Latest news with #HarvardGazette
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Medical researchers baffled by Trump administration's stop work order for clinical trial system: ‘A giant step backwards'
A national initiative used by 1,350 universities and academic medical centers to allow urgent clinical trials to move forward with speed, efficiency, and proper oversight has been handed a stop work order from the Trump administration. The move threatens to delay thousands of human studies on everything from cancer to dementia. 'We were told to cease all work…immediately,' an April 22 statement on its website reads, in part. 'The order did not include a reason or explanation.' The stop work order came around the same time that other orders—ending contracts on grants looking into conditions ranging from ALS to acute radiation syndrome—began rolling into Harvard. That was just hours after Harvard rejected government demands that included changes to governance and hiring practices and 'audits' of viewpoints, noted the Harvard Gazette. Of the stop work order, Dr. Barbara Bieber, director of the system known as the SMART IRB (streamlined, multisite, accelerated resources for trials institutional review board), tells Fortune, 'People were really shocked. We were, I have to say, not anticipating this at all.' The system, funded by a $2 million annual federal contract from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), was created by researchers at Harvard University 15 years ago to tackle two issues: to ensure proper protections for the human patients participating in large clinical trials, and to make sure those oversights did not slow down the study from getting underway. Typically, without the SMART IRB, it could take many months to get a large clinical study up and running; with the system in place, it can happen as quickly as within 20 minutes. 'We want to bring new treatments to people that need them as quickly as possible,' says Bieber. In a not-yet-published op-ed shared with Fortune, she wrote of the stop work order, "We had taken 15 years to build what was destroyed with a single email, halting vital research across the country." Plus, Bieber told the Gazette, "Studies halted midstream risk significant harms to participants and communities and can reinforce public skepticism and mistrust for the research enterprise and inhibit the commitment of researchers and institutions to fully, honestly, and collaboratively work with the communities they serve." At the height of the pandemic, the SMART IRB enabled more than 300 COVID studies to quickly get off the ground. 'The numbers are remarkable considering that when the COVID-19 pandemic began, science and medicine needed to pivot at lightning speed to meet the challenge, and that's not something biomedical science is known for, especially when it comes to translating hot-off-the-bench scientific discoveries into evidence-based clinical tools at the bedside,' explained a 2023 news release of the Harvard Medical School. One big obstacle when it comes to multisite clinical trials getting underway quickly is that institutional review boards (IRBs) must take due diligence to make sure human research participants are protected, a process that could take nine months or longer. 'But at the height of the pandemic,' the news release notes, 'the science needed to advance knowledge of SARS-CoV-2 couldn't wait that long.' Luckily, the SMART IRB meant it didn't have to. But now, because of the inexplicable stop work order, says Bieber, 'instead of a coordinated system that advances research, we are taking a giant step backward and compromising the research to improve the health of all Americans.' It's further baffling, she says, as 'the people that we work with at NIH have been the best collaborators you can imagine. They're responsive, they're helpful. They took over the IT side of this, because they could do it more effectively and integrate it with other systems that they have going…They were very enthusiastic about this and, you'd have to speak to them, but I think equally surprised.' The NIH responded to Fortune's request for comment simply by noting, 'In accordance with the Presidential Memo 'Radical Transparency About Wasteful Spending,' information on NIH's terminated grants may be accessed through this website,' also including a link to a chart of all grants terminated thus far. In the meantime, as the system itself remains available, Bieber says employees of Harvard—which doesn't own the collaborative system, but administers it—have been volunteering to keep it going, answering help desk questions and just assisting researchers move through the SMART IRB process to keep trials up and running. Though it's uncertain how long they'll be able to keep it up. 'What the Trump administration says it wants to do is to make the government more efficient, and get rid of challenges that don't necessarily improve the lives of Americans,' Bieber says. 'And this really does that. It takes away these months of delays.' More on medical research: Walk this way for a healthy heart, says study RFK Jr. warns seed oils are poisoning Americans, and a new study shows a possible link to cancer The 4 foods that science says can help you live to 100 This story was originally featured on
Irish Times
26-04-2025
- Politics
- Irish Times
‘Harvard people' squaring up for battle royale with White House over politics, power and privilege
In one of his gloomier moments – and there were many – Lyndon Johnson reportedly grumbled that 'all the historians are Harvard people'. He feared for how the official – or most significant – chroniclers would record his presidential legacy. 'Poor old [Herbert] Hoover from West Branch, Iowa, had no chance with that crowd,' he said before concluding, 'nor does Lyndon Johnson from Stonewall, Texas. It just isn't fair.' Perhaps not. Harvard represents many things, all at once, to Americans. It's been 'up there' in Cambridge, Massachusetts, since 1636 and its archives and story serve as an umbilical cord to the embryo of the new world. For the vast majority of people, it's an unachievable badge of privilege and success, in the far northeast where the brightest and best and richest get to go. More than 30 years have passed since Jack Nicholson, playing a peeved army general in A Few Good Men, upbraided Tom Cruise's character for standing before him with his 'Harvard mouth'. And 2027 will mark 30 years since Good Will Hunting, in which Matt Damon's brattish, 'wicked smaht' janitor stood in a Cambridge bar humiliating a preppy Harvard type for dropping 'a hundred and fifty grand on a f**ken education you could have got for a dollar-fifty in late charges at the public library'. (Damon, like Gram Parsons and Mark Zuckerberg, attended Harvard but left before graduating). READ MORE The trick for Harvard has been to preserve its reputation for maintaining the highest levels of collegiate education and research and standards while batting away the criticisms of elitist privilege. Now comes the most problematic critic, in the shape of the 47th president of the United States. Seemingly not sufficiently preoccupied with a mounting trade crisis with China and dissipating peace negotiations on the eastern front, Trump renewed his attacks on America's oldest university with a blistering social media post on Thursday. 'Harvard is an Anti-Semitic Far Left Institution, as are numerous others, with students being accepted from all over the World that want to rip our Country apart,' he wrote. 'The place is a Liberal mess, allowing a certain group of crazed lunatics to enter and exit the classroom and spew fake ANGER AND HATE,' he went on. 'It is truly horrific! Now, since our filings began, they act like they are all 'American Apple Pie.'' Two weeks have passed since the Trump administration sent a letter addressed to Harvard's president, Alan Garber, warning that federal investment (of $2 billion a year) 'is not an entitlement'. The letter made demands that the Harvard Gazette synopsised as including 'audits' of academic programmes and departments, as well as the viewpoints of students, faculty and staff, and changes to the university's governance structure and hiring practices. [ Harvard University fights to withstand Donald Trump's all-out assault on higher education Opens in new window ] Failure to do so would jeopardise $9 billion in government contracts that were under review, including money for hospitals affiliated with Harvard's medical school. In essence, the Trump administration wanted to supervise who was hired, who was admitted and who among the faculty should be fired. Harvard rejected the demands. This week, the university filed a lawsuit against the administration. In an interview on NBC, Garber acknowledged there was a 'real problem with anti-Semitism at Harvard' but argued there was no connection between that problem and punitive cuts to vital medical research funding. Harvard's endowment now stands at an eye-popping $53 billion (€47 billion). Full tuition fees for last year were listed at $53,000, with on-campus room and board a further $20,000. However, its operating budget for last year was $6.4 billion. The next move from the Trump administration could well involve an attack on the university's tax-free status (long the source of disgruntlement among local Boston politicians) and on foreign donors. If the fight with the White House becomes protracted, that rainy day fund will become necessary. However, the guardians of that endowment stress that access is strictly limited and complex: it is not as though Garber can simply dash down to the ATM at Harvard Square. So, a classic fight is brewing between old and new. The blueprints for Harvard's 400th birthday celebrations in 2036 have, one imagines, already been drawn up. The political era of Donald Trump is scarcely over a decade old. The old place has its critics, but it couldn't simply fold to the bellicose demands of a new administration that it abandon everything it holds as coveted and right. [ Harvard's decision to resist Trump is 'of momentous significance' Opens in new window ] It worked out just fine for Lyndon Johnson. Robert Caro, Princeton-educated but also a Harvard Nieman fellow, is beavering away on the fourth volume of a biographical series that has been acclaimed as a peerless masterpiece of the form. As for current leaders of the 'Harvard people' Johnson once bemoaned, they are facing into the toughest battle in the history of the institution. 'I don't know the answer to this question,' Garber said, when asked if Harvard can win. 'But the stakes are so high that we have no choice.'
Yahoo
30-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Harvard announces free tuition for some — raises income cutoff for financial aid. Here's who now qualifies
Harvard is one of many colleges that have expanded financial aid for students. The change is set to take effect starting in fall 2025, for the 2025–2026 school year. According to the Harvard Gazette, the expansion will mean that approximately 86% of U.S. families now qualify for Harvard's financial aid. I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) Americans with upside-down car loans owe more money than ever before — and drivers can't keep up. Here are 3 ways to cut your monthly costs ASAP Low to no college-related costs could make post-secondary education much more affordable for you or your children. But what exactly is the financial aid Harvard is offering, and how does that affect your college budget? On Mar. 17, Harvard announced that students who come from families that earn $200,000 or less will not have to pay tuition. And for those whose families earn $100,000 or less, food, housing, health insurance and travel costs will also be covered. 'The financial aid program is designed so that Harvard students can study, train, research, create and fully engage in the Harvard experience with minimal constraints,' Jake Kaufmann, director of financial aid and senior admissions officer at Harvard College, told the Gazette. Students whose family earns $100,000 or less will also receive a grant for $2,000 in their first year and an additional $2,000 in their last year, intended to support them beyond graduation. For families earning $200,000 or less, students won't have to pay tuition, though aid beyond that is based on financial need. The university has also stated that it's willing to work with families who earn more than $200,000 to offer assistance to students. The income threshold has increased since the Harvard Financial Aid Initiative was launched in 2004. In 2023, the earnings cutoff for students of families receiving full financial aid was $85,000. Read more: Are you rich enough to join the top 1%? Here's the net worth you need to rank among America's wealthiest — plus 2 ways to build that first-class portfolio Even if you or your child qualifies for financial aid, it doesn't mean you won't have to pay anything to attend Harvard. Although, according to the university, 55% of Harvard undergraduates received financial aid in the 2023–2024 school year, students (or their families) still ended up paying an average of $15,700. These costs could include textbooks, equipment and other living expenses. For those who only qualify for tuition assistance, this cost can go up since you will also need to cover housing, food, transportation and other related costs. Although other schools, like Northwestern University, Duke University and the University of Pennsylvania, offer financial aid packages for families earning under a certain income, you would still need to factor in paying out of pocket for some costs. Sure, these changes could mean that you may be able to budget and save less for college costs. However, you may not get into colleges that offer significant financial aid. Even if the school you get into does, you may not find out just how much you could receive until later on. Whether or not you receive financial aid, you'll still need to set aside some funds for your college education. You can consider aiming to save the average amount families pay for college in an education-focused savings account, like a 529 plan or a prepaid college tuition plan. Currently, the average cost of college per year — including tuition, books and living expenses — is $38,270.. When deciding between types of savings plans , the 529 plan offers a bit more flexibility. The money you save can be used tax-free towards qualifying expenses or tuition at a qualifying educational institution. A prepaid tuition plan typically only allows you to use the credits you purchase towards future tuition costs at certain schools. Since college is a huge expense, saving now can help you from having to take out larger loans, whether or not you receive tuition assistance. Even if you don't use all the funds in a 529 plan, the account owner can change the beneficiary — your sibling, for instance, can use the funds towards their college education. In some cases, the account owner can ask for a refund for the unused amount in a prepaid tuition plan. Some states, like Florida, may charge a fee for doing so. Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Protect your retirement savings with these 5 essential money moves — most of which you can complete in just minutes This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Harvard announces free tuition for some — raises income cutoff for financial aid. Here's who now qualifies
Harvard is one of many colleges that have expanded financial aid for students. The change is set to take effect starting in fall 2025, for the 2025–2026 school year. According to the Harvard Gazette, the expansion will mean that approximately 86% of U.S. families now qualify for Harvard's financial aid. I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) Americans with upside-down car loans owe more money than ever before — and drivers can't keep up. Here are 3 ways to cut your monthly costs ASAP Low to no college-related costs could make post-secondary education much more affordable for you or your children. But what exactly is the financial aid Harvard is offering, and how does that affect your college budget? On Mar. 17, Harvard announced that students who come from families that earn $200,000 or less will not have to pay tuition. And for those whose families earn $100,000 or less, food, housing, health insurance and travel costs will also be covered. 'The financial aid program is designed so that Harvard students can study, train, research, create and fully engage in the Harvard experience with minimal constraints,' Jake Kaufmann, director of financial aid and senior admissions officer at Harvard College, told the Gazette. Students whose family earns $100,000 or less will also receive a grant for $2,000 in their first year and an additional $2,000 in their last year, intended to support them beyond graduation. For families earning $200,000 or less, students won't have to pay tuition, though aid beyond that is based on financial need. The university has also stated that it's willing to work with families who earn more than $200,000 to offer assistance to students. The income threshold has increased since the Harvard Financial Aid Initiative was launched in 2004. In 2023, the earnings cutoff for students of families receiving full financial aid was $85,000. Read more: Are you rich enough to join the top 1%? Here's the net worth you need to rank among America's wealthiest — plus 2 ways to build that first-class portfolio Even if you or your child qualifies for financial aid, it doesn't mean you won't have to pay anything to attend Harvard. Although, according to the university, 55% of Harvard undergraduates received financial aid in the 2023–2024 school year, students (or their families) still ended up paying an average of $15,700. These costs could include textbooks, equipment and other living expenses. For those who only qualify for tuition assistance, this cost can go up since you will also need to cover housing, food, transportation and other related costs. Although other schools, like Northwestern University, Duke University and the University of Pennsylvania, offer financial aid packages for families earning under a certain income, you would still need to factor in paying out of pocket for some costs. Sure, these changes could mean that you may be able to budget and save less for college costs. However, you may not get into colleges that offer significant financial aid. Even if the school you get into does, you may not find out just how much you could receive until later on. Whether or not you receive financial aid, you'll still need to set aside some funds for your college education. You can consider aiming to save the average amount families pay for college in an education-focused savings account, like a 529 plan or a prepaid college tuition plan. Currently, the average cost of college per year — including tuition, books and living expenses — is $38,270.. When deciding between types of savings plans , the 529 plan offers a bit more flexibility. The money you save can be used tax-free towards qualifying expenses or tuition at a qualifying educational institution. A prepaid tuition plan typically only allows you to use the credits you purchase towards future tuition costs at certain schools. Since college is a huge expense, saving now can help you from having to take out larger loans, whether or not you receive tuition assistance. Even if you don't use all the funds in a 529 plan, the account owner can change the beneficiary — your sibling, for instance, can use the funds towards their college education. In some cases, the account owner can ask for a refund for the unused amount in a prepaid tuition plan. Some states, like Florida, may charge a fee for doing so. Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Protect your retirement savings with these 5 essential money moves — most of which you can complete in just minutes This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
09-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Forget apples — doctors find eating this fruit daily can lower depression risk by 20%
A healthy gut helps you digest your food and absorb its nutrients, strengthens your immune system and reduces your risk of certain chronic diseases. But not everyone realizes that having a happy belly also has a major impact on your mood since about 90% of your body's serotonin and over 50% of your dopamine — two crucial neurotransmitters responsible for making you feel good — are produced in your gut. For this reason, scientists often call the gut 'the second brain.' And while an apple a day may keep the doctor away, research shows an orange a day might keep the blues at bay. Dr. Raaj Mehta, a physician and instructor at Harvard Medical School, and his colleagues analyzed the data of over 30,000 women and found that those who consumed a lot of citrus were much less likely to develop depression than those who didn't. Their findings were published late last year in the journal Microbiome. 'We found that eating one medium orange a day may lower the risk of developing depression by about 20%,' Mehta told the Harvard Gazette last month. 'And the effect seems to be specific to citrus. When we look at people's total fruit or vegetable consumption, or at other individual fruits such as apples or bananas, we don't see any relationship between intake and risk of depression.' Using stool samples, researchers discovered eating more citrus was associated with increased levels of a beneficial gut bacterium called Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (F. prausnitzii), which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties but might also help serotonin and dopamine make their way to the brain. A study published in 2022 found that eating fewer citrus fruits was clearly associated with a heightened risk of depression in patients with chronic health failure. However, Mehta noted that it's 'hard to compare the effectiveness of citrus to traditional antidepressants…because we're talking about preventingdepression, and those drugs are usually used to treatdepression once a person is already experiencing it.' The researchers also acknowledged that their study had certain limitations, as most of the participants were white, middle-aged women; additionally, while they controlled for several factors, there's still the possibility that their findings were correlational rather than causal. Still, eating an orange — or lemon or grapefruit, if that's what you prefer — a day certainly can't hurt, and the study sheds light on the relationship between the gut and the brain, as well as the role these fruits play on it. 'I hope our results inspire other researchers to look into the link between diet and mental health,' Mehta said. 'I think people know intuitively that the foods we eat impact our mood. We even have a term for this: comfort foods, which make ourselves feel better in the short term.' 'There's such a huge unmet need for depression treatments, and eating citrus doesn't really have any major side effects,' he added, 'so it would be great to see how much this simple treatment can help.'
