Articles tagged with Peer Review
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.
A new article in PLOS Medicine highlights the importance of routine systematic reviews and meta-analyses of animal studies. The authors argue that funding agencies should subsidize these reviews to reduce waste and duplication of animal studies, while an international register for animal studies is also recommended.
Two independent reviews of rhBMP-2 trial data found no significant benefits and potential increased risks of cancer associated with its use. The studies suggest that patients should be counseled on the relative benefits and harms of each option, as the role of rhBMP-2 in spinal surgery is still being defined.
A recent review conducted by Oregon Health & Science University found that a bone growth product used in spinal surgeries offers no real benefit over traditional bone grafts and comes with potential harms. The review also identified reporting bias in studies funded by the product's manufacturer, Medtronic.
The ASTRO white paper emphasizes the vital role of patient-specific peer review in improving patient safety and quality of care. The report details suggested targets for peer review throughout various areas within radiation therapy, prioritizing those most likely to impact patient outcomes.
The Calgary Stroke Program and Toronto Rehabilitation Institute have achieved Distinction status for their exceptional stroke care, demonstrating a commitment to best practices, leadership, and innovation. The awards recognize the organizations' rigorous accreditation process and dedication to improving patient outcomes.
The authors recommend establishing a system of independent regulation and peer review for countries involved in nuclear energy and weapons development. They also urge adoption of U.S.-style independent peer review and improved dialogue between the military and nuclear energy communities to reduce risks and promote international trust.
A recent study published in the European Heart Journal found that factors predicting publication success in scientific research differed from those predicting later scientific impact. Accepted abstracts were more likely to be based on basic research, have a large patient number, and be prospective study designs, while full-text publica...
A new study by University College London found that targeted policing can lead to a reduction in crime not only in the targeted area but also in surrounding locations, known as 'diffusion of benefits'. Problem-oriented policing was shown to have the greatest positive effect on crime in nearby areas.
A recent study in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that avoidable hospital readmissions are relatively uncommon and do not accurately reflect hospital care quality. Only 2.2% of discharged patients were deemed avoidably readmitted, suggesting that urgent readmission rates may be an overestimated measure of quality.
A recent NIH-commissioned study found that black applicants were 10 percentage points less likely than white applicants to receive research project grants after controlling for factors such as education and affiliation. The study highlights the need for action to address racial disparities in the biomedical workforce.
The European Peer Review Guide identifies five pillars for supporting good practices of peer review, including core principles, quality assurance, process integrity, governance structure, and methodology. The guide aims to minimize variability in peer review outcomes and foster harmonization in international peer review.
A special issue of Technology & Innovation explores the history, process, and practice of scientific peer review. Key findings include a need for qualified, independent reviewers, transparent processes, and avoiding conflicts of interest to ensure integrity in federal policy formation.
The federal peer review system is under scrutiny for being overwhelmed by an increasing number of funding proposals, leaving room for errors. Experts recommend a calibration system to mitigate these errors, which can occur due to biased reviewers or overconfident assessments.
Elsevier has launched a new pilot program called PeerChoice, which allows reviewers to choose articles they want to review based on their expertise and interest. This approach aims to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the peer review process, while maintaining high-quality reviews.
A study published in PLoS One investigates the reliability of peer review and its influence on journal editors' decisions to publish or reject research. The results suggest that reviewers agree on manuscript disposition rates barely exceeding chance, while editor decisions are significantly influenced by reviewer recommendations.
A new University of California, Berkeley web site called Understanding Science clarifies what science is and how it works, showcasing its creative and unpredictable nature. The site provides a Science Checklist to determine the level of scientific activity in various activities.
The Journal of Biology is introducing a new policy to reduce review time and improve the publication process. Authors will have more control over the review process, with an option to opt out of re-review after initial screening by editorial board members.
A recent review found that Montana Meth Project's graphic anti-methamphetamine ads were associated with negative outcomes, including increased meth use among teenagers. The study suggests that the campaign's focus on exaggerating risks may have had unintended consequences.
The American Pain Society has expanded its low back guideline to include recommendations on surgery and interventional treatments for chronic pain. The new guidelines suggest that epidural stenosis injections may be an option for short-term pain relief, while other procedures have limited evidence supporting their benefits.
A recent court ruling supported JAMA and Archives of Internal Medicine in their opposition to Pfizer's subpoena for confidential information regarding COX-2 inhibitors. The subpoenas sought documents related to the decision-making process, but the court ruled that this information was irrelevant to the pending claims.
Sukhishvili will support national biomedical research efforts with her expertise in biomaterials and biointerfaces. She will review grant applications, make recommendations, and contribute to the quality of peer review at the NIH.
The ASCE panel's report confirms the city's vulnerability to hurricanes and recommends steps to reduce damage. The panel estimates that New Orleans residents' pre-Katrina risk was 1,000-fold higher than considered minimally acceptable.
A recent survey found that there are no easily identifiable types of formal training and experience that predict reviewer performance. The study suggests that journal editors have difficulty predicting which individuals will make good reviewers, highlighting the challenges of peer review quality.