Ben Nguyen
@benphd.bsky.social
Immunoengineering postdoc at UChicago.
Johns Hopkins SPH & UC Santa Barbara alum.
🏳️🌈🦠💉
Johns Hopkins SPH & UC Santa Barbara alum.
🏳️🌈🦠💉
Reposted by Ben Nguyen
"The proposal would reduce the more than $47 billion budget of the NIH to $27 billion — a roughly 40 percent cut. It would consolidate NIH’s 27 institutes and centers into just eight."
SCOOP: Internal budget doc reveals extent of Trump’s proposed health cuts. About 1/3 of HHS discretionary budget. Our story w @carolynyjohnson.bsky.social @rachelroubein.bsky.social @joelachenbach.bsky.social @laurenweberhp.bsky.social www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
Internal budget document reveals extent of Trump’s proposed health cuts
HHS would be asked to absorb a $40 billion cut, about one third of its discretionary budget.
www.washingtonpost.com
April 16, 2025 at 8:38 PM
"The proposal would reduce the more than $47 billion budget of the NIH to $27 billion — a roughly 40 percent cut. It would consolidate NIH’s 27 institutes and centers into just eight."
Reposted by Ben Nguyen
The plan for NIH is in, source with full 64 page proposal for all of HHS is linked. Reported in WaPo. This is catastrophic. Reduction to 8 centers. 40% cut in budget. 15% IDC cap. This will decimate science across America open.substack.com/pub/insideme...
April 16, 2025 at 11:34 PM
The plan for NIH is in, source with full 64 page proposal for all of HHS is linked. Reported in WaPo. This is catastrophic. Reduction to 8 centers. 40% cut in budget. 15% IDC cap. This will decimate science across America open.substack.com/pub/insideme...
Reposted by Ben Nguyen
The regulations they got rid of are the reason you have never had to worry about mercury poisoning, just to give one tiny example. The only ones who benefit from deregulation are corporations that want to poison you so they can make even more money.
Head of EPA, Lee Zeldin: “Today is the largest deregulatory announcement in U.S. history. Today the green new scam ends, as the E.P.A. does its part to usher in a golden age of American success.” www.nytimes.com/2025/03/12/c...
E.P.A. Declares ‘Greatest Day of Deregulation Our Nation Has Seen’ (Gift Article)
Lee Zeldin, the E.P.A. administrator, reframed his agency’s mission, saying it is to make it cheaper to buy cars, heat homes and run businesses.
www.nytimes.com
March 13, 2025 at 1:29 AM
The regulations they got rid of are the reason you have never had to worry about mercury poisoning, just to give one tiny example. The only ones who benefit from deregulation are corporations that want to poison you so they can make even more money.
Hi! Former measles researcher here. Everything this person says is a lie or some extremely twisted version of the truth
RFK Jr: "It used to be that everybody got measles. And the measles gave you lifetime protection against measles infection. The vaccine doesn't do that ... it used to be that very young kids were protected by breast milk. Women who get vaccinated do not provide that level of immunity."
March 12, 2025 at 12:34 PM
Hi! Former measles researcher here. Everything this person says is a lie or some extremely twisted version of the truth
Reposted by Ben Nguyen
I am thrilled to present the Mosquito Cell Atlas! We analyzed 367K nuclei from 19 tissues in male & female mosquitoes, creating a comprehensive resource for vector biology & infectious disease research.
Plus we made some surprising discoveries! 🦟🧵
biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
1/n
Plus we made some surprising discoveries! 🦟🧵
biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
1/n
March 5, 2025 at 5:54 PM
I am thrilled to present the Mosquito Cell Atlas! We analyzed 367K nuclei from 19 tissues in male & female mosquitoes, creating a comprehensive resource for vector biology & infectious disease research.
Plus we made some surprising discoveries! 🦟🧵
biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
1/n
Plus we made some surprising discoveries! 🦟🧵
biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
1/n
Reposted by Ben Nguyen
Calling all Illinoisans and Chicagoans, if you believe in science, benefit from science, and stressed out abt current Federal Research Funding Cuts/Stalling- Join us on March 7th, in DOWNTOWN Chicago or Springfield. Follow #standupforscience @standupforscience.bsky.social 🧪 #AcademicSky
February 26, 2025 at 1:33 AM
Calling all Illinoisans and Chicagoans, if you believe in science, benefit from science, and stressed out abt current Federal Research Funding Cuts/Stalling- Join us on March 7th, in DOWNTOWN Chicago or Springfield. Follow #standupforscience @standupforscience.bsky.social 🧪 #AcademicSky
Reposted by Ben Nguyen
Great thread from @kgandersen.bsky.social about a new bill submitted to the US Senate that looks to ban some virology research. Its a nightmare read based on its vague description of "gain of function" and its application to live virus as well as other methods to study viral proteins.
It is worth paying close attention to the new bill "Dangerous Viral Gain of Function Research Moratorium Act" introduced by Senator Roger Marshall.
If enacted, it will effectively stop all of virological research, including for vaccines.
www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/u...
🧵👇
If enacted, it will effectively stop all of virological research, including for vaccines.
www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/u...
🧵👇
February 27, 2025 at 9:24 PM
Great thread from @kgandersen.bsky.social about a new bill submitted to the US Senate that looks to ban some virology research. Its a nightmare read based on its vague description of "gain of function" and its application to live virus as well as other methods to study viral proteins.
Reposted by Ben Nguyen
1/ I am seeing a lot of comments on the slashing of NIH support along the lines of “universities should just spend their huge endowments.”
I’m the last person to cheer on the institutional stratification rising endowments have contributed to. But let me explain why this is not a solution.
I’m the last person to cheer on the institutional stratification rising endowments have contributed to. But let me explain why this is not a solution.
February 18, 2025 at 1:48 PM
1/ I am seeing a lot of comments on the slashing of NIH support along the lines of “universities should just spend their huge endowments.”
I’m the last person to cheer on the institutional stratification rising endowments have contributed to. But let me explain why this is not a solution.
I’m the last person to cheer on the institutional stratification rising endowments have contributed to. But let me explain why this is not a solution.
Reposted by Ben Nguyen
Breaking news: 22 states are suing to block NIH’s cutting of indirect costs.
See our updated story on the Friday night news and its aftermath. scim.ag/4hTJQ6v
See our updated story on the Friday night news and its aftermath. scim.ag/4hTJQ6v
NIH slashes overhead payments for research, sparking outrage and lawsuit
Move to cut indirect cost rate to 15% could cost universities billions of dollars
scim.ag
February 10, 2025 at 6:43 PM
Breaking news: 22 states are suing to block NIH’s cutting of indirect costs.
See our updated story on the Friday night news and its aftermath. scim.ag/4hTJQ6v
See our updated story on the Friday night news and its aftermath. scim.ag/4hTJQ6v
Reposted by Ben Nguyen
Government isn't a business. The goal isn't to save money. Success isn't measured by budget surplus.
The goal is to spend money, investing in society. Every dollar spent on education, healthcare, and science is an investment in our collective wellbeing.
The goal is to spend money, investing in society. Every dollar spent on education, healthcare, and science is an investment in our collective wellbeing.
February 8, 2025 at 11:23 PM
Government isn't a business. The goal isn't to save money. Success isn't measured by budget surplus.
The goal is to spend money, investing in society. Every dollar spent on education, healthcare, and science is an investment in our collective wellbeing.
The goal is to spend money, investing in society. Every dollar spent on education, healthcare, and science is an investment in our collective wellbeing.
I’m surprised there hasn’t been a collective lawsuit from the biggest and most well-equipped universities for a freeze on this cut to overhead costs. Now isn’t the time to “monitor the situation” or comply
Can't get out of our own way...
--> 400,000+ jobs at stake across the country
--> $80B in benefits to the U.S. economy jeopardized
--> research on cancer and diabetes and heart disease at risk
--> effects red and blue states (Texas gets $200M annually and Florida gets $100M annually)
--> 400,000+ jobs at stake across the country
--> $80B in benefits to the U.S. economy jeopardized
--> research on cancer and diabetes and heart disease at risk
--> effects red and blue states (Texas gets $200M annually and Florida gets $100M annually)
February 10, 2025 at 2:42 PM
I’m surprised there hasn’t been a collective lawsuit from the biggest and most well-equipped universities for a freeze on this cut to overhead costs. Now isn’t the time to “monitor the situation” or comply
Science has always been political and that’s evident now more than ever
February 8, 2025 at 7:57 PM
Science has always been political and that’s evident now more than ever
Reposted by Ben Nguyen
I am starting this morning by reaching outside of my science echo chamber (posting on facebook) to explain why the NIH matters and why the new indirect rate policy will be catastrophic to everyone
February 8, 2025 at 7:00 PM
I am starting this morning by reaching outside of my science echo chamber (posting on facebook) to explain why the NIH matters and why the new indirect rate policy will be catastrophic to everyone
Reposted by Ben Nguyen
Changes to NIH indirect rate will affect every state in the US. NIH funding doesn’t just enable research that finds cures—it supports jobs. Visit here to see how much in direct benefits your state receives reporter.nih.gov
February 8, 2025 at 12:41 PM
Changes to NIH indirect rate will affect every state in the US. NIH funding doesn’t just enable research that finds cures—it supports jobs. Visit here to see how much in direct benefits your state receives reporter.nih.gov
Reposted by Ben Nguyen
Here's a very important update from the AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges) on the proposed cuts to NIH Indirect costs: "Every year since 2017, the annual spending bill that funds NIH has included language prohibiting the Administration from making changes to F&A cost rates" 1/2 🧪
February 8, 2025 at 2:43 PM
Here's a very important update from the AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges) on the proposed cuts to NIH Indirect costs: "Every year since 2017, the annual spending bill that funds NIH has included language prohibiting the Administration from making changes to F&A cost rates" 1/2 🧪
Reposted by Ben Nguyen
Executive wants to frame the NIH indirects cut as $4B in savings.
But given that NIH returns $2.5 on every $1 investment, this would actually cost US economy a net $6 BILLION (per year!). Not to mention the human costs of wrecking education and research sectors and the communities they serve.
But given that NIH returns $2.5 on every $1 investment, this would actually cost US economy a net $6 BILLION (per year!). Not to mention the human costs of wrecking education and research sectors and the communities they serve.
Direct Economic Contributions
NIH directly supports the economy through investments in research institutions and job formation.
www.nih.gov
February 8, 2025 at 3:08 AM
Executive wants to frame the NIH indirects cut as $4B in savings.
But given that NIH returns $2.5 on every $1 investment, this would actually cost US economy a net $6 BILLION (per year!). Not to mention the human costs of wrecking education and research sectors and the communities they serve.
But given that NIH returns $2.5 on every $1 investment, this would actually cost US economy a net $6 BILLION (per year!). Not to mention the human costs of wrecking education and research sectors and the communities they serve.
Reposted by Ben Nguyen
NEW: The N.I.H. will cut about $4 Billion from federal research grants that support cancer, virus and heart disease research.
#Project2025 called for the cuts to end subsidies to "leftist" university agendas.
www.nytimes.com/2025/02/07/u...
#Project2025 called for the cuts to end subsidies to "leftist" university agendas.
www.nytimes.com/2025/02/07/u...
Deep Cuts to Medical Research Funds Could Hobble University Budgets
Grants from the National Institutes of Health come with additional money for overhead. Proposed funding cuts would leave colleges with large budget gaps.
www.nytimes.com
February 8, 2025 at 2:17 AM
NEW: The N.I.H. will cut about $4 Billion from federal research grants that support cancer, virus and heart disease research.
#Project2025 called for the cuts to end subsidies to "leftist" university agendas.
www.nytimes.com/2025/02/07/u...
#Project2025 called for the cuts to end subsidies to "leftist" university agendas.
www.nytimes.com/2025/02/07/u...
Reposted by Ben Nguyen
New news analysis from me:
The prospect of legal challenges to President Trump’s purges may be a feature, not a bug, for adherents of sweeping presidential authority.
www.nytimes.com/2025/01/29/u...
The prospect of legal challenges to President Trump’s purges may be a feature, not a bug, for adherents of sweeping presidential authority.
www.nytimes.com/2025/01/29/u...
Trump’s Firings Could Bring Court Cases That Expand His Power
The prospect of legal challenges to President Trump’s purges may be a feature, not a bug, for adherents of sweeping presidential authority.
www.nytimes.com
January 29, 2025 at 9:04 PM
New news analysis from me:
The prospect of legal challenges to President Trump’s purges may be a feature, not a bug, for adherents of sweeping presidential authority.
www.nytimes.com/2025/01/29/u...
The prospect of legal challenges to President Trump’s purges may be a feature, not a bug, for adherents of sweeping presidential authority.
www.nytimes.com/2025/01/29/u...
Reposted by Ben Nguyen
Yes, this administration is dangerous and cruel, but they are also shockingly dim and incompetent.
Opportunities are everywhere.
Make everything as hard as possible. Resist every demand. Refuse entry without a warrant. Don’t take the buyout. Their problem solving skills are 📉
Opportunities are everywhere.
Make everything as hard as possible. Resist every demand. Refuse entry without a warrant. Don’t take the buyout. Their problem solving skills are 📉
January 30, 2025 at 2:35 AM
Yes, this administration is dangerous and cruel, but they are also shockingly dim and incompetent.
Opportunities are everywhere.
Make everything as hard as possible. Resist every demand. Refuse entry without a warrant. Don’t take the buyout. Their problem solving skills are 📉
Opportunities are everywhere.
Make everything as hard as possible. Resist every demand. Refuse entry without a warrant. Don’t take the buyout. Their problem solving skills are 📉
Reposted by Ben Nguyen
The US Constitution does not grant the President this unilateral authority.
In Illinois, we will stand against unlawful actions that would harm millions of working families, children, and seniors.
In Illinois, we will stand against unlawful actions that would harm millions of working families, children, and seniors.
White House pauses all federal grants, sparking confusion
The Trump administration has put a hold on all federal financial grants and loans, affecting tens of billions of dollars in payments.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 28, 2025 at 5:16 AM
The US Constitution does not grant the President this unilateral authority.
In Illinois, we will stand against unlawful actions that would harm millions of working families, children, and seniors.
In Illinois, we will stand against unlawful actions that would harm millions of working families, children, and seniors.
Reposted by Ben Nguyen
Especially now, with H5N1 influenza infections increasing and so many unknowns that need to be addressed through scientific research, this is not the time to halt virology research. Gift article: www.wsj.com/health/trump...
Exclusive | Trump Order Seeks to Stop Virus Research That Critics Have Linked to Covid
An executive order is in the works that would halt U.S. funding for research that makes viruses that are more virulent or contagious.
www.wsj.com
January 23, 2025 at 1:19 PM
Especially now, with H5N1 influenza infections increasing and so many unknowns that need to be addressed through scientific research, this is not the time to halt virology research. Gift article: www.wsj.com/health/trump...
Reposted by Ben Nguyen
In #biotech #stocks news, Donald Trump’s return to the White House is already having a big impact at the $47.4 billion U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), with the new administration imposing a wide range of restrictions, including the abrupt cancellation of grant review panels.
January 23, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Obviously in addition to the loud of scientific advancement. But you have to meet these people where they’re at
Universities are often the biggest employers in cities/states. Cutting NIH funding that pays for many of those employees will have major economic consequences. Call your representatives.
January 24, 2025 at 6:04 AM
Obviously in addition to the loud of scientific advancement. But you have to meet these people where they’re at