Trump cuts threaten Columbia's medical research funding

Columbia University's medical and scientific research is facing major funding cuts due to a decision by the Trump administration. Federal grants worth $400 million were halted over concerns about the treatment of Jewish students at the university. As a result, many important studies are ending or in danger of closure. This includes cancer research using artificial intelligence, pediatric studies on children affected by COVID-19, and investigations into diabetes and dementia connections. Researchers are now looking for alternative funding but face significant challenges. Some researchers have begun to inform participants that their studies will be suspended. Kathleen Graham, a nurse in the Bronx, expressed her disappointment about the diabetes study she had been a part of for 25 years ending. Columbia's medical faculty reacted with shock to the funding cuts. Doctors are now trying to find short-term solutions to keep their work going. Dr. Dawn Hershman mentioned the urgency of bridging the financial gap while planning for the future.