The National Academies of Science has long been seen as a steady voice in a stormy world. Born in the chaos of the Civil War, its job was to give clear, expert advice to the government. Over time, it built a reputation for tackling tough topics—even when powerful groups didn’t like the answers. But
The U. S. federal government is thinking about changing how science projects get money and oversight. A new rule would make every grant check whether it matches the current President’s priorities. Right now, scientists judge each other’s work and decide who gets funding based on evidence alone
A massive proposal from the government wants to shake up how science gets funded. The plan would give political leaders final say over which research projects receive money, not experts. This change claims to fix problems with transparency and oversight but actually weakens the system that keeps sci
The U. S. research funding system has long been praised for its careful, expert-driven approach to awarding grants for basic science. Typically, researchers submit detailed proposals showing what they plan to study, why it matters, and how they’ll test their ideas. These proposals then go through ri
The Trump administration has proposed a new rule that could change how science funding works in the U. S. Instead of letting experts decide where research money goes, political leaders might step in. This could reshape who gets funding and why. Right now, science funding often follows peer-reviewed
The head of a major U. S. science organization recently warned that America’s research powerhouse is running on empty. After a year of chaotic changes in science funding and leadership, many experts feel uncertain about the future. Large numbers of skilled researchers have left the country, while th
Science used to pride itself on clean, clear answers built from careful comparisons and strict controls. But one study on memory complaints across different groups shows how messy reality can be when we strip away too much context. Researchers matched participants on nearly every possible variable—a
Scientists across the United States are feeling the strain of recent federal changes that have shaken up funding, hiring, and research freedom. A survey conducted by a university panel gathered 280 responses from fields such as biology, engineering, and public health. The results show that more than
The article starts by pointing out that chasing endless economic growth is not a solution for the planet’s limits. A United Nations report, led by António Guterres, calls for new measures that look beyond GDP. It suggests 31 indicators—many tied to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals—to capture h
The National Science Board, which guides a key federal agency that funds research, was abruptly cleared of its members by a recent government decision. This move happened without clear justification and followed major budget cuts to the agency that has been a backbone of American innovation for deca
