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Water covers 70 percent of the Earth's surface, but only a fraction is fresh

The current issue of Technology and Innovation highlights the challenges of ensuring water security due to growing concerns over fresh water availability. Advances in analytical techniques, nanobiotechnologies, and monitoring methods are being explored to develop innovative solutions for water conservation and quality improvement.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalJournal of Technology and Innovation·DateAug 25, 2015

Sharp rise in experimental animal research in US

The study found a sharp rise in the use of mice and unregulated species in US laboratory research, contradicting industry claims and government efforts. The data highlights the need for greater transparency and efforts to curb animal use in scientific research.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Medical Ethics·DateFeb 25, 2015

Physician guidelines for Googling patients need revisions

A Penn State College of Medicine researcher proposes updating professional medical society guidelines to address when it is ethically justified to Google a patient. The proposed guidelines would help healthcare providers navigate the use of search engines in patient care.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateFeb 2, 2015

Concern over skin whitener marketing

A study by James Cook University highlights the growing demand for skin-whitening products in Australia, particularly among Indian women. The marketing of these products perpetuates social and professional success with lighter skin tone, raising moral concerns about cultural values and ethnic stereotypes.

Quantifying ethics in Toyota's 2008-2010 recall crisis

A study of media stories and press releases related to Toyota's recalls found that failing to acknowledge ethical lapses led to significant damage to the company's reputation. The analysis showed that Toyota was more likely to attribute the crisis to accidental errors, while the print media reported on preventive action that could have...

SourceUniversity of South Carolina·JournalPublic Relations Review·DateJan 20, 2015

How to achieve health equity

The article highlights the persistent health gap between whites and blacks, despite improvements in care access. Effective strategies for closing this gap include reporting clinical performance data by race, offering tailored interventions, and creating risk-adjusted scores.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 10, 2014

Entrepreneurs to venture capitalists: Don't be a Scrooge

A Baylor University study reveals that entrepreneurs prefer to partner with venture capitalists who have a history of ethical behavior. The researchers found that an investor's reputation can trump their investment track record, and venturing capitalists should prioritize ethics to build trust with high-quality entrepreneurs.

SourceBaylor University·JournalJournal of Business Venturing·DateNov 25, 2014

Mann honored with 2014 Pongo Environmental Award

Michael E. Mann received the 2014 Pongo Environmental Award for his groundbreaking research on global warming and strong advocacy for climate protection. The award recognizes his work in providing crucial global temperature data and a compelling case for global warming, as well as his leadership as a climate warrior.

Why bioethics literacy matters

The Hastings Center and the Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues have published a series of essays on bioethics education, highlighting gaps in knowledge and best practices. The papers focus on clinical ethics training for nurses, doctors, and medical students, emphasizing the importance of moral agency, reproduct...

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalHastings Center Report·DateSep 17, 2014

Oxytocin, the 'love' hormone, promotes group lying, according to Ben-Gurion U. researchers

A study by researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev found that oxytocin causes participants to lie more to benefit their groups and do so quickly without expectation of reciprocal dishonesty. This raises questions about the morality of lying, even when it benefits those close to us.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 1, 2014

Next step in live-donor uterus transplant project

A team of Swedish researchers led by Professor Mats Brännström have successfully performed nine uterus transplants using live donors, a breakthrough in treating uterine infertility. The transplants involved five mother-daughter pairs and four close relatives, with no blood transfusions required during surgery.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalFertility and Sterility·DateMar 4, 2014

U of I study: Couples, pay attention to your relationship work ethic

A University of Illinois study recommends that couples adopt a relationship work ethic that equals or surpasses their professional one, focusing on active listening and quality time. The research found that couples who attended an Intentional Harmony workshop improved significantly in managing work-partner role conflict and reported re...

Turning a blind eye

A recent study by USC Marshall faculty explores the influence of moral preferences on ethical behavior, finding that considering others' ethics can reduce dishonesty. The research suggests that people with formalist and utilitarian moral backgrounds respond differently to third-party beneficiaries' perspectives, with formalists being l...

SourceUSC Marshall School of Business·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateDec 11, 2013

Intellectual property project lands govt. award

The IPinCH Project, led by George Nicholas, has received a federal research-funding agency's Partnership Award for its large-scale use of community partners in the research process. The project has garnered $2.5 million in initial funding and supported indigenous communities across the globe in protecting their cultural heritage.

Pfizer Pharmaceuticals supports MARC project

COHRED and Pfizer support MARC Phase II, an interventional approach to address ethical review bottlenecks in the African research landscape. The project aims to connect networks, foster innovation, and drive high standards for clinical trials globally.

SourceCOHRED·DateSep 24, 2013

Personal genome, public health

The Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics has been selected to establish a Center of Excellence to study the ethical, legal, and social implications of genomic research in infectious disease. The center will explore public health genomics in two case studies: pandemic influenza and Hepatitis C.

Religious leaders can be key to biological diversity

A new study suggests that religious leaders, particularly those from Christianity, have the potential to guide conservation efforts and promote biodiversity preservation. The research highlights the importance of involving religious groups in the conservation debate, as they often shape people's ethical attitudes towards nature.

SourceSwedish Research Council·JournalOryx·DateSep 5, 2013

Ethical oversight needed for social network health research

Researchers Effy Vayena and John Tasioulas propose a framework for adapting standards of ethical oversight to participant-led health research, balancing autonomy with benefits. The proposed categories identify varying levels of risk to participants, aiming to prevent over-regulation and protect individual liberty.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 12, 2013

Do-gooder or ne'er-do-well? Behavioral science explains patterns of moral behavior

Research suggests that people with an 'ends justify the means' mindset tend to balance their good and bad deeds, while those who believe in principle-based morality are more likely to be consistent in their behavior. The study found that individuals with a rule-based mindset were less likely to cheat after recalling an ethical act.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 7, 2013

Safeguards needed for tissue donors

Donors to biobanks have a moral stake in what happens to their tissue samples, requiring ongoing updates and protection of their rights. Tomlinson recommends biobanks provide donors with plain language summaries of research projects and inform them about potentially controversial uses.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalHastings Center Report·DateJan 28, 2013