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Conflict-of-interest restrictions needed to ensure strong FDA review

A new analysis by researchers at George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services suggests that removing conflict-of-interest restrictions for FDA advisory panels could weaken the agency's review system. The 2012 law loosened these restrictions, allowing more industry-affiliated experts to serve on panels.

SourceGeorge Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health·JournalScience·DateJun 6, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Physicians fail to disclose conflicts of interest on social media

A Johns Hopkins doctor argues that comprehensive guidelines for physicians on disclosing conflicts of interest on social media are lacking. Electronic tags and online profiles could help address this issue, DeCamp says, as physicians' posts can be re-tweeted and potentially biased by financial conflicts.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateNov 12, 2012

COI declarations and off-label drug use

A study by international researchers found that only one in seven authors involved in off-label marketing activities fully disclosed their conflict of interest in published articles. The analysis examined 26 whistleblower complaints and identified 91 doctors and scientists recorded as being involved, with 39 having authored publication...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 7, 2012
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.

Ethics framework urged to manage conflicts of interest in medicine

A new ethics framework is recommended to manage conflicts of interest in the development of medical guidelines, ensuring expert input without industry influence. The study found that such a framework can help identify and address ethics issues, but further analysis and initiatives are needed.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 13, 2012
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

American Cancer Society revises cancer screening guideline process

The American Cancer Society has revised its guideline formation process to prioritize transparency, consistency, and scientific rigor. The new process involves a systematic evidence review, independent writing group, and clear articulation of benefits, limitations, and harms associated with cancer screening tests.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalJAMA·DateDec 13, 2011

CMU researchers find amplification of bias in advice to the unidentified and many

A new study from Carnegie Mellon University and Duke University found that advisers give more biased advice when dealing with multiple anonymous recipients, especially if they don't know the recipient's name. The study also showed that single, identified recipients receive more empathetic and unbiased advice.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateSep 22, 2011

New ONR policy equalizes opportunities for contractors

The new policy aims to prevent conflicts of interest among companies competing for business with the Office of Naval Research. It covers three categories: impaired objectivity, biased ground rules, and unequal access to non-public information, requiring companies to identify and resolve potential conflicts.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateSep 15, 2011
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.

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.

Additional Annals of Internal Medicine article for May 18, 2010, issue

A new article proposes a three-pronged strategy to address conflicts of interest in clinical guideline development, emphasizing intellectual and financial conflicts equally. The approach aims to balance expert insights with the avoidance of inappropriate influence from experts with financial or intellectual conflicts.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 17, 2010

ASN committed to managing conflicts of interest

The American Society of Nephrology (ASN) has published a policy on managing conflicts of interest to ensure responsible partnerships with industry and promote patient care. The policy provides guidelines for medical societies and industry to advance research and education.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateAug 27, 2009
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Conflict of interest disclosures in clinical trials need to be clearer

Researchers advocate for clearer conflict of interest disclosures in clinical trials to ensure transparency and fairness. Key findings include the need for institutional review boards and study coordinators to play a larger role in disclosing financial relationships that may impact patient decisions.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 26, 2009

29 percent of cancer studies report conflict of interest

A recent study found that nearly one-third of cancer research published in high-impact journals disclosed a conflict of interest, with industry funding being the most frequent type. This suggests that researchers may be biased towards positive findings, and that public funding is necessary to minimize this bias.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCancer·DateMay 11, 2009

Policies regarding IRB members' industry relationships often lacking

A new study found that many academic institutions lack clear policies covering IRB members' industrial relationships, leading to inconsistent reporting and handling of conflicts. The study suggests that more consistent policies and accountability are needed to ensure the integrity and safety of medical research.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalAcademic Medicine·DateMar 25, 2009
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Conflicts of interest in clinical research

A study by Georgia State University found that less than half of IRB policies discuss finder's fees as conflicts of interest. Only 26% of IRBs mentioned potential conflicts when physicians recruit their own patients, highlighting a gap in guidance.

SourceGeorgia State University·DateMar 18, 2009

How can bias be prevented in the medical literature?

Bias in medical literature can be prevented through recognition and declaration of competing interests, detailed authorship policies, and mechanisms to control outcome reporting bias. The PLoS Medicine editors propose these measures to reestablish the integrity of the scientific record.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateFeb 23, 2009

More attention needed to conflicts presented by institutional relationships

A recent study reveals that many US medical schools lack comprehensive policies addressing conflicts of interest related to financial interests of the institution itself or major officials. The study suggests that institutions may need additional support in addressing this issue, and raises questions about the effectiveness of existing...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 12, 2008

Clinical trial coordinators need more financial conflict-of-interest training

A new survey by Duke University Medical Center and Johns Hopkins University found that 41% of clinical trial coordinators have experience disclosing financial conflicts of interest, but many feel uncomfortable doing so. The researchers suggest that additional education and training are needed to address these concerns.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·DateApr 22, 2007

Fatal attraction: Elephants and marula fruit

Research in Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park, South Africa, reveals that elephants' preference for marula fruits poses a risk to female Marula trees, which are more susceptible to damage and death. The study suggests that evolution may have favored the development of trees with better resprouting abilities to counter this selective pressure.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalAfrican Journal of Ecology·DateFeb 14, 2007
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Many IRB members have financial relationships with companies

A survey of IRB members found that over one-third have financial relationships with commercial firms, which could compromise the review process. The study highlights the need for clearer policies and more oversight to address these conflicts of interest.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 29, 2006

UCLA study reports conflict of interest policies and practices of major journals

A new study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that many major biomedical journals have inadequate conflict of interest policies and practices. The study revealed that less than half of these journals require policies for editors or peer-reviewers and that many do not disclose potential conflicts to readers.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateNov 14, 2006

The influence of money on medical science

The influence of money on medical science can lead to biased research and compromised results. Full disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is essential to maintain trust in scientific findings.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateAug 7, 2006
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Independent experts needed to save UK's NHS from failure and privatization

Independent experts argue that UK's National Health Service (NHS) can be saved through clear planning and implementation by those without personal conflict of interest. The current system is plagued by mismanagement, staff demotivation, and high costs, with privatization unlikely to improve outcomes.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 6, 2006

Medical centers vary in disclosing conflicts of interest

Researchers found that academic medical centers have varying approaches to disclosing conflicts of interest to potential research participants. While some institutions focus on avoiding legal liability, others aim to provide more detailed information about the nature and implications of financial relationships.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalAcademic Medicine·DateFeb 6, 2006
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Drugs in the news

A study by Alan Cassels and colleagues analyzed newspaper coverage of 5 different prescription drugs in 24 Canadian newspapers. The findings showed that a majority of articles failed to mention potential side effects or harms, while only a small minority provided quantitative information on benefits and harms.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 28, 2003

Rules for medical research on patients questioned

The Declaration of Helsinki 2000 has been criticized for its inadequate revision process, with only 2 weeks available for comment and critique. Key changes include guidance on monitoring and oversight, but also deficiencies in assessing risks and ambiguous wording that may affect application.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 25, 2001
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.