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NIH Record - National Institutes of Health
Star-like, golden-colored hydractinia against a black background

April 17, 2020

  • Murphy and Bianchi sit together smiling.

    Rare Disease Patient Finds Renewed Hope at NIH

    By Dana Talesnik

    Living with a rare disease can be interminably distressing. April Murphy lives with a rare, life-threatening metabolic disorder and is in end-stage renal failure, yet she considers herself fortunate.
  • Dr. Ben Philpot

    Treatment Opportunities Seen for Angelman Syndrome

    By Carla Garnett

    People with Angelman syndrome face significant lifelong challenges. Scientists are developing three strategies to treat the disorder—relieve symptoms, reactivate the dormant UBE3A or apply traditional gene therapy.

  • Rare Disease Research Progressing, But Could Go Even Faster

    By Eric Bock

    Rare diseases are conditions affecting fewer than 200,000 people in the United States. The “overwhelming majority” of these diseases are far less prevalent, explained Dr. Anne Pariser, director of the Office of Rare Diseases Research at NCATS. In total, there are 25 million-30 million people with rare diseases in the United States.
  • Dr. Borgnia

    NIEHS Cryo-EM Resources Support Fight Against Novel Coronavirus

    By Kelly Lenox

    The NIEHS cryo-electron microscopy facility, led by Dr. Mario Borgnia, is providing key support to the Duke Human Vaccine Institute in the fight against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which produces COVID-19.
Star-like, golden-colored hydractinia against a black background

On the Cover

A little-known ocean-dwelling creature, Hydractinia, most commonly found growing on dead hermit crab shells, may seem like an unlikely study subject for researchers, but this animal has a rare ability—it can make eggs and sperm for the duration of its lifetime. It produces germ cells—precursors to eggs and sperm—nonstop throughout its life. Studying this unique ability could provide insight into the formation of reproductive-based conditions and diseases in humans.

Photo: ANDY BAXEVANIS, NHGRI

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