NIH instructs scientists to remove mRNA references from grants

National Institutes of Health (NIH) officials have instructed scientists to remove references to mRNA vaccine technology from grant applications. This move suggests a potential shift away from mRNA research, which has been crucial in developing COVID-19 vaccines. Researchers reported that NIH acting Director Matthew Memoli sent an email requiring any mRNA-related grants to be reported to higher authorities. This follows previous cancellations of other research, raising concerns about the future of mRNA studies. The NIH is currently funding numerous mRNA-related projects, but political pressures and scrutiny from the Trump administration may lead to cuts in this area. Some scientists fear that removing mRNA references could jeopardize their funding and jobs.