Fact Sheets

The National Institute of General Medical Sciences offers a variety of fact sheets that capture information about the Institute and the research it supports. These fact sheets highlight advances in areas of basic biomedical research and describe the impact of this research on understanding and improving our health.

About NIGMS

  • NIGMS Nobelists
    NIGMS has a strong track record of funding scientists who receive a Nobel Prize, one the most prestigious scientific awards in the world. Learn more about NIGMS-supported Nobel laureates.
  • NIGMS Diversity Programs
    NIGMS is working to increase the diversity of the scientific workforce through a number of programs. Get answers to common questions about these programs.

About Science and Health

  • Anesthesia
    Anesthesia is a medical treatment that prevents patients from feeling pain during surgery. Learn more about anesthesia, what scientists know—and are still learning—about these medications, and the field of anesthesiology. | En español
  • Burns
    Heat, chemicals, electricity, sunlight, or nuclear radiation can cause tissue-damaging burns. Get answers to questions about burns, related treatments, and research advances in the field. | En español
  • Circadian Rhythms
    Our bodies keep time with the help of 24-hour "circadian" rhythms, which are directed by genes. Get answers to common questions about how these rhythms work and affect our lives. | En español
  • Curiosity Creates Cures: The Value and Impact of Basic Research
    Basic science, sometimes called “pure” or “fundamental” science, helps researchers understand living systems and life processes. Learn more about how basic biomedical research ultimately leads to new medicines, technologies, and scientific tools.
  • Pharmacogenomics
    Pharmacogenomics is the study of how genes affect individual responses to medications. Learn more about this field and how its findings could help doctors pick the right treatment for each patient.
  • Physical Trauma
    Physical trauma, like being struck or cut, can have a serious effects on the human body. Get more information about basic research findings and their applications in patient care related to physical trauma.
  • Regeneration
    Regeneration is the natural process of replacing or restoring damaged or missing cells, tissues, organs, and even entire body parts to full function in plants and animals. Learn more about regeneration and its potential uses in medicine. | En español
  • Sepsis
    An overwhelming immune response to infection can cause a life-threatening condition called sepsis. Get more information about the symptoms and treatment of sepsis and current research of the disease. | En español
  • Structural Biology
    Structural biology focuses on understanding the shapes of biological molecules. Read about how and why scientists study these structures.
  • Studying Cells
    Cells are the fundamental building blocks of our bodies. Learn how researchers are continuing to make important discoveries about them.
  • Studying Genes
    Scientists study genes in people and populations to learn more about human health and disease. Get more information about how they do this research.
  • Using Research Organisms to Study Health and Disease
    Yeast, fruit flies, zebrafish, and mice have taught us a lot about human health and disease. Learn more about why scientists study these and other simple organisms.
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