NIH Common Fund launches physical activity research program

Molecular Transducers of Physical Activity in Humans is the largest targeted NIH investment of funds into the mechanisms of how physical activity improves health and prevents disease. Through the program, investigators at research institutions across the United States will receive $170 million over five years, pending availability of funds. The National Institutes of Health's Common Fund launched this program with the aim to catalogue extensively the biological molecules that are affected by physical activity in people, identify some of the key molecules that underlie the systemic effects of physical activity, and characterize the functions of these key molecules.

Many NExTNet members including Dr. Marcas Bamman, Director of the UAB Center for Exercise Medicine, played key roles in laying the groundwork for this game-changing program. To view the videocast of the NIH workshop on October 30, 2014 click here. To read "Understanding the Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Physical Activity-Induced Health Benefits", recently published in the journal Cell Metabolism, click here.