Articles tagged with Peer Review
The new journal features short contributions and rapid turnarounds, covering all disciplines of biophysics with an emphasis on methods and techniques. The inaugural Editor-in-Chief, Jörg Enderlein, expects significant potential for the journal to offer transparent and rapid editorial decisions.
A study of 145 scholarly journals found that peer review itself is unlikely to explain gender disparities in publication rates. Despite improvements in female representation in certain fields, a persistent gap remains between male and female authors.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found associations between exposure to high temperatures in pregnancy and increased risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth. The study analyzed data from 70 studies across 27 countries and found that the odds of preterm birth rose by 5% per 1°C increase in temperature.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine suggests that true asymptomatic cases of SARS-CoV-2 comprise a minority of infections. The researchers estimated that 20% (95% CI 17-25) of COVID-19 infections remained asymptomatic during follow-up.
Researchers say AI and machine learning can help improve the peer review process by detecting discrepancies in research papers. With many COVID-19 studies published without thorough review, AI-powered tools may be able to analyze large amounts of data and identify patterns that human reviewers might miss.
The rapid expansion of COVID-19 research has led to an infodemic in scientific literature, underscoring the need for more accessible and transparent research publication. Experts propose combining human expertise with AI to summarize and collect research, while curating findings to ensure relevant and reliable information.
Recent peer reviews from the MIT Press journal RAPID REVIEWS COVID-19 offer valuable insights into various aspects of COVID-19 research. The analyses suggest that new prognostic scores can guide clinical decision-making and hospital admissions, while estrogen levels have been found to be associated with a reduced risk of severe complic...
A study published by University of Huddersfield researchers found that dexamethasone significantly reduced COVID-19 patient deaths by 41% compared to those without corticosteroids. The research highlights the importance of evidence-based practice and the need for further investment in scientific research.
A panel of experts recommends using remdesivir in patients with severe COVID-19 to potentially reduce recovery time. However, the evidence is uncertain due to limited trials and study limitations, making it a costly treatment option.
A new study finds that preliminary criterion scores do not mitigate racial disparities in NIH grant awards, with black investigators receiving worse scores on all five criteria. The study reveals substantial funding gaps between black and white applicants, with black PIs award probability only 55% of their white counterparts.
The review found that low-dose aspirin significantly lowers cardiovascular disease risk by 17% and increases the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and intracranial bleeding. The benefits should be weighted against the risks in formal decision analyses to guide aspirin use.
Pensoft has launched a pilot phase with its open-access journal Biodiversity Data Journal, certifying reviewers' contributions via ReviewerCredits. Reviewers can now record their peer reviews and earn virtual credits redeemable for benefits, including discounted APCs.
Neurotrauma Reports is a peer-reviewed open access journal publishing research on traumatic brain and spinal cord injury. The journal aims to provide a dedicated forum for the neurotrauma field, including original papers, review articles, and studies on regional scope or patient populations.
A team of researchers has developed a new system to evaluate proposed scientific research projects that distributes the workload among proposers and uses machine learning to match reviewers with proposals. The system also includes a feedback mechanism to improve the review process.
A Dartmouth research team analyzed the Minister's gait in Monty Python's 'The Ministry of Silly Walks.' The study found that his walk was 6.7 times more variable than normal, sparking a comparison to peer review inefficiencies in academic research. Researchers propose streamlining grant applications and awarding grants more quickly to ...
Research by Arizona State University's Tess Neal found that psychological tests used in courts are not always scientifically valid and are rarely challenged. The study examined 364 commonly used psychological assessment tools and found that only about 40% have generally favorable reviews of their psychometric properties.
Review Commons, launched by ASAPbio and EMBO Press, enables high-quality pre-journal peer review of manuscripts from the life sciences. This platform empowers authors to make informed decisions on paper submission and expedites submission to affiliate journals without restarting reviews.
A collaboration between Elsevier and Wageningen University uses analytical methods to detect and prevent citation stacking and pushing in scientific research. The study found that 0.8% of reviewers were associated with suspicious citation patterns, highlighting the importance of quality control in publishing.
The Journal of Development Economics introduces Pre-results Review, a peer review process that evaluates empirical research before results are known. This approach helps improve methodological quality and provides earlier recognition for authors. The practice is gaining traction among journals in various disciplines.
A review in the Harvard Review of Psychiatry suggests that wisdom is a complex concept that contributes to mental health and happiness. The authors propose that wisdom can be defined as a complex human trait with several specific components, including social decision making, emotion regulation, and self-reflection.
A systematic review of available evidence suggests that cycling and treadmill workstations are associated with greater short-term physiological changes compared to standing versions. Both types boosted heart rate, energy expenditure, and reduced blood pressure. However, treadmill versions interfered with keyboarding skills.
Two chemistry preprint servers, ChemRxiv and ChemRN, have gained traction since their launch in 2017, allowing chemists to share discoveries freely before peer review. The sites provide a platform for quick sharing of results, feedback from peers, and increased access to research, especially for scientists in developing countries.
The journal publishes original research, reviews, brief communications, and case reports across various medical fields. All published articles will be freely accessible during the first two years of publication.
A new study found that managerial responses to online reviews can stimulate negative review production and increase reviewing activity. The researchers studied online reviews of hotels and analyzed data from portals like TripAdvisor, Expedia, and Hotels.com.
A review of bivalent HPV vaccine data found no new or unexpected safety concerns. The majority of adverse event reports were classified as non-serious and mild.
Researchers developed an AI model that can generate context-specific fake restaurant reviews, but also created a classifier to spot the fakes. The study aimed to help consumers trust online reviews and make informed purchasing decisions.
Recent advances in PTSD research focus on brain structure and function, informing efforts to interrupt the processes leading to symptom development. Effective treatments like exposure therapy are based on mechanisms of fear extinction, while new approaches target stress hormones and brain regions involved in emotion dysregulation.
A study published in CMAJ found that peer reviewers' characteristics, including gender and previous success rates with grants, can introduce bias into grant applications. This bias results in lower scores, making applications less likely to be funded. The researchers suggest that training of reviewers, policy changes, and monitoring ma...
The study found that preprint posting increased during the Zika epidemic compared to the Ebola outbreak, providing earlier access to scientific reports. The authors advocate for broader use of preprints to facilitate criticism, analysis, and further studies in infectious disease outbreaks.
The genome sequencing of the Atacama skeleton has uncovered novel mutations linked to dysplasia, highlighting the need for improved guidelines in publishing historical and ancient DNA samples. The study's publication in Genome Research has raised concerns about ethical standards and prompted discussions on journal policies.
The USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture has awarded grants totaling $2.6 million to support innovative ideas in agriculture and food production through the Exploratory Research Grants (ERG) program. The grants aim to develop proof of concept for untested ideas that will lead to positive disruption of the agricultural norm.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that NIH grant reviewers cannot consistently differentiate between great and good proposals, despite initial agreement. The study suggests that the current peer review process may not be effective in funding high-quality research.
The US Department of Agriculture's NIFA has awarded $17 million to research and extension programs aimed at combating citrus greening disease in Florida. Researchers are developing detection systems, hydroponics, and biocontrol methods to address the devastating impact of the disease on the state's $1.5 billion citrus industry.
The USDA has awarded a grant to the University of Tennessee at Knoxville for research on solvent fractionated lignins, aiming to develop polymeric products for building and construction sectors. The project will help integrated biorefineries enhance U.S. energy security by reducing dependence on foreign oil.
A systematic review of 35 studies found that over 26% of papers identified as systematic reviews or meta-analyses contained spin, while up to 84% of non-randomised trials did. Researchers highlight the need for better tools to identify and address 'spin' in scientific literature.
Experts call for improved surveillance, latest testing technology, and further research on glyphosate's impact on human health and the environment. The current safety standards may fail to protect public health and the environment from potential harm.
Experts warn that routine screening may lead to overdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. The US Preventive Services Task Force's liberal recommendations have sparked criticism, with some experts questioning the validity of the research methodologies used.
Professor J. Calvin Coffey reclassified the mesentery as a single, continuous structure connecting the intestine to the abdomen, leading to potential advances in surgeries and disease diagnosis. Further study of mesenteric science could result in less invasive procedures, faster recovery times, and lower costs.
mSphereDirect introduces rapid decisions, transparency, and speed in the peer review process, enabling authors to provide candid feedback. The new platform aims to accelerate scientific research by reducing publication timelines.
The 10-Year Anniversary Special Focus Issue of Regenerative Medicine explores the past decade's progress in regenerative medicine, including reviews, perspectives, and special reports. The journal has remained at the forefront of the field since its inception in 2006 and continues to showcase the latest research.
Recent studies suggest that our environment, including lifestyle choices and living conditions, plays a significant role in shaping our unique immune systems. The review highlights the importance of understanding how environmental influences can be harnessed to improve human health.
A BMJ investigation reveals Jeremy Hunt's public use of seven-day NHS data without clear attribution, potentially breaching the ministerial code. The authors' findings were shared with colleagues before publication, but not in a way that influenced the editorial process.
The US National Vegetation Classification provides a standardized system for vegetation classification, allowing land managers to collaborate across ownership boundaries and analyze trends on a landscape, regional, and national scale. The classification is based on rigorous data and reflects the functional ecology of plant communities.
A recent issue of Technology & Innovation explores old issues in health-related environmental research and new trends. Researchers found significant asbestos exposure risks from motorcycle riding on contaminated soils, while studies on organic vs conventional foods concluded there's no scientific basis for a preference.
SAGE will begin publishing Applied Spectroscopy in partnership with the Society for Applied Spectroscopy, a leading international journal covering all aspects of spectroscopy. The journal aims to publish original research and review articles on fundamentals and applications of photon-based spectroscopy.
A comprehensive review of treatment options for PMDD identified selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) as the first-line treatment, effective in reducing symptoms. For women who experience an inadequate response to SSRIs, alternative treatments such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, and oral contraceptives are recommended.
Researchers argue that current diagnosis methods for depression are flawed and that understanding 'normal' emotional responses can help inform clinical practice. Increased interaction between fundamental emotion research and practitioner training is necessary to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment of emotional disorders.
A study led by Catarina Ferreira reveals that peer reviews in scientific research are subjective and variable in quality. The researcher proposes alternatives to improve the system, including standardizing review criteria, guidelines, and recognition of reviewers.
A study published in Science found a high correlation between how NIH projects are rated by peer review and the quality of resulting research. The analysis showed that applications with better peer-review scores are consistently associated with better research outcomes.
A study by AIBS found that 35% of conflicts were self-reported by review panel members, while 65% were identified by panel managers. The researchers suggest improving COI reporting and detection methods to maintain high ethical standards.
A 2013 survey of radiation oncologists found that peer review is a common practice in medicine, but there is wide variation in its performance. Seventy-eight percent of respondents reported being involved in peer review, and 74% expressed interest in formal guidelines to improve the process.
An AIBS analysis of peer review found correlations between scores and citation impact, but not funding amounts. This study offers insights into increasing research productivity through peer review models.
Crohn's and Colitis Canada funds 9 promising research projects exploring genetic, environmental causes, symptoms, and treatment options for these debilitating diseases. The organization aims to improve patient care and quality of life for over 233,000 Canadians affected by Crohn's and colitis.
A study found that peer review research in biomedicine lacks dedicated funding, resulting in underrepresented studies and poor publication rates. The analysis included 614 abstracts and revealed a significant gap in the development of methods to improve peer review.
A study published in BMJ Open finds that the UK tobacco industry's claims that plain packaging won't work are based on weak evidence. The research analyzed submissions made by four major tobacco companies and found that most of the cited evidence lacked policy relevance and was of poor quality.
The Optical Society (OSA) has announced the launch of a new open-access journal, Optica, which will publish original research articles and letters in all areas of optics and photonics. The first issue is set to be published in July, with a renowned editorial board led by professor Alex Gaeta.
Researchers propose an alternative way to allocate science funding by distributing funds collectively among the scientific community. This approach could save time, money, and encourage innovation, while also allowing for more flexible funding and potentially changing publication practices.
Researchers will analyze reviews and manipulate demographic factors on grant proposals to determine if biases exist in the NIH's peer review system. They aim to understand mechanisms behind proposal decisions and identify potential causes of disparities in funding rates among different groups.
A collaboration between NIST and 5 technical journals found that one-third of papers contained erroneous or incomplete chemical property data. A new online tool was developed to identify and eliminate errors in experimental data, using expert software system for data evaluation.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that the setting of scientific peer review panels, such as using teleconferencing technology, has little effect on the outcome of the review process. The researchers reviewed over 1,600 grant applications and found that panelists engaged less discussion during teleconference reviews.