Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Pharmacology

Understanding the interactions between molecules—that's chemistry. And understanding the chemistry that occurs in living organisms—that's biochemistry. Understanding how medicines work in the body and finding ways to make them to work better—that's pharmacology. Studies in these areas focus on questions like:

  • How do enzymes generate cellular energy and facilitate chemical reactions?
  • How are medicines processed inside the body?
  • What roles do natural substances like fats and sugars play in our bodies?
  • How does a person's genetic makeup influence a drug's effectiveness?
  • How can we use chemistry to design new medicines?
  • Can we find new uses for existing medicines?

Follow the links below to learn more about chemistry, biochemistry, and pharmacology, including recent developments, and read profiles of researchers working in these fields.

Booklets

  • The Chemistry of Health
    Showcases the many ways that chemistry is helping make the world healthier.
  • Computing Life
    Explores how combining chemistry and computers helps scientists develop new medicines and new materials.
  • Medicines by Design
    Discusses the many different ways medicines work in the body and how this information guides the hunt for drugs of the future.
Other resources

Fact Sheets

  • NIGMS Nobelists
    NIGMS could be considered a "Nobel Prize Institute" because of our strong track record of funding scientists who receive this high honor. Learn more about NIGMS-supported Nobel laureates.
  • Pharmacogenomics
    Pharmacogenomics, a component of precision medicine, is focused on how genes affect individual responses to medications. Learn more about this field and how it could help doctors pick the right treatment option for each patient.
More fact sheets

Biomedical Beat Blog

  • Exploring Nature’s Treasure Trove of Helpful Compounds
    Compounds that plants, fungi, bacteria, and animals produce can sometimes help people as well. In fact, many medicines, molecules used in research, and other useful compounds originated in nature. Learn more about recent discoveries in the fascinating field of natural products research.
  • Scientist Interview: Studying the Biochemistry of Insects with Michael Kanost
    Studying the biochemistry of insects could help us control pests or even develop materials for medical applications. In a brief video interview, Michael Kanost, Ph.D., explains the value of researching insects and his own work in the field.
  • Helium: An Abundant History and a Shortage Threatening Scientific Tools
    Scientists first discovered helium burning on the surface of the sun, but today liquid helium plays an essential role in supercooling scientific equipment. Unfortunately, our complex history with the element has led to a recent shortage that threatens some types of scientific research.
  • Reusable Disinfectant Developed from Mussel “Glue”
    Nature is full of surprises and is often the starting point of many inventions. While researching a “glue” that mussels use to stick to rocks, scientists learned that the compound can also produce hydrogen peroxide. Based on this discovery, they're working to develop a reusable, easy-to-transport wound disinfectant.

More blog posts

Profiles: Meet a Scientist

  • Smart Molecules
    Organic/biochemist Janarthanan Jayawickramarajah designs "smart molecules" that will shut down cancer cells while leaving the healthy ones untouched.
  • Mesmerized by Metals
    Biochemist Amy Palmer tracks zinc in brain cells to uncover the causes of Alzheimer's disease, diabetes and prostate cancer.
  • Drugs from Deep Down
    Biosynthetic chemist Brian Bachmann studies secondary metabolites found in caves to help find cures for diseases.
  • The Right Fit
    Clinical pharmacist Julie Johnson researches how genes affect the body's response to medicines.
  • Special Delivery
    Chemical engineer "Lola" Eniola-Adefeso studies methods to improve the delivery of heart disease drugs.
  • Chemical World
    Toxicologist Serrine Lau studies the role of genes in the body's response to chemical exposure.

More profiles

Quizzes and Puzzles

All quizzes and puzzles​