Science Vs The War on Science
105 snips
Feb 19, 2025 
Max Kozlov, a science journalist at Nature, dives into the chaos of U.S. scientific research under political pressure. He discusses chilling funding freezes and firings that leave many researchers in limbo. Kozlov highlights how essential medical treatments are at risk due to these upheavals. The podcast uncovers disturbing censorship of critical terms related to diversity and inclusion in grant applications. He also examines the impact of political decisions on public health initiatives and the urgent need for detailed data tracking in the face of outbreaks like monkeypox.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Science in Turmoil
- Thousands of federal websites have removed information, and agencies like the CDC and NIH have fired staff.
- Clinical trials have been stopped, and research funding is facing uncertainty, causing distress among scientists.
Website Censorship and Disclaimers
- Government websites, including those on monkeypox, HIV, and LGBTQ+ health, were taken down and then reinstated with disclaimers.
- These disclaimers reject gender ideology and condemn related harms, contradicting scientific consensus.
Data Removal Hinders Outbreak Response
- The removal of data classifiers, like sexual orientation, hinders the ability to track and respond to outbreaks.
- This is exemplified by the monkeypox outbreak, where detailed data was crucial for targeted interventions.