Odd Lots Trump's NIH Cuts Send Shockwaves Through the Science World
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Mar 8, 2025 
Carole LaBonne, a Professor of Molecular Biosciences at Northwestern University, dives deep into the implications of the Trump administration's NIH funding cuts. She discusses how the new 15% cap on indirect costs affects institutional overhead and research. LaBonne highlights the crucial role of indirect funding in fostering innovation and the challenges researchers face in securing grants. The conversation also touches on the competitive landscape between U.S. and Chinese research funding, revealing the urgent need for reform and its broader impact on public health.
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NIH Cuts Appear Chaotic
- The Trump administration's NIH cuts appear chaotic and broad.
- These cuts involve changes to indirect cost allocations and freezes on entire programs.
NIH Grants' Impact
- NIH grants fund research in universities across all 50 states, impacting basic and translational research.
- These grants have a significant economic impact, generating $2.50 in economic activity for every dollar granted.
Ozempic's Origins
- Ozempic, a popular diabetes drug, originated from research on the Gila monster's ability to fast.
- This highlights how basic research can lead to significant medical breakthroughs.