COVID-19 Information & Resources

COVID-19 Information & Resources

Researcher working in lab

NIDCR's Role in COVID-19 Response

NIDCR works closely with other NIH institutes and centers to prioritize the critical research needed in the fight against COVID-19. Whether funding extramural research or conducting our own studies at NIH’s main campus in Maryland, NIDCR is committed to answering essential scientific questions about this novel coronavirus. Bookmark and return to this page for updates on NIDCR’s COVID-19 activities, ongoing research, and funding opportunities.

Ongoing NIDCR-Supported Studies of COVID-19

Lab technician working in a lab

NIDCR-Supported RADx Awards

NIDCR continues to administratively support six grants and six supplements announced by NIH on December 21, 2020, as part of the Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics Radical (RADx-rad) initiative. Learn More »

Microscopic view of Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2

Rapid Funding for COVID-19 Research

In response to the pandemic, NIDCR addressed urgent research needs by providing approximately $4 million in supplemental support in fiscal year 2020 to current grantees for studies of COVID-19. This ongoing research examines a range of topics relevant to dental, oral, and craniofacial health. Learn More »

Sprinkled like confetti throughout this image are dozens of green-, yellow-, and red-ringed axons—nerve fibers that transmit electrical signals throughout the nervous system.

Taste Nerve Reveals Coronavirus Entryways
Researchers discovered that protein “entry factors” used by the SARS-CoV-2 virus to invade cells were present on and around human taste nerves.

May 19, 2022

Spike proteins

Scientists Identify Mechanism That May Influence Infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 Variants
Enzyme process alters spike protein function.

November 5, 2021

People wearing masks

Developing a Smart Mask to Surveil Coronavirus
Scientists show feasibility of color-changing device for disease detection.

October 19, 2021

COVID-19 Sensor

A Coronavirus Sensor that Fits in the Palm of Your Hand
Portable device detects virus within seconds.

August 27, 2021

Dr. Blake Warner

Scientists Find Evidence that Novel Coronavirus Infects the Mouth’s Cells
Findings point to a role for saliva in SARS-CoV-2 transmission.

March 25, 2021

Last Reviewed
July 2024