natural killer cell A cell that can react against and destroy another cell without prior sensitization to it. Abbreviated NK cell. NK cells are part of our first line of defense against cancer cells and virusinfected cells. NK cells are small lymphocytes that originate in the bone marrow and develop without the influence of the…
naturopath A person who practices naturopathy. A naturopathic doctor (ND) has been trained to care for well and ailing patients by using naturopathic methods. In some US states, NDs must complete a program equivalent to the training received by MDs, and they are therefore licensed to practice medicine. In other states, the term ND is…
naturopathic Pertaining to naturopathy.
naturopathy A system of therapy that is based on preventive care and on the use of physical forces such as heat, water, light, air, and massage as primary therapies for disease. Some naturopaths use no medications, either pharmaceutical or herbal. Some recommend herbal remedies only. A few who are licensed to prescribe may recommend pharmaceuticals…
nausea Stomach queasiness, the urge to vomit. Nausea can be brought on by many causes, including systemic illnesses (such as influenza), medications, pain, and inner ear disease.
navel See bellybutton.
National Academy of Sciences A nonprofit, self-perpetuating society of distinguished scholars engaged in scientific and engineering research, dedicated to the furtherance of science and technology, and to their use for the general welfare. Abbreviated NAS. The US Congress granted the NAS a charter in 1863 with the authority that requires it to advise the federal…
national board exam In medicine, the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), an exam sponsored by the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) of the US and the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME). It has replaced the examinations previously used to fulfill examination requirements for medical licensure. The national board exam provides a common…
National Institutes of Health The NHGRI also develops and implements technology for understanding, diagnosing, and treating genetic diseases.
Center for Information Technology (CIT) As the NIH’s computing technology arm, the CIT seeks to develop, promote, and spread the use of high-tech tools in biomedical science.
Center for Scientific Review (CSR) The CSR provides staff and procedural support to the director of the NIH for running the grant approval process. It handles scientific review of most NIH grant applications, proposals, fellowships, and projects. Formerly known as the Division of Research Grants.
Fogarty International Center (FIC) The FIC serves as NIH’s coordinating body for international medical research and coop- ration. It supports research partnerships between US biomedical scientists and their counterparts around the world to reduce disparities in global health.