This week features Jocelyn Kaiser, a science policy editor focusing on the NIH, Kathleen O'Grady, who reports on the science-society intersection, and Francesca Fardo, a pain perception researcher. They discuss how using sign language can significantly benefit children with cochlear implants, ensuring better communication. They also explore important NIH funding changes and delve into a fascinating study on how uncertainty affects pain perception, revealing that greater uncertainty can lead to more intense pain experiences.