Next Week in Science, September 5, 2025

Not the greatest week in the public health sphere. If you want to dig more into the debate of what “Gold Standard Science” is, hop over to our sister site, This Week in Public Health. \

Here’s what’s rising in the science research.

And some news to either tide you over or enrage you.

Back to the Dark Ages: Education research staggered by Trump cuts

The Trump administration, particularly under the guidance of He-who-must-not-be-named’s Department of Government Efficiency, has significantly reduced funding for U.S. education research, leading to the cancellation of hundreds of National Science Foundation grants and mass layoffs within the Institute of Education Sciences. This move has sparked concerns about the ability to sustain educational advancements, particularly in areas such as bilingual education and evidence-based teaching practices, while simultaneously raising legal challenges over the reduction of resources for critical research infrastructures. The cuts have led to job instability and have curtailed programs crucial for enhancing educational outcomes nationwide, raising questions about how future educational research and policy development will be managed.

As NASA pushes for Mars, critics insist the mission starts at home

NASA’s Acting Administrator Sean Duffy suggested a shift in the agency’s focus towards human space exploration over earth sciences, aligning with budget cuts proposed by the White House that reduce funding for NASA’s Earth observation programs. This proposal has sparked significant backlash from scientists, who argue that studying Earth is critical to NASA’s mission, emphasizing its role in providing essential data for national security, climate research, and infrastructure, and highlighting the interdependence between understanding Earth and space exploration. The debate underscores a broader tension between political priorities and the importance of independent scientific research in public policy, with the final direction for NASA’s priorities remaining uncertain as it is subject to negotiation in Congress.

September Swoon: Is a Big Sell-Off Imminent?

The rapid integration of generative AI (genAI) into the medical instruments industry is revolutionizing diagnostics, patient care, and drug discovery by enhancing predictive treatment options and reducing dependency on sensitive patient data. This shift is accompanied by regulatory adaptations, such as the FDA’s Total Product Lifecycle framework, ensuring safety and transparency in AI applications. Despite geopolitical challenges like supply chain disruptions and tariffs, the industry continues to evolve through mergers and acquisitions, with firms like Teleflex and Integer Holdings showing growth amid changing