Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Human flourishing in an age of gene editing

The book explores the social and ethical implications of gene editing on human germline cells, including its impact on relationships between parents and children, health, normalcy, and well-being. Leading thinkers weigh in on the potential risks and benefits of this revolutionary technology.

Liberals and conservatives have different views on equity, but share 'protestant work ethic'

A new study reveals that people on the political left (Democrats and liberals) prioritize equity over proportionality, while those on the right (Republicans and conservatives) focus more on effort. The research also finds a shared concern for meritocracy and the 'Protestant work ethic' across both groups.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateAug 7, 2019

Organ and tissue donation in patients considering MAiD: new guidance helps navigate emerging area

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 The guidelines emphasize the importance of protecting patient autonomy, ensuring consent is informed and withdrawn at any time.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJun 3, 2019

Responsible innovation key to smart farming

Agricultural technology is transforming food production, but responsible innovation is crucial to address potential environmental, ethical, and social costs. Researchers argue that policy-makers, funders, and innovators must consider the impacts on farming communities and wider society.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalFrontiers in Sustainable Food Systems·DateDec 20, 2018

The problem with solving problems

A study by Daniel Gilbert and colleagues found that as the prevalence of a problem is reduced, humans naturally redefine the problem itself. This can lead to missing the fact that the problem has been solved. The phenomenon was demonstrated in several experiments using different types of problems, including blue dots and faces.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience·DateJun 28, 2018

Digging into new ethical issues around stem cells

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.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalPerspectives in Biology and Medicine·DateMay 22, 2018

Why the boss always gets the blame

Researchers found that social role, not causal influence, determines blame distribution in real life. The study tested this assumption in an online experiment with 209 test participants and found that bosses received more criticism than employees even when they didn't make the decision.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPhilosophical Psychology·DateFeb 20, 2018

A chair for getting fit and trim

Researchers at Bielefeld University developed an active chair as part of the KogniHome project, which uses a virtual avatar to lead family members in fitness exercises. The chair measures physical parameters like respiration and heart rate while monitoring healthy posture.

Engaging patients and the public with health care evidence

The article recommends ways to manage value conflicts and promote patient engagement in clinical care, health care organizations, public health, regulation, and among payers. It proposes strategies such as advance community-based participatory research, facilitating patient and community involvement in learning health systems, and gath...

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalHealth Affairs·DateApr 4, 2016

Clinical community crucial in the future of mitochondrial replacement, say experts

The US medical community will play a key role in determining the ethically acceptable path forward for clinical application of mitochondrial replacement techniques (MRTs). MRTs aim to prevent certain debilitating diseases related to mutated mitochondrial DNA by replacing a mother's mtDNA with that of another woman. The first use of MRT...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 25, 2016

Anticipating temptation may reduce unethical behavior, research finds

A study published by the Society for Personality and Social Psychology suggests that anticipating ethical temptations can decrease the likelihood of unethical behavior. Participants who anticipated temptation were less likely to engage in dishonest behavior and more likely to maintain consistency with their long-term goals and moral se...

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateMay 22, 2015

Quantifying ethics in Toyota's 2008-2010 recall crisis

A study of media stories and press releases related to Toyota's recalls found that failing to acknowledge ethical lapses led to significant damage to the company's reputation. The analysis showed that Toyota was more likely to attribute the crisis to accidental errors, while the print media reported on preventive action that could have...

SourceUniversity of South Carolina·JournalPublic Relations Review·DateJan 20, 2015