Objective 1: Understand normal biological function and resilience

Understanding normal biology is the backbone of all biomedical science. It is essential to understanding how the internal body keeps itself stable, predicting how biological systems respond to their environment, and recognizing disease pathways and targets for intervention. Research on normal biological function — including topics such as circadian rhythms, the microbiome, and tissue development from progenitor cells — can help us better define health and understand the earliest origins of disease processes. The scope of research on normal biology ranges from single cell analytics to studies of entire healthy populations. Using gold standard and emerging tools, methodologies, and technologies, such research can uncover the biological factors, behaviors, lifestyle factors, social circumstances, and environmental exposures that help people become resilient, which they must be to stay well as they age, experience stress, and endure adversity. Gaining new knowledge about the body’s intrinsic capacity to repair itself will yield greater insight into the transition from health to disease. For these reasons, understanding normal biology must remain a cornerstone of NHLBI-funded research.