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Nobel laureate Ardem Patapoutian, a refugee from Lebanon who built a successful scientific career in the US, faced a funding freeze under the Trump administration. This prompted a lucrative job offer from China, which he refused, highlighting a broader trend. Reduced US science funding is causing a brain drain, as applications from China and Europe for US research positions have plummeted, while applications from US scientists for foreign jobs have surged. This threatens America's scientific leadership.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.