Indiana University Biologist's Lab Reopened After USDA Lockdown, Research Delayed
Indiana University Bloomington biology professor Roger Innes has resumed his research activities after a two-week shutdown of his lab, ordered by federal officials. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) had instructed the university to close the lab, although Innes has not received a clear explanation for the closure. He suspects the action was in retaliation for his public defense of Youhuang Xiang, a former postdoc, and other Chinese researchers who have faced investigations and deportations. The USDA's investigation began after a 'suspicious shipment' from China was flagged, leading to a search of Innes's lab. Although the lab was initially deemed compliant, the USDA later retracted this notification, citing an error. The closure has significantly impacted Innes's research on plant immune systems, delaying experiments and the submission of two journal articles. The lab's closure also affected the career prospects of his postdocs, who were relying on publications for job applications. 
