The NIH recently faced backlash over the firing of several high-profile scientists due to a coding error, leading to their reinstatement amid concerns about the future of biomedical research. Comments suggest a mix of skepticism about the motivations behind these firings and the effectiveness of leadership in research institutions. Some see the reinstatement as a public relations move designed to reassure the scientific community, while others express doubt regarding the long-term implications for research productivity following such changes. There is a consensus that relying solely on top experts without support staff can lead to inefficiencies in the research process, indicating a potential disconnect between management and ground-level operations. The situation raises questions about the health of the biomedical research sector as errors and staff turnover are believed to contribute to an overall 'sinking ship' in terms of scientific progress.