Lost Debate DOGE v. Big Science, Dangers of Ultra-Processed Foods
Mar 11, 2025
Dr. Dhruv Khullar, a physician and nutrition expert at Cornell, joins to discuss crucial shifts in American science. He highlights how DOGE's influence on funding could undermine medical innovation. Diving into the alarming prevalence of ultra-processed foods, he reveals their role in driving overeating and chronic diseases. Dhruv emphasizes the food industry's impact on public health messaging, urging listeners to scrutinize dietary choices for better health outcomes. His insights shed light on the intersection of policy, science, and lifestyle.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Government's Role in Medical Funding
- The US government's role in medical funding has significantly shaped modern medicine, evolving from a follower to a global leader.
- This shift began during WWII with increased federal investment in science and the establishment of key institutions like the NIH.
Importance of Government-Funded Research
- While the private sector commercializes medical innovations, the government plays a crucial role in funding basic research that may not have immediate commercial applications.
- This foundational research is essential for breakthroughs like AI, CRISPR, and mRNA vaccines, which the private sector alone wouldn't fund.
Trump Administration's Impact on Research Funding
- The Trump administration's proposed cuts to indirect costs for research institutions have caused significant concern.
- This abrupt change, without proper consultation, threatens to disrupt vital research activities and undermine the biomedical enterprise.