The University of New England’s Portland campus is home to a sprawling lab where scientists are conducting research to improve treatments for conditions like diabetes, osteoporosis, arthritis, and chronic pain. However, these efforts are at risk due to proposed funding cuts by the Trump administration to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a key supporter of biological research in the US. These cuts would have significant consequences for research institutions in Maine, including UNE, Jackson Laboratory, MDI Biological Laboratory, and the University of Maine System.
Karen Houseknecht, UNE’s vice president for research and scholarship, warns that these cuts could be devastating and could even shut down research operations. Indirect costs, which make up a significant portion of NIH grant funding, are essential for conducting experiments, maintaining equipment, and covering facility overhead. These costs are crucial for ongoing research projects, like pain management studies aimed at finding alternatives to opioids.
Maine has joined other states in a lawsuit against the administration over the proposed NIH funding cuts, which are currently on hold due to a court order. The impact of these cuts on medical research and the economy is a cause for concern, as NIH funding supports jobs, training for students, and contributes to economic activity. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King have expressed opposing views on the administration’s actions, with Collins supporting a review of the cutbacks while King opposes them.
Research institutions like MDI Bio Lab rely heavily on NIH funding for indirect costs, which support studies on regenerative science using animal models like zebrafish. These studies have the potential to lead to treatments for diseases such as ALS, Alzheimer’s, and macular degeneration. The economic impact of these funding cuts on the life sciences industry in Maine could be significant, affecting job creation and workforce development in the state.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
