During the ongoing government shutdown, President Trump has remained largely uninvolved, unlike his approach during a previous shutdown where he actively negotiated with lawmakers. While the government remains closed, Trump has focused on other matters, including foreign policy initiatives, which has drawn the attention of critics. Some Republicans are calling for Trump to take a more active role in negotiations, as the shutdown’s impacts intensify, while Democrats use the situation to criticize his priorities. Trump’s focus on other projects, like a new White House ballroom, further highlights the stark contrast between his current actions and the urgency of the shutdown.
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The Nobel Prize in Medicine has been awarded to three researchers this year, with Fred Ramsdell, Mary Brunkow, and Shimon Sakaguchi sharing the prestigious honor for their discoveries related to the immune system, specifically regulatory T-cells. While the committee successfully contacted Brunkow and Sakaguchi, they have been unable to reach Ramsdell, who is on a backpacking trip. The trio’s research has contributed to the understanding of peripheral immune tolerance and opened new avenues for potential medical treatments. This isn’t the first time the Nobel committee has had difficulties in reaching the award recipient, as the winners of the prize for economics faced a similar challenge in 2020.
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Austria Hails ‘Brain Gain’ in Luring 25 Academics Away from US After Cuts
Frankly, it’s not surprising that Austria managed to attract 25 academics away from the United States. The combination of funding woes in the US and attractive opportunities elsewhere makes this kind of move almost inevitable. There’s a definite shift happening, and Austria seems to be capitalizing on it.
It’s easy to understand why these academics would choose to continue their work in an environment that is more supportive. Funding for research in the US has become increasingly competitive, with grant acceptance rates at an all-time low. The pressure to secure funding can be immense, and when grants aren’t renewed, careers can be disrupted.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood