NCI and FNL Researchers Turn Lessons Learned into Stepping Stones

Imagine you’re building a dresser. You find all the wood and hardware you need and have the instructions, the right tools, and a team of professionals to help. As you and your team put it together, you realize that while the frame is solid, the drawers don’t open and close correctly. You might be tempted to feel discouraged by the results. But a group of scientists from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research (FNL), and other collaborating institutions share a different perspective in their recent work published in PNAS. They weren’t trying to assemble furniture but rather generate a new, better mouse model of the most common kidney cancer, clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC).
Karolina Wilk, Editor, Staff Writer
 04.29.2025

Features

NIH–Lacks Family Partnership Gives Henrietta Lacks’ Descendants a Seat at the Table

The NIH Bethesda campus recently welcomed several special guests for a presentation titled Given a Voice: Update on the NIH–Lacks Family Partnership. Henrietta Lacks’ grandchildren Jeri Lacks-Whye (who is also the Lacks family spokesperson) and David Lacks, Jr. came to speak with NIH Director Francis S. Collins, Ph.D., M.D. about the importance of protecting patients and their families.
By Marie Haughey, Staff Writer; images by Andrew Propp 09.28.2017
Science & Technology Features September 2017

NCI Scientists Create New Assay, Identify Novel Therapeutic Compounds, and Take Places on Front Lines of Cancer Research

A team of scientists and specialists from NCI at Frederick, NCI at Bethesda, the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, and Data Management Services, Inc., has developed the first method for identifying natural products that could increase the effectiveness of camptothecin-based cancer treatments.
By Samuel Lopez, Staff Writer; images courtesy of Barry O’Keefe, Ph.D. 09.13.2017
Science & Technology Features September 2017

NCI, FNLCR Help Launch Pediatric MATCH Precision Medicine Trial

The National Cancer Institute and Children’s Oncology Group recently opened enrollment for a new Phase II trial of personalized precision cancer therapies. Called the Pediatric Molecular Analysis for Therapy Choice (Pediatric MATCH), the trial seeks to treat children and adolescents aged 1­–21 whose solid tumors have failed to respond to or re-emerged after traditional cancer treatments.
By Samuel Lopez, Staff Writer; contributed images 08.18.2017
Science & Technology Features August 2017

Could Rice Endosperm Be the Answer for Inexpensive HIV Protection?

According to a study in Plant Biotechnology Journal, genetically modified rice could be an inexpensive production platform for microbicides that inhibit HIV entry into target cells. Such a method could be one sustainable option for poverty-stricken countries with high rates of AIDS.
By Kaylee Towey, Student Intern; contributed images 07.27.2017
Science & Technology Features July 2017

2017’s Take Your Child to Work Day Poster Puzzler Winner

The annual Take Your Child to Work Day event had many exciting activities, including the Poster Puzzler challenge.
By Nathalie Walker, Student Intern; images by Rich Folkers, Communications Manager, and Randall Johnson, Ph.D. 07.18.2017
Features Poster Puzzler Community Events July 2017