TK (Takashi DY) Kozai
@bioniclab.bsky.social
Ernest E Roth Professor. Dept Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh.
BionicLab.org
Neural Engineering; Neural Interfaces: Neurostimulation; Neurocomputation
BionicLab.org
Neural Engineering; Neural Interfaces: Neurostimulation; Neurocomputation
Pinned
Excited to be able to share our (Robert Gaunt, Alberto Vazquez, Omar Gharbawie, Mac Hooks, Chengcheng Huang) recent work to the University of Pittsburgh Provost and Vice Chancellor of Research, as well as the Board of Trustees.
news.engineering.pitt.edu/power-moves/
news.engineering.pitt.edu/power-moves/
100,000 people signed a petition to save Mass Effect in 48 hours.
I keep thinking about that number. The brain implants in that game aren’t science fiction anymore. I work on the real ones.
I keep thinking about that number. The brain implants in that game aren’t science fiction anymore. I work on the real ones.
October 25, 2026 at 12:21 PM
100,000 people signed a petition to save Mass Effect in 48 hours.
I keep thinking about that number. The brain implants in that game aren’t science fiction anymore. I work on the real ones.
I keep thinking about that number. The brain implants in that game aren’t science fiction anymore. I work on the real ones.
I support replacing animal testing where we can. I also study why we can't yet. The FDA just took a step that treats the replacement as closer than it is.
October 22, 2026 at 11:17 AM
I support replacing animal testing where we can. I also study why we can't yet. The FDA just took a step that treats the replacement as closer than it is.
One day left to comment. NIH wants to hide the peer review score, not just from applicants, but from the program officers and councils who decide what gets funded. The comment window closes tomorrow, October 13.
October 12, 2026 at 7:07 PM
One day left to comment. NIH wants to hide the peer review score, not just from applicants, but from the program officers and councils who decide what gets funded. The comment window closes tomorrow, October 13.
Reposted by TK (Takashi DY) Kozai
The immediate threat of the EO seems to have passed, but the greater attack on science by this administration is almost certainly not over. Some good thoughts on what we should be doing.
I would add: get organized. Build connections and community. Many voices are louder than one.
I would add: get organized. Build connections and community. Many voices are louder than one.
If you missed it...
My long-form thoughts on ongoing efforts by the administration to issue an executive order that would deliver veto power over grants to OMB Director Vought:
"An Emperor of All Malice:
On White House Efforts to Seize Control of NIH Funding"
My long-form thoughts on ongoing efforts by the administration to issue an executive order that would deliver veto power over grants to OMB Director Vought:
"An Emperor of All Malice:
On White House Efforts to Seize Control of NIH Funding"
An Emperor of All Malice: On White House Efforts to Seize Control of NIH Funding
Unilateral efforts by the administration to politicize funding decisions jeopardize discovery, health, and the economy… and demand a timely, effective response.
joshuasweitz.substack.com
September 24, 2026 at 1:18 AM
The immediate threat of the EO seems to have passed, but the greater attack on science by this administration is almost certainly not over. Some good thoughts on what we should be doing.
I would add: get organized. Build connections and community. Many voices are louder than one.
I would add: get organized. Build connections and community. Many voices are louder than one.
Reposted by TK (Takashi DY) Kozai
The Trump admin keeps trying ways to break and take over NIH and we keep pushing back and winning.
Two takeaways:
1. Together we have power; your voice matters.
2. This isn’t over; they are going to keep trying more ways to take over NIH and science for their political ends. Be ready!
Two takeaways:
1. Together we have power; your voice matters.
2. This isn’t over; they are going to keep trying more ways to take over NIH and science for their political ends. Be ready!
Confirming the White House’s planned EO to exert more political control on NIH seems to be “dead”
www.statnews.com/2026/09/23/n...
www.statnews.com/2026/09/23/n...
White House plan to increase control of NIH grants appears 'dead'
A planned EO that would have greatly enhanced White House influence over grants at the NIH is “looking dead,” a source said.
www.statnews.com
September 24, 2026 at 12:34 AM
The Trump admin keeps trying ways to break and take over NIH and we keep pushing back and winning.
Two takeaways:
1. Together we have power; your voice matters.
2. This isn’t over; they are going to keep trying more ways to take over NIH and science for their political ends. Be ready!
Two takeaways:
1. Together we have power; your voice matters.
2. This isn’t over; they are going to keep trying more ways to take over NIH and science for their political ends. Be ready!
September 21, 2026 at 9:49 PM
Touch evoked by cortical stimulation dies within minutes. Tired neurons get the blame.
However, inhibitory cells in mouse cortex keep firing while the excitatory ones fall silent.
BRIDGE-STIM 2027 puts the human, monkey, and mouse teams in one room. Pittsburgh, May 17–19.
However, inhibitory cells in mouse cortex keep firing while the excitatory ones fall silent.
BRIDGE-STIM 2027 puts the human, monkey, and mouse teams in one room. Pittsburgh, May 17–19.
September 20, 2026 at 3:30 PM
Touch evoked by cortical stimulation dies within minutes. Tired neurons get the blame.
However, inhibitory cells in mouse cortex keep firing while the excitatory ones fall silent.
BRIDGE-STIM 2027 puts the human, monkey, and mouse teams in one room. Pittsburgh, May 17–19.
However, inhibitory cells in mouse cortex keep firing while the excitatory ones fall silent.
BRIDGE-STIM 2027 puts the human, monkey, and mouse teams in one room. Pittsburgh, May 17–19.
Reposted by TK (Takashi DY) Kozai
On the diversion of several billion dollars from #NIH to the Department of Defense (NYT today reports it’s up to “one third of the NIAID budget” and that Trump NIH director Bhattacharya signed the deal.)
The big question I have:
Is this is an end run around peer review?
1/
The big question I have:
Is this is an end run around peer review?
1/
September 4, 2026 at 7:51 PM
On the diversion of several billion dollars from #NIH to the Department of Defense (NYT today reports it’s up to “one third of the NIAID budget” and that Trump NIH director Bhattacharya signed the deal.)
The big question I have:
Is this is an end run around peer review?
1/
The big question I have:
Is this is an end run around peer review?
1/
Reposted by TK (Takashi DY) Kozai
Insights from inside NIH on the proposal to hide scores and instead bin applications into broad score categories.
Please read and comment on the RFI.
27unihted.substack.com/p/nih-wants-...
Link to RFI: rfi.grants.nih.gov?s=6a2b1c22c3...
Please read and comment on the RFI.
27unihted.substack.com/p/nih-wants-...
Link to RFI: rfi.grants.nih.gov?s=6a2b1c22c3...
NIH wants to shroud peer review scores. Here’s what you can do about it.
Authored by anonymous current and former NIH workers with experience in peer review
27unihted.substack.com
August 26, 2026 at 8:21 PM
Insights from inside NIH on the proposal to hide scores and instead bin applications into broad score categories.
Please read and comment on the RFI.
27unihted.substack.com/p/nih-wants-...
Link to RFI: rfi.grants.nih.gov?s=6a2b1c22c3...
Please read and comment on the RFI.
27unihted.substack.com/p/nih-wants-...
Link to RFI: rfi.grants.nih.gov?s=6a2b1c22c3...
Reposted by TK (Takashi DY) Kozai
Of course this RFI drops late on Friday.
NIH proposes to stop providing specific scores and instead bin grants into 3 broad categories: most competitive, competitive, not discussed.
A score would be calculated but not provided to the PI (or PO).
grants.nih.gov/grants/guide...
NIH proposes to stop providing specific scores and instead bin grants into 3 broad categories: most competitive, competitive, not discussed.
A score would be calculated but not provided to the PI (or PO).
grants.nih.gov/grants/guide...
NOT-OD-26-088: Request for Information (RFI) on Proposed Changes to Reporting Outcomes from NIH Peer Review
NIH Funding Opportunities and Notices in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts: Request for Information (RFI) on Proposed Changes to Reporting Outcomes from NIH Peer Review NOT-OD-26-088. NIH
grants.nih.gov
August 14, 2026 at 7:34 PM
Of course this RFI drops late on Friday.
NIH proposes to stop providing specific scores and instead bin grants into 3 broad categories: most competitive, competitive, not discussed.
A score would be calculated but not provided to the PI (or PO).
grants.nih.gov/grants/guide...
NIH proposes to stop providing specific scores and instead bin grants into 3 broad categories: most competitive, competitive, not discussed.
A score would be calculated but not provided to the PI (or PO).
grants.nih.gov/grants/guide...
When I interviewed at Michigan for their Biomedical Engineering PhD, the chair told me I was an experiment. He meant it descriptively. The program had only ever accepted engineering majors. I had a biology degree from Colorado. 🧵
July 22, 2026 at 8:33 PM
When I interviewed at Michigan for their Biomedical Engineering PhD, the chair told me I was an experiment. He meant it descriptively. The program had only ever accepted engineering majors. I had a biology degree from Colorado. 🧵
Reposted by TK (Takashi DY) Kozai
9 lessons from Bethesda Declaration organizers on how to rescue US science: www.ovid.com/jnls/dartmou...
1. Scientists can no longer safely claim the privilege of being outside of, or above, politics
2. Inaction can be riskier than action.
3. Progress requires work.
4. Do not wait for someone else.
1. Scientists can no longer safely claim the privilege of being outside of, or above, politics
2. Inaction can be riskier than action.
3. Progress requires work.
4. Do not wait for someone else.
Nine lessons from Bethesda Declaration organizers... : Dartmouth Journal of Healthcare Delivery Science
Abstract was not provided for this article.
www.ovid.com
July 20, 2026 at 3:29 AM
9 lessons from Bethesda Declaration organizers on how to rescue US science: www.ovid.com/jnls/dartmou...
1. Scientists can no longer safely claim the privilege of being outside of, or above, politics
2. Inaction can be riskier than action.
3. Progress requires work.
4. Do not wait for someone else.
1. Scientists can no longer safely claim the privilege of being outside of, or above, politics
2. Inaction can be riskier than action.
3. Progress requires work.
4. Do not wait for someone else.
496,769 people commented on OMB's rewrite of how federal research grants are awarded. Rules like it normally draw a few hundred, that gap is the whole story.
July 14, 2026 at 9:45 AM
496,769 people commented on OMB's rewrite of how federal research grants are awarded. Rules like it normally draw a few hundred, that gap is the whole story.
Robby: Nah, it's dance till you drop!
Duke: Then what?
Robby: Teach the kids the steps before you do.
Duke: And then what?
Robby: Hope they make it farther than you.
Duke: Then what?
Robby: Teach the kids the steps before you do.
Duke: And then what?
Robby: Hope they make it farther than you.
July 12, 2026 at 4:05 PM
Robby: Nah, it's dance till you drop!
Duke: Then what?
Robby: Teach the kids the steps before you do.
Duke: And then what?
Robby: Hope they make it farther than you.
Duke: Then what?
Robby: Teach the kids the steps before you do.
Duke: And then what?
Robby: Hope they make it farther than you.
Reposted by TK (Takashi DY) Kozai
Infectious disease researcher Jason Walsman, facing cuts to National Science Foundation funded research, has decided to leave the University of Pittsburgh for China
July 11, 2026 at 10:07 PM
Infectious disease researcher Jason Walsman, facing cuts to National Science Foundation funded research, has decided to leave the University of Pittsburgh for China
Reposted by TK (Takashi DY) Kozai
Monday is the deadline for public comment! The Heritage Foundation has been mobilizing its members to leave comments in favor of the rule change, so every unique comment matters (don’t use a form letter or copy/paste—similar comments are batched and treated as one).
There's an OMB rule change that would require political oversight of scientific grants, and could pull any that don't "reflect presidential priorities"
Another country has tried this before! It was the USSR and it was called Lysenkoism. By @thsaey.bsky.social
www.sciencenews.org/article/omb-...
Another country has tried this before! It was the USSR and it was called Lysenkoism. By @thsaey.bsky.social
www.sciencenews.org/article/omb-...
Here’s what happens when you put politicians in charge of science
Proposed federal rules would rely on political appointees to decide how a lot of U.S. science gets done. History shows the consequences of such actions.
www.sciencenews.org
July 11, 2026 at 12:28 PM
Monday is the deadline for public comment! The Heritage Foundation has been mobilizing its members to leave comments in favor of the rule change, so every unique comment matters (don’t use a form letter or copy/paste—similar comments are batched and treated as one).
Reposted by TK (Takashi DY) Kozai
cutting pure science to prioritize applications is fundamentally like asking farmers not to waste time producing grain, cheese, and tomatoes and focus on making pizzas
July 1, 2026 at 10:45 AM
cutting pure science to prioritize applications is fundamentally like asking farmers not to waste time producing grain, cheese, and tomatoes and focus on making pizzas
🧵
Every entry in this series featured science that outsiders called ridiculous. This one is different.
Here, the scientific establishment itself said it would fail. 🔬
Every entry in this series featured science that outsiders called ridiculous. This one is different.
Here, the scientific establishment itself said it would fail. 🔬
July 10, 2026 at 12:02 PM
🧵
Every entry in this series featured science that outsiders called ridiculous. This one is different.
Here, the scientific establishment itself said it would fail. 🔬
Every entry in this series featured science that outsiders called ridiculous. This one is different.
Here, the scientific establishment itself said it would fail. 🔬
🧠 Memory held even where the plaques never cleared. In an aged Alzheimer's model, boosting oligodendrocytes kept spatial working memory at wild-type levels (56.7±2.5% vs 39.5±2.1%, P=0.0004), without lowering amyloid. 🧵
July 9, 2026 at 12:14 PM
🧠 Memory held even where the plaques never cleared. In an aged Alzheimer's model, boosting oligodendrocytes kept spatial working memory at wild-type levels (56.7±2.5% vs 39.5±2.1%, P=0.0004), without lowering amyloid. 🧵
One current pulse drives a single cortical column in a mouse. The same waveform in a paralyzed human BCI user yields a different percept, or none. That cross-species gap is the problem BRIDGE-STIM 2027 is built to close. 🧵
July 8, 2026 at 1:22 PM
One current pulse drives a single cortical column in a mouse. The same waveform in a paralyzed human BCI user yields a different percept, or none. That cross-species gap is the problem BRIDGE-STIM 2027 is built to close. 🧵
Reposted by TK (Takashi DY) Kozai
A statement from the Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee on the proposed OMB regulations.
www.appropriations.senate.gov/news/majorit...
1/3
www.appropriations.senate.gov/news/majorit...
1/3
Sen. Collins Asks OMB to Withdraw Parts of Grant Rule, Extend Comment Period | United States Senate Committee on Appropriations
United States Senate Committee on Appropriations
www.appropriations.senate.gov
July 8, 2026 at 10:48 AM
A statement from the Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee on the proposed OMB regulations.
www.appropriations.senate.gov/news/majorit...
1/3
www.appropriations.senate.gov/news/majorit...
1/3
Reposted by TK (Takashi DY) Kozai
Absolutely this.
Bell Labs was very productive when I was a kid. But they, as a monopoly, basically had the ability to tax the entire US population. Moreover, while they published or otherwise disseminated some of their findings, they kept some just for A T & T.
Bell Labs was very productive when I was a kid. But they, as a monopoly, basically had the ability to tax the entire US population. Moreover, while they published or otherwise disseminated some of their findings, they kept some just for A T & T.
It's worth pointing out that one of the few private entities to ever do significant amounts of basic research was Bell Labs, a subsidiary of a telecom monopoly at the height of its monopolistic abuses. Basic research is a costly endeavor, and few entities outside gov. can afford it.
Scott Atlas, the champion of herd immunity as an Fox News commenter and the Trump Advisor during COVID, weighs in with a DEEPLY MININFORMED op-ed in the WaPo.
www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/202...
1/7
www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/202...
1/7
July 3, 2026 at 1:14 PM
Absolutely this.
Bell Labs was very productive when I was a kid. But they, as a monopoly, basically had the ability to tax the entire US population. Moreover, while they published or otherwise disseminated some of their findings, they kept some just for A T & T.
Bell Labs was very productive when I was a kid. But they, as a monopoly, basically had the ability to tax the entire US population. Moreover, while they published or otherwise disseminated some of their findings, they kept some just for A T & T.
🧬In 2001, a member of the National Academy of Sciences told my 400-person lecture to watch Jennifer Doudna, because she'd probably win a Nobel.
What he didn't say: taxpayers were already paying for the work that would get her there. 🧵
What he didn't say: taxpayers were already paying for the work that would get her there. 🧵
July 3, 2026 at 11:25 AM
🧬In 2001, a member of the National Academy of Sciences told my 400-person lecture to watch Jennifer Doudna, because she'd probably win a Nobel.
What he didn't say: taxpayers were already paying for the work that would get her there. 🧵
What he didn't say: taxpayers were already paying for the work that would get her there. 🧵
🧠 NSF just funded BRIDGE-STIM 2027 (Award #2624028, CBET). May 17-19, Pittsburgh. The workshop assembles experimentalists running intracortical microstimulation (ICMS) in mice, NHPs, and humans, addressing the cross-species translation gap stalling sensorimotor BCI restoration.
June 30, 2026 at 3:08 PM
🧠 NSF just funded BRIDGE-STIM 2027 (Award #2624028, CBET). May 17-19, Pittsburgh. The workshop assembles experimentalists running intracortical microstimulation (ICMS) in mice, NHPs, and humans, addressing the cross-species translation gap stalling sensorimotor BCI restoration.