By Nancy Lapid
In a recent study by Harvard Medical School, researchers found that language around diversity in National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant applications has changed. Specifically, there’s been a noticeable drop in references to race, gender, and ethnicity. This shift raises concerns about how researchers consider diversity in their studies.
The analysis looked at 17,701 NIH grants from 2024 and 2025. It showed that words related to diversity decreased by 25% during this period. When comparing the same grants across these two years, terms reflecting diversity dropped off at a rate ten times higher than other words. This suggests that researchers might be omitting this language to boost their chances of receiving funding.
Some researchers who weren’t part of the study have noted that they felt pressured to avoid terms related to diversity. This self-censorship appears linked to government directives aimed at reducing “equity-related” funding. Such pressure can hinder meaningful discussions about inclusion in research.
In a separate study, researchers found that owning a dog may positively influence mental health through changes in gut bacteria. A study published in iScience revealed that teenagers with dogs had distinct oral microbiomes compared to those without. The bacteria in dog owners appeared to foster social behaviors, such as empathy. This could explain why dog owners often report feeling less lonely and having better social connections.
These findings highlight the contrasting influences of external pressures on scientific research and the unexpected benefits of pet ownership. Understanding how these factors impact our health and society can help promote healthier practices and improve mental well-being.
For more insights on health research and related studies, you can visit trusted sources like NIH.
