ScienceDaily: Ethics News

Costs to treat stroke in America may double by 2030

Wed, 22 May 2013 12:31:31 EDT

Stroke costs are predicted to more than double in the next 20 years. Americans 45-64 years old are expected to have the highest increase in stroke incidence.

Empathy plays a key role in moral judgments

Wed, 22 May 2013 08:54:54 EDT

Utilitarian judgment may arise not simply from enhanced cognitive control but also from diminished emotional processing and reduced empathy, according to new research.

Ethicists' behavior not more moral

Tue, 21 May 2013 15:25:25 EDT

Do ethicists engage in better moral behavior than other professors? The answer is no. Nor are they more likely than nonethicists to act according to values they espouse.

How to best manage workaholics: New study offers insight

Tue, 21 May 2013 10:51:51 EDT

Workaholics tend to live in extremes, with great job satisfaction and creativity on the one hand and high levels of frustration and exhaustion on the other hand. Now, a new study offers managers practical ways to help these employees stay healthy and effective on the job.

New era of fisheries policy needed to secure nutrition for millions

Fri, 17 May 2013 10:26:26 EDT

A new study argues that for fisheries policies to be effective they must take in to account not just fish stock conservation and environmental issues, but also research data on the patterns and dynamics of fish trade, markets and user consumption.

Expert questions US public health agency advice on influenza vaccines

Thu, 16 May 2013 21:54:54 EDT

The United States government public health agency, the CDC, pledges "To base all public health decisions on the highest quality scientific data, openly and objectively derived." But experts argue that in the case of influenza vaccinations and their marketing, this is not so.

Global health policy fails to address burden of disease on men

Thu, 16 May 2013 21:54:54 EDT

Men experience a higher burden of disease and lower life expectancy than women, but policies focusing on the health needs of men are notably absent from the strategies of global health organizations, according to experts.

Repeat brain injury raises soldiers' suicide risk

Wed, 15 May 2013 16:39:39 EDT

Suicide risk is higher among military personnel with more lifetime TBIs, even after controlling for clinical symptom severity. Results of the study show that multiple TBIs, which are common among military personnel, may contribute to increased risk for suicide.

Infection and sepsis-related mortality hotspots identified across the U.S.

Wed, 15 May 2013 11:37:37 EDT

In the past, researchers have sought to determine the geographic distribution of many life-threatening conditions, including stroke and cardiac arrest. Now, researchers have created the first U.S. map that pinpoints hotspots for infection and severe sepsis related-deaths -- with notable clusters located in the Midwest, mid-Atlantic, and the South. The research is a critical first step in helping to determine which areas of the country require vital public health resources to fight these deadly diseases.

Stronger partnerships to improve healthcare

Tue, 14 May 2013 21:31:31 EDT

Today the British Medical Journal calls for doctors and patients to join together as partners to improve healthcare.

Power of prayer: Studies find prayer can lead to cooperation, forgiveness in relationships

Tue, 14 May 2013 18:41:41 EDT

Praying for a romantic partner or close friend can lead to more cooperative and forgiving behavior toward the partner, according to a new study.

Passenger car drivers are more likely to die in crashes with SUVs, regardless of crash ratings

Tue, 14 May 2013 13:54:54 EDT

Most consumers who are shopping for a new car depend on good crash safety ratings as an indicator of how well the car will perform in a crash. But a new study of crashes involving cars and sport utility vehicles has found those crash ratings are a lot less relevant than vehicle type.

IT industry ignores silver surfers at its peril: Design for seniors to tap market, industry urged

Tue, 14 May 2013 10:14:14 EDT

Hardware and software vendors are foolish to ignore the needs of the growing population of older computer and information technology users, the so-called "silver surfers." US researchers offer convincing evidence that from the business perspective, seniors represent a rapidly growing sector of the market with the most disposable income to spend on these companies' products.

Higher child marriage rates associated with higher maternal and infant mortality

Mon, 13 May 2013 17:40:40 EDT

Countries in which girls are commonly married before the age of 18 have significantly higher rates of maternal and infant mortality, report researchers.

Many entrepreneurs claim to care about sustainability, yet make decisions that are harmful to environment

Mon, 13 May 2013 11:53:53 EDT

Many entrepreneurs claim that they care about sustainability, yet they make decisions that are harmful to the environment. Economic researchers have discovered that many bosses do indeed have firm convictions -- but that they unconsciously disengage their values from their business actions. The type of entrepreneur most likely to fall into this category are those who perceive themselves as highly influential or who are operating in a challenging industry environment.

Do markets erode moral values? People ignore their own moral standards when acting as market participants, researchers say

Fri, 10 May 2013 12:45:45 EDT

Many people express objections against child labor, exploitation of the workforce or meat production involving cruelty against animals. At the same time, however, people ignore their own moral standards when acting as market participants, searching for the cheapest electronics, fashion or food. Thus, markets reduce moral concerns, new research shows.

Coral reefs suffering, but collapse not inevitable

Thu, 09 May 2013 12:34:34 EDT

Coral reefs are in decline, but their collapse can still be avoided with local and global action. That's according to findings based on an analysis that combines the latest science on reef dynamics with the latest climate models.

Benefit vs. risk of facial recognition technology

Wed, 08 May 2013 21:32:32 EDT

Law enforcement agencies are using facial recognition software as a crime-fighting tool. Now businesses are looking to use the technology to reach customers. But a professor questions whether customers are ready for it.

All hospitals should require drug, alcohol tests for physicians, experts say

Tue, 07 May 2013 12:48:48 EDT

To improve patient safety, hospitals should randomly test physicians for drug and alcohol use in much the same way other major industries in the United States do to protect their customers.

Nearly 20 percent of suicidal youths have guns in their home

Mon, 06 May 2013 09:54:54 EDT

Nearly one in five children and teens found to be at risk for suicide report that there are guns in their homes, and 15 percent of those at risk for suicide with guns in the home know how to access both the guns and the bullets, according to a new study.

Research supports laws that require bicyclists to wear helmets

Mon, 06 May 2013 09:54:54 EDT

Bicycle helmets save lives and their use should be required by law. That's the conclusion of a new study.

Camaraderie of sports teams may deter bullying, violence

Sun, 05 May 2013 07:37:37 EDT

As schools around the country look for ways to reduce violence and bullying, they may want to consider encouraging students to participate in team sports, according to a new study.

Cyberbullying rampant among high school students: Nearly one-third of youths also report playing video/computer games for more than 3 hours a day

Sun, 05 May 2013 07:37:37 EDT

Step into a class of 30 high school students and look around. Five of them have been victims of electronic bullying in the past year. What's more, 10 of those students spend three or more hours on an average school day playing video games or using a computer for something other than school work, according to a new study.

Poverty threatens health of US children

Sat, 04 May 2013 16:32:32 EDT

Pediatricians, economists, social scientists and policy experts came together to address one of the greatest threats to child health -- poverty.

Toxic waste sites cause 'healthy years of life lost' for people living in India, Philippines and Indonesia

Sat, 04 May 2013 16:31:31 EDT

Toxic waste sites with elevated levels of lead and chromium cause a high number of “healthy years of life lost” in individuals living near 373 sites located in India, Philippines and Indonesia, according to a new study.

Researchers outline concerns about unproven stem cell therapies

Fri, 03 May 2013 11:46:46 EDT

An international group of leading stem cell researchers has issued a statement that specifies concerns about the development and use of unproven stem cell therapies. The commentary is published ahead of a debate in the Italian parliament on whether to change a recent law that allows certain untested stem cell therapies to be used by the public health system. The authors of the commentary argue that rigorous clinical testing and regulation of stem cell therapies are essential to introduce safe and effective medical interventions for patients.

Protecting hospitals from 'new' terrorist threats

Thu, 02 May 2013 10:45:45 EDT

Health care facilities play a vital role in the UK’s terrorism contingency plans, but a new study provides a timely warning to managers, regulatory bodies and government that crucial services such as hospitals are also potential targets for malevolent actions.

Unethical advertising at launch of new antidepressants in Sweden

Thu, 02 May 2013 09:36:36 EDT

The new feature of the antidepressant drugs of the 1990s was that they had milder side-effects than their predecessors. Combined with aggressive marketing, this meant that annual sales in Sweden increased from just under EUR 18 million to over EUR 100 million in the space of just a few years.

'Slippery slope' fears for legal euthanasia of very sick newborns unfounded, experts say

Wed, 01 May 2013 19:32:32 EDT

Fears that legalizing euthanasia for very sick newborns would prompt the start of a "slippery slope" and lead to abuse of the option have proved groundless, say experts.

Growing gap between teens' materialism and willingness to work hard

Wed, 01 May 2013 13:18:18 EDT

New research shows a growing gap between materialism and the desire to work hard in young people today. Researchers studied results of surveys of 355,000 US high school seniors from 1976 to 2007, examining the materialistic values of three generations with questions focused on the perceived importance of having a lot of money and material goods, as well as the willingness to work hard.

Humor styles and bullying in schools: Not a laughing matter

Wed, 01 May 2013 09:06:06 EDT

There is a clear link between children’s use of humor and their susceptibility to being bullied by their peers, according to a major new study.

Environmental labels may discourage conservatives from buying energy-efficient products

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 13:16:16 EDT

When it comes to deciding which light bulb to buy, a label touting the product's environmental benefit may actually discourage politically conservative shoppers.

Shedding light on the long shadow of childhood adversity

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 10:57:57 EDT

Childhood adversity can lead to chronic physical and mental disability in adult life and have an effect on the next generation, underscoring the importance of research, practice and policy in addressing this issue, according to a new article.

Family-friendly tenure policies result in salary penalty for professors

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 16:49:49 EDT

Well-intentioned policies to make achieving tenure more family-friendly actually have negative consequences for the salaries of college faculty, says a new study.

Sharing examination questions threatens trust in medical profession

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 13:36:36 EDT

Unethical behavior among physicians-in-training threatens to erode public trust and confidence in the medical profession. Reacting to CNN reports last year about the widespread use of "recalls" and "airplane notes" by radiology and dermatology residents, experts call on leaders in medical education to establish guidelines and change the culture of medical school and training programs.

Rear seat design: A priority for children's safety in cars

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 09:46:46 EDT

New report recommends technology, policy changes to better protect older children and adolescents in crashes.

Poor parenting -- including overprotection -- increases bullying risk

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 21:40:40 EDT

Children who are exposed to negative parenting -- including abuse, neglect but also overprotection -- are more likely to experience childhood bullying by their peers, according to a meta-analysis of 70 studies of more than 200,000 children.

Psychological vulnerable older adults are more susceptible to fraud

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:24:24 EDT

Financial exploitation, particularly thefts and scams, are increasing at an alarming rate, particularly in older adults. This study examined this population and their vulnerability for experiencing fraud.

'Redshirting' kindergarteners not as common as reported

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:23:23 EDT

New research findings show that “redshirting” in kindergarten – the practice of delaying for a year a child’s entry into kindergarten – is not happening at the rate previously reported.

Link between school climate and violence confirmed

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 09:14:14 EDT

Schools may be a step closer towards the development of effective strategies to prevent violent behavior. New research shows that there is a direct link between school climate and school violence.

People care about source of money, attach less value to 'tainted' wealth

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 17:27:27 EDT

It's no accident that money obtained through dishonest or illegal means is called "dirty money." A new study suggests that when people perceive money as morally tainted, they also view it as having less value and purchasing power, challenging the belief that "all money is green," and that people will cross ethical boundaries to amass it.

Children routinely injured or killed by guns, U.S. study shows; Access to loaded, unlocked firearms remains a problem

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 16:19:19 EDT

While gun control issues usually surface after major incidents like the fatal shooting of 20 elementary school students in Newtown, Connecticut, a new U.S. study shows that children are routinely killed or injured by firearms.

Doctors-in-training spend very little time at patient bedside, study finds

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 13:57:57 EDT

Medical interns spend just 12 percent of their time examining and talking with patients, and more than 40 percent of their time behind a computer, according to a new study that closely followed first-year residents at Baltimore's two large academic medical centers. Indeed, the study found, interns spent nearly as much time walking (7 percent) as they did caring for patients at the bedside.

Diagnostic errors more common, costly and harmful than treatment mistakes

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 21:17:17 EDT

In reviewing 25 years of U.S. malpractice claim payouts, researchers found that diagnostic errors — not surgical mistakes or medication overdoses — accounted for the largest fraction of claims, the most severe patient harm, and the highest total of penalty payouts. Diagnosis-related payments amounted to $38.8 billion between 1986 and 2010, they found.

Does international child sponsorship work? New research says yes

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 13:28:28 EDT

A new study shows international child sponsorship to result in markedly higher rates of schooling completion and substantially improved adult employment outcomes.

Screening NCAA athletes for sudden cardiac death risk

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 13:25:25 EDT

A new study supports the addition of electrocardiogram (ECG) screening to the standardized pre-participation exams for athletes to better identify cardiac abnormalities that lead to sudden cardiac death (SCD) – the leading cause of death in athletes during sport.

Accuracy and reliability of ecg interpretation by physicians is limited, study suggests

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 13:25:25 EDT

Incorporating an electrocardiogram (ECG) during pre-participation screening for athletes has demonstrated a reduction in incidence of sudden cardiac death (SCD); however, it remains controversial in the United States due to minimal usage and high false-positive readings. New research suggests this is due to the challenges in the accuracy and reliability of physicians’ ability to read ECGs.

Outpatients, hospital patients face growing, but different problems with antibiotic resistance

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 13:41:41 EDT

A new study concludes that problems with antibiotic resistance faced by outpatients may be as bad as those in hospitalized patients, and that more studies of outpatients are needed -- both to protect their health and to avoid inappropriate or unnecessary drug use.

Half of Americans would consider donating a kidney to a stranger

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 09:45:45 EDT

A new survey shows that support for organ donation is increasing. Eighty-four percent of respondents said they would be very or somewhat likely to consider donating a kidney or a portion of their liver to a close friend or family member, and 49 percent said they would be very or somewhat likely to consider donating a kidney to a stranger.

Should doctors be involved in the concealed-weapons permit process?

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 18:55:55 EDT

Experts have discussed the medical, ethical, and legal concerns about physician involvement in concealed weapons permits. They argue that standards, protocols and new policies are needed for physicians to adequately assess a patient’s physical or mental competency in concealed-weapons permitting.

People present themselves in ways that counteract prejudices toward their group

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 11:40:40 EDT

Individuals from stigmatized groups choose to present themselves in ways that counteract the specific stereotypes and prejudices associated with their group, according to a new study.

Escalating cost of forest conservation

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 08:51:51 EDT

In the face of unprecedented deforestation and biodiversity loss, policy makers are increasingly using financial incentives to encourage conservation.

Is there a future for a privacy-friendly Internet?

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 19:46:46 EDT

A privacy-friendly Internet might be possible in the future according to an academic.

Doctors urged to 'pause before posting' and not 'friend' patients

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 15:23:23 EDT

New recommendations offer physicians ethical guidance for preserving trust in patient-physician relationships and the profession when using social media.

South not the fattest part of U.S. after all

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 12:35:35 EDT

Previous data has shown that areas of the south — specifically Mississippi and Alabama – are the fattest in the U.S. But new data contradicts this.

How Seattle Cancer Care Alliance implemented Washington's Death with Dignity Act

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 20:18:18 EDT

Because several states are considering similar Death with Dignity laws, and because such legislation disproportionately affects cancer patients and their families, SCCA conducted a study to describe the institution's implementation of the Washington state law and its experience with patients who chose to participate.

Modest population-wide weight loss could result in reductions in Type 2 diabetes and cardio disease

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 21:19:19 EDT

A new article suggests a strong association between population-wide weight change and risk of death from Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Selling concert tickets? Consider parking when setting the price

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 13:12:12 EDT

Sellers mostly focus on the desirability of a product when setting prices. Buyers, however, focus evenly on the product itself and what’s entailed in using it, according to a new study.

Fewer unnecessary early deliveries seen in multistate, hospital-based study

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 18:46:46 EDT

A hospital-based quality improvement program showed an 83 percent decline in the rate of elective early term deliveries (inductions of labor and cesarean sections without a medical reason) among of 25 hospitals that implemented of a toolkit called "Elimination of Non-medically Indicated (Elective) Deliveries before 39 Weeks Gestational Age." The rate fell significantly from 27.8 percent to 4.8 percent during the one-year project period.

How communities effectively punish antisocial behavior

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 14:45:45 EDT

New research provides an insight into how groups of people tackle social dilemmas and effectively punish those engaging in anti-social behavior.