The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is taking significant steps to enhance transparency and accessibility in research publishing. Starting by 2026, the NIH will impose caps on publisher fees for federally funded research, aiming to curb excessive charges that have burdened taxpayers. All research financed by the NIH will be made publicly accessible, ensuring that taxpayer-funded studies reach the widest audience possible. Despite this push for openness, the NIH faces challenges, including budget cuts and publication limits that may impact biotech investment. Additionally, NIDA director Nora Volkow shared her insights on addiction during a recent podcast with Bhattacharya.