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Medical research not addressing patient and clinician priorities

A recent study published in Research Involvement and Engagement found that research on treatments for health problems like diabetes and schizophrenia is not focused on the most important treatments considered by patients and clinicians. The study reveals marked differences between the types of treatments highlighted as priorities by pa...

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalResearch Involvement and Engagement·DateJun 24, 2015

Best Practice Framework is good benchmarking tool for Fracture Liaison Services worldwide

A new review by the International Osteoporosis Foundation confirms the success of the Capture the Fracture Best Practice Framework as a single set of quality standards for Fracture Liaison Services globally. The framework helps raise standards, reinforces international guidelines, and identifies common challenges faced by FLS worldwide.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateJun 22, 2015

Businesses don't always get what they want, but try to get what they need

A study of federal policy decisions between 1998 and 2002 found that businesses have a roughly equal chance of success as citizen groups when opposing them. However, businesses may excel in certain types of legislative battles, such as technical projects, where they draw little opposition. The researchers also found that businesses hav...

SourcePenn State·JournalInterest Groups & Advocacy·DateJun 16, 2015

Widespread diabetes screening in India is predicted to be ineffective

A new study suggests that widespread diabetes screening in India using current methods could lead to massive waste of resources and unnecessary testing. The researchers estimate that only between 26 million and 37 million out of 567 million eligible individuals would meet the international diagnostic criteria for diabetes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMay 19, 2015

The Lancet Infectious Diseases: Leading doctors warn that sepsis deaths will not be curbed without radical rethink of research strategy

Sepsis, a life-threatening condition causing widespread inflammation and organ failure, is poorly understood despite being one of the best-known medical disorders. The Lancet Infectious Diseases Commission recommends prioritizing biomarkers, education, and public awareness to improve diagnosis and treatment.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateApr 19, 2015

What's next in diets: Chili peppers?

A team of researchers at the University of Wyoming found that adding capsaicin from chili peppers to a diet can stimulate energy metabolism and burn stored fat, potentially preventing obesity. The study used mice on high-fat diets and found that dietary capsaicin increased metabolic activity and energy expenditure.

Priorities for research on pharmaceutical and personal care products in the environment

A recent study by the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry identified key knowledge gaps in understanding pharmaceutical and personal care product (PPCP) impacts on ecosystems and human health. The priority areas include research on human health exposure, as well as regional testing methods for measuring PPCPs in the envir...

SourceSociety of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry·JournalIntegrated Environmental Assessment and Management·DateSep 22, 2014

York survey highlights ocean research priorities

A survey of scientists from 94 countries reveals the top research priorities for sustaining ocean health, including climate change's impact on plankton growth and ocean biodiversity. Social scientists highlight the need to better communicate science to policy-makers and the public as a key priority.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateAug 13, 2014

'Fracking' in the dark: Biological fallout of shale-gas production still largely unknown

A study highlights significant knowledge gaps in understanding the environmental impact of hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking. The researchers found that chemical disclosure statements for wells are often incomplete or inconsistent, making it difficult to assess the effects on natural water systems and drinking supplies.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateAug 1, 2014

An ecological risk research agenda for synthetic biology

A new report outlines key research areas to study synthetic biology's potential ecological impacts, including species comparative research and genome stability. The report highlights the need for long-term support and interdisciplinary collaboration to address complex questions about synthetic biology's effects on the environment.

Quality control guidelines for genomics studies

The proposed guidelines focus on study design, gene-variant implication, and database implications, emphasizing the need for detailed statistical analysis and evidence-based claims. Researchers highlight the importance of sharing genetic and clinical data to accelerate research and infrastructure development.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature·DateApr 23, 2014