Articles tagged with Research Ethics
Genome-wide association studies are increasingly conducted in developing countries, raising ethical concerns about data release, privacy, and security. A study developed a 'managed' approach to oversee open access, define acceptable uses of data, and guide the timing of data release.
Bioethicists at Johns Hopkins University pose questions about the moral status of embryos created from induced pluripotent stem cells. The researchers advocate for clear ethical oversight to address concerns about the scientific achievement.
Pramod Kumar Aggarwal and Carlos Clemente Cerri are the winners of the 2009 TWAS Ernesto Illy Trieste Science Prize, recognized for their groundbreaking research on climate change's impact on agriculture. Their work aims to enhance understanding of climate change's effects on food supplies and develop innovative strategies to mitigate ...
Research by McMaster University reveals that identity theft and fraud are increasing concerns for consumers, with phishing, credit card skimming, and insider theft being major threats. The study's model defines ID theft and fraud as two distinct problems, aiming to educate the public on how their personal data can be misappropriated an...
The new program in international research ethics at IUPUI combines coursework and a practicum experience in Kenya to equip students with expertise in bioethics. The IU-Moi Academic Research Ethics Partnership aims to build valuable bioethics capacity globally, starting with partnerships in Kenya.
A new study from the University of Leicester suggests that the Human Tissue Act 2004 may have facilitated medical research by giving Research Ethics Committees clearer guidance. The study analyzed letters written by ethics committees before and after the Act's implementation, concluding that committees were less likely to raise concern...
The article describes the functioning of MSF's independent ERB, which has reviewed over 23 proposals since its inception. The board provides crucial ethical oversight to ensure community empowerment and vulnerable individuals' protection in research settings. Additionally, PLOS Medicine editors discuss the role of journals in addressin...
A new study published in BMC Medical Ethics found that the purpose and type of information collection were more important than the individual's condition in determining consent choices. Participants preferred more control over the use of their personal information, especially when it linked to profit or personal details.
The Journal of Injury, Function and Rehabilitation has been accepted for coverage by MEDLINE, six months after its launch. This recognition acknowledges the journal's commitment to raising the scientific bar in the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation.
Researchers found online obituaries enable a community of mourners to share stories and condolences, but pose ethical concerns for newspapers about maintaining public memory and distinguishing between official and user-generated content. Online guestbooks allow readers to post comments and e-mail them to other mourners.
Researchers found that consumers prefer green products when making an 'exclusion' frame of mind, rather than an 'inclusion' one. By focusing on what they don't want, consumers are more likely to consider key issues such as animal testing and human rights. This framing shift can lead to increased preference for eco-friendly products.
The newly formed National Bioethics Committee for research of Gabon will review clinical trial protocols, ensuring the safety and well-being of African study participants. The committee's establishment marks a significant step towards strengthening ethics review capacity in Africa.
A recent study found that Phase I drug trials are underreported, with only 17% published in scientific journals. The lack of transparency can compromise the safety and efficacy of new drugs, highlighting the need for increased mechanisms to ensure complete availability of trial results.
The European Academy of Dental and Maxillofacial Radiology has established 20 'Basic Principles' for safe use of Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) in dentistry. The guidelines cover areas such as justification, optimization, and training to protect patients from excessive radiation.
The report aims to initiate collaboration between The Lancet, China Medical Board, and WHO to strengthen China's health system. Key findings include improved translational research capacity and increased international collaboration.
The NIH Human Microbiome Project awards funding to develop innovative technologies and computational tools for analyzing microbial communities in the human body. Researchers aim to improve understanding of how microbes interact with health and disease.
A study by Adam Galinsky and Jennifer Whitson found that individuals seek to regain control by perceiving connections between unrelated events, leading to superstitions and conspiratorial thinking. Restoring a sense of control can normalize perceptions and behavior.
Leading bioethicists argue that pregnant women should be included in research due to the potential risks and benefits. Studies have shown that excluding pregnant women from research can lead to a lack of effective treatment options for pregnant women with chronic diseases.
Dr. Torke, an assistant professor of medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine, will conduct a large study on surrogate decision making for hospitalized older adults. The two-year, $200,000 award is sponsored by the John A. Hartford Foundation and supports physician-scientists focused on improving healthcare for older adults.
A team of academics argues that academic health centers (AHCs) can lead the development of best practices for establishing a data sharing culture. AHCs are urged to adopt seven recommendations, including recognizing data sharing contributions and educating staff on responsible data sharing.
Research reveals physicians often grapple with balancing patient needs with those of surrogates in medical decision-making. Surrogate decision-makers' wishes can sometimes take precedence over patient prior wishes, highlighting the complexity of this process.
A North Carolina program, Community Care of North Carolina (CCNC), improves quality of care and reduces Medicaid costs by 23% in emergency departments, 25% in outpatient care, and 11% in pharmacy costs. The program also increases asthma control and decreases hospitalization rates for children with asthma.
Gene therapy research in low- and middle-income countries has raised concerns about the ethical use of patients from deprived populations. Researchers argue that these trials should address local health needs and be affordable for implementation in those countries' healthcare systems.
A new review suggests that participants' desire for transparency outweighs bioethicists' concerns about potential negative psychological consequences. Volunteers generally want access to aggregate study results and some individual results if relevant to their lives. However, individual results can be overwhelming and expensive to provide.
New guidelines provide guidance for medical researchers on how to handle ancillary care needs in developing countries. The four Ps - Positive obligation, Planning Partnership, and Practical steps - offer a framework for addressing these needs.
Francis S. Collins, a renowned geneticist and former Human Genome Project leader, has been awarded the inaugural Inamori Ethics Prize at Case Western Reserve University. The prize recognizes his outstanding contributions to promoting ethical leadership in genetics and improving human health.
A computer-based program using a video doctor sharply reduces HIV-positive patients' sexual and drug risk behaviors, according to UCSF researchers. The Positive Choice program was tested at five San Francisco Bay Area outpatient clinics and showed significant reductions in risky behaviors among participants.
A global team of experts recommends establishing guidelines for human-genome sequencing research to ensure ethical practices. Key recommendations include participant withdrawal rights and obtaining clear consent for future gene use.
Researchers at UW-Madison have successfully reprogrammed skin cells into embryonic stem cells, potentially resolving the ethical controversy surrounding human embryonic stem cell research. This breakthrough could lead to a shift in government funding policies and pave the way for non-embryonic stem cell research.
A new study suggests that climate change will primarily impact the world's poor, who are least responsible for the problem, highlighting an ethical crisis. The research, led by Jonathan Patz, quantifies the relationship between carbon emissions and disease burden, revealing stark contrasts between developed and developing countries.
Research from the University of Washington suggests that a person's moral identity motivates behavior, but accurate judgments are needed to set it in the right direction. A strong moral identity can push individuals toward socially desirable outcomes, but without proper guidance, it can also lead to undesirable behaviors.
The Penn Center for the Integration of Genetic Healthcare Technology will examine the certainty or uncertainty of results from genetic testing. Team members will conduct original research on genetic technologies and develop tools to educate consumers, professionals, policy makers, and insurers.
A research project at Kansas State University aims to improve scientific communication with the public. The team, funded by a $100,000 NSF grant, is exploring how scientists convey complex information in an ethical and effective manner.
A set of practical ethical guidelines for biobank research has been put forward by Swedish ethics researchers, providing a comprehensive solution to the complex regulations surrounding tissue samples. The framework balances conflicting interests and offers a peer-review process to ensure scrutiny.
A leading group of scientists recommends encouraging genetic research in sports for its potential benefits in public health, but warns of ethical concerns, including perceived racism and genetic doping. The report calls for more research and debate about the implications of genetic testing on athletes.
A pioneering study has identified 13 key areas of concern for major science programs in developing countries, including community engagement, cultural acceptability, and corruption. The study aims to promote effective project planning and minimize adverse impacts on research participants.
Iowa State University and Great Ape Trust are creating a world-class research center for primatology, providing opportunities for students to collaborate on tool use, culture, language, and intelligence. The partnership recognizes shared scientific and ethical values in primate research.
A study funded by ESRC suggests that ethical consumption is a political phenomenon rather than a market response. People are aware of issues like Fairtrade and environmental sustainability but often lack effective pathways to act on their concerns.
The Johns Hopkins Fogarty African Research Ethics Training Program has successfully trained 23 African professionals in bioethics, enabling them to implement changes in their home countries. Trainees have made institutional changes, drafted guidelines, and raised awareness of the need for research ethics support.
A University of Alberta study found that rural Albertans' strong work ethic and sense of place can influence their decision not to seek medical help for congestive heart failure. This can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment, with patients often waiting days or even weeks for symptoms to subside.
A recent paper by Dartmouth Professor Ronald M. Green examines six approaches to deriving human embryonic stem cells in ways that avoid destroying living human embryos. These alternatives aim to make hESC research more universally acceptable, while respecting the sensitivities of citizens.
The CARTaGENE project aims to advance population genomics research in Quebec with $34.5M funding. The project will provide resources and infrastructure for researchers to study genes responsible for disease, improving diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
Researchers found that value judgments in framing research questions, identifying problems, and designing studies can lead to better research outcomes. Medical researchers may unconsciously make these value-laden decisions, mistakenly believing they automatically introduce bias.
A new study published in PLoS Medicine raises questions about the humanity of lethal injection protocols. The authors found that prisoners may be conscious and experience pain during execution, potentially leading to death by asphyxiation. This challenges the conventional view of lethal injection as a peaceful and painless death.
A unique 'barometer' gauges the ethics of research abroad by rating its compliance with laws and regulations in one's home country. Research deemed too risky or unethical, such as developing chemical weapons, falls into the red zone.
A study of European research ethics committees found that while some had informal rules for gender diversity, few had formal requirements to ensure equal representation of both sexes. Despite EU policy on gender equality in health research, limited attention was paid to these issues.
Research ethics committees in Africa often lack adequate funding, staffing and training, leading to a focus on scientific aspects over ethical considerations. The study's findings highlight the need for national policies and international support to establish and monitor research ethics committees across the continent.
Research ethics committees in Africa struggle with inadequate funding, staffing, and training, hindering their effectiveness. Despite these challenges, many RECs have shown promise by prioritizing ethics and having predictable funding.
A recent study by the University of Leeds reveals that consumers often trade off environmental performance for price, with most valuing bargains over eco-friendly options. Researchers identified three types of consumers: selectors, translators, and exceptors, who vary in their commitment to sustainable values.
A recent ESRC study found that community regeneration professionals' commitment and resilience are deeply rooted in their early life experiences. The study highlights the importance of community development activities in regeneration areas and the need for policy makers and managers to grasp the distinction between capacities and skills.
The Women's Bioethics Project has launched a new podcast series titled 'The Scientist & the Ethicist', which explores topical ethical issues related to reproductive and genetic technologies. The podcast features conversations with prominent bioethicists discussing topics such as designer babies, genetic engineering, and cloning.
Larry J. Shuman, a professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Engineering, has been recognized as a Fellow of the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE). He was awarded this distinction after making outstanding contributions to engineering education and technology. Shuman's research focuses on improving the engineer...
The European Molecular Biology Laboratory examines the social, economic, and ethical impact of dual-use research on society. Researchers discuss potential options to reduce the misuse of proteomics and explore the consequences of biological and medical knowledge on citizens' privacy.
Dr. Paul Root Wolpe argues that scientists have a unique responsibility to advocate for their research and carefully consider ethical implications. By doing so, they can advance their own work and improve the public's understanding of scientific breakthroughs.
A team of law professors, physicians, and bioethicists will develop standards for tests on human subjects in research involving genetic technologies for enhancement. The project aims to identify differences between therapeutic and non-therapeutic enhancements and determine ethical conditions for conducting such research.
The brittlestar model provides a realistic approach to studying stem cells in living organisms, shedding light on the recovery of the nervous system after regeneration. This breakthrough could lead to a better understanding and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
A study published in PLoS Medicine reveals that bioscience companies are formalizing systematic approaches to ethical decision-making, including Ethical leadership, External expertise, and Ethics evaluation and reporting mechanisms. The research shows that these approaches are becoming an integral part of day-to-day decision-making.
Research by the University of Toronto Joint Center for Bioethics reveals five interrelated approaches used by 13 bioscience firms to address ethical issues, including strong leadership, external expertise, and internal mechanisms. The study provides a constructive starting point for the industry to build upon.
A study of 5,000 managers found that both small and large firms showed increasingly positive selections on their own ethical views. This trend was observed across three decades, with no difference between large and small firms except in the 1993 survey.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal's (CMAJ) Editor-in-Chief and Senior Deputy Editor were dismissed after a dispute over an article on emergency contraceptive pills. The move has raised concerns about the balance between publishing peer-reviewed research and investigative journalism.