Articles tagged with Medical Ethics
The Hastings Center is conducting groundbreaking research on dementia and end-of-life choices, examining the ethical implications of living with dementia. The study aims to identify areas where further research or policymaking is needed to improve the experiences of those affected by dementia.
A new publication provides recommendations for policy makers to support organ and tissue donation in patients who choose medical assistance in dying or withdrawal of life-sustaining measures. The guidelines emphasize the importance of protecting patient autonomy, ensuring consent is informed and withdrawn at any time.
A study explores how parents make decisions about enrolling their critically ill children in research, finding that low-risk studies with potential benefits to future children are more likely to be enrolled. Another article highlights the importance of considering inclusion benefits in ethics committee assessments of research studies.
Seven former FDA commissioners and a new paper suggest the FDA should become an independent agency to protect science-based drug safety decisions from political interference. The authors propose safeguards, including six-year terms for commissioners and budgetary independence, to ensure the agency's mission is upheld.
The use of embodied AI in psychiatry raises concerns about access, effectiveness, and social effects. While AI applications have enormous potential, urgent action is needed to establish guidelines and regulations.
Bioethicists investigate body donation after medically-assisted death, highlighting ethical challenges for institutions and potential benefits for education and research.
A new article recommends explicit management of conflict of interests, banning exclusive rights to research results, and enhanced informed consent to guide germline gene editing. The author argues that regulation and penalties are necessary to ensure public trust in science.
The federal right-to-try law has been criticized for undermining the FDA's role in monitoring drug safety and efficacy, potentially creating a loophole for pharmaceutical companies to sell unapproved drugs. In contrast, citizen science and gamification are changing the way research is conducted, with nonprofessional volunteers contribu...
A majority of US states restrict decision-making for incapacitated pregnant women, with 25 laws invalidating advance directives during pregnancy. Thirty-eight states have laws that identify pregnancy as a condition affecting decisions for incapacitated women, but these laws vary widely in content.
Researchers at Yale University successfully restored circulation and cellular activity in a pig's brain four hours after its death using a specially designed chemical solution. However, the treated brain lacked recognizable global electrical signals associated with normal brain function.
Researchers have developed a high-tech support system called BrainEx that can preserve limited brain function in isolated postmortem brains. The system delivers an artificial blood substitute to prevent degradation and allows for the study of cellular and molecular functions, but without functional activity in brain circuits.
Experts call for a national effort to rethink how health data is protected in the US, citing inadequate data privacy laws. A process similar to the Belmont Report could provide a blueprint for amendments to the law, with established data ethics review boards serving as safeguards.
A commentary published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine warns that removing explicit ethics and values from NICE's revised Social Value Judgements document undermines the organization's innovative approach. Experts argue that this revision leaves patients and clinicians struggling to understand NICE's decisions.
The use of medically assisted death (MAID) has resulted in ethical concerns over body donations to anatomy programs in Canada. McMaster University's head of anatomy, Bruce Wainman, argues that guidelines are needed to ensure respectful treatment of MAID donors and avoid pressuring vulnerable individuals into donation.
Researchers propose anticipatory waivers of consent for pediatric biobanking, allowing for efficient use of samples from minors. The authors also examine the inadequate response to the US Public Health Service's unethical experiments in Guatemala.
A global moratorium on heritable genome editing is proposed by a group of international scientists and ethicists due to safety concerns and the need for societal consensus. The proposal aims to establish an international framework and provide time for public discussions before germline editing is permitted.
LeVar Burton receives the Inamori Ethics Prize for his decades-long dedication to promoting children's literacy and supporting AIDS research. The award recognizes his tireless advocacy and impact on the human condition.
The article explores the intersection of social media, emerging technologies, and medical ethics. Bioethicists discuss various issues such as bias in AI systems and patient relationships affected by social networking sites. The authors also provide recommendations for addressing ethical challenges in these areas.
A proposed U.S. advisory board for research integrity could standardize protocols and practices, providing resources to assess research environments and boost integrity.
A Texas A&M-led project will examine the culture and climate related to sexual harassment in STEM fields, aiming to prevent such incidents. The research aims to develop tools for universities to improve their handling of sexual harassment concerns.
The EU project BBMRI-LPC identified divergent access governance structures, complex legal and ethical frameworks, as obstacles for sample and data transfer in Europe. Practical solutions for streamlined access governance are urgently needed to optimize the scientific value of these research resources.
Cell lines, created from donated tissue samples, require unique considerations when creating research protections due to their value and expertise involved. The new Common Rule may pose unintended consequences for this resource, potentially disrupting scientific progress in cancer research.
The inaugural issue of Ethics & Human Research explores new challenges in US human subjects research, including the impact of single-IRB mandates and genome editing. The journal also examines the need for local knowledge in multisite studies and highlights the difficulties countries face in adhering to international ethical standards w...
Researchers found that young-onset diabetes is associated with a higher risk of hospitalization for mental illness compared to usual-onset diabetes. The study also showed that adults with young-onset diabetes had excess hospitalizations across their lifespan.
The American College of Physicians has released a new edition of its Ethics Manual, providing guidance on complex issues in medicine. The updated manual covers topics such as precision medicine, genetic testing, telemedicine, and end-of-life care, offering practical advice for clinicians, educators, researchers, and policymakers.
A new special report explores the definition of death, including the controversy over brain death and its implications for organ transplantation. Leading experts discuss areas of ongoing debate, such as whether brain-dead organ donors are truly dead.
Research found that more Oregonians filled out POLST forms between 2015-16, with a 45% increase compared to 2010-11. The study also showed changes in how people use the form, including increased use by middle-aged individuals and those with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
Researchers found that variations in tone of language used in advertising biased attitudes toward a brand, decreasing consumer trust. The level of politeness was most important, with more polite taglines leading to lower trust in ethically ambiguous business practices.
The study explores the implications of applying utilitarian, deontological, and virtue ethical standards to superstition in the marketplace. It highlights the need for researchers to clearly state the rationality of consumers' behaviors and assess their irrationality to promote consumer well-being.
Researchers aim to improve guidelines for human-animal chimera research, considering moral status and animal welfare. The project will address conceptual, ethical, and procedural limitations in existing ethics guidance.
A proposed taxonomy categorizes conscience protections based on state or private actors, as well as provider conduct. Bioethicists must shape AI and machine learning to prevent moral pitfalls, including exacerbating human biases and weakening patient confidentiality.
A study of eight Ontario nurses reveals that making conscientious objections to ethically-relevant policies requires concrete supports and protection in healthcare settings. The researchers emphasize the need for routine conversations about conscience and conscientious objection to respect human rights and promote ethical practice.
The Brainstorm Project aims to develop a philosophical framework for government policy and regulations on brain organoid research. The two-year project, led by CWRU researcher Insoo Hyun, will bring together neuroscientists and bioethicists to explore emerging ethical issues in this rapidly advancing field.
The report examines how bioethics can better reflect the needs of an aging society. Key findings include the impact of economic insecurity on older adults, inadequate housing solutions, and socioeconomic disparities affecting communities.
Researchers at Linköping University found that uterus transplantation with living donors is ethically comparable to altruistic surrogacy, citing potential pressures on donors and lack of research on child outcomes. The study suggests that decision-makers should consider the parallels between the two practices.
The CRISPR Journal publishes groundbreaking research on gene editing, including off-target effects in HIV therapy and the role of p53 in genome editing. The journal explores the ethics of CRISPR technology and its potential applications.
A new report by UCSF bioethicists recommends targeted genome sequencing for symptomatic newborns, but opposes universal screening. This approach aims to balance the benefits of genomics with potential risks and costs.
A new report recommends that targeted genomic sequencing be used to diagnose sick newborns, but genome-wide sequencing of all newborns should not be pursued. The report also advises against direct-to-consumer genetic testing for newborns due to potential anxiety and lack of adequate follow-up.
Researchers evaluated Stanford University's work on the tiny mummified body, concluding genetic abnormalities could explain perceived abnormalities. However, Otago-led experts found no evidence for these anomalies, revealing normal skeletal development in a fetus.
Researchers emphasize the importance of authentication in medical research/treatment, highlighting issues related to respect for autonomy, privacy protection, and trust establishment. They propose two-factor authentication as a solution to address these concerns.
The article discusses the ethical implications of genetic testing and the duty to warn family members of hereditary disease risks. Experts argue that patients have a moral obligation to share their genetic information with relatives, citing the principle of rescue as a framework for decision-making.
A new study reveals widespread labor exploitation in the global tea and cocoa industries, with workers facing severe poverty, abuse, and lack of basic services. The research found that even certified companies are failing to prevent labor abuses, highlighting a need for structural changes to address the root causes.
Bioethicists from the National Institutes of Health suggest a framework for discussing the use of online genealogy data in crime-solving. The potential benefits are exciting, but issues must be addressed, including citizen rights and DNA evidence misuse.
Researchers must value Indigenous people's knowledge and experiences to conduct meaningful health research. The history of Indigenous health research in Canada involved unethical methods, but guidelines have been implemented to improve the field, including minimum requirements from the Tri-Council Policy Statement.
A special section in Perspectives in Biology and Medicine examines the newest and most complex issues surrounding stem cells. The issue includes essays on the potential impacts of using a person's own stem cells on patients, health-care systems, and the public trust in science and medicine.
A recent commentary examines the ethical fit of mindfulness practices in corporate America, highlighting potential conflicts between prioritizing shareholder return and mindfulness' philosophical commitment to non-harm and wholesome living. The authors argue that infiltrating corporate culture with mindfulness can raise the ethical bar...
Researchers must consult with Indigenous communities before analyzing ancient DNA to avoid harming descendants and stigmatizing their communities. Collaboration with communities strengthens analysis and allows for better questions to be asked, guided by community narratives.
A new study from the University of Oxford recommends regulating the digital afterlife industry to ensure ethical usage of digital remains. The guidelines used for managing human remains in archaeological exhibitions could be applied to regulate commercial use of digital remains, treating them with care and respect rather than manipulat...
A review of vitamin D research highlights ethical concerns with placebo groups in clinical trials, particularly in vulnerable populations. The authors propose solutions and recommend guidelines for the use of placebos to mitigate risks and ensure informed study design.
Experts argue that scientific progress can generate harm, while researchers propose a revised standard for disclosing incidental findings. Bioethicist Daniel Callahan also suggests delaying technological innovation to consider its consequences. Additionally, experts like Sean Philpott-Jones advocate for concrete policy measures on gun ...
A recent study found that e-cigarette users were less likely to abstain from tobacco at 6 months compared to non-users. However, this finding may not be representative of the general population, and more research is needed to determine the efficacy of e-cigarettes in smoking cessation.
The American College of Physicians releases a new position paper advising physicians on ethical obligations when participating in short-term global health experiences. Key findings include the importance of partnering with local leaders and minimizing potential burdens on local communities.
The use of artificial intelligence in medicine raises important ethical questions, including bias in algorithms and the potential for data to replace human clinical experience. Researchers call for careful examination of these risks and for physicians to critically assess machine-learning tools and their limitations.
The Hastings Center Report has published a new article examining the ethics of rationing healthcare resources through inconvenience. The authors argue that under certain conditions, this approach can be ethical and even preferable to direct rationing. Meanwhile, another author highlights the potential downsides of this practice, includ...
A new study by Michigan Technological University proposes principles for resolving conservation conflicts that also consider social justice. The principles focus on three key values: equality, need, and desert, which aim to balance human well-being with environmental protection.
Researchers found that literacy-adapted group cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and simplified pain education (EDU) significantly improved pain and physical function in patients with chronic pain. The study suggests that CBT can be simplified to improve accessibility without reducing its potency.
The American College of Physicians recommends reinforcing formal curricula with hidden cultural lessons in medical education. This includes modeling empathy, encouraging reflection, and promoting learner and clinician wellness. The goal is to align positive hidden curricula with formal curricula and foster respect, inquiry, and honesty.
A new veterinary medical ethics committee has been developed at North Carolina State University to aid caregivers in navigating complex care situations. The committee, consisting of seven members, operates independently from the hospital's academic and business aspects to provide a fair and open discussion of ethical issues.
Researchers call for regulations to protect human mental privacy and integrity in neurotechnology, citing concerns over dual-use applications. The University of Basel outlines a new framework concept aimed at preventing the weaponization of brain technology.
The $125,000-per-dose cost of the drug nusinersen poses barriers for many patients with spinal muscular atrophy, who may not have access to it due to insurance restrictions. Early treatment is crucial for halting muscle degeneration, but unequal access to the medication raises ethical concerns about fairness and decision-making.