Academic researchers are struggling with establishing adequate guidelines for social network-based studies, particularly concerning adolescent participants' consent and privacy. The Common Rule and existing regulations provide a basis for allowing adolescents to consent without parental permission, but there is confusion around the thr...
The Ottawa Statement on the Ethical Design and Conduct of Cluster Randomized Trials provides detailed guidance on CRTs, addressing issues such as informed consent, risk-benefit assessments, and data management. Researchers can benefit from this new framework to improve the ethical quality of their cluster randomized trials.
The Journal of Forensic Nursing, published by Wolters Kluwer Health, will continue its quarterly publication schedule and introduce a new iPad app edition. The journal presents original research, reviews, and editorials addressing healthcare, legal, and ethical issues in forensic nursing.
Research suggests that people anticipating negative feelings from guilt are more likely to exhibit sympathetic and moral traits. This can lead to better business decisions and less unethical behavior in the workplace. Guilt-proneness is linked to lower counterproductive work behaviors, even after controlling for other factors.
The Institute of Medicine's landmark 2011 report deemed most current biomedical research use of chimpanzees as not necessary. PETA is now calling for greater diligence to acknowledge this finding in scientific publications.
New tools confirm high rates of misdiagnosis in patients with chronic disorders of consciousness. Clinicians face complex decisions regarding treatment and palliative care, requiring ethical sensitivity and awareness of evidence-based practices.
A study by Cele Otnes and Linda Tuncay Zayer found that six themes emerge from the analysis, with half being negative, including skepticism, avoidance, and indifference. Men tend to react negatively to hyper-masculine stereotypes in advertising, experiencing feelings of inadequacy and vulnerability.
A study by Clara Xiaoling Chen and Tatiana Sandino found that higher wages are associated with lower levels of employee theft, even after controlling for other factors. The researchers suggest that paying relatively higher wages discourages employee theft as employees wish to retain their job or exhibit positive reciprocity.
The Fogarty African Bioethics Training Program has been awarded a five-year continuation grant from the National Institutes of Health to continue training researchers and enhancing research ethics capacity in sub-Saharan Africa. The program has already trained numerous alumni who have become recognized international experts in bioethics.
The HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) 052 study faced significant ethical challenges as it investigated the use of antiretroviral treatment to prevent sexual transmission of HIV. The trial's findings provide valuable insights into managing ethical difficulties in research, while also shedding light on the importance of balancing sci...
A new study from University of New Mexico researchers found that college undergraduates are less upset by questionnaires about sex and trauma than expected. Participants reported higher negative emotion but also more positive emotions, personal insight, and less boredom compared to standard intelligence tests.
Researchers found that dual-occupation professionals change their moral judgments based on their expected role, often without realizing it. The study suggests that subtle cues and training can help employees make more informed ethical decisions.
Clemson University researcher Julia Frugoli has been awarded a nearly $600,000 four-year grant to study how plant roots communicate with each other to control growth. This research could lead to nitrogen-free farming methods that increase food supply and benefit agricultural production.
Carnegie Mellon and McGill researchers argue that current research ethics frameworks fail to prevent biased evidence in phase IV drug trials. They propose policy options to expand FDA review authority and empower oversight systems to detect scientific bias.
The IOM report recommends the FDA implement a single, comprehensive Benefit and Risk Assessment and Management Plan (BRAMP) to track drugs' side effects. Postmarket studies will be conducted when necessary to inform regulatory decisions, with an emphasis on protecting research participants.
Researchers argue that incentives can encourage participants to engage in healthy behaviors when properly designed and evidence-based. The authors propose that Research Ethics Committees require an evidence-based rationale for predicting incentive effectiveness.
A recent study published in PLOS Medicine argues that the use of cash incentives to promote healthy behaviors may not be as problematic as previously thought. The authors suggest that when incentives are used to encourage people to engage in activities they are already familiar with and likely to benefit from, ethical concerns may be m...
The Canadian Journal of Cardiology has published new guidelines for atrial fibrillation, which provide updated guidance on stroke prevention and heart rhythm control. The guidelines are based on recent changes in drugs available to treat the condition and will have a significant impact on how doctors worldwide treat atrial fibrillation.
A Baylor University study found that narcissism impairs ethical judgment in both nominal and devout Christians, but to varying degrees. The research revealed that higher levels of narcissism are associated with worse ethical judgment among these groups, suggesting a dramatic transformation in their behavior.
The Icelandic banking system's brief expansion raised concerns about the balance between corporate social responsibility and responsible operations. Analysis by David Sigurthorsson suggests that CSR can be divided into positive and negative obligations, with the former often taking precedence.
A global survey aims to capture public attitudes towards sharing genomic results, with implications for genetic research and healthcare. Participants will provide their views on the ethics of genetic testing and data sharing.
The American College of Physicians has released the sixth edition of its Ethics Manual, addressing new topics such as health catastrophes and social media professionalism. Researchers also found that spinal manipulation therapy (SMT) and home exercise are more effective than medication for relieving neck pain. In contrast, in-hospital ...
The American College of Physicians has released the sixth edition of its Ethics Manual, covering topics such as culturally sensitive care, social media professionalism, and research ethics. The manual provides guidance for clinicians, educators, and researchers on navigating complex ethical dilemmas in medical practice.
A new research methodology demonstrates that converting patients from one anti-epileptic drug to another is well-tolerated, effective and safe. The study shows that using historical control groups instead of traditional control groups can address ethical concerns in clinical trials.
CNR Rao's research on metal oxides, nanomaterials and graphene has enabled him to become one of the world's most respected scientists. He has received numerous awards and honors, including the 2011 Ernesto Illy Trieste Science Prize.
A new study from the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management finds that smart managers engage in earnings manipulation and insider trading due to limited capacity and ethical weaknesses. The study suggests that choosing less ethical managers may be in the best interests of current shareholders but not future ones.
The STROBE-ME guidelines provide a checklist for accurately reporting molecular epidemiology studies, aiming to clarify mechanisms, identify disease susceptibility, and improve diagnoses. By using these guidelines, researchers can strengthen the reporting of their studies and ensure transparent findings.
A new study published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology suggests that delaying coronary stenting after a heart attack may improve patient outcomes. The research found that waiting several days to allow the artery to heal before inserting a stent may be more effective than immediate stenting.
A study by Daniel Bartels and David Pizarro found a strong link between utilitarian responses to moral dilemmas and psychopathic, Machiavellian personality traits. Individuals with these traits are more likely to prioritize overall consequences over personal feelings and values.
A Vanderbilt University researcher is leading a $5.7 million study on the ethical and legal implications of sharing genomic research results with minors, seeking to establish best practices for such decisions.
The research community must prioritize patients' and clinicians' information needs by consulting them about research priorities. This includes publishing all well-conducted research findings, regardless of results direction or strength, to reduce waste and improve accountability.
A new MSU study aims to develop a model of community engagement to guide ethical questions surrounding the use of newborn blood spots in research, addressing issues like informed consent and resource prioritization. The project seeks to inform public policy decisions and improve the state's bio-bank, Michigan BioTrust.
Researchers created a simulator of a collapsed building to test portable sensors that use human metabolites, detecting carbon dioxide, ammonia, and volatile organic compounds. The study's findings hold promise for improving detection systems in disaster scenarios.
Consumers are willing to pay a premium for sustainable and ethical products from apparel companies that practice transparency. However, skepticism about corporate claims of sustainability persists due to suspicion of marketing ploys. To build trust, consumers demand standardized authentication from authorities like the government.
The Hastings Center Report examines the social challenges of synthetic biology, including ethical considerations and regulatory implications. Experts discuss guidelines for emerging technologies, highlighting the need for responsible stewardship and balanced analysis.
The Hastings Center will use the grant to develop educational resources on ethical issues in biomedical research, including alternatives to animal models. The project aims to promote nuanced thinking on animal welfare and medical progress.
A systematic analysis of informed-consent documents for U.S. government-sponsored HIV/AIDS research found that the forms were extremely long and used complex wording, hindering full understanding. Researchers recommend shortening and simplifying consent forms to improve participant comprehension.
Most medical students feel unprepared to challenge poor clinical practice and promote better patient care due to inadequate legal training. A survey of 1,154 UK medical students found that confidence in using legal rules and challenging deficiencies is low.
A study in Uganda found that the standard TB retreatment regimen has low treatment response rates, particularly among HIV-infected and multi-drug resistant TB patients. Poor adherence, HIV infection, age, and duration of symptoms were associated with unsuccessful outcomes.
Researchers argue that IRBs often neglect reporting and methodological quality in preclinical experiments, leading to inadequate risk-benefit assessments. A proposed solution suggests considering evidence on risks and benefits of agents targeting related biological pathways.
The Lancet Editorial backs the Academy of Medical Sciences' proposal for a single health research agency to streamline current arrangements and improve oversight. The new agency would house National Research Ethics Service and take responsibility for specialist research ethics approvals.
A new study found that most Australians reject sex-selection practices like IVF for selecting a child's sex. The majority of respondents disapproved IVF use for sex selection, with only 11% supporting the legalization of hypothetical blue and pink pills.
Researchers are working on four different projects: studying MTB infection, analyzing latent infection in humans, improving chemotherapy for glioblastoma multiforme, and exploring gene modification for stem cell selection. The funding will support a multidisciplinary team of experts in proteomics, genetic epidemiology, and cytokine bio...
Anna R. Brandon, PhD, was honored by the March of Dimes for her research on ethical barriers to perinatal mental health research. Her work aims to improve access to evidence-based treatment for pregnant women, ensuring they receive safe and effective care during pregnancy.
The Field Training Guide, developed by Johns Hopkins researchers, aims to improve research ethics training for field workers. The guide addresses key aspects of human subject interaction and is freely available online.
Researchers found that people who stay busy, even with meaningless tasks, are happier than those who sit idly. The study used a survey with two options: drop off the survey at a nearby location or wait out the remaining time by walking to a farther location.
A new study published in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine reveals that there was no significant difference in injury prevalence between ethnic minority and majority groups of Chinese farmers. The US-China Agricultural Injury Research Training Project successfully trained Chinese scholars, expanding collaborative research act...
Researchers identified the genetic contributions of various breeds to Alaskan sled dogs' performance. The study found that Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky traits are associated with enhanced endurance, while Pointer and Saluki contribute to speed, and Anatolian Shepherd improves work ethic.
A three-year project exploring the nature of character will investigate existence, development and relationship between character traits and beliefs, desires, identities and behaviors. The Character Project will bring together psychology, philosophy and theology perspectives.
A recent study by Michigan State University researchers highlights the importance of ethical considerations in sustainability education and research. The authors argue that neglecting the ethical dimension of sustainability hinders progress towards a more sustainable future.
Researchers generally agree that genetic variation findings should be shared with participants if clinically significant, but confidence levels vary across disciplines and conditions. The study highlights the complexity of this issue, suggesting that factors beyond scientific robustness influence researchers' decisions on disclosure.
A Johns Hopkins-led committee, sponsored by the FDA, will examine drug safety studies' scientific and ethical issues. The committee aims to deliver a report on July 1 outlining key considerations for clinical trials evaluating post-market drug safety.
Researchers found pacemaker reuse associated with a 4% decrease in overall complications compared to new device implantation. No increased risk of infection or device malfunction was observed.
A study found that male viewers were influenced by visual aspects of a female character when making moral decisions, while women's responses were less affected. Researchers suggest this could impact future systems, such as medical decision-making and crime reenactments.
Neuroimaging research suggests that patients in a persistent vegetative state may not be conscious, raising questions about end-of-life care. The Hastings Center Report explores these issues, including the use of palliative sedation and organ donation after cardiac death protocols.
Researchers at Duke University used brain scans to study the emotional impact of sports on memory. The study found that fans remember successful shots by their own team better than misses or opposing team successes. Positive emotion improves memory and activates multiple brain areas, including the amygdala and hippocampus.
The Center for the History and Ethics of Public Health at Columbia's Mailman School will use the grant to extend its intellectual mission and bring humanities insights to public health challenges. The grant will support a $3,000,000 endowment campaign for faculty chairs, lectures, and research.
Research from the Kellogg School of Management explores 'moral hypocrisy' in powerful individuals, finding that power makes them stricter in moral judgment of others while being less strict of their own behavior. Power also leads to a disconnect between public judgment and private actions.
Researchers discuss consent, privacy and clinical translation issues in iPS cell study. The emergence of iPS cells adds new challenges to the legal and social debates in stem-cell science.
The Khat Research Program will investigate the biobehavioral consequences of long-term khat and tobacco use, with a focus on concurrent nicotine and khat use. The program aims to develop collaborative research relationships and provide capacity-building resources for researchers in Africa, Europe, and North America.