Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Rachel Miller @rem7106.bsky.social · Mar 23

Check out our latest preprint showing promise for treating joint pain @jointsintheworld.bsky.social

bioRxivpreprint @biorxivpreprint.bsky.social · Mar 18

FM-dye inhibition of Piezo2 relieves acute inflammatory and osteoarthritis knee pain in mice of both sexes https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.03.17.643683v1

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Eric Topol @erictopol.bsky.social · Mar 10

99% of new medicines developed by the pharmaceutical industry depend on NIH research jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...

Comparison of Research Spending on New Drug Approvals by the NIH vs the Pharmaceutical Industry

This cross-sectional study examines National Institutes of Health and pharmaceutical industry investments in recent drug approvals.

jamanetwork.com

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Jeremy Berg @jeremymberg.bsky.social · Mar 11

I have confirmation from several sources now that all T32s, many F30s and F31s, and most or all Center awards (P30, P50) have been terminated at Columbia.

This is quite damaging to research and to individuals.

This is pure terrorism and cannot be legal. But litigation will take time...

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Jeremy Berg @jeremymberg.bsky.social · Mar 5

Preliminary injunction in nationwide indirect cost rate case.

This means that the judge found that the plaintiffs (AAMC, et al.) are likely to win on the merits when the ruling is finalized.

www.statnews.com/2025/03/05/n...

Judge issues preliminary injunction blocking Trump cuts to NIH research overhead payments

A federal judge issued a nationwide preliminary injunction blocking the Trump administration from slashing NIH payments for research overhead

www.statnews.com

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Denis Wirtz @deniswirtz.bsky.social · Mar 5

Make use of our public database of Postdoc fellowships (private foundations, federal agencies). It's downloadable and free.

We list 290 different fellowships and funding opportunities, along with description, deadline, amount, and eligibility criteria
Download here: research.jhu.edu/rdt/funding-...

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Rachel Miller @rem7106.bsky.social · Mar 5

Gift article link here: wapo.st/4h8aiZx

Eric Topol @erictopol.bsky.social · Mar 5

A blow-by-blow account of the implosion at NIH, with more to come
www.washingtonpost.com/science/2025...

NIH reels with fear, uncertainty about future of scientific research

The Trump administration’s orders have created more turmoil and damage at the National Institutes of Health than was previously known.

www.washingtonpost.com

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Jeremy Berg @jeremymberg.bsky.social · Mar 5

Bluetorial: An unexpected mentor

Our son Corey has been a great mentor, helping me improve my data science skills

a cartoon says hey everybody an old man 's talking while bart simpson looks on

ALT: a cartoon says hey everybody an old man 's talking while bart simpson looks on

media.tenor.com

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Orthopaedic Research Society @orssociety.bsky.social · Mar 3

ORS encourages members to advocate for their research. On March 7, join the nationwide Stand Up for Science rally in Washington, DC, and state capitols. Share with colleagues and learn more at www.standupforscience2025.org. #scienceisforeveryone

Stand Up for Science! @standupforscience.bsky.social · Feb 12

Welcome to the Bluesky account for Stand Up for Science 2025!

Keep an eye on this space for updates, event information, and ways to get involved. We can't wait to see everyone #standupforscience2025 on March 7th, both in DC and locations nationwide!

#scienceforall #sciencenotsilence

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Anna Vlasits @annaintegrated.bsky.social · Feb 24

Hey #Chicago!
It's time to take a stand for #science. We are rallying on March 7 at noon at the Federal Plaza. Start making your signs!

Info
standupforscience2025.org/chicago-il/

RSVP (optional)
www.eventbrite.com/e/stand-up-f...

#standupforscience #scienceforall
@standupforscience.bsky.social

Chicago, IL

Location: Federal Plaza 211 S Clark St, Chicago, IL, United States Address: 211 S Clark St, Chicago, IL 60604 Time: 12-3 PM

standupforscience2025.org

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Jamie Collins @colljamie.bsky.social · Feb 28

#VERITY and #UNC are hosting a mini course on large datasets for rheumatic and musculoskeletal research this May! The course is free and will feature faculty from across the country. Registration is due 5/1! More info: bit.ly/4ifhHHk

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Anne-Marie Malfait @jointsintheworld.bsky.social · Feb 22

MONDAY MARCH 3TH- 3 PM CST- HYBRID SEMINAR- DO JOIN

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Katherine J. Wu @katherinejwu.com · Feb 27

I talked to NIH officials, current and former, about what's been happening inside the agency since the Trump administration shut down their grantmaking pipeline in January. Their stories showed just how willing our new leaders are to break the law: www.theatlantic.com/health/archi...

Inside the Collapse at NIH

Administration officials pressured NIH to avoid clear advice from the agency’s own lawyers to restart grant funding now.

www.theatlantic.com

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Jeremy Berg @jeremymberg.bsky.social · Feb 26

Confirmed (by many sources) news about 50 NIH Study Sections being allowed to announce meetings in the Federal Register.

As usual, MANY more questions than answers...

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a muppet news anchor says " and now a muppet news flash " while holding a piece of paper

ALT: a muppet news anchor says " and now a muppet news flash " while holding a piece of paper

media.tenor.com

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Jeremy Berg @jeremymberg.bsky.social · Feb 25

STAT story is up about study section restart.

www.statnews.com/2025/02/24/s...

Some NIH study sections will resume reviewing grants, but final funding decisions are still in limbo

While some NIH study sections will resume, advisory council meetings, which make final funding decisions, seem to still be held up.

www.statnews.com

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Governor JB Pritzker @govpritzker.illinois.gov · Feb 23

Freezing out the NIH's funding means freezing out American innovation.

Research into curing cancer, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's all delayed.

And ultimately it won't just cost us advancements in life-saving research, it will cost us lives.

NIH funding cuts could have ‘devastating impact’ on medical advancements, Chicago researchers say

The National Institutes of Health under President Donald Trump announced this month that it was cutting payments covering overhead costs for research institutions that receive its grants.

www.wbez.org

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Jeremy Berg @jeremymberg.bsky.social · Feb 23

TO NIHers OUT THERE

It appears that folks from different ICs are getting quite different guidance about whether to respond to the "HR" email.

I don't know how, but try to share information with one another to avoid some folks making themselves targets.

You can reach me on Signal (jeremymberg.78)

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Ardem Patapoutian @ardemp.bskyverified.social · Feb 22

Check out the scientific journey behind the newest FDA-approved pain medication! 💊 Learn how NIH-funded research played a crucial role—both directly and indirectly—in bringing this breakthrough to life. 🧪

Jeremy Berg @jeremymberg.bsky.social · Feb 22

I have been trying to find the time to move away from the polical hellscape we find ourselves in to finish and share a bluetorial about science.

This helps me remember what this is all about.

Ironically, it is about the treatment of pain.

the word irony is written on a white background

ALT: the word irony is written on a white background

media.tenor.com

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NPR @npr.org · Feb 22

The National Institutes of Health had to stop considering new grant applications, delaying funding for research into diseases ranging from heart disease and cancer to Alzheimer's and allergies.

NIH funding freeze stalls applications on $1.5 billion in medical research funds

The National Institutes of Health had to stop considering new grant applications, delaying funding for research into diseases ranging from heart disease and cancer to Alzheimer's and allergies.

www.npr.org

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Ardem Patapoutian @ardemp.bskyverified.social · Feb 22

Dear California Representatives: Your leadership is more important than ever! We believe in your ability to make a difference—how can we support you in bringing more attention to this critical issue?
@repscottpeters.bsky.social @levin.house.gov @schiff.senate.gov @padilla.senate.gov.
Pls Repost!

NPR @npr.org · Feb 22

The National Institutes of Health had to stop considering new grant applications, delaying funding for research into diseases ranging from heart disease and cancer to Alzheimer's and allergies.

NIH funding freeze stalls applications on $1.5 billion in medical research funds

The National Institutes of Health had to stop considering new grant applications, delaying funding for research into diseases ranging from heart disease and cancer to Alzheimer's and allergies.

www.npr.org

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Jeremy Berg @jeremymberg.bsky.social · Feb 21

New York Times article now up on Federal Register stuff.

www.nytimes.com/2025/02/21/s...

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Trump Administration Stalls Scientific Research Despite Court Ruling (Gift Article)

Using an arcane law, officials have effectively delayed funding from the National Institutes of Health, leaving medical studies in jeopardy.

www.nytimes.com

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Alt NIH Bluesky 🧪 @altnih4science.bsky.social · Feb 21

Dear scientists at US universities: Trump/Musk continue to freeze your grants. NIH is not reviewing grants nor funding them in council. This is a backhanded, legal method to effectively stop NIH grants.

See thread and linked article.

Are we going to “keep our heads down” about this?

Alt NIH Bluesky 🧪 @altnih4science.bsky.social · Feb 21

This is a five-alarm fire 🔥 for US science 🧪.
(We keep saying that, but it keeps being true 😭.)

Trump and Musk are blocking *ALL* NIH grants ‼️ by "exploiting a loophole in the process"—stopping study sections & council meetings.

Every biomedical researcher in the country should be screaming. 1/

Max Kozlov @maxkozlov.bsky.social · Feb 20

NEW: The Trump administration is exploiting a loophole to keep funding frozen at the NIH - a move that some legal scholars say is illegal.

Federal Register notices are blocked, so no grant-review sessions can be scheduled.

All the gritty details here, and a short 🧵:
www.nature.com/articles/d41...

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Megan Killian @megankillian.bsky.social · Feb 21

Congrats to the 2025 @orssociety.bsky.social #NIRA winners!! 🥳 @cpane94.bsky.social @vgbbrito.bsky.social @robinvroman.bsky.social, Kevin Burt, Priyanka Brahmachary, Alex Brown, Carlos Cruz, Ichiro Kurakazu, Augustine Saiz, Nazgol Tavabi, Robin Vroman, and Enhao Zhang!!
www.ors.org/ors-new-inve...

ORS New Investigator Recognition Awards - ORS

Overview A group of finalists will be selected to present a podium and poster session at the ORS 2025 Annual Meeting. The final award recipient will be selected based upon the quality of the presentat...

www.ors.org

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Jeremy Berg @jeremymberg.bsky.social · Feb 20

The press has a big role to play in shining light of what is going on...

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The Washington Post @washingtonpost.com · Feb 20

Breaking news: 57 percent of Americans say President Donald Trump has exceeded his authority since taking office for his second term, according to a new Washington Post-Ipsos poll.

Many of Trump’s early actions are unpopular, Post-Ipsos poll finds

Reviews from Americans on President Donald Trump’s second term are mixed to negative, and 57 percent say he has exceeded his authority since taking office.

wapo.st

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Office of Mayor Michelle Wu 吳弭 @mayorwu.boston.gov · Feb 20

The City of Boston is leading 40+ mayors, cities, and counties in an amicus brief against the Trump Administration's drastic and illegal cuts to federal research funding—cuts that will lead to immediate job losses nationwide.

COALITION OF MAYORS ACROSS U.S. FILE AMICUS BRIEF IN OPPOSITION TO TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S DRASTIC CUTS TO FEDERAL RESEARCH FUNDING
Led by the City of Boston, MA, City of Cleveland, OH, the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, TN, the Mayor of Gainesville, FL, and the Mayor of Salt Lake City, UT, over 40 mayors, cities, and counties argue that NIH cuts will cause job losses, economic disruption, and undermine U.S. competitiveness

BOSTON - Thursday, February 20, 2025 - Late yesterday, Mayor Michelle Wu co-led a coalition of Mayors from across the United States in writing and filing an amicus brief in federal district court in Boston to stop the Trump Administration's drastic and illegal cuts to federal research funding and immediate job losses in cities nationwide. Over 40 mayors, cities, and counties from across the country joined the brief. These cities are home to universities and hospitals that employ hundreds of thousands of Americans in cutting edge medical and scientific research, and the federally-funded research in these communities has made the United States the global leader in scientific discovery. The brief seeks a temporary restraining order against the Trump Administration, alongside the research universities, medical schools, hospitals, and 22 states that are plaintiffs in the three cases filed last week in federal district court.

“For decades, Congress has made a clear choice to use federally-funded research to invest in cities, build a broadly-distributed infrastructure for scientific discovery, create jobs, and drive economic growth in communities across the United States,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “We join with cities across the country – in red states, purple states, and blue states – to stop this illegal action that will cause layoffs, lab closures, and undermine scientific progress in American cities. I thank Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell for her leadership on behalf of the research institutions of Boston.”

This amicus brief is in response to the abrupt February 7, 2025 announcement by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) of an immediate reduction in funding for scientific and medical research institutions across the country. Under the NIH’s new policy, which temporarily went into effect on Monday, February 10, payments for indirect costs reimbursed to research universities would be capped at 15%, down from 30-70%. The brief makes clear that NIH funding cuts would devastate research institutions in cities across the county, cause job losses, create severe economic disruption, and undermine a critical pillar of strength and civic pride in cities across the United States. The cuts would also undermine critical medical and scientific research that residents are counting on, including cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, and jeopardize the cities’ and country’s position of global leadership on scientific advancement.
“The Gainesville community depends on this highly efficient, dependable investment of our tax dollars back into our city’s innovation economy,” said Harvey L. Ward, Mayor, City of Gainesville, Florida. “I’m glad to join other mayors in highlighting the vital role NIH funding plays in the lives of everyday hardworking American families.”
“The breadth and diversity of this coalition highlights the devastating and widespread impact of these NIH funding changes, from Alzheimer’s research to cancer clinical trials,” said Jill Habig, Founder and CEO of Public Rights Project. “We’re proud to partner with mayors, cities, and counties in opposing this threat to critical federal funding and the health and vitality of our communities.”
On Monday, February 10th, twenty two states and associations of medical schools, hospitals, and universities, filed three related cases, and secured a temporary restraining order preventing the Trump Administration from slashing the reimbursement rates. That initial order will be revisited this week in a hearing scheduled for Feb. 21.

The Public Rights Project served as amici counsel. The full list of mayors, cities and counties who joined the brief is below.

Local Governments and Mayors

City of Boston, Massachusetts
City of Cleveland, Ohio
Harvey L. Ward, Mayor, City of Gainesville, Florida
Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, Tennessee
Erin Mendenhall, Mayor, City of Salt Lake City, Utah
City of Alameda, California
City of Albuquerque, New Mexico
Allegheny County, Pennsylvania
City of Baltimore, Maryland
Emma Mulvaney-Stanak, Mayor, City of Burlington, Vermont
Township of Canton, Michigan
Town of Chapel Hill, North Carolina
City of Chicago, Illinois
Sandra Welch, Mayor, City of Coconut Creek, Florida
City of Columbus, Ohio
City of Easthampton, Massachusetts
Daniel Biss, Mayor, City of Evanston, Illinois
City of Fairfax, Virginia
Harris County, Texas
Ravinder S. Bhalla, Mayor, City of Hoboken, New Jersey
Quinton Lucas, Mayor, Kansas City, Missouri
Indya Kincannon, Mayor, City of Knoxville, Tennessee
City of Madison, Wisconsin
Jeff Silvestrini, Mayor, City of Millcreek, Utah
Anissa Welch, Mayor, City of Milton, Wisconsin
Montgomery County, Maryland
City of New Haven, Connecticut
Dontae Payne, Mayor, City of Olympia, Washington
Adrian O. Mapp, Mayor, City of Plainfield, New Jersey
Sue Noack, Mayor, City of Pleasant Hill, California
City of Pittsburgh and Ed Gainey, Mayor, City of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
City of Providence, Rhode Island
John Clark, Mayor, Town of Ridgway, Colorado
City of Rochester, New York
City of Sacramento, California
City and County of San Francisco, California
City of Santa Monica, California
Constantine H. Kutteh, Mayor, City of Statesville, North Carolina
Lisa Brown, Mayor, City of Spokane, Washington
Tishaura O. Jones, Mayor, City of St. Louis, Missouri
City of St. Paul, Minnesota
Dennis R. McBride, Mayor, City of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

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