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Research Ethics

All articles tagged with #research ethics

science-and-technology29 days ago

AI Adoption in Peer Review: A Growing Trend and Policy Challenge

A survey of 1,600 researchers across 111 countries reveals that over half now use AI for peer review, often against guidelines, with many employing it to assist in writing reports, summarizing manuscripts, and detecting misconduct. Despite its growing use, concerns about confidentiality, accuracy, and the need for responsible implementation persist, prompting publishers like Frontiers to develop policies and in-house AI tools. Experiments show AI can mimic review structure but lacks the ability to provide constructive feedback or detailed critique, highlighting both the potential and limitations of AI in peer review.

via Nature|
#ai#large-language-models#peer-review
science4 months ago

Debate Over Mirror-Image Biology and Its Potential Risks

Experts are debating the risks and benefits of researching mirror-image molecular biology and the potential creation of mirror-image organisms, which could have significant scientific and medical applications but also pose unknown risks. Current scientific challenges make the creation of fully functional mirror-image life forms unlikely in the near future, but ongoing research offers promising benefits in drug development and biotechnology. Caution and responsible regulation are emphasized to balance innovation with safety.

via Nature|
#biosafety#chirality#mirror-image-biology
science1 year ago

"Ethical Overconfidence: Researchers' Misjudgment of Their Practices"

A study of over 11,000 Swedish researchers reveals a widespread belief in one’s own ethical superiority, with over 55% rating themselves as adhering to good research practices as well as or better than their peers, and nearly 63% rating their research field’s ethical standards as high or higher than others. This self-assessment bias, particularly pronounced in medical research, raises concerns about recognizing ethical shortcomings and hindering interdisciplinary collaboration, highlighting the need for heightened self-awareness and ethical vigilance in the scientific community.

via Neuroscience News|
#interdisciplinary-collaboration#research-ethics#science
genetics-and-research-ethics1 year ago

"Unveiling Genetic Diversity: Insights from the All of Us Research Program"

Geneticists express unease over a figure in a high-profile Nature paper from the All of Us program, fearing it could reinforce racist beliefs. The figure, depicting genetic relationships and self-described race and ethnicity, has reignited debate about how to discuss and depict race and ethnicity in genetics research. Concerns have been raised about the potential for misinterpretation and the responsibility of geneticists to ensure their research is not used to justify violence or spread pseudoscientific beliefs. While some call for retraction, others emphasize the need for responsible communication of data and adherence to best practices for using population descriptors in genetics research.

via Nature.com|
#controversy#genetics#genetics-and-research-ethics
science-and-technology2 years ago

AI Developers Utilize ChatGPT to Assist Scientists in Managing Paper Overload

Researchers have used the AI model behind ChatGPT to generate a fake clinical-trial data set that supports an unverified scientific claim. The AI-generated data falsely indicated that one surgical procedure was better than another. Concerns are raised about the ability of AI to fabricate convincing data, which adds to existing worries about research integrity. The fake data set was initially deemed authentic but failed authenticity checks upon closer scrutiny. Experts emphasize the need for updated quality checks and AI-based solutions to detect and prevent the use of AI-generated synthetic data in scientific research.

via Nature.com|
#artificial-intelligence#chatgpt#fake-data
science-and-technology2 years ago

The Ethical Implications of Human Embryo Models in Research

Researchers have developed integrated embryo models using stem cells to study human development, but caution should be exercised in their use. These models mimic key stages of human embryo development and could help uncover the causes of early pregnancy loss and improve reproductive technologies. However, concerns arise regarding the potential for growing these models for longer periods, which could raise ethical and regulatory issues. Non-integrated models that mimic specific aspects of development offer alternatives that are easier to study and pose fewer ethical challenges. Researchers are urged to carefully consider the scientific rationale and potential public perception before pursuing the replication of entire human embryos from stem cells.

via Nature.com|
#developmental-biology#human-embryo-models#reproductive-technologies
health2 years ago

Top Psychiatric Institute Undergoes Shake-up After Clinical Trial Suicide

The New York State Psychiatric Institute is undergoing an audit and leadership change following a suicide during a clinical trial. Autism researcher Jeremy Veenstra-VanderWeele has taken over as interim executive director, replacing Helen Blair Simpson. The audit comes after the suspension of clinical trials testing the use of levodopa to improve mood and mobility in adults with depression. The trials were conducted by psychiatrist Bret Rutherford, whose studies have since been retracted. Former members of Rutherford's lab describe a high-pressure environment that prioritized publications over participant safety. The circumstances surrounding the suicide remain unclear, and questions have been raised about the screening process for participants.

via Spectrum - Autism Research News |
#clinical-trials#health#leadership-change