) Challenge. Teams will compete for 15 prizes, totaling $190,000, that are centered on various areas of interest within health care. Submissions close on June 18. Get the details and apply here: https://go.nih.gov/SfhZLyp #MedTech #BiomedicalEngineering #DEBUT2025

Anyone can get lupus; however, women get the disease about nine times more often than men. Most often it happens in people between ages 15 and 45 years, but lupus can occur in childhood or later in life as well. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/g5tD6Sy #AutoimmuneAwareness

What is the cancer-autoimmune connection? Learn more about what we know in a recent meeting report published by NIH’s Office of Autoimmune Disease Research, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and NIAMS in Nature Immunology: https://lnkd.in/encpfq2i 🔒

New NIAMS research spotlight: Investigators from UC Irvine have identified a novel type of cartilage cell that may have implications for regenerative medicine and could inform future therapeutic treatments for arthritis and other cartilage diseases.

Low-density granulocytes (LDG) are a subset of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, suspected to have a role in lupus and other #autoimmune diseases. LDGs can form “neutrophil extracellular traps” (NETs) and contribute to organ-damaging inflammation. In this image, researchers used laser confocal microscopy to visualize NET formation in LDGs. Image credit: Luz Blanco, Ph.D., NIAMS Systemic Autoimmunity Branch (Mariana J. Kaplan, M.D., Chief)

"These children who had never been rash-free or who screamed every night from pain were finally able to sleep through the night." — #NIH senior investigator Raphaela T. Goldbach-Mansky This #RareDisease Day, check out the latest #NIH_IRP blog to learn how her research is utilizing the latest genetic technologies to change the lives of children with #RareDiseases: https://go.nih.gov/yh2CCgA

Did you know that π (Pi) has been calculated to over 31 trillion digits? Such precision is made possible by advancements in computational techniques and the dedication of researchers worldwide. And Pi is not just a number; it's a gateway to understanding complex phenomena in mathematics, physics, engineering, and beyond. From imaging techniques to bioinformatics, Pi plays a crucial role in advancing our scientific knowledge. Today, we recognize the mathematical constant Pi and its profound impact on research. #PiDay

One of the most common types of chronic pain is knee osteoarthritis pain. Dr. Campbell from Johns Hopkins University shares how research funded by the #nihHEALinitiative, and administered by NIAMS, is studying how to find the right pain management strategies for people. Learn how participation in clinical trials can help improve the future for people with knee osteoarthritis pain and other chronic pain: https://go.nih.gov/rH9EELw

What are autoimmune diseases? Your immune system is the network of cells and tissues in your body that work together to defend you from viruses, bacteria, and infection. It tries to identify and destroy the invaders that might hurt you. In autoimmune diseases, proteins known as autoantibodies target the body’s own healthy tissues by mistake, signaling the body to attack them. There are numerous types, including many that impact the joints, muscles, and skin. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/e3qka6wJ #AutoimmuneAwareness