A simulation model revealed associations between delayed implementation of graphic health warnings and increased estimates of smoking-attributable deaths. The study suggested that early implementation would have resulted in fewer smoking-related deaths, if implemented as planned in 2012.
Researchers found that validating accuracy of in vitro diagnostic tests carried costs and had higher true limits of detection than reported. The study suggests mechanisms for expanded regulatory oversight by the FDA, including technology certification to assess performance of complex diagnostic tests.
A recent study published by George Washington University researchers found that inclusionary zoning policies associated with lower rates of heart disease. The study also found that communities with such policies had fewer residents with high blood pressure and higher cholesterol.
Researchers at the University of Bath found that large food companies and advertisers opposed Transport for London's 2019 ban, challenging its effectiveness and attempting to undermine policy. The ban was implemented despite commercial opposition, and its success sets a positive precedent for other authorities planning similar bans.
A new study assesses the impact of environmental policies on Amazon biodiversity, finding that 40-73,400 square miles of rainforest have been affected by fires since 2001. The research highlights the need for strong antideforestation policies and recognition of Indigenous lands to protect the region's biodiversity.
The conference, INGSA2021, aims to strengthen global coordination in science advice and promote open science. Key findings include the importance of digital technologies and AI in reshaping the profession and the need for partnerships to drive economic and social development.
A study found that 95% of fungal species on Earth remain undescribed, leading to inconsistent regulations and potential health risks. The researchers tested 16 food products labeled as containing 'wild mushrooms' and discovered most consisted of cultivated species, including poisonous varieties.
A University of Rhode Island researcher analyzed data and proposed solutions to improve passenger safety in future pandemics. She suggests clarifying international maritime laws and customs to ensure flag states have a larger role in responding to disease outbreaks.
A new study published in Environmental Science & Technology estimates the median cost of plugging abandoned oil and gas wells at $76,000, with costs varying widely based on location, age, and other factors. The analysis of over 19,500 orphaned wells across the US provides valuable insights for regulators to adjust bonding requirements ...
A new study found that policies in Pennsylvania aimed at protecting public health from fracking were ineffective due to frequent use of exemptions. The study, published in Energy Policy, analyzed well pad locations and found no significant change in how wells were sited after the state's setback policy took effect in 2012.
Researchers investigated the effects of excise taxes, public usage restrictions, and anti-smoking ads on cigarette consumption. Strong brands like Marlboro resist tax hikes but lose share with smoke-free policies.
A new analysis suggests that public health institutions must address white supremacy to achieve true equity. Researchers propose strategies for dismantling white supremacy, including tracking exposure to police brutality and educating policymakers on its impact.
A RAND Corporation study reveals that personal accounts from former white supremacists and Islamic extremists highlight the role of negative life events, propaganda, and social factors in radicalization. Strategies such as mental health care, diverse cultural groups, and media literacy education may aid in deradicalization.
A RAND Corporation study suggests setting hospital prices can reduce spending by billions, outperforming other approaches like increasing competition or improving price transparency. The report finds that direct price regulation could save up to $236.6 billion annually, cutting national health spending by 1.7% to 6.5%.
The CRISPR Journal has published a special issue on expanding the CRISPR toolbox, featuring new research tools and discoveries. The collection includes articles on novel Type V-A Cas12 enzymes, in silico tools for CRISPR-Cas system identification, and advances in guide design and selection.
A special issue of Information Polity explores the transparency challenges of using algorithms in government decision-making, highlighting potential benefits and drawbacks. Experts emphasize the need for regulations, organizational policies, and individual training to ensure transparent and responsible algorithm use.
The CRISPR Journal announces its October 2020 issue, featuring expert reactions to the National Academies' Heritable Human Genome Editing report. The journal also presents a comprehensive survey of global laws and regulations on hereditary human genome editing, highlighting both countries that prohibit and permit such research.
The American Frozen Food Institute's International Expert Panel has developed recommendations for managing the risk of Listeria monocytogenes in low-risk foods. The panel suggests using risk-based approaches and policies that acknowledge the ubiquity of Lm, while expending limited resources on high-risk foods.
A study by University of East Anglia researchers found that banks with powerful CEOs and smaller boards are more susceptible to money laundering and take greater risks. The impact of money laundering is heightened by the presence of powerful CEOs, but large and independent executive boards can partially mitigate this effect.
New French prescribing rules for zolpidem resulted in a significant decrease in its use, with a corresponding rise in zopiclone prescriptions. The implementation of secure prescribing forms in 2017 led to a half cut in zolpidem prescribing rates, while zopiclone usage increased nearly equally.
A global analysis reveals a significant gap between scientific knowledge and policy responses to nitrogen pollution. Agricultural sectors dominate policies that incentivize nitrogen use, while few aim to reduce pollution.
Real estate control policies in China can reduce discount rate risks and overall firm risks to banks. Financial control policies increase risk, while land policies decrease it. Tax-related stimulating policies also impact risk.
Current regulatory standards for coastal waters have not kept pace with scientific understanding of hypoxia and acidification, putting important fisheries worldwide at risk. Aging policies fail to account for the combined effects of low dissolved oxygen and pH levels on marine life.
A new study found that one in five operations could lead to unexpected bills from out-of-network providers, including surgical assistants who were not part of the patient's insurance plan. The average potential surprise bill was $2,011, with some states experiencing much higher rates of surprise billing.
The proposal aims to implement a holistic, integrated systems-based approach to pesticide regulation, considering dynamic agroecological factors. Current ERA guidelines are decades old and based on assumptions that misrepresent modern ecological systems.
The article highlights the need for regulators to prioritize continuous monitoring and risk assessment in managing AI/ML-based medical technology. The authors suggest that less emphasis should be placed on planning for future algorithm changes, and instead focus on developing new processes to identify and manage associated risks.
Six leading scientific journals express concerns about EPA's 'Strengthening Transparency in Regulatory Science' rule, citing need for careful analysis of confidential data. The editors-in-chief emphasize the importance of informed decision-making based on full suite of relevant science vetted through peer review.
Researchers propose a virtual speed bump to reduce the impact of arbitrage traders on stock markets. The tweak can improve liquidity and make prices reflect reality better. Several exchanges have shown interest in the approach.
Researchers from Singapore University of Technology and Design proposed a novel probabilistic dispatch strategy to minimize generation costs while ensuring constraint satisfaction in modern power grids. The approach significantly decreases the probability of constraint violation without impacting nominal power generation cost.
Researchers presented data on the oral microbiome and immunity affected by tobacco use, while highlighting the need for research on novel nicotine delivery systems. The conference aimed to promote cessation or deter initiation among current or potential tobacco users through the dissemination of scientific evidence.
Dr. Martha A. Brumfield, a renowned leader in pharmaceutical development and regulatory science, has been awarded the Jon W. McGarity Arizona Bioscience Leader of the Year honor. Her contributions to accelerating medical product development and building collaborative solutions have significantly benefited patients and their families.
A groundbreaking study quantifies the impact of lobbying on climate policy enactment, finding that firms expecting losses benefited from lobbying efforts and reduced the bill's chances by 13 percentage points.
A collection of papers by industry and academia experts explores the implications of FERC Order 841 on energy storage in the Midwest. The analysis reveals the region's potential as a case study for bringing energy storage to scale, with benefits including increased capacity value of renewables and reduced variability.
The UK's pesticide regulation is under threat after a change in EU powers led to the removal of a blanket ban on Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs). The new legislation gives UK ministers more power to amend and revoke laws, weakening enforcement arrangements and the requirement for scientific advice.
A new study by Gregory Erhardt and colleagues found that popular ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft increased traffic congestion in San Francisco by 62% between 2010-2016. The analysis also revealed that average speeds decreased by 13%, leading to less reliable travel times.
A recent study synthesizes research on severe haze pollution in Northern China, highlighting its complex interaction between human activities and atmospheric conditions. The findings suggest that improving haze prediction and developing effective regulatory policies require additional knowledge and public awareness campaigns.
New research reveals CEOs control information release and manipulate markets to lower share prices, benefiting themselves through stock options. Despite regulations, CEOs continue to exploit their informational advantage to bypass oversight.
The lack of regulatory standards in clinical artificial intelligence poses concerns about safety and efficacy, according to a recent study. The authors propose five standards to guide evaluation and regulation of clinical predictive analytics, emphasizing the importance of established clinical standards and clinician agency.
The study analyzed global oil supply data to estimate emissions from flaring and found that it remains the most carbon-intensive part of oil production. Flaring, which involves burning unwanted gas associated with oil extraction, is often used when there are no economically viable outlets for the gas.
A customized policy approach is needed to address the issues with fisheries management, including the perpetuation of panacea mindset and its effects on fish stocks and communities. The researchers propose an institutional diagnostics toolkit to challenge biases and develop informed policies.
Experts say UK government's review of visa regime for international doctors is a rare moment of common sense, but underlying issues remain unaddressed. The UK continues to rely heavily on international doctors due to domestic workforce challenges and Brexit-related immigration restrictions.
A national public opinion survey finds widespread agreement on key gun policies, with minimal gaps in support between gun owners and non-gun owners. The majority of respondents (85.3% of gun owners and 88.7% of non-gun owners) support universal background checks.
A NYU study found that states with robust tobacco control policies have fewer cigarette users and e-cigarette users, with variations in e-cigarette use by region and state. The study suggests that existing state-level tobacco control measures likely influence e-cigarette use.
A new PLOS Biology collection examines the divide between evidence and policy regarding toxic chemicals. The collection reveals barriers to developing health-protective policies despite clear scientific evidence of harm. Authors suggest ways to work toward more effective health-protective policy, including research on chemical exposure...
The American Association for the Advancement of Science proposes a new regulatory approach for fecal transplant treatments. Stool banks would be required to report patient outcomes, while doctors and laboratories could distribute stool for CDI treatment at their discretion.
The article discusses ways to reconcile differing views on elephant conservation policy between two groups with conflicting opinions. Stakeholder trust and agreement can be achieved through structured discussions and the evaluation of policy consequences in a way that minimizes bias.
The Obama and Trump administrations have produced vastly different environmental assessment results related to the Clean Water Act. A systematic protocol for government cost-benefit analyses of proposed regulations is urgently needed to ensure better decision-making on human health and environmental issues.
A recent study analyzed over 100 clinical trials and found that many were unregistered and unpublished. Prospective registration was significantly associated with subsequent publication, as well as being published with the same primary outcomes as defined in the protocol.
Researchers propose a tax on systemically risky transactions to rewire financial networks and reduce systemic risk. The tax, known as a Systemic Risk Tax (SRT), would incentivize banks to form a more resilient network, reducing the risk of cascading failures.
A new RAND Corporation report finds that quantifying cost savings from California's Proposition 47 is challenging due to lack of infrastructure and data tracking. Researchers recommend establishing better performance metrics to examine the impact of reforms on workloads and services.
Hispanic immigrant and African American men face the highest average workplace injury rate, with Hispanic immigrant men having a rate of 13.7 per 1,000 workers. The study highlights disparities in economic opportunities for minorities leading to hazardous job assignments that increase their risk of injury and disability.
A recent study found that female fashion models experience high levels of pressure to lose weight, leading to unhealthy behaviors. Models rated increased worker protections as the most feasible approach to improve working conditions.
A University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing study finds that retail-based clinic growth is linked to scope-of-practice reform for nurse practitioners in states like Pennsylvania. The reform led to increased accessibility and convenience for patients, as nurse practitioners were able to provide a wider range of services
The new Republican-led Congress and Trump's presidency may lead to changes in science policies, including energy and climate issues, research budgets, and trade. Expert predictions suggest rollback of programs and alterations in existing laws like the Toxic Substances Control Act.
A study examines a lawsuit by Amarin Pharmaceutical that challenged the FDA's ban on promoting off-label uses of its product. The authors argue that such statements should be required to assert scientific facts beyond mere logical truth to regulate commercial speech about pharmaceuticals. They advocate for informative content based on ...
The article highlights four ways in which current hunting policies for large carnivores do not align with ecological theory and data. The authors emphasize the need to account for different methods of sampling effort and detection, as well as evaluate policies state by state.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has granted a $750,000 program to enhance coastal resilience in Texas. The program aims to improve community planning and outreach, using tools like CHARM, to mitigate the impact of weather hazards.
The October issue of Health Affairs explores global health experiences to inform US policy, particularly on addressing risk selection and premium rates. Studies examine strategies used by European countries to reduce high costs, such as quality skimping and flexible premium rates.
Most states do not consider ignition interlock devices a severe enough punishment for first-time DUI offenders, despite their effectiveness in reducing arrest rates and fatalities. The study found that only less than half of states mandate the use of these devices for first-time offenders.
A new UT Dallas study found that commercial bank regulators consider non-monetary factors, such as property holdings and political pressure, when deciding to close a troubled bank. Regulators resist closing very large and small banks due to potential future costs, while those with significant assets are more likely to remain open.