Skip to main content

NCCIH Research Blog

Blog Posts Category: NCCIH Research

Inna Belfer, M.D., Ph.D.

NCCIH-Supported Research Advances Understanding of How the Brain Clears Waste

February 28, 2024

Inna Belfer, M.D., Ph.D.

Are you interested in learning more about how the brain removes waste products through the glymphatic and meningeal lymphatic systems?

Read More


Emmeline Edwards, Ph.D.

NCCIH Will Administer Three Groundbreaking New Projects Through the High-Risk, High-Reward Research Program

October 3, 2023

Emmeline Edwards, Ph.D.

NCCIH will administer three new high-impact research projects through the National Institutes of Health (NIH) High-Risk, High-Reward Research (HRHR) program.

Read More


Emmeline Edwards, Ph.D.

NIH Music-Based Intervention Toolkit for Brain Disorders of Aging—A New Web Resource for Researchers

May 3, 2023

Emmeline Edwards, Ph.D.

NCCIH and NIA announce a new web-based resource for researchers, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Music-Based Intervention Toolkit.

Read More


Beda Jean-Francois, Ph.D.

Hot Topics Webinar on Building a Career in Health Disparities Research, June 7

April 10, 2023

Beda Jean-Francois, Ph.D.

Please mark your calendar for Wednesday, June 7, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. ET, when we will hold a Hot Topics Webinar, “Launching a Career in Health Disparities Research—An NCCIH Perspective.”

Read More


murray_peter

Finding Your Community of Pain Researchers

April 5, 2023

Pete Murray, Ph.D.

In this blog, Drs. Pete Murray and Inna Belfer discuss opportunites to learn about pain research and connect with collaborators in the pain research field.

Read More


D. Craig Hopp, Ph.D.

Hot Topics Webinar Series on Emerging Trends in Natural Products Research: March 6 and April 28

February 9, 2023

D. Craig Hopp, Ph.D.

Register for a two-part webinar series on emerging trends in natural products research: Expanding Translationally Relevant Chemical Space: Insights Into Natural Product Resources, Technologies, and Mechanisms.

Read More


Christine Moretto Wishnoff, M.P.H

NCCIH Clinical Research Toolbox: Forms, Templates, and Policies at Your Fingertips

September 19, 2022

Christine Moretto Wishnoff, M.P.H.

The Toolbox is a web-based information repository for investigators and staff involved in NCCIH-funded clinical research.

Read More


Emmeline Edwards, Ph.D.

Updates on NCCIH’s Interest in Emotional Well-Being Research

June 21, 2022

Emmeline Edwards, Ph.D.

Emotional well-being is strongly linked with many aspects of health across the lifespan. For example, high levels of emotional well-being are associated with a 20 percent decrease in the risk of death from all causes among healthy people.

Read More


Emmeline Edwards, Ph.D.

High-Risk, High-Reward Program Offers Unique Opportunities for Innovative Research

June 7, 2022

Emmeline Edwards, Ph.D.

If you have an idea for an innovative but risky research project within the National Institutes of Health (NIH) mission, I urge you to consider applying for one of the funding opportunities offered by the NIH High-Risk, High-Reward Research (HRHR) program.

Read More


NCCIH logo

Two Lectures To Explore Aspects of the Emerging Science on Emotional Well-Being

May 6, 2022

NCCIH Research Blog Team

Virtual lectures on May 18 and June 23 will feature feature Michelle Y. Martin, Ph.D., and Elissa Epel, Ph.D., discussing their research and work on emotional well-being.

Read More


Richard L. Nahin, Ph.D., M.P.H.

Examining Pain Experiences and Care in Underserved Populations

April 23, 2021

Richard L. Nahin, Ph.D., M.P.H.

The work of the NCCIH epidemiology program includes studies analyzing pain disparities in U.S. population subgroups; five examples of recent papers are discussed.

Read More


Emmeline Edwards, Ph.D.

New Research Networks To Explore the Science of Emotional Well-Being

February 1, 2021

Emmeline Edwards, Ph.D.

The National Institutes of Health is funding five new research networks to further research on emotional well-being. 

Read More


D. Craig Hopp, Ph.D.

NCCIH Support of Natural Products Research Continues: NIH Awards Nearly $27 Million for Natural Product Centers

June 24, 2020

D. Craig Hopp, Ph.D.

NCCIH Support of Natural Products Research Continues: NIH Awards Nearly $27 Million for Natural Product Centers

Read More



Partap S. Khalsa, D.C., Ph.D.

Research Concepts: An Early Glimpse of Potential Opportunities

October 31, 2019

Partap S. Khalsa, D.C., Ph.D.

In this blog post, Dr. Partap Khalsa discusses new concepts for NCCIH research.

Read More


D. Craig Hopp, Ph.D.

New Funding Opportunities for Natural Product Drug Interaction Research: Preapplication Webinars on October 3

September 25, 2019

D. Craig Hopp, Ph.D.

In this blog post, NCCIH's Dr, Craig Hopp calls attention to two new requests for applications (RFAs) related to natural products research.

Read More


Emmeline Edwards, Ph.D.

High-Risk, High-Reward Program Offers Unique Opportunities

August 28, 2019

Emmeline Edwards, Ph.D.

In this blog post, NCCIH's Dr. Emmeline Edwards discusses NIH's High-Risk, High Rewards Research Awards.

Read More


D. Craig Hopp, Ph.D.

NCCIH Grantee Dr. Wenjun Zhang Honored With Presidential Early Career Award

July 15, 2019

D. Craig Hopp, Ph.D.

NCCIH grantee Wenjun Zhang, Ph.D., from University of California, Berkeley, receives 2019 Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE).

Read More


Dr. Helene M. Langevin ("Helene Langevin")

Requesting Input for an Open-Access Repository or Database for Physiological and Anatomical Ontology of Acupoints

July 8, 2019

Helene M. Langevin, M.D.

In this blog post, NCCIH Director Dr. Helene M. Langevin addresses the need for consensus on anatomical and physiological data associated with acupoints in acupuncture research.

Read More


David Shurtleff, Ph.D.

Webinar To Assist Applicants for Grants To Study Specific Cannabis Components

February 14, 2019

David Shurtleff, Ph.D.

Interested in an NCCIH grant opportunity to identify and develop novel strategies -- like cannabinoids -- to treat acute and chronic pain? Read this blog post and learn more here.

Read More


D. Craig Hopp, Ph.D.

Upcoming Technical Assistance Webinars for the Centers for Advancing Research on Botanicals and Other Natural Products (CARBON) Program

February 4, 2019

D. Craig Hopp, Ph.D.

New funding opportunity announcements present opportunities for new research related to botanicals and natural products. Find out more here.

Read More


Wen G. Chen, Ph.D.

New Funding Available for Basic and Mechanistic Research on Pain and Complementary Approaches: Explore NIH HEAL Opportunities

January 23, 2019

Wen Chen, Ph.D.

Interested in pursuing pain treatment research with grants from the NIH HEAL Initiative? Read more about basic and mechanistic research funding opportunities here.

Read More


Dave Clark, Dr.P.H.

HEAL Initiative Funding Opportunities for Behavioral Research

January 7, 2019

Dave Clark, Dr.P.H.

In this blog post, NCCIH's Dr. Dave Clark describes several HEAL ((Helping to End Addiction Long-termSM) funding opportunities.

Read More


Dr. Helene M. Langevin ("Helene Langevin")

New NIH BACPAC Funding Opportunities for Research on Low-Back Pain

December 18, 2018

Helene M. Langevin, M.D.

In this blog post, NCCIH director Dr. Helene M. Langevin discusses funding opportunities offered by the NIH’s Back Pain Research Consortium (NIH BACPAC), part of the NIH HEAL (Helping to End Addiction Long-term) Initiative.

Read More


Richard L. Nahin, Ph.D., M.P.H.

The Importance of Epidemiology to NCCIH

December 4, 2018

Richard L. Nahin, Ph.D., M.P.H.

In this blog post, Dr. Richard Nahin, lead epidemiologist at NCCIH, discusses the importance of studying trends in populations and how that relates to complementary and integrative practices, as well as the study of chronic pain.

Read More


Emmeline Edwards, Ph.D.

New Report Reflects NCCIH Research Interest in Emotional Well-being

October 17, 2018

Emmeline Edwards, Ph.D.

In this blog post, Dr. Emmeline Edwards discusses an NIH/NCCIH research initiative to advance the study of emotional well-being.

Read More


Partap S. Khalsa, D.C., Ph.D.

Interaction with Evidence-based Guidelines a Featured Topic in October 5th Advisory Council Meeting

September 24, 2018

Partap S. Khalsa, D.C., Ph.D.

In this blog post, Dr. Partap Khalsa highlights key presentations and concepts to be discussed at the October 5, 2019 meeting of the National Advisory Council for Complementary and Integrative Health.

Read More


Robin Elizabeth Boineau, M.D., M.A.

New Grants To Study Behavioral Interventions for Opioid Addiction and Recovery

September 20, 2018

Robin Elizabeth Boineau, M.D., M.A.

In this blog post, Dr. Robin Boineau discusses six NCCIH-administered awards to study innovative behavioral health approaches to enhance adherence to medications treating opioid use disorder (OUD).

Read More


Emmeline Edwards, Ph.D.

A Note on NCCIH Activities Related to Music, Health, and Child Development

September 6, 2018

Emmeline Edwards, Ph.D.

In this research blog, Dr. Emmeline Edwards discusses an upcoming FOA that promotes research on music and health.

Read More


David Shurtleff, Ph.D.

Highlighting Recent NCCIH Pain-Research News: Part 1

July 25, 2018

David Shurtleff, Ph.D.

In this blog post, Acting NCCIH Director Dr. David Shurtleff discusses NCCIH and NIH plans that focus on the opioid epidemic and problems with which it is often associated: pain; chronic pain; substance misuse and addiction; and mental health problems. 

Read More


Lanay M. Mudd, Ph.D.

How Do New NIH Human Subjects Policies Impact Training and Career Development Awards?

March 6, 2018

Lanay M. Mudd, Ph.D.

In this blog post, Dr. Lanay Mudd describes NIH initiatives designed to enhance the accountability and transparency of clinical research.

Read More


Lanay M. Mudd, Ph.D.

NCCIH Resources for Research Training and Career Development

March 1, 2018

Lanay M. Mudd, Ph.D.

In this blog post, NCCIH Training Officer Dr. Lanay Mudd discusses research training and career development opportunities.

Read More


Martina Schmidt, Ph.D.

Job Opportunity: NCCIH Scientific Review Officer

January 26, 2018

Martina Schmidt, Ph.D.

In this blog post, Dr. Martina Schmidt addresses the merits of joining NCCIH/NIH as a health scientist administrator/scientific review officer.

Read More


Robin Elizabeth Boineau, M.D., M.A.

Grant Funding Available for Behavioral Interventions for Prevention of Opioid Use Disorder and as an Adjunct to Medication-Assisted Treatment

November 30, 2017

Robin Elizabeth Boineau, M.D., M.A.

In this research blog, Drs. Robin Boineau (NCCIH) and Kimberly Johnson (SAMHSA) discuss a new funding initiative to examine the impact of behavioral interventions for opioid addiction within the context of states’ plans for use of Opioid STR grant funds.

Read More


briggs_bylisahelfert_2015_square-05.jpg

Leaving the Center in Good Hands

November 14, 2017

Josephine P. Briggs, M.D.

In this blog post, Dr. Josephine Briggs reviews her time as Director of NCCIH and discusses the Center's focus on pain research.

Read More


Catherine Meyers, M.D.

The NIH Collaboratory Launches a New Resource on Methods and Best Practices for Pragmatic Clinical Trials

November 3, 2017

Catherine Meyers, M.D.

In this blog post, Dr. Catherine Meyers discusses The Living Textbook, a researcher-friendly compendium of information for designing, planning, and implementing pragmatic clinical trials.

Read More


briggs_bylisahelfert_2015_square-05.jpg

In Praise of Scientific Curiosity

October 24, 2017

Josephine P. Briggs, M.D.

Dr. Josephine Briggs, who recently stepped down as NCCIH Director, reflects on the NCCIH research portfolio and scientific curiosity.

Read More


briggs_bylisahelfert_2015_square-05.jpg

Welcoming New Projects and Partners To Address Pain in the Military Population

September 21, 2017

Josephine P. Briggs, M.D.

I am proud to announce NIH’s newest interagency research initiative on pain management in military service members and veterans.

Read More


D. Craig Hopp, Ph.D.

Showcasing Cutting-Edge Research on Natural Products

June 7, 2017

D. Craig Hopp, Ph.D.

In this blog post, Dr. Craig Hopp discusses NCCIH's focus on natural products research.

Read More


David Shurtleff, Ph.D.

Collaborating to Support Research on a Promising Smoking Cessation Treatment

May 24, 2017

David Shurtleff, Ph.D.

Dr. David Shurtleff discusses NCCIH's support of research on cytisine, a natural product for smoking cessation.

Read More


Emmeline Edwards, Ph.D.

A Crescendo of Interest and Research in Music and Health

May 18, 2017

Emmeline Edwards, Ph.D.

In this blog post, NCCIH Director of Extramural Research Dr. Emmeline Edwards discusses NIH/NCCIH funding opportunities in music and art therapies.

Read More


Wendy J. Weber, N.D., Ph.D., M.P.H.

Finding Funding for the Building Blocks of Natural Product Clinical Trials

May 4, 2017

Wendy J. Weber, N.D., Ph.D., M.P.H.

Find out more about a new series of funding opportunity announcements for investigator-initiated clinical trials.

Read More


Lanay M. Mudd, Ph.D.

Uses and Misuses of Pilot Studies

April 20, 2017

Lanay M. Mudd, Ph.D.

In this blog post, Dr. Lanay Mudd discusses the purpose of pilot studies and points to NCCIH's new "Framework for Developing and Testing Mind and Body Interventions."

Read More


Wendy J. Weber, N.D., Ph.D., M.P.H.

NCCIH Hosts Three Informational Webinars for New Clinical Trial Funding Opportunities

April 12, 2017

Wendy J. Weber, N.D., Ph.D., M.P.H.

NCCIH to host informational webinars in April and May, 2017, on clinical trial applications via new funding opportunities.

Read More


briggs_bylisahelfert_2015_square-05.jpg

NCCIH’s New Approach to Clinical Trials

April 10, 2017

Josephine P. Briggs, M.D.

In this blog post, NCCIH Director Dr. Josephine Briggs discusses new pathways for clinical trial funding.

Read More


briggs_bylisahelfert_2015_square-05.jpg

Using Clinical Practice Guidelines as a Starting Point to Direct Research Work

March 28, 2017

Josephine P. Briggs, M.D.

In this blog post. NCCIH Director Dr. Josephine Briggs discusses NCCIH partnerships to research military/veteran health and how clinical practice guidelines affect research.

Read More


briggs_bylisahelfert_2015_square-05.jpg

New ACP Clinical Practice Guidelines on Nonpharmacologic Treatment for Low-Back Pain

March 2, 2017

Josephine P. Briggs, M.D.

Perspectives from Josephine P. Briggs, M.D. on research results, controversies, and funding opportunities in complementary and integrative health.

Read More


Partap S. Khalsa, D.C., Ph.D.

Now Hiring: Program Director for the Microbiome-Gut-Brain Research Area

October 5, 2016

Partap S. Khalsa, D.C., Ph.D.

In this blog post, Dr. Partap Khalsa welcomes applicants for a program director position in the NCCIH Division of Extramural Research’s Basic and Mechanistic Research Branch.

Read More


Wendy J. Weber, N.D., Ph.D., M.P.H.

Building a Foundation for Clinical Trials of Natural Products

September 27, 2016

Wendy J. Weber, N.D., Ph.D., M.P.H.

Perspectives from Wendy Weber, N.D., Ph.D., M.P.H. on research results, controversies, and funding opportunities in complementary and integrative health.

Read More


Richard L. Nahin, Ph.D., M.P.H.

New Review Offers Providers and Researchers Evidence-Based Information on Complementary Health Approaches for Pain

September 1, 2016

Richard L. Nahin, Ph.D., M.P.H.

In this blog post, NCCIH's Richard Nahin discusses his research study on complementary health approaches for pain management in the U.S. and presents two videos by Partap Khalsa and Wendy Weber.

Read More


Wendy J. Weber, N.D., Ph.D., M.P.H.

New Focus on Innovative Clinical Trial Designs

June 21, 2016

Wendy J. Weber, N.D., Ph.D., M.P.H.

One of NCCIH's top scientific priorities involves assessing complementary health approaches via clinical trials that use innovative study designs.

Read More


Job Opportunity: Program Director for Research on the Gut Microbiome and Its Implications for Health

June 21, 2016

John S. Williamson, Ph.D.

Join NCCIH's Division of Extramural Research as a Program Director to drive investigations to better understand the human microbiome.

Read More


Can Complementary and Integrative Health Approaches Improve Health Across the Lifespan?

June 16, 2016

Eve Reider, Ph.D.

In this blog post, Dr. Eve Reider discusses NCCIH initiatives that may help determine if and how complementary and integrative health approaches may contribute to disease prevention and health promotion across the lifespan.

Read More


Wen G. Chen, Ph.D.

What Can We Learn by Studying Neurobiological Effects and Mechanisms?

June 9, 2016

Wen Chen, Ph.D.

In this blog report, Dr. Wen Chen talks about NCCIH objectives for research on neurobiological effects and mechanisms.

Read More


Partap S. Khalsa, D.C., Ph.D.

New Priorities for Nonpharmacologic Management of Pain

June 7, 2016

Partap S. Khalsa, D.C., Ph.D.

In this blog post, Dr. Partap Khalsa talks about NCCIH's priorities for pain research, such as managing chronic pain via non-drug means.

Read More


briggs_bylisahelfert_2015_square-05.jpg

NCCIH’s New Strategic Plan: Exploring the Science of Complementary and Integrative Health

June 3, 2016

Josephine P. Briggs, M.D.

NCCIH Director Dr. Josephine Briggs announces and outlines the Center's 2016 Strategic Plan.

Read More


Emmeline Edwards, Ph.D.

Funding Your Research: Going Beyond the Standard NIH R01

May 13, 2016

Emmeline Edwards, Ph.D.

In this blog post, Dr. Emmeline Edwards offers advice on NIH funding opportunities and mechanisms, and discusses the NCCIH-sponsored session on funding opportunities at the upcoming 2016 ICIMH meeting.

Read More


Partap S. Khalsa, D.C., Ph.D.

Can Complementary and Integrative Approaches for Pain Management Engage Brain Circuitry of Endogenous Pain Modulation?

May 10, 2016

Partap S. Khalsa, D.C., Ph.D.

In this blog post, Dr. Partap Khalsa discusses NCCIH priorities for pain research and highlights promising avenues of investigation.

Read More


Emmeline Edwards, Ph.D.

NCCIH Research Priorities Highlighted at APS 2016, May 11 to 14

May 10, 2016

Emmeline Edwards, Ph.D.

In this blog post, Dr. Emmeline Edwards discusses NCCIH priorities in pain and pain management research, & highlights NCCIH involvement at the 2016 American Pain Society's annual meeting.

Read More


Wen G. Chen, Ph.D.

What Are the Best Ways To Study How Complementary and Integrative Health Approaches Work in Humans?

April 28, 2016

Wen Chen, Ph.D.

In this blog post, Dr. Wen Chen discusses the need for mechanistic research in clinical studies.

Read More


Wendy J. Weber, N.D., Ph.D., M.P.H.

NCCIH Priorities and Funding Opportunities for Clinical Research: Designs To Match the Stage of Research—an NCCIH Session at the ICIMH

April 25, 2016

Wendy J. Weber, N.D., Ph.D., M.P.H.

In this blog post, Dr. Wendy Weber talks about an upcoming session at the International Congress on Integrative Medicine and Health (ICIMH) that deals with what NCCIH is looking for in clinical research applications.

Read More


Moving Promising Tools and Technologies Toward the Marketplace

April 22, 2016

John S. Williamson, Ph.D.

In this blog post, Dr. John Williamson of NCCIH's Division of Extramural Research talks about two projects that have received NCCIH funding via SBIR grants.

Read More


David Shurtleff, Ph.D.

NIH Scientific Summit on Marijuana and Cannabinoids Begins March 22

March 18, 2016

David Shurtleff, Ph.D.

This blog post announces the upcoming NIH event: "Marijuana and Cannabinoids: A Neuroscience Research Summit” to be held March 22-23, 2016.

Read More



Partap S. Khalsa, D.C., Ph.D.

NCCIH Clinician-Scientist Workforce Working Group Report

March 4, 2016

Partap S. Khalsa, D.C., Ph.D.

In this blog post, Dr. Partap Khalsa reports on the National Advisory Council for Complementary and Integrative Health Working Group on Clinician-Scientist Workforce Development.

Read More


briggs_bylisahelfert_2015_square-05.jpg

NCCIH Notable Research From 2015

January 5, 2016

Josephine P. Briggs, M.D.

In this blog post, NCCIH Director Dr. Josephine Briggs calls attention to some of the eminent research performed by NCCIH grantees in 2015.

Read More


Interacting With Your Scientific Review Officer

November 5, 2015

Dale Birkle Dreer, Ph.D.

SROs are scientists, most are former faculty members and NIH grantees, who manage the first level of peer review, commonly known as the study section. SROs are the people who take the first thorough look at your application, determine the expertise required for the review, recruit the external scientists to match that expertise, manage the study section meeting where the applications are discussed and scored, and prepare the summary statement for your application.

Read More


tipton_ashlee_B

Natural Product Libraries a Resource for Researchers

October 22, 2015

Ashlee Tipton, Ph.D.

In this blog post, NCCIH scientist Ashlee Tipton discusses compiling a list of natural product libraries on the NCCIH website.

Read More


Wen G. Chen, Ph.D.

New Funding Initiatives on “Phased Innovation Award for Mechanistic Studies to Optimize Mind and Body Interventions”

October 16, 2015

Wen Chen, Ph.D.

New RFAs represent NCCIH’s new funding mechanisms direct research attention toward investigating the mechanisms by which: 1) mind and body interventions might work, and 2) strategies to optimize these interventions.

Read More


D. Craig Hopp, Ph.D.

New Center To Provide Leadership on Natural Product-Drug Interactions

September 14, 2015

D. Craig Hopp, Ph.D.

Dr. Craig Hopp announces NCCIH's grant for a new Center of Excellence for Natural Product Drug Interaction Research in this blog post.

Read More


Emmeline Edwards, Ph.D.

NCCIH Research Programs to be Featured at the 2015 American Pain Society Meeting

May 8, 2015

Emmeline Edwards, Ph.D.

NCCIH priorities in pain research and cutting-edge pain management research will be presented at the upcoming 2015 American Pain Society (APS) meeting, as Dr. Emmeline Edwards explains in this blog post.

Read More


Wendy J. Weber, N.D., Ph.D., M.P.H.

The R34: An Opportunity for Critical Groundwork in Clinical Trials Research

March 24, 2015

Wendy J. Weber, N.D., Ph.D., M.P.H.

In this blog post, NCCIH Branch Chief Dr. Wendy Weber describes the use of the R34 funding mechanism for early stages of clinical research on mind and body interventions.

Read More