Please note that the content of this book primarily consists of articles available from Wikipedia or other free sources online. The National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) is part of the National Institutes of Health and primarily supports research that lays the foundation for advances in disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. The Institute''s research training programs help provide the next generation of scientists. Each year, NIGMS-supported scientists make many advances in understanding fundamental life processes. In the course of answering basic research questions, these investigators increase our knowledge about the mechanisms and pathways involved in certain diseases. Institute grantees also develop important new tools and techniques, some of which have medical applications. In recognition of the significance of their work, a number of NIGMS grantees have received the Nobel Prize and other high scientific honors.