Science Vs

The War Keeps Raging Against Science

May 22, 2025

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  • The US government's proposed cuts to science funding, particularly at the NIH and NSF, could significantly harm the economy, potentially making the average American poorer due to reduced innovation and economic growth. 
  • The Trump administration's actions, including the suppression of research findings and the vague executive order on gain-of-function research, suggest a politically motivated interference with scientific inquiry, potentially stifling crucial research areas. 
  • Despite significant funding cuts and perceived political interference, scientists are fighting back through public outcry, lawsuits, and continued research, highlighting the resilience and importance of scientific integrity. 

Segments

Milkshake Addiction Study
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(~00:00:00)
  • Key Takeaway: A study found that ultra-processed milkshakes did not cause a significant dopamine rush, challenging the idea that such foods are as addictive as drugs.
  • Summary: The conversation begins by discussing a study from the NIH that investigated whether ultra-processed milkshakes could be addictive by measuring dopamine release. The findings indicated that the milkshakes did not trigger a significant dopamine surge, contrary to popular belief about addictive foods.
NIH Censorship Allegations
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(~00:02:02)
  • Key Takeaway: Researchers allege that the NIH suppressed findings from a milkshake addiction study to align with leadership’s preconceived notions about ultra-processed food addiction, leading to a senior scientist’s resignation.
  • Summary: The discussion shifts to allegations of censorship by the NIH regarding the milkshake study. Lead scientist Kevin Hall claims the NIH denied interview requests, altered his written responses to a New York Times reporter, and quashed a press release, all to downplay findings inconvenient to their narrative on ultra-processed food addiction.
Science Funding Cuts & Impact
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(~00:06:39)
  • Key Takeaway: Billions of dollars in science research funding have been cut, impacting diverse fields like DEI, COVID-19 research, vaccine hesitancy, climate change, and LGBTQ+ health, with researchers fearing a ‘brain drain’ and long-term consequences.
  • Summary: The episode delves into the broader “war on science” in the US, detailing significant cuts to federal funding for research. This includes the termination of numerous NIH grants, affecting areas from DEI and vaccine hesitancy to climate change and LGBTQ+ health research. The impact on scientists and the potential for a ‘brain drain’ are highlighted.
Gain of Function Research Pause
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(~00:25:22)
  • Key Takeaway: A new executive order pausing ‘dangerous gain of function research’ is causing concern among scientists due to its vague wording, potentially halting vital research in areas like antibiotic resistance and cancer treatment.
  • Summary: The conversation addresses a new executive order from the Trump administration that pauses ‘dangerous gain of function research.’ While intended to prevent future pandemics, scientists worry the broad and vague language could impede important research on microbes, viruses, and even cancer treatments, despite existing regulations.
Economic Returns of Science
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(~00:30:51)
  • Key Takeaway: Investing in basic science research yields a significant economic return, with studies showing that for every dollar invested, the economy gains approximately $1.70, making proposed funding cuts detrimental to long-term economic growth.
  • Summary: The economic rationale behind science funding is explored. Economists argue that government investment in basic science, even on seemingly obscure topics, has historically led to substantial economic benefits, such as the development of the internet and mRNA vaccines. Proposed cuts to science funding are therefore seen as economically counterproductive.