Intrusive thoughts during pregnancy, paternity detectives, and updates from the Trump Tracker
Mar 6, 2025
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David Malakoff, International News Editor for Science Magazine, shares vital updates on U.S. science policy under Trump, discussing the impacts of tariffs and employment challenges at the NIH. Andrew Curry and Martin Larmazzo delve into the world of genetic genealogy, revealing surprising truths about extra-pair paternity and historical figures like Beethoven. Meanwhile, Suzanne Schweizer explores intrusive thoughts during pregnancy, emphasizing the mental health challenges that many expectant and new mothers face, advocating for greater awareness and understanding.
The recent reinstatement of probationary employees at the National Science Foundation reflects ongoing employment instability and crucial hiring challenges within U.S. scientific agencies.
Research into extra-pair paternity is revealing significant discrepancies in presumed versus biological parentage, raising important questions about societal norms and child genetics.
Understanding intrusive thoughts experienced by mothers during the perinatal period is vital for addressing maternal mental health and improving psychological support systems.
Deep dives
Impact of Admin Changes on NIH Research Funding
Recent administrative changes have significantly affected the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) operations, particularly concerning Title 42 employees, who are senior scientists hired at above-average federal salaries. Historically, these positions were somewhat secure due to automatic term renewals, but the current administration is now allowing many of these terms to expire, potentially resulting in the loss of over 100 scientists. This is particularly troubling given that these employees left lucrative positions in academia or industry for NIH roles, which, while competitive, are not as financially rewarding. With NIH funding around half of the U.S. civilian research budget, these shifts could hamper ongoing research projects and grant approvals, impacting the larger scientific community.
Increased Turbulence in NSF Employment
The National Science Foundation (NSF) recently reinstated 84 probationary employees who were previously terminated after a federal judge ruled their dismissals were illegal, highlighting ongoing employment instability within federal agencies. However, around 80 temporary employee firings remain intact, indicating inconsistency in how hiring and firing practices are being applied across agencies. The situation reflects broader issues regarding employee protections and the complex dynamics of federal employment regulations. This legal decision may influence NSF's capacity to employ talent crucial for advancing scientific research, especially as they tackle substantial funding programs every year.
Cutbacks to Social Science Research by the Pentagon
The Pentagon has announced it will no longer fund the Minerva Research Initiative, a social science program aimed at understanding national security issues through unclassified research. This decision ends a project established in 2008 that has explored various topics, ranging from climate change's impact on security to the potential conflicts arising from resource management. Researchers funded under this initiative are already encountering abrupt project terminations, raising concerns about the future of critical social science investigations that provide insight into broader security issues. The elimination of such funding may risk diminishing the understanding of how social factors interact with national security strategies.
Scientific Community's Response to Tariffs
New tariffs imposed on imports from key nations like China, Canada, and Mexico are poised to increase operational costs within U.S. scientific laboratories, which heavily rely on materials sourced from these countries. The scientific community is expressing concerns over how these tariffs will affect research expenditures and overall project budgets. Many laboratory essentials, including electronics and glassware, come from these regions, making increased expenses a substantial challenge for researchers. As the financial implications unfold, the potential for reduced research capabilities looms, prompting calls for intervention to safeguard the future of scientific inquiry in the U.S.
Understanding Intrusive Thoughts in New Mothers
Research into perinatal intrusive thoughts highlights that nearly all new mothers experience unwanted thoughts about harming their infants, which can be both distressing and confusing. These intrusive thoughts often conflict with a mother's identity and values, leading to significant feelings of guilt and anxiety. Studies suggest that these experiences are linked to various cognitive vulnerabilities and hormonal shifts during and after pregnancy, making it essential to understand their psychological implications. Addressing these issues within healthcare systems is crucial for better maternal mental health support, as existing frameworks often overlook the normalcy and frequency of these intrusive thoughts.
First up this week, International News Editor David Malakoff joins host Sarah Crespi to discuss the most recent developments in U.S. science under Donald Trump’s second term, from the impact of tariffs on science to the rehiring of probationary employees at the National Science Foundation.
Next, we tackle the question of extra-pair paternity in people—when marriage or birth records of parentage differ from biological parentage. Contributing Correspondent Andrew Curry writes about researchers looking into the question of how often children are genetically unrelated to their presumed fathers by using genealogy and genetic testing.
Finally, Susanne Schweizer, Scientia associate professor at the University of New South Wales, talks about her article on intrusive thoughts in the perinatal period as part of a special issue on women’s health in Science Advances. Almost all pregnant and recent mothers experience intrusive thoughts about harm coming to their offspring. Schweizer and colleagues suggest gaining a better understanding of intrusive thoughts during this highly predictable window could help explain the phenomenon more broadly.
This week’s episode was produced with help from Podigy.
