An NIH Health Capsule article. Scoliosis is a disease that causes the spine to curve. It can result in an abnormal s-shaped or c-shaped curve. Anyone can get scoliosis. But it’s most common in children age 11 and older.

Dr. Heidi Kong uses genomics to uncover the microbe-host interactions taking place all over our skin.

Researchers identify defects in the wound healing process that might explain why diabetic foot ulcers heal slower or not at all.

NIH scientists led an international team of researchers toward discovery of a new, adult-onset inflammatory disease abbreviated the VEXAS (vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked, autoinflammatory, somatic) syndrome.

We at NIAMS are excited as we look forward to the arrival of Lindsey Criswell as the new Director but our thoughts also turn back to memories of our previous Director, Steve Katz. He was a unique voice who guided the NIAMS as director for more than two decades and who spent his career mentoring the next generations of researchers. With this in mind, I am pleased to share news of new awards that give the NIH a unique way to encourage the scientists of tomorrow.

I think we can all agree that 2020 was a challenging year. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all of us in unprecedented ways and has taken far too many lives. Despite that, I want to share some of my optimism for 2021.

Every great journey starts with a single step. As I embark on my new role as the director of the NIAMS, I am ready to listen and learn from the entire NIAMS community. I am honored to be starting such an important role.