03.08.2026 17:22
Following the cut of federal research funding in the US, scientists at UCLA have opened an account on the subscription platform OnlyFans, primarily known for adult content, to fund their marmot research, which has been ongoing for over 60 years. The researchers aim to continue their work by sharing photos and videos of marmots on the platform instead of adult content, using the income generated from this.
Cuts in federal research funding in the US have driven scientists to unusual methods. A research team at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) has opened an account on the OnlyFans platform to continue their decades-long marmot research.
THEY SHARE MARMOT VIDEOS INSTEAD OF ADULT CONTENT
On the account named "OnlyMarms," instead of adult content, photos and videos showing the daily life of yellow-bellied marmots are shared. Researchers aim to cover the costs of their field studies with income from subscriptions and tips.
"WE'RE DOING THIS OUT OF DESPERATION"
Daniel Blumstein, the UCLA professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology leading the project, stated that they had to try this method due to the serious reduction in research funding, using the words: "We're doing this entirely because of the difficult funding conditions we're in." However, he also emphasized that OnlyFans revenue is not expected to replace government support.
60-YEAR PROJECT AT RISK
The marmot research, conducted at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory in Colorado since 1962, is considered one of the longest-running mammal observation projects in the world. Researchers state that the project's future is endangered due to insufficient funding.