Novo Nordisk, Regeneron, CDC Shooting Update
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Headline: A Week of Shocks: CDC Reconnaissance, DEI Cuts, and the Looming Threat of “AI Psychosis”
Hello everyone,
As I sit here wrapped in my favorite cozy sweater, a sure sign that fall is just around the corner, it’s hard to ignore the unsettling news that has dominated the health and science landscape this week. It feels like a moment to pause, acknowledge the challenges, and reaffirm our commitment to facts, safety, and each other.
The CDC Attack: A Chilling Reminder of the Stakes
The details emerging about the august 8th attack on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta are deeply disturbing. According to an internal CDC email reviewed by STAT, the shooter, Patrick Joseph White, appears to have conducted reconnaissance at the CDC campus visitor’s center days before the attack. Security footage suggests he was attempting to enter the building.
This revelation adds another layer of concern to an already tragic event. While thankfully no CDC staff were injured, the loss of Officer David Rose is a painful reminder of the risks faced by those who dedicate their lives to public service. It’s understandable that CDC staff have raised concerns about security vulnerabilities and are urging officials, including Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., to address the risky rhetoric demonizing public health workers. The shooter himself targeted the CDC because of anger over the Covid vaccine, highlighting the real-world consequences of misinformation. You can read Daniel Payne’s full report on STAT for more details.
Supreme court Decision: The Future of Research Funding in Question
Adding to the week’s anxieties, the Supreme Court has allowed the trump management to proceed with cutting hundreds of millions of dollars in research funding at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as part of an anti-DEI push. the court lifted a previous order blocking $783 million in cuts, a move that could have important repercussions for scientific progress and public health.
This decision is especially concerning because these cuts target diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within research. Opponents of the cuts, including states and public health advocacy groups, argue that they will harm the country’s potential for scientific breakthroughs and inflict “incalculable losses in public health and human life.” While the lawsuit only addresses a portion of the estimated $12 billion in NIH research projects that have been affected, the implications are far-reaching. For a deeper dive,read the full story on STAT.
A Call for Connection: Understanding “AI Psychosis”
On a different note,I’m also reaching out to a specific group within our community: psychiatrists and psychologists. Are you seeing patients who are experiencing what some are calling “AI psychosis” or ”ChatGPT psychosis”? Or are you conducting research in this area? I’m eager to connect with you and learn more about this emerging phenomenon. Please reach out – your insights are invaluable.
Looking Ahead: The STAT Summit and a Commitment to Understanding
Despite these challenges,I remain optimistic about the future. The STAT team is hard at work preparing for our 10th annual Summit in Boston! It’s a chance to come together, share ideas, and work towards a healthier future for all. Get your tickets today!
In the meantime, let’s continue to support each other, rely on credible information, and work towards a world where science and public health are valued and protected.
Warmly,
drjenniferchen,
Chief Editor, STAT