
6 Fermented Foods Everyone's Eating This Summer for Gut Health and Glowing Energy
As summer approaches, fermented foods are emerging as a smarter, science-backed way to support gut health, hormonal balance, skin vitality, and even mood. Once confined to the margins of natural food stores, these age-old staples are now earning center-stage status — appearing in everything from probiotic tonics to microbiome-friendly twists on comfort food.
And while the buzz is loud, the underlying science (though still evolving) is increasingly compelling.
Interest in fermented foods has surged in 2025, as more people seek out natural ways to support digestion, boost energy, and maintain overall wellness. With kefir, kimchi, and even fermented skincare taking off, it's clear that gut health has become a priority, not just a passing trend.
This probiotic-packed, slightly fizzy fermented milk drink is dominating breakfast routines. Known for its gut-soothing benefits and high microbial diversity, it's being dubbed 'yogurt's overachieving cousin.' In fact, kefir is considered one of the most promising functional foods due to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and even anticarcinogenic potential, according to a 2021 NIH review.
Spicy, crunchy, and full of personality, kimchi's tangy mix of fermented cabbage and chili paste is now a fridge staple well beyond Korean households. It's also rich in lactic acid bacteria and has been shown to support anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and even cholesterol-lowering benefits, according to research published in the Journal of Medicinal Food.
This tangy, effervescent tea has evolved into a multibillion-dollar industry. What started as a hippie health-store staple is now a mainstream favorite, with innovations like adaptogen-infused brews, nootropic blends, and zero-sugar options hitting shelves everywhere.
This umami-rich fermented soybean paste is popping up not just in soup but in salad dressings, marinades, and even desserts.
Once niche vegan proteins, these traditional soy ferments are gaining broader recognition for their dense nutrient profile and probiotic perks.
Yes, it's a thing. Beauty brands are now experimenting with fermented ingredients to promote skin barrier health, microbiome diversity, and inflammation control. Think of it as skincare that's been cultured, literally.
'Your microbiome plays an important two-way role with your hormones,' says Dr. Colleen Cutcliffe, co-founder and CEO of Pendulum Therapeutics. 'A diet high in fibers and polyphenols will ensure a diverse gut microbiome that is metabolically healthy.' In other words, feeding your gut might be the most foundational thing you can do for your overall wellness, especially when hormone balance and inflammation are involved.
Gut health isn't just about what happens below the belt. As research shows, new research is shedding light on the gut-skin axis, linking a thriving microbiome to radiant skin and fewer inflammatory flare-ups. 'We know there is a huge opportunity to impact the immune and inflammatory responses through the gut,' she explains. 'And those are tied to how things appear on our skin.'
In layman's terms: while topical products might not be miracle workers, nourishing your gut with probiotics, prebiotics, and fiber-rich foods could help you glow from the inside out.
If you're craving a seasonal wellness refresh, fermented foods offer a simple, flavorful way to do it, no cleanse or supplement stack required. 'As we move into spring, look for variety on your plate, particularly when it comes to color,' says Dr. Adam Perlman, MD. 'Probiotics are another key ingredient for springing back into spring.'
He points to kimchi and kombucha as simple but powerful tools to reboot digestion, enhance energy, and rebalance after a processed food-heavy winter.
While the science behind the gut microbiome is still emerging, what's clear is that fermented foods are no longer a niche interest. They're a cultural and nutritional movement and a delicious one at that.
Will kefir cure your burnout or make your skin glow overnight? Probably not. But as part of a diverse, fiber-rich, minimally processed diet, it might help support the systems that do.
Click here to learn more about Pendulum Theraputics

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New York Post
16 hours ago
- New York Post
Shop the Korean skincare staple your pores will thank you for — on sale
New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change. Honestly, we're all obsessed with getting 'perfect skin,' and we've all been trained to fear our pores. We blot them, blur them, exfoliate them into submission — then lament when they stubbornly remain. But every now and then, a product comes along that fights the good fight against texture and congestion. Enter: medicube Zero Pore Pads. They work and they're nearly 40% off on Amazon right now ahead of Prime Day. Let's set the scene: You, late at night, in front of your mirror. You want that soft-focus, glassy skin that doesn't require a filter, but you also want something simple to get the job done. So, medicube, the Korean beauty brand with derm-grade street cred, understands the assignment. Not only that, but they've bottled it in a jar of 70 dual-textured toner pads that gently exfoliate, hydrate and smooth in one swipe. Advertisement 'These dual-textured toner pads are soaked in exfoliating and soothing ingredients to refine pores, control sebum and smooth texture,' Lyla Chang, department head of U.S. marketing at medicube, exclusively shared with Post Wanted in an interview. 'Key ingredients like AHA, BHA and tea tree help unclog pores and balance oily or acne-prone skin. Used daily, they visibly improve clarity and minimize the look of pores.' They're also a favorite of Alix Earle's, BTW. Amazon Pros: Features a dual-textured design for truly targeted care Visibly improves skin clarity Hygienic packaging, perfect for travel Cons: Isn't as hydrating as some of medicube's other formulations, though not a dealbreaker These toner pads are legendary for a reason. They gently exfoliate with AHA and BHA, swipe away gunk you didn't even know was there, and somehow shrink your pores like magic. One pad = one step closer to glass skin. It's the product you recommend to your friends, your partner, your mail carrier — because literally everyone benefits from having cleaner, tighter, happier skin. The medicube Zero Pore Pad is like your skin's reset button, especially on those days when my pores are having an identity crisis. Each pad is soaked in a mild AHA and BHA formula that gently exfoliates dead skin while helping to unclog pores and smooth texture. What makes it even better is the dual-sided design: one side is slightly textured for a light polish, and the other is smooth to swipe away any residue. You just glide it across your face after cleansing — morning or night — and it leaves my skin feeling impossibly clean without that tight, stripped sensation. I use it about three to four times a week, depending on how my skin's behaving. If I'm wearing more makeup than usual or my T-zone is acting up, I'll use it daily for a few days to bring things back into balance. It's especially good before applying makeup, because it creates this smooth, balanced canvas that helps foundation apply more evenly. Just follow it up with your serum and moisturizer, and you're good. It's quick, easy, and doesn't feel like a commitment, which is what I want from my skincare on busy weekdays. Ingredient-wise, it's a thoughtful mix: salicylic acid (hello, blackhead control), lactic acid for gentle exfoliation, and a blend of plant extracts like tea tree leaf and witch hazel to calm things down. I like that it's fragrance-free too (aka, no unnecessary fluff). If you're someone who's overwhelmed by a 10-step skincare routine but still craves that polished, glass-skin look, this is a great little staple to have in your arsenal. It's not a miracle worker, but it's incredibly reliable. Size: 5.46 ounces (70 pads) | Key ingredients: Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid, Tea Tree Leaf, Witch Hazel The formula reads like a who's who of ingredients that actually do something. Lactic acid (for surface-level polish), salicylic acid (for deep pore clean-out), plus a supporting cast of tea tree, lavender and ceramides to soothe the skin instead of attacking it. One side of the pad is textured for gentle physical exfoliation; the other side is smooth, designed to deliver the formula like a serum-soaked kiss to your face. But let's go deeper. These aren't just pads; they're a gateway drug to good skin. Use them after cleansing and before serum, and watch how your face begins to behave: fewer blackheads, less oil, smoother texture and that elusive brightness that usually only follows a facial. There's also something quietly revolutionary about the way these pads cater to everyone. Not just the serum-obsessed or the skincare maximalist. The packaging is unisex, the application is brainless and the results are noticeable. And, while the medicube Zero Pore Pads are a triumph of function, they also speak to something bigger. Korean beauty has long led the charge in combining science with a sensorial experience, and medicube sits at the crossroads of both. It's not about glossy influencers or buzzy actives that burn more than they brighten. It's about skin health, the kind that doesn't require Photoshop. That makes this sale feel like more than just a good deal—it feels like access. So no, you don't need them. But if you're tired of pore-clogging promises and seven-step illusions, you just might want them. And when the glow hits right, and your skin looks a little more like the version you imagine under perfect lighting, you'll be glad you said yes. This article was written by Victoria Giardina, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what's truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria's latest conquests include testing the best vitamin C serums on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat review of the best shampoos of 2025. Victoria, who received a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.


Buzz Feed
a day ago
- Buzz Feed
30 Reviewer-Approved Products For Glass Skin
A powerful Paula's Choice 2% BHA salicylic acid exfoliant useful for clearing out pores and evening your skin's texture and tone. It's gentle enough to use daily, unlike those other gritty face scrubs that feel like you're sandblasting your skin. An affordable prescription-strength Differin retinoid gel that "normalizes" skin cell turnover and targets acne's two main culprits: clogged pores and inflammation. It's like having a fairy godmother for your face, ensuring breakouts get the boot, inflammation is tackled head-on, and future acne? Consider it vanished before it can even say "hello." A pack of two dark spot corrector soap bars packed with collagen, retinol, and vitamin C, a powerful trio that can even out your skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots, fine lines, scars, and blemishes. It *also* contains turmeric, hyaluronic acid, shea butter and vitamin E to leave your skin feeling cleansed, revitalized, and oh-so-glowy. Tatcha's luxurious Dewy Skin Cream, which acts like a knight in shining armor for your skin thanks to antioxidant-rich Japanese purple rice. It's packed with plumping botanical extracts, squalane, and a hyaluronic acid-algae complex to supercharge your hydration. Reviewers adore the soft, pudding-like texture that absorbs beautifully without any greasy feel! A pore-clearing cleansing oil that visibly sucks out sebum from your pores and removes makeup residue and blackheads, leaving your skin looking clearer and feeling smoother. Reviewers of all skin types swear by it, including those with acne-prone skin (who say it doesn't cause breakouts)! And their deep cleansing foam, which dives deep into your pores, gently whisking away gunk and removing dead skin cells. Heartleaf extract is the magic ingredient here, and it's all about calming things down, reducing inflammation, and keeping your skin feeling soothed and pampered long after you've rinsed off. Medicube's "Zero Pore" Pads containing lactic acid, salicylic acid, and a dual-textured surface to help control excess sebum while exfoliating dead skin and refining pores, all while keeping your glow game strong. A "lifting" essence that reviewers on TikTok are referring to as "Botox in a bottle." It's made with NAD+, which can help boost cell turnover and stimulate collagen production, along with 50 types of peptides to help plump and firm your skin. With a stretchy texture that's similar to snail mucin but thicker, this gem can help make fine lines and wrinkles less noticeable in four weeks! And (from the same brand!) a pack of double-sided toner pads designed to exfoliate, brighten, and prevent dark spots from coming back. These pads are infused with concentrated glutathione, a superstar ingredient in Korean skincare known for its ability to help fade hyperpigmentation and improve overall skin tone. With consistent use, some reviewers said it took them only a week to see noticeable results! A container of Aquaphor multipurpose healing ointment if you want to pack light for the family ski trip instead of being weighed down by a number of products. This ointment can be used to restore and protect your skin from your face all the way down to your toes. An antioxidant-rich spray serum infused with white truffle extract to deeply nourish flaky skin and keep your glow on point! It's great for prepping your skin for makeup *and* sealing your look with a dewy finish that'll rival your favorite Insta filter — and when you're out and about, you can reach for it anytime you need a refreshing boost of hydration. A bamboo panthenol cream formulated to deeply hydrate, repair, and strengthen your skin barrier. It also works wonders for balancing your oil production and reducing inflammation, leaving your skin so smooth and radiant, you'll look like you just stepped out of a skincare ad. A lightweight Beauty of Joseon glow serum that contains rice bran water and 2% alpha-arbutin, a skin-brightening hero that can help fade hyperpigmentation and acne scars. One reviewer said they don't have to wear as much highlighter because their skin was glowing so much, while another swears they don't even need foundation anymore because their skin tone is so even. Laneige Cream Skin, a milky-textured toner and moisturizer designed to drench your skin in intense, nourishing hydration, leaving it feeling soothed and supple — or like it was "kissed by a dewy, soft, moisturized goddess," as one reviewer describes it, adding that their skin and makeup have never looked better. Plus, you can feel good about reducing waste by saving the bottle and opting for the refill bags — talk about a win-win! Also from Laneige: A glowy lip balm to instantly elevate your makeup look, whether you're going for a cute daytime vibe or a sultry evening allure — or just rock it solo with its amazing high-shine finish. The texture is smooth as silk, lightweight, and *not* sticky, so you'll feel like you're in lip balm heaven. A Medicube Age-R Booster Pro if you want to feel like you just left a Korean skin clinic without having to hop on a flight. This device features four different treatments, all powered by LED light therapy, that can exfoliate, tighten, boost the efficacy of your other products, and rejuvenate your skin. It announces the minutes as you're using it to ensure you don't overuse it in one spot and doesn't take long to see noticeable results. Mixsoon Bean Essence that hydrates and exfoliates your skin at the same dang time. 🤯 This thick (but not sticky) essence contains natural ingredients like fermented bean, barley, and pomegranate to remove dead skin cells and revitalize skin tone. Cosrx snail mucin repairing essence formulated with 96.3% snail secretion that's perfectly lightweight and hydrating for all skin types. This essence leaves a nice glow and keeps skin visibly smooth after a few uses. No wonder it has over 67,000 5-star ratings! A bottle of goami rice toner if you need a little extra help with hydration. This fragrance-free toner gives the skin a lovely illuminating effect while also improving its protective moisture barrier. A Goodal vitamin C serum — made with a whopping 70% green tangerine extract, this little bottle is like a brightening potion just waiting to tackle dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Reviewers can't stop raving about how it seemingly transformed their skin, even fading years of sun damage. Don't believe me? The proof is in the photos below! A bottle of Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops packed with vitamins that help plump and brighten your skin, along with hydrating hyaluronic acid and soothing moringa seed oil for an instant dewy glow. ✨ A Biodance overnight collagen mask — it starts as a milky-colored hydrogel mask and gradually turns clear while it works wonders on your skin. It contains three kinds of probiotics along with low-molecular-weight collagen and hyaluronic acid, which penetrate deeply to improve elasticity, refine pores, smooth fine lines, and more. You can wear it overnight or leave it on for 3–4 hours as you go about your day! An Innisfree daily UV defense sunscreen reviewers are calling their "holy grail" sun protection. It has SPF 36, which is *chef's kiss* for everyday use. It's formulated with green tea for hydration, cica to soothe redness and irritation, and sunflower seed oil to nourish the skin. And the best part? It leaves behind a beautiful glow with zero white cast. Torriden hyaluronic acid serum — this complex HA formula is designed to absorb super quickly and dive deep into your skin, delivering a mega-dose of moisture. With a lightweight, watery texture, this serum is all about maintaining that much-needed hydration and keeping your skin plump and smooth without any icky residue. A Cosrx skin-boosting serum containing six different peptides that work overtime to leave your complexion absolutely radiant. This lightweight, toner-like serum is fantastic for boosting skin elasticity, reducing post-hyperpigmentation, controlling pores, calming irritation, and improving the appearance of fine lines. A rejuvenating gel cream with boba-like capsules full of concentrated vitamin C and niacinamide — as you massage it into your skin, the capsules burst, instantly giving you that "glass-skin" look. A little goes a long way, so you only need 1–2 capsules at a time for your whole face! If you stick with it over time, you'll be blessed by the skincare gods with an overall brighter complexion and a potential improvement in acne scars and fine lines. A dark spot correcting serum featuring 5% niacinamide, papaya extract, and plant-derived squalane to help fade hyperpigmentation spots and leave your skin glowing with a more even complexion. Skin1004's Centella ampoule — this highly concentrated serum is crafted from the finest Madagascar Centella asiatica extract, known for its incredible ability to soothe, calm, and hydrate even the most sensitive skin. The formula is also slightly acidic to help keep your skin's pH balance in check. An illuminating L'Oreal moisturizer made for you to bask in the glow of fabulous skin. This tinted moisturizer helps lightly color-correct any little blemishes you might have while feeling amazing on your skin. It's quick and easy to add to your routine, so no need to worry about spending hours in front of the mirror! A tub of Vanicream that's been a game-changer for folks with sensitive skin. This moisturizer is free from those common irritants and fragrances that usually turn your skincare routine into a nightmare. It also comes with a pump dispenser so you don't have to dip your fingers inside and risk contaminating your precious cream.


Los Angeles Times
2 days ago
- Los Angeles Times
NIH budget cuts threaten the future of biomedical research — and the young scientists behind it
Over the last several months, a deep sense of unease has settled over laboratories across the United States. Researchers at every stage — from graduate students to senior faculty — have been forced to shelve experiments, rework career plans, and quietly warn each other not to count on long-term funding. Some are even considering leaving the country altogether. This growing anxiety stems from an abrupt shift in how research is funded — and who, if anyone, will receive support moving forward. As grants are being frozen or rescinded with little warning and layoffs begin to ripple through institutions, scientists have been left to confront a troubling question: Is it still possible to build a future in U.S. science? On May 2, the White House released its Fiscal Year 2026 Discretionary Budget Request, proposing a nearly $18-billion cut from the National Institutes of Health. This cut, which represents approximately 40% of the NIH's 2025 budget, is set to take effect on Oct. 1 if adopted by Congress. 'This proposal will have long-term and short-term consequences,' said Stephen Jameson, president of the American Assn. of Immunologists. 'Many ongoing research projects will have to stop, clinical trials will have to be halted, and there'll be the knock-on effects on the trainees who are the next generation of leaders in biomedical research. So I think there's going to be varied and potentially catastrophic effects, especially on the next generation of our researchers, which in turn will lead to a loss of the status of the U.S. as a leader in biomedical research.' In the request, the administration justified the move as part of its broader commitment to 'restoring accountability, public trust, and transparency at the NIH.' It accused the NIH of engaging in 'wasteful spending' and 'risky research,' releasing 'misleading information,' and promoting 'dangerous ideologies that undermine public health.' To track the scope of NIH funding cuts, a group of scientists and data analysts launched Grant Watch, an independent project that monitors grant cancellations at the NIH and the National Science Foundation. This database compiles information from public government records, official databases, and direct submissions from affected researchers, grant administrators, and program directors. As of July 3, Grant Watch reports 4,473 affected NIH grants, totaling more than $10.1 billion in lost or at-risk funding. These include research and training grants, fellowships, infrastructure support, and career development awards — and affect large and small institutions across the country. Research grants were the most heavily affected, accounting for 2,834 of the listed grants, followed by fellowships (473), career development awards (374) and training grants (289). The NIH plays a foundational role in U.S. research. Its grants support the work of more than 300,000 scientists, technicians and research personnel, across some 2,500 institutions and comprising the vast majority of the nation's biomedical research workforce. As an example, one study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found that funding from the NIH contributed to research associated with every one of the 210 new drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration between 2010 and 2016. Jameson emphasized that these kinds of breakthroughs are made possible only by long-term federal investment in fundamental research. 'It's not just scientists sitting in ivory towers,' he said. 'There are enough occasions where [basic research] produces something new and actionable — drugs that will save lives.' That investment pays off in other ways too. In a 2025 analysis, United for Medical Research, a nonprofit coalition of academic research institutions, patient groups and members of the life sciences industry, found that every dollar the NIH spends generates $2.56 in economic activity. Support from the NIH underpins not only research, but also the training pipeline for scientists, physicians and entrepreneurs — the workforce that fuels U.S. leadership in medicine, biotechnology and global health innovation. But continued American preeminence is not a given. Other countries are rapidly expanding their investments in science and research-intensive industries. If current trends continue, the U.S. risks undergoing a severe 'brain drain.' In a March survey conducted by Nature, 75% of U.S. scientists said they were considering looking for jobs abroad, most commonly in Europe and Canada. This exodus would shrink domestic lab rosters, and could erode the collaborative power and downstream innovation that typically follows discovery. 'It's wonderful that scientists share everything as new discoveries come out,' Jameson said. 'But, you tend to work with the people who are nearby. So if there's a major discovery in another country, they will work with their pharmaceutical companies to develop it, not ours.' At UCLA, Dr. Antoni Ribas has already started to see the ripple effects. 'One of my senior scientists was on the job market,' Ribas said. 'She had a couple of offers before the election, and those offers were higher than anything that she's seen since. What's being offered to people looking to start their own laboratories and independent research careers is going down — fast.' In addition, Ribas, who directs the Tumor Immunology Program at the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, says that academia and industry are now closing their door to young talent. 'The cuts in academia will lead to less positions being offered,' Ribas explained. 'Institutions are becoming more reluctant to attract new faculty and provide startup packages.' At the same time, he said, the biotech industry is also struggling. 'Even companies that were doing well are facing difficulties raising enough money to keep going, so we're losing even more potential positions for researchers that are finishing their training.' This comes at a particularly bitter moment. Scientific capabilities are soaring, with new tools allowing researchers to examine single cells in precise detail, probe every gene in the genome, and even trace diseases at the molecular level. 'It's a pity,' Ribas said, 'Because we have made demonstrable progress in treating cancer and other diseases. But now we're seeing this artificial attack being imposed on the whole enterprise.' Without federal support, he warns, the system begins to collapse. 'It's as if you have a football team, but then you don't have a football field. We have the people and the ideas, but without the infrastructure — the labs, the funding, the institutional support — we can't do the research.' For graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in particular, funding uncertainty has placed them in a precarious position. 'I think everyone is in this constant state of uncertainty,' said Julia Falo, a postdoctoral fellow at UC Berkeley and recording secretary of UAW 4811, the union for workers at the University of California. 'We don't know if our own grants are going to be funded, if our supervisor's grants are going to be funded, or even if there will be faculty jobs in the next two years.' She described colleagues who have had funding delayed or withdrawn without warning, sometimes for containing flagged words like 'diverse' or 'trans-' or even for having any international component. The stakes are especially high for researchers on visas. As Falo points out for those researchers, 'If the grant that is funding your work doesn't exist anymore, you can be issued a layoff. Depending on your visa, you may have only a few months to find a new job — or leave the country.' A graduate student at a California university, who requested anonymity due to the potential impact on their own position — which is funded by an NIH grant— echoed those concerns. 'I think we're all a little on edge. We're all nervous,' they said. 'We have to make sure that we're planning only a year in advance, just so that we can be sure that we're confident of where that funding is going to come from. In case it all of a sudden gets cut.' The student said their decision to pursue research was rooted in a desire to study rare diseases often overlooked by industry. After transitioning from a more clinical setting, they were drawn to academia for its ability to fund smaller, higher-impact projects — the kind that might never turn a profit but could still change lives. They hope to one day become a principal investigator, or PI, and lead their own research lab. Now, that path feels increasingly uncertain. 'If things continue the way that they have been,' they said. 'I'm concerned about getting or continuing to get NIH funding, especially as a new PI.' Still, they are staying committed to academic research. 'If we all shy off and back down, the people who want this defunded win.' Already, researchers, universities and advocacy groups have been pushing back against the proposed budget cut. On campuses across the country, students and researchers have organized rallies, marches and letter-writing campaigns to defend federal research funding. 'Stand Up for Science' protests have occurred nationwide, and unions like UAW 4811 have mobilized across the UC system to pressure lawmakers and demand support for at-risk researchers. Their efforts have helped prevent additional state-level cuts in California: in June, the Legislature rejected Gov. Gavin Newsom's proposed $129.7-million reduction to the UC budget. Earlier this year, a coalition of public health groups, researchers and unions — led by the American Public Health Assn. — sued the NIH and Department of Health and Human Services over the termination of more than a thousand grants. On June 16, U.S. District Judge William Young ruled in their favor, ordering the NIH to reinstate over 900 canceled grants and calling the terminations unlawful and discriminatory. Although the ruling applies only to grants named in the lawsuit, it marks the first major legal setback to the administration's research funding rollback. Though much of the current spotlight (including that lawsuit) has focused on biomedical science, the proposed NIH cuts threaten research far beyond immunology or cancer. Fields ranging from mental health to environmental science stand to lose crucial support. And although some grants may be in the process of reinstatement, the damage already done — paused projects, lost jobs and upended career paths — can't simply be undone with next year's budget. And yet, amid the fear and frustration, there's still resolve. 'I'm floored by the fact that the trainees are still devoted,' Jameson said. 'They still come in and work hard. They're still hopeful about the future.'