Edna Chiang

Abstract Hibernation is a wintertime survival strategy employed by certain mammals that, through torpor use, reduces overall energy expenditure and permits prolonged fasting. Although fasting resolves the challenge of winter food scarcity, it also removes dietary carbon, a critical biomolecular building block.

Espionage, corruption and deceit. We don’t typically associate these words with science, but their use is becoming more common as policymakers and scientists debate how to best protect taxpayer-funded research from foreign influence. The heart of this discussion lies in finding the balance between defending science and preserving international collaboration. Concerns of foreign influence have intensified in recent years as the number of related research misconduct reports increases.

On May 22, 15 scientists from across the country traveled to Washington, D.C. to take part in an American Physiological Society (APS) Capitol Hill Day to advocate for the National Science Foundation (NSF). Attendees came from 15 states and included scientists in diverse career stages, ranging from two PhD candidates and a postdoctoral fellow, to mid-career scientists and an emeritus professor.