Post Reports Trump's chilling effect on medical research
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Mar 6, 2025 
Carolyn Johnson, a science reporter for The Washington Post, dives into the turmoil at the National Institutes of Health since Trump's inauguration. She discusses how federal funding freezes have stalled crucial biomedical research, hindering scientists' progress. Johnson highlights the impact of political decisions on job security and the future of emerging scientific talent. The conversation sheds light on the broader implications for health research in the U.S., emphasizing the long-term effects of political instability on a generation of researchers.
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Funding Freeze Impacts Cancer Research
- Mark Pfeiffer, a UNC biology professor, received an email about a federal funding freeze.
- This freeze caused chaos and uncertainty, impacting his cancer research lab.
NIH's Role and Funding Freeze Impact
- NIH is the primary funding source for biomedical research labs nationwide, covering salaries, materials, and research.
- The Trump administration's freeze on federal grants caused legal and administrative battles, impacting scientists.
NIH: A Major Force in Biomedical Research
- NIH is the world's largest biomedical research funder, supporting various disease studies and training young scientists.
- It plays a crucial role in developing drugs and vaccines, like the COVID vaccines.