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In bias we trust?

Researchers at MIT found that explanation methods used to aid human decision-makers in high-stakes situations often have lower accuracy for minoritized subgroups. The fidelity of these explanations varies dramatically between subgroups, with the quality often significantly lower for women and Black people.

At least 2,000 species of reptiles are threatened

The first international study of its kind assesses the status of all reptile species, revealing that at least 2,000 species are threatened with extinction. The study found that 50% of turtle and crocodile species face extinction threats, while 30% of forest-dwelling reptiles and 14% of arid area reptiles are in danger.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalNature·DateJun 1, 2022

Rate or tip first? This corporate decision can decrease or boost worker tips

A new study published in the Journal of Marketing finds that requesting customers to rate service professionals first can lead to smaller tips, whereas asking customers to tip first does not influence subsequent rating scores. This research has important implications for firms and managers, suggesting that they should consider asking c...

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateMay 26, 2022

Noisy jackdaw birds reach “consensus” before taking off

Researchers found that noisy jackdaws use a 'democratic' decision-making process to coordinate their daily takeoffs, relying on the intensity of calls to achieve consensus. The findings suggest that changes in calling intensity serve as a reliable source of information for synchronization.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2022

New study describes multi-agent systems for optimization and decision-making through games

Researchers used game theory to create models of cooperative and competitive behaviors in multi-agent systems, focusing on distributed online optimization, federated optimization, and static/dynamic games. The findings have potential applications in smart cities, market competition, information security, and drug development.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateMay 10, 2022

Why hungry worms take risks

Researchers used worms to study how hunger signals in the gut communicate with the brain, leading to riskier behavior. The findings suggest that proteins in intestinal cells move dynamically to transmit signals about hunger, driving worms to cross toxic barriers.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalPLOS Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 5, 2022

Researchers now able to predict battery lifetimes with machine learning

Scientists have developed a machine learning algorithm that can accurately predict the lifetimes of different battery chemistries using as little as a single cycle of experimental data. The technique could reduce costs and accelerate the development of new battery materials, enabling researchers to quickly evaluate and test multiple ma...

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Power Sources·DateMay 5, 2022

Language that belittles or blames patients is overdue for change

Using positive language in clinical practice can alter attitudes of both patients and physicians, fostering a relationship focused on shared understanding and collective goals. Language that casts doubt, belittles, or blames patients affects therapeutic relationships by altering patient behaviors.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 27, 2022

3D facial analysis shows biologic basis for gender-affirming surgery

Researchers analyzed 3D facial size and shape to quantify sex differences, providing data-driven anatomic guidance for gender-affirming facial surgery. The study shows significant differences in male and female craniofacial features, particularly in brow, jaw, nose, and cheek regions.

SourceUniversity of California San Francisco Medical Center·JournalFacial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 1, 2022

Study explores social media’s influence on crowdfunding campaigns

A study found that crowdfunding campaigns are most successful when promoted on social media during the first 10 days. The researchers analyzed data from GoFundMe and found that donation patterns follow three phases, with a surge in donations as the goal is approached. However, they also discovered that slacktivism can occur when people...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalJournal of Interactive Marketing·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 31, 2022

The great and powerful Dr. Oz? Alternative health media consumption and vaccine views

A new study by researchers from the Annenberg Public Policy Center finds that exposure to alternative health media can affect beliefs about consequential health-care issues like vaccination. After Dr. Mehmet Oz endorsed the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine on a March 2019 episode of “The Dr. Oz Show,” significantly more people in hi...

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of Communication·TypeSurvey·DateMar 29, 2022

May the odds be in your favor: Relatedness and size interact in shaping cannibal aggression

In a study on cannibalism in poison frog tadpoles, researchers found that relatedness affects aggression levels. Large tadpoles were less aggressive towards their smaller siblings than non-siblings, suggesting they can discriminate between relatives and change behavior accordingly.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalBehavioral Ecology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 28, 2022

Evidence of defendants’ adverse childhood experiences can elicit jurors’ leniency in capital trials

A new study found that defense testimony about defendants' adverse childhood experiences can elicit leniency in jurors' sentencing decisions in capital trials. The study suggests that investigating and presenting ACE evidence is critical in eliciting leniency, with sympathy being a key factor in jurors' decisions.

SourceCrime and Justice Research Alliance·JournalJustice Quarterly·DateMar 24, 2022

Women left in the dark when faced with a breech birth

A recent study by Edith Cowan University highlights the lack of information available to women with a breech presenting baby. Women often feel pressured into having a caesarean section without being fully informed of all options, including vaginal birth and alternative techniques such as moxibustion.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalEuropean Journal of Midwifery·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 23, 2022

Are statin side effects all in the mind? International experts recommend ways to improve adherence to statin therapy

The International Lipid Expert Panel recommends a step-by-step approach to diagnosing and managing muscle symptoms caused by statins. The 'nocebo/drucebo' effect, where patients experience side effects due to expectation, affects up to 70% of diagnosed statin intolerance cases.

SourcePolskie Towarzystwo Lipidologiczne (Polish Lipid Association)·JournalJournal of Cachexia Sarcopenia and Muscle·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 10, 2022

Electronic pneumonia decision support helps reduce mortality by 38% in community hospitals

A real-time electronic decision support system helped reduce intensive care unit admissions, improve antibiotic use, and lower overall mortality rates for patients with pneumonia. The study found a 38% decrease in mortality among community hospital patients using the system.

SourceIntermountain Healthcare·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 9, 2022

Disadvantaged older adults face greater risk of function, cognition decline after ICU admission

A retrospective analysis found that socioeconomically disadvantaged older adults are at a higher risk of decline in function and cognition after an intensive care unit hospitalization. The study highlights the need to prioritize low-income seniors in rehabilitation and recovery efforts after critical illness.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 7, 2022

Breast cancer overdiagnosis may not happen as frequently as previously thought

A modeling study suggests that breast cancer overdiagnosis may occur in about 15% of screen-detected cases, rather than the estimated 30%. This could spare around 25,000 women unnecessary treatment. Researchers used data from the Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium to estimate the rate of overdiagnosis.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 28, 2022

COVID-19 patients’ ZIP codes may affect hospitalization outcomes

A study found that COVID-19 patients from high-vulnerability neighborhoods presented with more severe illness and required intensive care, but did not experience higher mortality rates. Researchers suggest policies targeting socially vulnerable neighborhoods to improve access to testing, treatment, and vaccination.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 21, 2022

Too soon to lift mask mandates for most elementary schools in U.S., study finds

A Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study suggests that US elementary schools should only remove masks when local COVID-19 case rates are below a certain threshold to avoid increased transmission. The study provides a framework for school decision-makers to estimate the level of mitigation needed to meet their goals.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 15, 2022

New in the Hastings Center Report: January-February 2022 issue

The Hastings Center Report examines four key considerations for assessing risk-trade-offs in the pandemic, including education, economies, healthcare, travel, social engagement, and medical countermeasures. The report also challenges traditional notions of advance directives in end-of-life care, proposing a new principle of patient aut...

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalThe Hastings Center Report·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 14, 2022

Activist investors achieve higher returns using sell-side analysts’ reports

Research from Thomas Shohfi at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute found that sell-side analyst reports contain more activist-related language and quantitative information months before hedge fund activists announce their ownership. This is associated with greater stock returns for firm shareholders, highlighting the value of traditional ...

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalContemporary Accounting Research·DateFeb 9, 2022