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Julie Kiefer

@julieckiefer.bsky.social
268 followers 127 following 139 posts

PhD scientist turned science communicator. Director of research communications @UofUHealth. Advocate for science, scientists and Salt Lake City. #UofUHealth #Scicomm. SLC by way of Sunnyvale, San Diego, Sydney, Seattle.

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Julie Kiefer @julieckiefer.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Watch the incredible Avi Davidson as he learns how to use a thought-controlled bionic arm and integrate it into daily life—all thanks to technological advances from a team led by Jacob George @utah.edu. www.ksl.com/article/5160...
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Julie Kiefer @julieckiefer.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
If you work here at the @utah.edu, you know that our biomedical research is top notch. The rest of the country is catching on. technologylicensing.utah.edu/news-events/...
technologylicensing.utah.edu
Technology Licensing Office at the University of Utah - University of Utah Ranked Among Nation’s Top Universities for Biomedical Innovation
The Technology Licensing Office strives to be a leader in innovation management to create value for the University of Utah, its stakeholders and society.
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Julie Kiefer @julieckiefer.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
We're crowdsourcing a grant writing playlist and we'll make the final result available here. What songs would you add? Maybe - "Money, Money, Money" by ABBA "Under Pressure" by David Bowie "Fight Song" by Rachel Platten Write your picks below. Who says research can't be fun?
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University of Utah Health Research @uuhsresearch.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
Advancing prostate cancer treatment, engineering antibodies against a broad range of coronaviruses, delivering antibiotics more effectively, and equipping high risk patients with tools for stroke prevention. Pioneering the Future out now: bit.ly/42ruGjc
A collage of images depicting medical and scientific activities. Scenes include healthcare professionals in discussion, a person analyzing data on a computer, and brain scans. A horse is also pictured. The images are interspersed with red and teal design elements.
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University of Utah Health Research @uuhsresearch.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
Malaria is a life-threatening disease that continues to impact millions worldwide. Researchers at @uofuhealth.bsky.social are working from multiple angles to better understand, prevent, and treat it. Learn more about their work. bit.ly/4txuBGE
This infographic provides information about malaria. It highlights that half of the world's population is at risk, malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites, and climate change impacts mosquito survival. In 2025, there were 282 million cases worldwide. The infographic also presents researchers like Tracey Lamb, Ellen Leffler, and Paul Sigala discussing vaccine development, genetic variations, and new medicines to combat malaria. An image of a mosquito is included in the design.
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University of Utah Health Research @uuhsresearch.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
Can sleep improve learning? Research shows the brain can replay experiences during sleep, improving recall upon waking. This approach may help strengthen memory and motor learning. Read Better Learning with Brain Science: bit.ly/4skp5G1
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University of Utah Health Research @uuhsresearch.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
Karen Wilcox, PhD, Distinguished Professor of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Richard L. Stimson Presidential Endowed Chair, shares Exploring the Brain’s Mysteries as part of Vitae. In this video vignette, she offers insight into the questions that guide her research.
This image features a person wearing a white lab coat with the University of Utah Health logo, and a name tag that includes "Karen Wilcox, PhD." The text on the right reads “Vitae 2026,” “Distinguished Professor and Chair, Pharmacology & Toxicology,” and “Exploring the Brain’s Mysteries,” along with the University of Utah Health logo. The bottom text states “People & Stories That Drive Our Research.”
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Julie Kiefer @julieckiefer.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
Congratulations to @xiaoxuyang.bsky.social @uuhsresearch.bsky.social on his team's seminal discovery in collaboration with colleagues @ucsdhealthsci.bsky.social and published in @nature.com! How Early Nerve Cell Choices Shape the Peripheral Nervous System healthcare.utah.edu/newsroom/new...
healthcare.utah.edu
Unlocking Secrets of Human Development: How Early Nerve Cell Choices Shape the Peripheral Nervous System
By examining genetic clues that linger in adult cells, scientists have now gained surprising insights into the developmental origins of the nerves outside the brain and spine.
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Julie Kiefer @julieckiefer.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
Did you know that tuberculosis is the deadliest infectious disease in the world? It's a good thing that dedicated researchers like Katharine Walter and Allison Carey @UofUHealth are researching ways to eradicate it—for the sake of people here in Utah and worldwide.
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University of Utah Health Research @uuhsresearch.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
TB isn’t just a distant disease. People and pathogens cross borders every day, making global health local. U.S. cases are rising (10,388 in 2024). U of U Health researchers are working to improve detection, treatment, and prevention. bit.ly/4t47wL6
An informative poster about World Tuberculosis Day on March 24. It highlights that 1.4 million lives are claimed annually by TB, making it one of the deadliest diseases. The disease is airborne, significantly affecting the lungs. A global fight against TB requires new medicines and treatments. Insights from researchers emphasize reducing transmission and improving treatment strategies. The poster is from UT Health.
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Julie Kiefer @julieckiefer.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
Love this! A bold opportunity to model best practices. Nominations due May 31. Announcing ‘The Ctrl-Z Award’ to honor researchers who correct the scientific record centerforscientificintegrity.org/2026/03/10/a...
centerforscientificintegrity.org
Announcing 'The Ctrl-Z Award' to honor researchers who correct the scientific record - The Center for Scientific Integrity
The Center for Scientific Integrity, the nonprofit organization behind Retraction Watch, is proud to announce the launch of The Ctrl-Z Award. This annual award is designed to recognize and celebrate s...
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Julie Kiefer @julieckiefer.bsky.social · 08/03/2026
It was fun to talk with these three phenomenal leaders. Listen and learn!
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University of Utah Health Research @uuhsresearch.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
Scientists have identified that a protein called HAF appears to protect the liver from the changes that link fat accumulation to cancer development and is present in healthy livers. Learn how protecting fatty livers may shape new approaches to liver cancer treatment. bit.ly/40d794I
Group of Scientists led by Mei Koh, PhD, in lab coats layered top of a graphic.
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Julie Kiefer @julieckiefer.bsky.social · 03/03/2026
#STATMadness has begun and U of U Health is in the running! It's up to you to help us overcome Memorial Sloan Kettering (look in Group 4). kettering shmettering. Click and vote daily! Details below.
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University of Utah Health Research @uuhsresearch.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
The Collaborative Research Catalyst Awards RFP is now available. An information session will be held on March 19, and applications are due April 14. Additional details can be found in the RFP within the application portal. utah.infoready4.com/#freeformCompet…
utah.infoready4.com
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Aaron Quinlan (he/him) @aaronquinlan.bsky.social · 15/02/2026
We are holding our annual Rising Stars in Genetics and Genomics Postdoc Symposium on September 24-25, 2026! Please nominate postdocs who are conducting cutting edge, creative work, and are likely to be a leader in their field. Please nominate by April 30, 2026: forms.gle/85NZaxFezUk8... (1/2)
forms.gle
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Julie Kiefer @julieckiefer.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
Check out the award-winning Pioneering the Future series!
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Julie Kiefer @julieckiefer.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
"Research re-writes the story" I'm proud of the new @UofUHealth ad for clinical care featuring the hard work of researchers dedicated to improving lives and health. See it soon on a streaming service, Megaplex theater, or billboard near you! www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdGk...
youtube.com
Research at University of Utah Health
YouTube video by U of U Health
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Julie Kiefer @julieckiefer.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
Wonderful op-ed by a mother who explains how NIH-funded research at U of U Health saved her daughter's life. "That research — and Briar’s life — demonstrate just how critical federal support is to scientists, doctors and, especially, the patients they help." www.sltrib.com/opinion/comm...
sltrib.com
Voices: Medical research saved my daughter’s life. We must protect the funding that makes that research possible.
“Scientists are seeking new treatments and cures for many diseases, common and rare,” writes Lateishia Curtis in an op-ed. “Talk to friends, neighbors and policymakers about medical research. The next...
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Julie Kiefer @julieckiefer.bsky.social · 23/01/2026
Fascinating @cnn.com @drsanjaygupta.bsky.social story featuring neurobiologist Christopher Gregg @uuhsresearch.bsky.social and @huntsmancancer.bsky.social. Can we unlock the metabolic benefits of hibernation to extend life or save it? www.cnn.com/2025/12/17/h...
cnn.com
Sleep your way to Mars: How hibernation could redefine space travel and medicine | CNN
Animals can hibernate, slowing down most metabolic functions — heart rate, blood flow, brain activity, and body temperature — then waking as if nothing happened. Humans have never done this, but what ...
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Julie Kiefer @julieckiefer.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
Fascinating research! Qi Chen and colleagues have identified a potential "aging cliff" in sperm RNA (rsRNA) that is associated with the increased health risks for the next generation that accompany advancing paternal age. Read on uofuhealth.utah.edu/newsroom/new...
uofuhealth.utah.edu
Scientists Discover a Hidden RNA “Aging Clock” in Human Sperm
The molecular contents of sperm go through similar shifts over time in both mice and humans, which may lead to a rapid, dramatic shift at mid-life.
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Julie Kiefer @julieckiefer.bsky.social · 16/01/2026
Political interference risks the future of NIH research For the health and welfare of the nation — and here in Utah — NIH should be protected www.deseret.com/opinion/2026...
deseret.com
Opinion: Protect NIH for the health and welfare of the nation
Political interference from RFK Jr., Jay Bhattacharya and the Trump administration risks the future of NIH research.
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Julie Kiefer @julieckiefer.bsky.social · 10/12/2025
Learn more on All Things Considered @npr.org ! www.npr.org/2025/12/09/n...
npr.org
Scientists use AI to help make bionic hands work better for people who need them
Scientists are using artificial intelligence to make bionic limbs act more like natural ones.
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Julie Kiefer @julieckiefer.bsky.social · 10/12/2025
Another cool, sci-fi advance for the robotic LUKE ARM Dr. Jake George and team have used AI to improve manual dexterity. This improves practical, real world use, like being able to grasp a coffee cup without crushing it @price.utah.edu @uuhsresearch.bsky.social attheu.utah.edu/health-medic...
attheu.utah.edu
U engineers give a bionic hand a mind of its own - @theU
Researchers use AI to finetune robotic prosthesis to improve manual dexterity by finding right balance between human and machine control.
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Julie Kiefer @julieckiefer.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
"Conversations about HIV prevention often collapse back onto adolescent girls and young women, the group at highest risk. When they hear about new medicines, some respond with hope, others with skepticism that the drugs will ever reach local clinics." www.statnews.com/2025/11/18/l...
statnews.com
Could an HIV miracle drug actually reach people like my parents?
Can an HIV miracle drug actually reach people like my parents?
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Julie Kiefer @julieckiefer.bsky.social · 29/10/2025
Malaria Parasites are Full of Wildly Spinning Iron Crystals. Scientists Finally Know Why. Fascinating research from @sigalalab.bsky.social @uofubiochem.bsky.social w cool implications. New inspiration for nanobots?! And-epic science writing from Sophia Friesen! healthcare.utah.edu/newsroom/new...
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University of Utah Health Research @uuhsresearch.bsky.social · 28/10/2025
Register today to discover how interdisciplinary teams are solving complex health challenges during a symposium that brings together researchers from the College of Engineering and the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the @utah.edu. luma.com/jcpx02nn
luma.com
Empowering Medicine–Engineering Breakthroughs: Kickoff Symposium · Luma
The kickoff symposium aims to showcase successful partnerships between the College of Engineering and the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the…
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Julie Kiefer @julieckiefer.bsky.social · 14/10/2025
Live in SLC Council District 5 (Ballpark, Central 9th, E. Liberty Park, Liberty Wells)? Check out @amyjhawkins.bsky.social amyjhawkins.com — she’s committed to the community, proven effective, and has the smarts to identify and tackle tough, important issues. www.cityweekly.net/news/cast-yo...
amyjhawkins.xn--comshes-416cwb
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Julie Kiefer @julieckiefer.bsky.social · 08/10/2025
Read about the Center for Metabolic Health @uuhsresearch.bsky.social in this great feature article. Learn how metabolism research by @rutterlab.bsky.social @scottsummers339.bsky.social, June Round, and Chris Gregg is revealing novel solutions to disease. www.nature.com/articles/d42...
nature.com
Metabolism as the next biomedical frontier
From harnessing early-life microbes to protect against diabetes, to targeting cardiac metabolism in heart failure, a new hub is proving that metabolism is a common thread across diseases, and the next frontier in biomedical discovery.
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Julie Kiefer @julieckiefer.bsky.social · 26/09/2025
How the University of Utah is scrambling to cover the millions lost from Trump’s research cuts “You will see us leaning in and advocating hard for research,” said @uofupresident.bsky.social www.sltrib.com/news/educati...
sltrib.com
How the University of Utah is scrambling to cover the millions lost from Trump’s research cuts
University of Utah President Taylor Randall has worked to provide "bridge funding" to keep the U.'s research going despite federal cuts. But there have still been some layoffs.
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Julie Kiefer @julieckiefer.bsky.social · 24/09/2025
How to Communicate Medical Numbers-a @jama.com Insight from @angiefagerlin.bsky.social @athorpe8.bsky.social @uuhsresearch.bsky.social, @bzikmund.bsky.social @umich.edu Read and listen to the podcast for useful tips and tools that could improve patient health+lives. jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
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Craig Kaplan @triggerloop.bsky.social · 16/09/2025
Really appreciate this from @standupforscience.bsky.social Utah organizing committee. @deseret.com.web.brid.gy Thank you @julieckiefer.bsky.social and the rest www.deseret.com/opinion/2025...
deseret.com
Opinion: RFK Jr.'s policies hurt Utah's health and economy
Utah cannot afford more reckless, anti-science leadership at the expense of our health and security.
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University of Utah Health Research @uuhsresearch.bsky.social · 28/08/2025
New research has uncovered why blood clotting malfunctions in IBD—and identified drugs that normalize blood clotting in human cells and animal models of IBD. #research @uofuhealth.bsky.social healthcare.utah.edu/newsroom/new...
healthcare.utah.edu
Research Uncovers Why IBD Causes Blood Clots—and How to Prevent Them
Drugs currently in clinical trials for other conditions could help reduce risk of heart attack and stroke for IBD patients. "This could be lifesaving," senior author says.
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University of Utah Health Research @uuhsresearch.bsky.social · 08/09/2025
A new study published in PLOS One identifies unexpected “danger zones” when the risk of going hungry is highest and proposes solutions to help new residents thrive. healthcare.utah.edu/newsroom/new...
healthcare.utah.edu
When Getting a Job Makes You Go Hungry
A new research study reveals when food insecurity spikes for new Utah residents.
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Julie Kiefer @julieckiefer.bsky.social · 26/08/2025
Congratulations to the Utah Science Communicators for their standing room only Science on Tap event! Follow them to learn about the next one and all their #Scicomm efforts. utahsciencecommunicators.com
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Pam Belluck @pambelluck.bsky.social · 14/08/2025
A new experimental treatment — personalized deep brain stimulation — provided relief for several people suffering with debilitating chronic pain. www.nytimes.com/2025/08/14/h...
nytimes.com
Treating Chronic Pain is Hard. An Experimental Approach Shows Promise.
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University of Utah Physical Therapy Program @uofupt.bsky.social · 13/08/2025
Official update from our department ⬇️ We remain committed to attracting exceptional students, producing outstanding graduates, and advancing the profession through excellence in education, research, and service. Visit our website to learn more: health.utah.edu/physical-the... @utah.edu
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Julie Kiefer @julieckiefer.bsky.social · 13/08/2025
A thoughtful explanation of why it's critical to have reliable and sustained research funding. Thank you, Wes @uuhsresearch.bsky.social.
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American Association for the Advancement of Science @aaas.org · 13/08/2025
“At a very fundamental level, we don’t know what we don’t know.” For his role in ensuring that lenacapavir, first HIV drug to offer long-lasting protection, came to life, Wes Sundquist is one of this year’s recipients of the AAAS Mani L. Bhaumik Breakthrough of the Year Award.
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Julie Kiefer @julieckiefer.bsky.social · 12/08/2025
Research in mice shows Ozempic causes muscle weakness despite only small changes in muscle mass. Need more research to understand implications for people via @ksl5tv.bsky.social “Things are not as straightforward as they might seem" says @katsufunai.bsky.social @utah.edu ksltv.com/local-news/w...
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Julie Kiefer @julieckiefer.bsky.social · 11/08/2025
How the study of hibernating bears could help humans heal @ksl.com "There's potentially an opportunity— by understanding these hibernation-linked mechanisms in the genome— to find strategies to intervene... with age-relate d diseases" said Chris Gregg healthcare.utah.edu/newsroom/new...
healthcare.utah.edu
New Study Raises Questions About How Ozempic Affects Muscle Size and Strength
Ozempic can cause loss of body weight that isn’t fat, raising concerns that the drug lowers muscle mass and strength. New research in mice suggests that muscle mass changes less than expected, but mus...
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Julie Kiefer @julieckiefer.bsky.social · 11/08/2025
New study in mice raises questions about how the weight-loss drug Ozempic affects muscle size and strength via @KatsuFunai @UofUCoH @UUHSResearch. healthcare.utah.edu/newsroom/new...
healthcare.utah.edu
New Study Raises Questions About How Ozempic Affects Muscle Size and Strength
Ozempic can cause loss of body weight that isn’t fat, raising concerns that the drug lowers muscle mass and strength. New research in mice suggests that muscle mass changes less than expected, but mus...
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Julie Kiefer @julieckiefer.bsky.social · 11/08/2025
Congrats to Chris Gregg @uuhsresearch.bsky.social on back-to-back @science.org papers! Their research is understanding how hibernating animals withstand extreme physiological changes and could yield clues to treating conditions like neurodegeneration, diabetes. healthcare.utah.edu/newsroom/new...
healthcare.utah.edu
Hibernator “Superpowers” May Lie Hidden in Human DNA
Animals that hibernate are incredibly resilient. Now, new genetic research suggests that hibernators' metabolic flexibility could lie hidden in our own DNA—and provides clues on how to unlock it, open...
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Julie Kiefer @julieckiefer.bsky.social · 10/08/2025
After Years of Anger Directed at C.D.C., Shooting Manifests Worst Fears Employees expressed horror at a shooting at the agency’s headquarters, and some said they viewed it as part of a pattern of threats and assaults on health workers. www.nytimes.com/2025/08/09/u...
nytimes.com
After Years of Anger Directed at C.D.C., Shooting Manifests Worst Fears
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Julie Kiefer @julieckiefer.bsky.social · 08/08/2025
This is too much. Active shooter reported at Emory University, school says. and Breaking: Gunfire hits CDC campus. www.cnn.com/us/live-news... insidemedicine.substack.com/p/breaking-g...
cnn.com
Live updates: Active shooter reported at Emory University, school says | CNN
There is an active shooter on the Emory University campus in Atlanta, Georgia, according to the university.
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Julie Kiefer @julieckiefer.bsky.social · 25/07/2025
If proposed cuts were to be enforced in the future, @utah.edu VPR Erin Rothwell told the state’s higher education board, “We would not be able to conduct research as we have today, and we would significantly lower the amount of research we could conduct.” www.kuer.org/education/20...
kuer.org
Utah higher ed is grappling with federal funding cuts and the big budget bill
The Trump administration has already cut almost $30 million in research grants to the University of Utah. Another $110 million annually could be on the line.
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Julie Kiefer @julieckiefer.bsky.social · 21/07/2025
The University of Utah could be in danger of losing $100+ million annually School leaders worry Trump administration’s court-contested grant policies could severely impact local research, jobs www.deseret.com/utah/2025/07...
deseret.com
An existential research crisis at the University of Utah?
School leaders sound the alarms of the possibly heavy costs that would be exacted by proposed grant policies proposed by the Trump administration.
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Brian Maffly @brianmaffly.bsky.social · 08/07/2025
Thanks to federal funding and curious scientists, the U.S. has long driven life-saving discoveries in genetics. That legacy is in serious jeopardy under proposed cuts to NSF and NIH. Retired @utah.edu biomedical researchers explain what's at stake in @sltrib.com op-ed
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Julie Kiefer @julieckiefer.bsky.social · 09/07/2025
Well said. We've seen the impact of Utah's genetics research. Federal funding cuts will be devastating for years to come www.sltrib.com/opinion/comm...
sltrib.com
Voices: Federal funding cuts to genetic research will be devastating for years to come
Proposed cuts to the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation “would cause immense and largely irreversible damage to the successful American scientific enterprise,” write Jer...
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