Science Friday
Trump Administration Cancels Meetings, Freezes Hiring At NIH | What Is A Meme Coin?
Jan 24, 2025
Casey Crownhart, a senior climate reporter at MIT Technology Review, sheds light on the confusion and fear at the NIH due to a hiring freeze implemented by the Trump administration, affecting vital research. Meanwhile, Liz Lopatto, a senior writer at The Verge, delves into the rising phenomenon of meme coins, like those launched by the Trump family. They discuss the allure of these digital assets, their ties to cultural memes, and the psychological factors driving their popularity, all while questioning their value compared to traditional cryptocurrencies.
23:58
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Quick takeaways
- The Trump administration's restrictions on the NIH have caused significant disruptions in biomedical research, leading to delays in crucial projects and public health insights.
- Meme coins, emerging as digital assets, have garnered attention for their volatility and potential for scams, exemplified by high-profile launches linked to the Trump family.
Deep dives
Disruptions Caused by New Administration Policies
The new administration has imposed significant restrictions on the National Institutes of Health (NIH), including a suspension of travel and external communications. Such disruptions can drastically slow down the pace of biomedical research, which poses risks to public health understanding and advancements. Researchers face delays in grant approvals and conference participations, jeopardizing their ongoing projects. The impact becomes more concerning with critical reports, such as those on H5N1 bird flu outbreaks, being postponed indefinitely.
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