Science

"In a move that could shake up scientific publishing, the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) last week proposed specific limits on how much it would reimburse grantees who pay publishers to make their articles open access, or free to read. The suggested limits, which include possible caps of $2000 to $6000 per paper, may block scientists from publishing in top-tier journals with much higher fees, unless they or their institution come up with the difference."

"Researchers in Washington and British Columbia say they have solved a deadly mystery that has stumped scientists for more than a decade. They have identified the pathogen behind one of the world’s biggest disease outbreaks: a wasting disease that has turned billions of sea stars into goo — from Alaska to California."

"Two top officials at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, who led the investigation into the so-called “Sharpiegate” scandal, were placed on leave amid clashes with the Trump administration, according to a report." "The move comes days before a Senate committee votes on the nomination of Neil Jacobs, who was found to have violated the agency’s scientific integrity policy"

"“This is a very baffling moment in time,” said one researcher. “I never would have thought we had to advocate for science.”" 

"Seven proposals at the upcoming Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species conference of the parties would benefit up to 70 species of sharks -- if they pass." 

"In a stark rejection of President Donald Trump's plan to dramatically slash federally funded biomedical research in 2026, a Senate funding committee today approved a draft bill that instead gives the National Institutes of Health (NIH) a modest raise of $400 million. It also disregards Trump's plan to gut the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)."

"The Southeastern Louisiana University scientist who discovered alarming levels of toxic chemicals in Lake Maurepas was abruptly removed from her research position this week without explanation."

"DeSmog has been tracking the efforts of fossil fuel trade associations, policymakers, and industry backed-groups out to demolish U.S. climate policy for years." 

"The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will close its flagship, but deteriorating research site in Maryland as part of a major reorganization aiming to shift 2600 employees away from the nation’s capital area, the agency announced this week. At the same time, USDA said it plans to shutter most of its forest research stations around the country. "