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UTA study suggests simple steps may improve team ethics

A UT Arlington study suggests that speaking up is key to ethical decision-making in research groups. The researchers found that fostering an environment where everyone feels empowered to voice concerns can help prevent unethical behavior. An 'ethical champion' who steps up to speak out against potential issues was a common finding.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalScience and Engineering Ethics·TypeObservational study·DateSep 30, 2024

New tool detects fake, AI-produced scientific articles

A machine-learning algorithm called xFakeSci has been developed to detect AI-generated scientific articles, with a success rate of nearly 94%. The tool analyzes word patterns and bigrams to distinguish between real and fake papers, highlighting the need for comprehensive detection methods as AIs become increasingly sophisticated.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 3, 2024

On the origin of academic traditions — and some alternatives for debate

Researchers have identified 14 alternative practices to traditional academic methods, aiming to address systemic exclusion and promote more equitable science. By considering these alternatives, scientists can evaluate current structures and potentially modify them for greater efficiency and inclusivity.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalPerspectives of Earth and Space Scientists·DateJul 22, 2024
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Charting an equitable future for DNA and ancient DNA research in Africa

African DNA and ancient DNA research is poised to dramatically increase, but African scientists remain underrepresented. A new paper outlines a bold vision for an equitable future, including training more African scholars and improving scientific literacy.

SourceCleveland Museum of Natural History·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·TypeObservational study·DateJul 11, 2024

Will generative AI change the way universities communicate?

A new study in JCOM monitored changes in university communication within the German landscape six months after the launch of ChatGPT 3. Practically all responding universities use generative AIs mainly to increase process efficiency, with some caution towards ethical aspects such as data protection.

SourceSissa Medialab·JournalJournal of Science Communication·TypeObservational study·DateMay 27, 2024

The tentacles of retracted science reach deep into social media. A simple button could change that.

A new interface developed by researchers at the University of Sydney aims to reduce the spread of misinformation on social media. The tool adds a 'more information' button to posts, linking users to details about retracted science claims, which can help them make informed decisions about their health.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction·TypeSurvey·DateMay 16, 2024

Researchers overestimate their own honesty

A study by Linköping University researchers found that most scientists believe they are better than average at following good research practices. However, the results also show that researchers tend to overestimate their own ethical behavior, which can lead to polarization in the research world and hinder interdisciplinary collaboration.

SourceLinköping University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 26, 2024
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

High time to rethink how we define scientific expertise and authority, argue psychologists

Researchers argue that a non-individualist model focusing on competent and responsible epistemic performance is needed for psychology's self-correction capacity. They propose replacing metrics of eminence with metrics capturing track records of expert performance, such as false discovery risk indices or empirical replicability audits.

SourceThe Polish Association of Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological Bulletin·DateJan 29, 2024

Increasing levels of "hype" language in grant applications and publications

Researchers analyzing NIH-funded projects from 1985 to 2020 found a dramatic growth in 'hype' adjectives. Hype terms correlated with funding application trends, suggesting that grant applications influence subsequent publication language. The study highlights the role of funding mechanisms in shaping research communication.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 9, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Grassroots effort champions inclusive language in science

The EEB Language Project aims to revise harmful terminology in ecology and evolution, promoting inclusivity and precision. The project provides a repository of words with suggested alternatives, allowing community members to submit their suggestions and engage in dialogue.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalTrends in Ecology & Evolution·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 14, 2023
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

New principles for biological fieldwork will build equity for researchers and local communities

A new paper outlines principles for reducing power imbalances in biological fieldwork, including procedures for permitting and licensing developed at the University of Kansas. The guidelines aim to ensure safety, legal, and ethical conduct, prioritizing communication and transparency in fieldwork planning.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 17, 2022

Oncotarget | New oncology-focused papers published in Volume 13

This volume of Oncotarget features groundbreaking research on various cancers, including breast, lung, colorectal, and neuroblastoma, as well as novel drug targets for bladder cancer. The studies also delve into the role of BRCA in breast and colorectal cancers.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·DateJun 23, 2022

Nature helps mental health, research says—but only for rich, white people?

A new study analyzing 174 peer-reviewed studies on the effects of nature on human well-being found that participants were overwhelmingly white and from high-income countries. The research highlights a diversity problem in the field, which threatens its ability to make universal scientific claims.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalCurrent Research in Environmental Sustainability·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 6, 2022

Unique data creates 'fair and robust' online exams

Researchers developed a new way to create unique datasets during online exams, boosting their fairness and robustness. The technique uses bespoke lab videos, smart worksheets, and realistic data to provide instant feedback and aid marking.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Chemical Education·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 14, 2021
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

One in five researchers globally report being pressured by funders to delay, alter, or not publish the findings of “unfavorable” health behavior intervention trials

Researchers worldwide experience funder suppression of negative health behavior intervention trials, with one in five reporting pressure to delay, alter, or not publish results. Funders' influence can distort research outcomes, hindering the development of effective public health strategies.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateAug 18, 2021

Surge in legislation addressing racism as a public health crisis

More than 100 resolutions have been passed naming racism a public health crisis, with less than 1 in 5 explicitly mentioning funding for initiatives. The surge is linked to greater national attention brought by the COVID-19 pandemic and social justice movements.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·DateAug 11, 2021
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

New in the Hastings Center Report, July-August 2021

Clinical ethicists discuss activist language and its impact on healthcare crises, including triage policies and racial disparities. The article highlights four calls to action: recognizing barriers, supporting antiracism work, advocating for policy change, and engaging in institutional activism.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalHastings Center Report·DateJul 21, 2021