Address
Bldg 31, Room 2A32, MSC 2425
31 Center Drive
Bethesda, MD 20892-2425
United StatesDescription
The National Institute of Child Health and
Human Development (NICHD) was initially established to investigate
the broad aspects of human development as a means of understanding
developmental disabilities, including mental retardation, and the
events that occur during pregnancy. Today, the Institute conducts
and supports research on all stages of human development, from
preconception to adulthood, to better understand the health of
children, adults, families, and communities.
Mission
The mission of the NICHD is to ensure that
every person is born healthy and wanted, that women suffer no
harmful effects from reproductive processes, and that all children
have the chance to achieve their full potential for healthy and
productive lives, free from disease or disability, and to ensure
the health, productivity, independence, and well-being of all
people through optimal rehabilitation. The NICHD has made
revolutionary progress toward achieving its goals. Since the
Institute was founded: infant death rates in the United States have
dropped more than 70 percent, with much of this decline resulting
from NICHD-sponsored research; survival rates for respiratory
distress syndrome have gone from 5 percent in the 1960s, to 95
percent today, due to advances in respirator technologies and the
availability of replacement lung surfactant, resulting from the
research efforts of the NICHD and other Institutes; the rate of
sudden infant death syndrome has dropped more than 50 percent,
since the NICHD-led Back to Sleep education campaign to reduce the
risk of SIDS began; transmission of HIV from infected mother to
fetus and infant has dropped from 25 percent to less than 2
percent, as a result of NICHD's efforts in collaboration with other
agencies and organizations; the incidence of Haemophilus Influenzae
B (Hib), once the leading cause of acquired mental retardation, has
dropped more than 99 percent, because of development of the Hib
vaccine by NICHD scientists, which has nearly eliminated this
disease; congenital hypothyroidism, once responsible for many cases
of mental retardation, no longer has an impact on cognitive
development because of screening techniques used to detect the
condition in all newborns in time to allow treatment to prevent its
effects; Phenylketonuria, a disorder that also caused mental
retardation in many individuals, has been successfully eliminated
as a factor in cognitive development through newborn screening and
dietary therapy; infertility that at one time kept couples from
having babies of their own often can be treated and reversed; sound
scientific information about the safety and effectiveness of
different contraceptive methods for women and men is now available;
many social, physical, and behavioral rehabilitation treatments for
people with mental, developmental, and physical disabilities are
now available.
Technology Disciplines
Displaying 1 - 10 of 30
A Novel Diffusion MRI Phantom, and a Method for Enhancing MR Image Quality
Description:
The technology offered for licensing is in the field of Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging (Diffusion MRI). Specifically, a novel imaging phantom is described and claimed, which is specifically optimized for Diffusion MRI and is expected to enhance the performance and reliability of this widespread imaging technology.
The phantom provided in this invention comprises a stable aqueous polymer solution with a concentration of at least 30% (by weight) or copolymer solution having a resulting water diffusivity from about 2x10-4mm2/s to about 3x10-3mm2/s. Polyvinyl Pyrrolidone (PVP) is the polymer of choice in this invention. PVP is an FDA-approved food additive. It is uniquely stable, non-toxic, storable, and transportable, and has been shown to maintain consistent water diffusivity properties even after five years.
This PVP diffusion MRI phantom material is already being used widely in several multi-site clinical studies to assure MRI data quality and to help standardize results between and among different subjects and different clinical and research sites. It is also being proposed as a diffusion standard.
Benefits
The imaging phantoms provided in the invention are optimized specifically for Diffusion MRI. They possess the following features and characteristics:
-Made of non-toxic, non-hazardous, non-flammable and easily transportable materials.
-Possess diffusivities similar to those of water in biological tissues, particular brain parenchyma.
-Possess stable diffusion properties over time. No appreciable change in water diffusivity detectable after five years.
-Offers option to tailor diffusivity of the phantom to different applications by varying the chemical composition.
Details
| Internal Lab Reference ID | E-249-2008/0 |
| Patent Number | 9,603,546 |
| Inventors | Ferenc Horkay |
A Novel Diffusion MRI Phantom, and a Method for Enhancing MR Image Quality
Description:
The technology offered for licensing is in the field of Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging (Diffusion MRI). Specifically, a novel imaging phantom is described and claimed, which is specifically optimized for Diffusion MRI and is expected to enhance the performance and reliability of this widespread imaging technology.
The phantom provided in this invention comprises a stable aqueous polymer solution with a concentration of at least 30% (by weight) or copolymer solution having a resulting water diffusivity from about 2x10-4mm2/s to about 3x10-3mm2/s. Polyvinyl Pyrrolidone (PVP) is the polymer of choice in this invention. PVP is an FDA-approved food additive. It is uniquely stable, non-toxic, storable, and transportable, and has been shown to maintain consistent water diffusivity properties even after five years.
This PVP diffusion MRI phantom material is already being used widely in several multi-site clinical studies to assure MRI data quality and to help standardize results between and among different subjects and different clinical and research sites. It is also being proposed as a diffusion standard.
Benefits
The imaging phantoms provided in the invention are optimized specifically for Diffusion MRI. They possess the following features and characteristics:
-Made of non-toxic, non-hazardous, non-flammable and easily transportable materials.
-Possess diffusivities similar to those of water in biological tissues, particular brain parenchyma.
-Possess stable diffusion properties over time. No appreciable change in water diffusivity detectable after five years.
-Offers option to tailor diffusivity of the phantom to different applications by varying the chemical composition.
Details
| Internal Lab Reference ID | E-249-2008/0 |
| Patent Number | 9,603,546 |
| Inventors | Ferenc Horkay |
A Vaccine for Shigella sonnei for Both Children and Adults
Description:
There is currently no vaccine widely available for shigellosis, which affects over 150 million people worldwide and causes over 1 million deaths a year, mostly children. The present invention discloses a novel immunogen to be used in a vaccine for both children and adults. The immunogen, a low-molecular mass O-SP-core fragment, generates high antibody responses in animal studies, which means reduced number of vaccinations. The immunogen is easy to isolate for ease of manufacturing. Additionally, the methods of manufacturing vaccines and protocols of preventing and/or treating Shigellosis had been carried out in the present invention.
Abstract
vaccines and diagnostics.
Benefits
Vaccine can be used in both children and adults.
-Doses of vaccine are reduced.
-Immunogen is easy to isolate for easy vaccine production.
Details
| Internal Lab Reference ID | E-308-2008/0 |
| Patent Number | 8,747,863 |
| Inventors | John Robbins |
An Antibody Specific for the Ubl4A Protein
Description:
The antibody developed against the Ubl4A protein is available for licensing. Ubl4A is involved in the proper targeting of tail-anchored proteins to membranes by acting as a chaperone to prevent inappropriate interactions or aggregation. Alterations in membrane insertion or protein degradation may be related to Ubl4a in certain disease states making Ubl4a an attractive biomarker for the study of disease development or as a tool for the development of assays for disease detection.
Abstract
The antibody developed against the Ubl4A protein is available for licensing. Ubl4A is involved in the proper targeting of tail-anchored proteins to membranes by acting as a chaperone to prevent inappropriate interactions or aggregation. Alterations in membrane insertion or protein degradation may be related to Ubl4a in certain disease states making Ubl4a an attractive biomarker for the study of disease development or as a tool for the development of assays for disease detection.
Details
| Internal Lab Reference ID | E-058-2011/0 |
| Inventors | Ramanugan Hegde |
Anti-sera Against Arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AANAT) - The Melatonin Rhythm Enzyme
Description:
Biological materials are important research tools that can be used for diagnostic purposes. In particular, antisera are of broad value in biomedical research and in clinical chemistry. The present invention comprises of unpurified and immunopurified antisera developed in rabbits against bovine, rat, pike-2, zebra fish, chicken, monkey, and human AANAT. AANAT is an important enzyme because it controls the production of melatonin and its rhythm in vertebrates. A daily rhythm of melatonin in the circulation serves as the hormonal signal of the daily light/dark cycle. AANAT protein is expressed at high levels in pineal gland and retina, and only at night. The antisera developed as part of this invention may serve as an important immunologic tool to detect and monitor the expression of AANAT protein. Expression of AANAT is important for the understanding of the biochemical and physiological role of melatonin and therefore, the antisera may have a wide use in research studies. In addition, antisera detecting human AANAT may be useful in pathological and histochemical analysis of human pineal and retinal tissues. Further, the use of antisera may be applicable in clinical testing and monitoring of the effects of drugs on AANAT protein and other biochemical modification procedures.
Abstract
Biological materials are important research tools that can be used for diagnostic purposes. In particular, antisera are of broad value in biomedical research and in clinical chemistry. The present invention comprises of unpurified and immunopurified antisera developed in rabbits against bovine, rat, pike-2, zebra fish, chicken, monkey, and human AANAT. AANAT is an important enzyme because it controls the production of melatonin and its rhythm in vertebrates. A daily rhythm of melatonin in the circulation serves as the hormonal signal of the daily light/dark cycle. AANAT protein is expressed at high levels in pineal gland and retina, and only at night. The antisera developed as part of this invention may serve as an important immunologic tool to detect and monitor the expression of AANAT protein. Expression of AANAT is important for the understanding of the biochemical and physiological role of melatonin and therefore, the antisera may have a wide use in research studies. In addition, antisera detecting human AANAT may be useful in pathological and histochemical analysis of human pineal and retinal tissues. Further, the use of antisera may be applicable in clinical testing and monitoring of the effects of drugs on AANAT protein and other biochemical modification procedures.
David Klein(NICHD)➽ more inventions...
Kristina Galarneau (NICHD)➽ more inventions...
Joan Weller (NICHD)➽ more inventions...
Horst Korf
Research Tool – Patent protection is not being pursued for this technology.
Klein DC, et al.PMID 9238858
Gastel JA, et al.PMID 9478897
Zatz M, et al.PMID 10820191
Schomerus C, et al.PMID 11032902
Coon SL, et al.PMID 11313340
Falcón J, et al.PMID 11316744
Ganguly S, et al.PMID 11427721
Iuvone PM, et al.PMID 11818405
Surekha Vathyam, Ph.D.
Email:vathyams@mail.nih.gov
Phone: 240-276-6865
E-181-2000/0
Updated:Oct 5, 2015
Details
| Internal Lab Reference ID | E-181-2000/0 |
| Inventors | David Klein |
CNS Therapeutics That Target Neuronal Ceroid-Lipofuscinoses and Thioesterase Deficiency Disorders
Description:
The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development seeks licensing or co-development partners for therapeuctic compounds to treat lysomal storage disorders.
Benefits
• First of its kind to treat INCL and other LSD
• Non-toxic dertivative therapeutic against thioesterase deficiency disorders
Details
| Internal Lab Reference ID | E-157-2011 |
| Inventors | Anil Mukherjee |
Device for Selectively Removing Cells from a Biological Sample
Description:
A variety of techniques have been used to isolate specific cells or cells populations from a histological sample under direct microscopic visualization. Techniques that involve manual or micro-manipulation devices to isolate individual cells based upon visible characteristics and/or immunological staining are labor intensive and can require an extended amount of time.
The subject technology is a device and method of using the device to automatically identify cells reacting with light sensitive immunoreagent(s) (e.g. antibodies labeled with a light sensitive tag). The device may be used to selectively transfer the cells to a thermoplastic polymer film by exposing to a flashtube which selectively activates the immunoreagent. Activation of the immunoreagent bound to the cells causes the cells to selectively adhere to thermoplastic polymer film. Individual cells, populations of cells or specific regions of the tissue can be isolated using the device. Populations of cells can be sequentially isolated by employing immunoreagents that are activated by different wavelengths of light. The device can also be used to isolate cellular components (e.g. cell nuclei). The device can also be used for high throughput analysis of the samples.
Abstract
A variety of techniques have been used to isolate specific cells or cells populations from a histological sample under direct microscopic visualization. Techniques that involve manual or micro-manipulation devices to isolate individual cells based upon visible characteristics and/or immunological staining are labor intensive and can require an extended amount of time.
The subject technology is a device and method of using the device to automatically identify cells reacting with light sensitive immunoreagent(s) (e.g. antibodies labeled with a light sensitive tag). The device may be used to selectively transfer the cells to a thermoplastic polymer film by exposing to a flashtube which selectively activates the immunoreagent. Activation of the immunoreagent bound to the cells causes the cells to selectively adhere to thermoplastic polymer film. Individual cells, populations of cells or specific regions of the tissue can be isolated using the device. Populations of cells can be sequentially isolated by employing immunoreagents that are activated by different wavelengths of light. The device can also be used to isolate cellular components (e.g. cell nuclei). The device can also be used for high throughput analysis of the samples.
Benefits
Isolation of cells with specific characteristics can be achieved more quickly than those requiring manual microdissection.
-The device can be used for automated high throughput analysis of histopathological samples.
Details
| Internal Lab Reference ID | E-045-2014/0 |
| Patent Number | 62/016,571
PCT Application No. PCT/US2015/034930 |
| Inventors | Robert Bonner |
Diagnostic Assays for the Detection of Thyroid Cancer
Description:
The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child and Human Development’s (NICHD) Pediatric Growth and Nutrition Branch seek partners to co-develop a diagnostic assay to detect thyroid cancer.
Abstract
NIH scientists have developed two novel methods for distinguishing malignant from benign thyroid biopsy samples. Midkine and pleiotrophin, both low molecular weight growth factors, are over-expressed in many cancerous tissues. NIH researchers have developed ELISA assays to quantify the amount of midkine and pleiotrophin present in thyroid tissue samples. Levels of both growth factors are substantially higher in fine needle aspirates from thyroid cancers than from benign thyroid nodules. Application of this technique for the identification of thyroid cancer represents a first-in-class diagnostic for this disease.
Thyroid cancer represents a disease particularly amenable to improved methods of diagnosis. Thyroid nodules are very common in the adult population. To determine whether nodules are malignant, current practice involves obtaining a needle biopsy which is inspected microscopically. The resulting findings are subjective and often inconclusive, leading to unnecessary surgery. Therefore, there is a need for methods such as the present invention to improve diagnostic accuracy.
Benefits
• High assay sensitivity permits the use of small tissue samples (e.g., fine needle aspirates of nodules)
• Assay can incorporate commercially-available midkine or pleiotrophin antibodies.
• Assay relies on proven ELISA detection technology.
Details
| Internal Lab Reference ID | E-016-2013/2 |
| Patent Number | 9,664,682 |
| Inventors | Jeffrey Baron |
Diagnostic Assays for the Detection of Thyroid Cancer
Description:
NIH scientists have developed two novel methods for distinguishing malignant from benign thyroid biopsy samples. Midkine and pleiotrophin, both low molecular weight growth factors, are over-expressed in many cancerous tissues. NIH researchers have developed ELISA assays to quantify the amount of midkine and pleiotrophin present in thyroid tissue samples. Levels of both growth factors are substantially higher in fine needle aspirates from thyroid cancers than from benign thyroid nodules. Application of this technique for the identification of thyroid cancer represents a first-in-class diagnostic for this disease.
Thyroid cancer represents a disease particularly amenable to improved methods of diagnosis. Thyroid nodules are very common in the adult population. To determine whether nodules are malignant, current practice involves obtaining a needle biopsy which is inspected microscopically. The resulting findings are subjective and often inconclusive, leading to unnecessary surgery. Therefore, there is a need for methods such as the present invention to improve diagnostic accuracy.
Abstract
NIH scientists have developed two novel methods for distinguishing malignant from benign thyroid biopsy samples. Midkine and pleiotrophin, both low molecular weight growth factors, are over-expressed in many cancerous tissues. NIH researchers have developed ELISA assays to quantify the amount of midkine and pleiotrophin present in thyroid tissue samples. Levels of both growth factors are substantially higher in fine needle aspirates from thyroid cancers than from benign thyroid nodules. Application of this technique for the identification of thyroid cancer represents a first-in-class diagnostic for this disease.
Thyroid cancer represents a disease particularly amenable to improved methods of diagnosis. Thyroid nodules are very common in the adult population. To determine whether nodules are malignant, current practice involves obtaining a needle biopsy which is inspected microscopically. The resulting findings are subjective and often inconclusive, leading to unnecessary surgery. Therefore, there is a need for methods such as the present invention to improve diagnostic accuracy.
Benefits
High assay sensitivity permits the use of small tissue samples (e.g., fine needle aspirates of nodules).
-Assay can incorporate commercially-available midkine or pleiotrophin antibodies.
-Assay relies on proven ELISA detection technology.
Details
| Internal Lab Reference ID | E-016-2013/2 |
| Patent Number | 9,664,682 |
| Inventors | Youn Jee |
In vivo Assessment of Tissue Microstructure and Microdynamics: Estimation of the Average Propagator from Magnetic Resonance Data
Description:
This invention relates to diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) and describes a novel method for estimating the 3-D average propagator from DW-MRI data. The average propagator measures the probability that water molecules move from one place to another during a given diffusion time. This quantity provides local information about the tissue microstructure and the microenvironment in which water diffuses without making any a priori assumptions about the underlying diffusion process itself. Several methods, such as 3D q-space magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion spectrum imaging have been developed to measure the average propagator, but these techniques currently require acquisition of large numbers of DW images, making them infeasible for routine animal and clinical imaging. The proposed methodology introduces a new data reconstruction concept, which involved using computer tomography (CT) algorithms to estimate the average propagator from the MR data. The proposed CT reconstruction requires many fewer DW-MRI data than conventional methods consistent with a clinically feasible period of MR image acquisition. The novel technique can be used to diagnose medical disorders that are associated with alterations in water diffusion, such as stroke and several neurodegenerative diseases and other disorders for which diffusion tensor MRI is currently used. Additional applications include drug development (screening drug candidates), material science (testing the quality of materials that have restricted and hindered compartments, e.g., porous media, gels and films) and food processing (testing structural changes in food).
Details
| Internal Lab Reference ID | E-164-2006/0 |
| Patent Number | 7,711,171 |
| Inventors | Peter Basser |
Pages
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5
NICHD Microscopy and Imaging Core (MIC)
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The NICHD Microscopy and Imaging Core (MIC) is designed as a multi-user research facility providing training and instrumentation for high resolution microscopy and image processing. The core is located on the ground floor of building 35A. It is equipped with several point scanning confocal microscopes (Zeiss LSM 510 meta inverted, Zeiss LSM 510 meta upright 2-photon, Zeiss 780LSM inverted, Nikon Spinning Disk/Storm/TIRF), a sub-resolution imaging platform (PALM instrument), and three wide-field fluorescence microscopes (Olympus BX61 upright, Olympus Wide Field Inverted,Olympus and Zeiss Lumar stereo-microscopes), together with a Jeol 1400 Transmission Electron Microscope. The mission of the Core is to provide training, support and instruments for all investigators in PNRC who require high-resolution microscopy in their research. In addition, the Core is involved in technology development focused on improving, automating, and providing enhanced access to advanced imaging technologies, including: Confocal Microscopy Time-lapse imaging Fluorescence methodologies (FRAP, FRET, uncaging, photo-activation) Sub-resolution microscopy (TIRF, PALM) Multi--photon imaging Image processing
Molecular Genomics Laboratory (MGL)
Address:
10 Center Dr, Rm 9D41
Bethesda
Region:
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Nichddirmolgenomicslab
The Molecular Genomics Laboratory (MGL) at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development provides DNA and RNA sequencing services for genomic and genetic research. Our services include full gene analysis by DNA sequencing (whole exome, targeted exome and gene-specific sequencing), as well as whole transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq), microRNA sequencing, microbiome sequencing, bisulfite sequencing (DNA methylome), ChIP-Seq and ribosomal profiling. The MGL provides significant primary data processing and downstream bioinformatic support. We can assist in designing experiments or sequencing strategies (for example, optimization of targeted exome design). Our mission is to offer accurate and innovative tools to facilitate research into the diagnosis, counseling and treatment of hereditary disorders.
NICHD Biomedical Mass Spectrometry Core Facility
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The NICHD Biomedical Mass Spectrometry Core Facility was created under the auspices of the Office of the Scientific Director to provide high-end mass-spectrometric services to scientists within the NICHD Division of Intramural Research (DIR). Particular focus has been in the areas of proteomics, biomarker discovery, protein characterization, and detection of post-translational modifications. The Facility also performs quantitative analyses of small bio-molecules, including lipids and steroids. The Facility is located in the 9D corridor of Building 10 on the NIH campus.
NICHD Core Facilities (Various)
Address:
9609 Medical Center Drive, Room 1E-542, MSC 9702
Rockville, MD 20850
United StatesRegion:
P: 240-276-5497E: mcguinnc@mail.nih.govSecurity Clearance : Non Security Lab Requires research collaboration agreement or CRADA with NIH and NIH Intramural Researcher
NICHD Zebrafish Core
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The core's goal is to help researchers of any expertise perform zebrafish experiments aimed at illuminating basic biology and human disease mechanisms, thereby advancing the NIH and NICHD 's research missions. A typical research question might investigate the function or regulation of a zebrafish gene and/or its ortholog from humans or another species. We are also happy to offer consultation for any other zebrafish-related projects you may be considering. The core is equipped to assist with the following methodologies: Gene expression and regulation studies In situ hybridization to characterize developmental expression patterns of zebrafish genes Zebrafish nucleic acid collection for downstream genomic and molecular applications Gain of gene function studies In vitro RNA synthesis RNA and DNA microinjection Transgenic animal production* Loss of gene function studies Design and microinjection of antisense morpholino oligonucleotides for transient loss of function Design, synthesis and microinjection of TALE nucleasesor CRISPR-Cas9 reagents to generate germ-line genetic mutants* Other methodologies Cryopreservation of transgenic and mutant zebrafish lines Importation of existing zebrafish lines Characterization of phenotypes by time-lapse photography
Funding Instruments
- Grant: Financial assistance mechanism providing money, property, or both to an eligible entity to carry out an approved project or activity. A grant is used whenever an NIH Institute or Center (IC) anticipates no substantial programmatic involvement with the recipient during performance of the financially assisted activities.
- Contract: An award instrument used to acquire by purchase, lease, or barter, property or services from a non-federal party for the direct benefit or use of the federal government. For a contract, the government establishes detailed requirements to meet its perceived needs and decides on the entity to meet those needs.
- Cooperative Agreement: A financial assistance instrument under which substantial involvement is anticipated between the federal agency and the recipient during performance of the contemplated project or activity. These agreements are similar to grants, but federal staff have substantial scientific or programmatic involvement.
Lab Representatives
