I’ve followed an anonymous blogger called DrugMonkey over the years for helpful insights into the NIH grant process.
DrugMonkey on NIH grant changes
If I ever knew, I forgot their real name. Whoever they are, the blog has some NIH funding wisdom. Here’s an important new piece from that blog on how the Investigator component of NIH grant review is no longer its own criteria and what that might mean.
There have been so many changes to NIH grant policies lately it’s hard to keep up. I’ve never seen the mood in biomedical science gloomier than now given all the cuts, delays, and overall funding chaos.
More recommended reads
- Molecular basis for de novo thymus regeneration in a vertebrate, the axolotl, Science Immunology. I wonder what would happen if an adult human suddenly had a newly regenerated thymus. Would all be well with the immune system? Would it improve health? Some argue it could reverse or delay aging. It is striking how by middle age most people don’t have much of a thymus left.
- The quest to slow aging leads scientists into the powerhouse of cells, WaPo. By “powerhouse” they mean mitochondria. The term “nanoflowers” comes into play in this article. It’s interesting to think about impacts of such “flowery” language in science. Here again, questions come to mind about the possible future health implications of the technology. If our cells suddenly had a bunch of extra mitochondria, would that be a good thing? What would be the risks? It seems like accidentally giving pre-cancerous cells more mitochondria could be a bad thing.
- I just wrote a piece this week over at STAT about FDA leadership being a bit like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde these days: FDA drug center’s new acting director fits a pattern of risky, internal contradictions among agency leadership. You never know whether they will be strict or relatively easygoing about data requirements.
- Then there’s this: FDA to lower number of trials required for approval of drugs, other medical products. Does this make sense? In some cases maybe, but we’ll have to see how it plays out. I’m skeptical it’ll be a good thing overall.
- Dr. Majlinda Lako is the next Editor-in-Chief of Stem Cells. She’s following in the editorial footsteps of my great colleague, Jan Nolta.
- Inhibition of CXCL10 and IFN-γ ameliorates myocarditis in preclinical models of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination, Science Translational Medicine.
Something completely different: RIP Claude the albino alligator
Claude the Albino Alligator Passes Away of Cancer at Age 30, Cal Academy of Sciences. I kept meaning to see Claude since he wasn’t too far away.
Looking for some good news
Overall, it hasn’t been a very upbeat week as you can see from the above. One thing that has impressed me this year is the tenacity of scientists, particularly those facing tough times, in finding ways to continuing doing their research.
The actual science we’ve seen this year has also been impressive. I’m going to be one or two pieces about the year in review including good and encouraging news. Stay tuned.