The US National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the primary federal agency for conducting and supporting medical research. It operates under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and funds a vast array of research projects aimed at understanding, treating, and preventing diseases. Established in 1887, NIH has played a crucial role in numerous medical breakthroughs, including the development of vaccines and treatments for various conditions. The agency makes money primarily through federal funding and grants, which are allocated to support its extensive research initiatives and collaborations with universities and medical institutions worldwide.