Diagnosis & Disease Information

In 2008, the NIH launched the Undiagnosed Diseases Program (UDP). The UDP is a collaborative effort that spans across multiple disciplines such as the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Rare Diseases Research (ORDR) and the NIH Clinical Center.

Throughout history, folklore, and every culture, stories about giants have persisted. The mythos surrounding them elicits memories of simpler times. Growing up, most children are made aware of Jack’s giant (Jack and the Beanstalk) or how Paul Bunyan carved the Grand Canyon by dragging his ax behind him. Giants have been portrayed as grotesque brutes and less than human, as is the case with Jack’s giant or the Cyclops from Greek mythology. Sometimes, giants are extremely agreeable and pleasant, such as the lovable gentle giant Fezzik in The Princess Bride. Giants may also represent monolithic feats or something that must be conquered, as is the case with the story of David and Goliath. Virtually every religion references giants, typically as creatures in the early days of mankind. In fact, giants have such a connection to religion that in recent years there have been several hoaxes involving giants that attempt to confirm biblical accounts. One of the more famous giant hoaxes occurred in Cardiff, New York, in 1869. The Cardiff giant was deliberately sculpted and buried at a farm in New York State by George Hull, a self-proclaimed atheist. The fake fossil was carved out of gypsum and measured over 10 feet long. Immediately upon its discovery, it was deemed a fake. However, that didn’t deter swarms of people from flocking to New York and shelling out 50 cents to see the real-life Goliath. As the rumor mill ramped up, declaring that the Cardiff giant was evidence of the Bible’s accuracy, P.T. Barnum wanted to cash in too. Barnum tried to rent the giant for his traveling circus but was turned down. Undeterred, Barnum created his own fake Cardiff giant and, interestingly enough, Barnum’s fake fossil was more popular than the original.

A physically fit, 39-year-old Norwegian woman arrives at the hospital complaining of generalized muscle weakness. She informs the resident that her symptoms began 3 days earlier after experiencing flu-like symptoms and a sore throat. Her weakness has progressed to the point where she needs help walking and she indicates that her arms feel heavy and tired. She has a dull pain in her lower back, chest, and proximal muscles of both her arms and legs when she moves. She does not have any abdominal or urinary issues, sensory disturbances, or difficulties breathing or coughing. There is no history of drug or alcohol abuse; she doesn’t smoke or take prescription medications. She can’t recall having any insect bites and occasionally travels in Europe for business.

There is no escaping the fact that our world is teeming with microorganisms. They share our world and are all around us. They live on, as well as inside, everyone. Some are beneficial. In industry, they are used to help break down hazardous waste in the development of food, biofuels, biotechnologies, and pharmaceuticals. Human flora and fauna contribute greatly to an individuals overall heath. They help boost our immune system and are key players in the production of biotin and vitamin K. It has even been suggested that mitochondria, our cellular powerhouse, are derived from a symbiotic relationship between eukaryotic cells (cells with a nucleus) and ancient bacteria that could produce energy through aerobic respiration.