This week on Fat Science, Dr. Emily Cooper, Andrea Taylor and Mark Wright tackle the urgent issue of deep funding cuts to scientific research in the United States. Dr. Cooper shares firsthand insight on how these changes are affecting patient care and scientific integrity, highlighting the pressures researchers face—including censorship and loss of resources at institutions like the NIH. 

The conversation sheds light on how misinformation, government interference, and reduced diversity in studies threaten the future of metabolic, cancer and public health research. Listeners will better understand why research matters for everyday health, and what’s at stake when critical projects lose funding.

Key Takeaways:

• Sweeping research cuts at major institutions like NIH jeopardize progress in areas like metabolic health, cancer, ALS, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s.
• Researchers are facing censorship and pressure to alter or suppress scientific findings in nutrition, autism, and vaccine research.
• Reducing diversity in research undermines scientific accuracy and inclusivity, risking treatments that don’t address the needs of all populations.
• Slashed funding will stall new medical discoveries, limit future treatment options, and may have consequences for decades to come.
• Misinformation around vaccines and public health is rising as government agencies are pressured to alter or hide true scientific data.

Resources:

Links: 

Current Medical Reporting

Vin Gupta, MD

Nutrition Information

Nutrition for Mortals Podcast with Dietitians: Matt and Jen

Infectious Diseases, Immunizations

Maria Van Kerkhove - WHO

Jeff Duchin

Michael Osterholm, CIDRAP

Kevin Hall Research

Kevin Hall on LinkedIn

• Connect with Dr. Emily Cooper on LinkedIn.
• Connect with Mark Wright on LinkedIn.
• Connect with Andrea Taylor on Instagram.

Fat Science is a podcast on a mission to explain where our fat really comes from and why it won’t go and stay away. We are committed to creating a world where people are empowered with accurate information about metabolism and recognize that fat isn’t a failure. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice.

If you have a question for Dr. Cooper, send an email to [email protected]. If you have a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect, you can also reach us us at[email protected].

Fat Science is supported by the non-profit Diabesity Institute which is on a mission to increase access to effective, science-based medical care for those suffering from or at risk for diabesity. https://diabesityresearchfoundation.org/