Research on how people make decisions. Covers workplace food choices, medication risk trade-offs, and treatment selection in mental health.
Treatment decisions for patients with severe brain injury vary widely between medical institutions, driven by hospital priorities and financial incentives. The authors argue that providers should prioritize patient preferences and create open communication environments to navigate these complex decisions.
Professor Dentcheva's $350,000 grant will focus on multistage stochastic optimization problems and Markov decision processes. The project aims to develop modeling and algorithmic tools for formalizing and solving long-term planning problems with risk as a key issue.
A study published in Medical Decision Making predicts that adult US obesity rates will remain stable over the next 10 years. However, certain groups such as black young adults, children aged 6-9, and black children are projected to experience rising overweight rates.
A recent study found that consumers in conflict are more likely to accept compromise alternatives and defer decisions, leading to unintended choices. The researchers identified two types of regulatory goals: those focused on gains and those focused on losses, which affect decision-making.
Researchers from Université de Montrêl have discovered a molecular switch that enables yeast to make critical decisions about its fate, including choosing a suitable mate. This study provides valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying sexual mate selection and has potential applications in understanding human development and disease
New research identifies a brain circuit that enables humans to make choices with high long-term benefits by delaying reward. The study found that vividly imagining the future reduces impulsive choice behavior, suggesting the anterior cingulate cortex plays a key role in dynamic adjustment of preference functions.
A new method for measuring privacy risk from small geographic areas has been developed, allowing Canadians to manage their location-based data effectively. The study shows that by protecting only those living in small geographic areas, more information can be shared while maintaining privacy risks.
Professor Citrome's new theory of evidence-based flying aims to apply medical decision-making principles to frequent flying, analyzing flight delays and upgrade rates. By incorporating factors like airline competition, food service, and passenger loyalty, he hopes to develop a more precise predictive model for optimal flying decisions.
A study of 3,746 elderly Americans found that over one-fourth lacked the capacity to make end-of-life medical decisions. Those with advance directives, however, received care in line with their wishes most of the time. The study emphasizes the importance of preparing oneself and family for complex medical decisions at the end of life.
Research on individuals with impaired decision-making capacity, such as dementia patients, is crucial for developing future treatments. However, current guidelines are often arbitrary and prioritize individual interests over the well-being of these groups.
Researchers found that physicians prioritize what's best for the patient overall, followed by the patient's preferences and pain management. However, ageist assumptions may influence decision-making, with a decreased reliance on patient preferences among older adults.
A Queen's University study has discovered high levels of mercury in the Cataraqui River sediment, with contamination widespread along the western shore.
A study by UCL scientists found that people tend to accept the status quo and avoid making complex decisions, even when it leads to errors. The study used fMRI scans to examine the neural pathways involved in 'status quo bias' and discovered a key role for the subthalamic nucleus in overcoming this bias.
Researchers have discovered that the brain's hippocampus replay process is a complex cognitive function that helps animals learn and maintain their internal representation of the world. This process involves replaying experiences, even those previously unencountered, to create connections within the cognitive map.
A recent NIH panel has questioned 'VBAC bans' and advocated for expanded delivery options for women. The panel suggests that a trial of labor is a reasonable option for many women with a prior cesarean delivery, citing success rates of nearly 75 percent.
Research from Indiana University and the University of Wyoming found that picking lower-seed winners is a good strategy, while upsets are no better than chance. Experts advise against relying on intuition or favorite colors, as this approach often leads to sabotaging efforts.
Brown University researchers found that considering alternative possibilities can lead to better planning and decision-making. They discovered that people tend to focus on a single cause when making predictions, but not when diagnosing causes.
POSITIVE RESULTS is a comprehensive guidebook for those at high risk of breast and ovarian cancer, providing insights into genetics, diagnosis, and treatment options. The book offers a supportive approach to navigating complex decisions, covering genetic testing, screening, mastectomy, and more.
Michigan State University professor Bruce Dale says that while EROI (energy return on energy invested) is a useful method of measurement, it alone is not enough. He argues that we need to consider differences in energy quality and critical materials required for various energy alternatives, such as lithium for electric vehicles.
Researchers are creating computer models to study how cells process information and make decisions, with potential implications for understanding cancer. By analyzing molecular mechanisms and interactions, scientists aim to develop more effective cancer treatments.
Arnim Wiek, an assistant professor at Arizona State University, is working to develop solutions for the sustainability challenges facing society. His research focuses on scenario building and visualizations of future pathways, with a goal of empowering decision-makers to think in alternatives.
Canadian researchers review 16 studies to find telenurses struggle with balancing medical advice and limited service gatekeeping. Key findings include the need for specific training in telephone consultation skills and addressing job demands such as heavy workloads and stress.
A new report by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that 66 percent of Marylanders without advance medical directives may face deficiencies in end-of-life care across the US. The results indicate a disconnect between what people want for their medical decisions and their actions to ensure those preferences are carried...
A study by Brown University researchers highlights the need for better decision-making in end-of-life care, particularly for hospitalized nursing home residents with advanced dementia. The study found that feeding tubes are used variably among hospitals, with larger or for-profit hospitals using them more frequently.
Researchers studied patients with amygdala lesions to understand how decisions are made and what influences risk-taking behavior. The results show that a fully functioning amygdala makes people more cautious, while impaired amygdala activity leads to reduced loss aversion and increased willingness to gamble.
A new checklist called CURVES (Choose and Communicate, Understand, Reason, Value, Emergency and Surrogate) has been developed to quickly assess a patient's decision-making capacity in emergency situations. The acronym helps physicians determine whether a patient is able to make decisions in life-or-death situations.
A soft intelligence approach can help solve problems in healthcare, defense, economics, engineering, and science where definitive answers are rare. Soft metrics use shades of gray and judgments to provide justifiable answers that aren
A study found that individuals with higher blood glucose levels tend to be more future-oriented, while those with lower glucose levels focus on the present. Fluctuations in blood sugar may affect our decisions for immediate versus delayed rewards.
Researchers at UT Knoxville discovered that Azospirillum brasilense has 48 receptors, enabling it to detect changes in its environment and make complex decisions. This understanding could lead to tailored medicines and new agricultural applications.
A study by K-State psychologists found that future-minded individuals are more likely to make positive decisions about their health. They tend to exercise more and smoke less than present-minded people.
Tom Bowman has developed a series of graphics that translate key figures from the IPCC report for public audiences, making scientific information accessible. The new format aims to help institutions, corporations, educators, and consumers understand climate change risks and opportunities.
Researchers have found that moral dilemmas are often influenced by general biases rather than abstract moral principles. The study highlights the need for more diverse methods in studying moral judgments, moving beyond the use of moral dilemmas.
Scientists applied physics techniques to study bacteria's survival strategies, gaining insights into human decision making. The study found that bacteria's game theory decision making process is more advanced than the Prisoner's Dilemma, enabling them to weigh pros and cons in complex environments.
A study by Shalini Bahl and George R. Milne found that consumers engage in an inner dialogue with multiple perspectives, including a 'desirable self' that promotes positive consumption behaviors. However, this self can also lead to overstretching and burnout when allowed free reign.
Researchers discovered that people invest more effort in current tasks when anticipating future difficult tasks, a phenomenon dubbed the 'get ready mindset'. This behavior is driven by mental preparation for upcoming challenges, which carries over to current tasks.
A study by University of Texas at Austin researchers found that moderate sleep deprivation can lead to a decline in information-integration thought processes, critical for quick decisions. This affects individuals who shift from an automatic process to a more controlled approach, leading to negative effects on performance.
The US Preventive Services Task Force now recommends against routine breast cancer screening for women under 50 due to insufficient evidence. However, women between 40-49 at high risk should discuss biennial mammography with their doctor. The task force also suggests changing the screening interval from one year to two until age 74.
Researchers found that when people imagine future events, activity in a dopamine-laden part of the brain tracks their estimates of expected pleasure. The study suggests that manipulating dopamine levels can alter people's expectations and choices.
A new study from Columbia University found that US patients are almost five times more likely to spend their last hospital days in the ICU than patients in England. The research also revealed that ICU usage among terminal patients is eight times higher in the US than in England, particularly among those over 85.
A relative utility curve is a simple method to evaluate risk prediction in medical decision-making frameworks. The author illustrates its application in analyzing previously published data involving breast density and risk prediction models for invasive breast cancer.
A new facial expression recognition system is being developed to help autistic children recognize emotions of surrounding people. The portable device uses boosting classifier and derivative-based filtering to locate the face region and classify emotional expressions.
A new decision aid tool, developed by Mayo Clinic clinicians and designers, helps patients with type 2 diabetes make informed decisions about their medication. The tool, a set of cards, involves patients in the decision-making process and leads to better patient-centered care.
The study found that uncertainty regarding clinical effectiveness is a key issue in coverage decisions. The agencies make recommendations consistent with evidence on effectiveness and cost-effectiveness but other factors often play important roles.
A survey found that men largely make decisions about prostate cancer screening based on conversations with clinicians, but these discussions often do not include information about the risks of testing. Statistical modeling suggests that benefits and harms of PSA screening vary with age and risk level, with higher-risk men having more p...
A new report argues that current governance activities on nanotechnology are limiting public debate and may repeat mistakes made in managing GMOs. The report recommends innovative ways to involve the public in decision-making, such as treating their views with respect and using them to inform science policy.
A Mayo Clinic survey published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that most physicians agree on their professional obligation to address health policy issues and expand access to basic healthcare. However, some physicians oppose measures such as underinsuring patients or using cost-effectiveness data in treatment decisions.
A new study from the University of Alberta found significant differences in leisure experiences between two group homes. Women with intellectual disabilities who were given support and autonomy had more independent leisure activities, while those with staff-directed leisure had limited choices.
A Kansas State University geographer is researching how rural communities define and implement sustainability to improve civic and business leader decisions. She found that some leaders have a clear understanding of the term, while others struggle with its meaning.
A study published in PNAS found that adolescent rats exposed to alcohol showed a bias towards uncertain rewards, while control group rats made more informed decisions. This research suggests a causal link between early heavy drinking and later adult decision-making impairments.
Researchers found that incidental mood is generally not incorporated into memory-based judgments made after the mood has passed. However, if the mood effects are 'locked in,' such as through real-time evaluations, participants' memories can be influenced.
Michigan State University researchers aim to help people sort out complex environmental problems in developing regions. They are testing a new survey method that taps recent insights from behavioral decision research to capture people's full willingness to make trade-offs.
A new study finds that cognitive stress can significantly impact decision making, leading participants to overlook information predicting negative outcomes. Under pressure, individuals may rely on past rewards rather than rational considerations, resulting in irrational biases.
A new study found that personal connections can lead to further investment in failing programs, even to one's own financial detriment. Business leaders and organizations should carefully consider integrating a true outsider to make more decisive decisions.
A study found that one in five doctors are uncomfortable working with surrogates, reporting ineffective communication and increased stress levels. The lack of clear guidelines for surrogate decision makers can lead to difficult decisions, causing distress for both physicians and families.
A new study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that women's decisions on breast cancer surgery are often influenced by family and friends. The study discovered that when patients take a more active role in decision-making, they are more likely to choose mastectomy over breast-conserving surgery.
A study using virtual reality and real-world hide-and-seek found that people tend to look closer to their starting location when searching for objects. When hiding objects, they disperse them over a wider area. This research could lead to more realistic game environments and advanced search-enhancing tools for law enforcement.
Researchers found that presenting risk as natural frequencies and using bar charts helped participants make decisions consistent with their values. The studies also showed that different data presentations can be more persuasive, regardless of the participant's values. Healthcare providers should strive to maintain objectivity while re...
NOAA has awarded over $2.7 million in competitive grant funding to the Mid-Atlantic Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association to develop a comprehensive ocean observing system for the Mid-Atlantic region. The funding will support efforts to improve data coordination, forecasting, and regional data management.
Surrogates are divided on how much guidance they want from doctors when making end-of-life medical choices for critically ill patients. While a slight majority prefer doctor's advice, many feel burdened by guilt and value patient's values over physician input.
Physicians warn that mandated treatments in healthcare reform can misalign doctor-patient goals, leading to financial conflicts. The authors advocate for a 'shared decision-making' model that incorporates medical humanism to ensure patient autonomy and cultural values are respected.