NIH shake-up to grant decision-making draws concerns of political meddling | Science | AAAS

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The standard grants—roughly 7700—became a larger proportion of the mix, increasing from 76% of all new grants in 2024 to 88% this year. NSF slashed by half, from about 2600 to about 1100, the number of new continuing grants, and “forward funded” some existing continuing grants.

Overall, the average amount obligated to new standard and continuing grants rose by about 15%, from about $390,000 in 2024 to $450,000 in ’25. For new continuing grants, increase was 30%, from $415,000 to $545,000. New standard grants rose by 15%, from about $380,000 to $440,000.

NSF committed approximately $8.17 billion to grants, fellowships, and other funding mechanisms in the 2025 fiscal year, about the same as in 2024. But the total number of new grants dropped by 20%, although the average grant got larger.

Sequel to #Plan_S: the carrot, not the stick. @ScienceInsider @NewsfromScience

In an interview with @ScienceInsider, science historian Nathaniel Comfort reflects on James Watson’s legacy.

Sand mining threatens Asia's largest lake | Science | AAAS

James Watson: Titan of science with tragic flaws | Science | AAAS

Satellite imagery reveals an unexpected shift in tree lines—but it may not have anything to do with climate change.

Good overview of @ENERGY's efforts to cut back scientific advisory panels. These helped inform long-term research and investment strategies. https://t.co/6yoOUyxXHC @NewsfromScience @ScienceInsider

A new study reinforces worries about “mass production of junk” by unscrupulous scholars aiming to pad their CVs.

Scientists can analyze tree rings from coffins for clues to past climates.

New footage reveals spectral bats “hugging,” playing, and bringing food to their young. Learn more: https://t.co/PiNK82eliL

Breaking news: To avoid criminal prosecution for allegations of animal abuse, the second-largest breeder of research dogs in the United States will stop providing animals to research labs around the country, according to a settlement.

Last year, two teams have independently found the long-awaited mutation and discovered a protein that influences hair color in a way never seen before in any animal. Learn more on #NationalCatDay: https://t.co/V4DnLvNguO

Venomous snakebites kill upward of 100,000 people every year and maim many times more. Current antivenoms have done all they can do to stem it. But a cocktail of lab-synthesized “nanobodies” inspired by alpacas and llamas could change the picture.

Without any particular training, cats—like human babies—appear to pick up basic human language skills just by listening to us talk. Indeed, cats learn to associate images with words even faster than babies do, according to a 2024 study. https://t.co/8lnVIVYxUS #NationalCatDay

Faculty and administrators at the University of California have settled into a bitter stalemate in a dispute over privacy and academic freedom. @ScienceCareers

"If you can’t find those resources to begin with, there ain’t nothing to sell." A geoscientist shortage could undermine U.S.-Australian deal on critical minerals | Science | AAAS