http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/science_society/ethics/ Science and ethics. Read the latest scientific findings relating to ethics, bioethics, medical technology, abortion, suicide and more. en-us Thu, 16 Feb 2012 03:05:02 EST Thu, 16 Feb 2012 03:05:02 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/science_society/ethics/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120215142825.htm Hospitalization for underage drinking is common in the United States, and it comes with a price tag -- the estimated total cost for these hospitalizations is about $755 million per year, a new study has found. Wed, 15 Feb 2012 14:28:28 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120215142825.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120215095945.htm More than 70 teachers had an opportunity to experience what it feels like to float in space as they participated in the Reduced Gravity Education Flight Program at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston last week. Wed, 15 Feb 2012 09:59:59 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120215095945.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120209172810.htm Half of fishermen would not give up their livelihood in the face of drastically declining catches, according to new research. A new report challenges previously held notions about poverty and adaptation by investigating why fishermen in developing countries stick with their trade. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:28:28 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120209172810.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120209144011.htm Nearly 70 percent of the nation's service employees give away free goods and services – from hamburgers to cable TV – costing companies billions of dollars a year, according to a groundbreaking study. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:40:40 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120209144011.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120206092626.htm In one year alone, over 4,500 children in the United States were hospitalized due to child abuse, and 300 of them died of their injuries, researchers report in a new study. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120206092626.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120203141505.htm Refugee children have scant access to medical care and are particularly vulnerable to disease. New research from Denmark show that just a few hours of schooling a week may have a pronounced positive impact on their health not only in childhood but later in life when they achieve adulthood. Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:15:15 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120203141505.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120131135414.htm Volunteers working in northeast China have cleared 162 illegal wire snares in an ongoing effort to protect the nation’s remaining population of critically endangered Amur (Siberian) tigers. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:54:54 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120131135414.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120131122458.htm Five urban counties lead the list of US terror "hot spots" - Manhattan, LA, Miami-Dade, San Francisco and Washington, DC - though smaller, more rural areas have emerged as hot spots in their own right in recent years with an increase in domestic terror there, says new research. The researchers identified 65 of the nation's 3,143 counties as "hot spots" of terrorism. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:24:24 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120131122458.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120127135938.htm Girls are not as good at playing football as boys, and they do not have a clue about cars. Instead they know better how to dance and do not get into mischief as often as boys. Prejudices like these are cultivated from early childhood onwards by almost everyone, a researcher asserts. Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:59:59 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120127135938.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126152134.htm Distrust and paranoia about government has a long history, and the feeling that there is a conspiracy of elites can lead to suspicion for authorities and the claims they make. For some, the attraction of conspiracy theories is so strong that it leads them to endorse entirely contradictory beliefs, according to a new study. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:21:21 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126152134.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125162628.htm A new position statement issued by the American Academy of Neurology calls on neurologists to begin screening their patients for abusive or violent treatment by family, caretakers or others. Types of abuse include elder abuse, child abuse, sexual abuse, financial abuse, emotional abuse, bullying, cyberbullying and violence. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125162628.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124184154.htm In an essay that expands on a previous proposal to use the courts to prosecute those involved in ghostwriting on the basis of it being legal fraud, Xavier Bosch from the University of Barcelona, Spain and colleagues lay out three outline specific areas of legal liability in this week's PLoS Medicine. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:41:41 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124184154.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124184150.htm The life expectancy of a person born in Japan is among the highest in the world (82.9 years) yet tobacco smoking and high blood pressure are still the major risk factors for death among adults in Japan, emphasizing the need to reduce tobacco smoking and to improve ongoing programs designed to help people manage multiple cardiovascular risk factors, including high blood pressure, according to a new study. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:41:41 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124184150.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124151945.htm The fate of the world's great whale species commands global attention as a result of heated debate between pro and anti-whaling advocates, but the fate of smaller marine mammals is less understood, specifically because the deliberate and accidental catching and killing of dolphins, porpoises, manatees, and other warm-blooded aquatic species are rarely studied or monitored. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:19:19 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124151945.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120119133926.htm For students to accept the theory of evolution, an intuitive "gut feeling" may be just as important as understanding the facts, according to a new study. In an analysis of the beliefs of biology teachers, researchers found that a quick intuitive notion of how right an idea feels was a powerful driver of whether or not students accepted evolution -- often trumping factors such as knowledge level or religion. Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:39:39 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120119133926.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120119101335.htm Passersby who stopped to answer surveys taken next to churches in the Netherlands and England reported themselves as more politically conservative and more negative toward non-Christians than did people questioned within sight of government buildings — a finding that may be significant when it comes to voting, according to a new study. Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:13:13 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120119101335.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120112134332.htm Racial discrimination may be harmful to your health, according to new research. In the study, the authors examined data containing measures of social class, race and perceived discriminatory behavior and found that approximately 18 percent of blacks and 4 percent of whites reported higher levels of emotional upset and/or physical symptoms due to race-based treatment. Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:43:43 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120112134332.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110114525.htm A new study is refuting the "tiger mother" approach to parenting that pushes children to excel at all costs. Tue, 10 Jan 2012 11:45:45 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110114525.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120106135948.htm We generally think that views about how to integrate a diverse society depend on people's positions in that society -- that is, whether they're in the racial, religious, or cultural majority or a member of a minority. In the US, "people tend to believe that blacks prefer pluralism and whites prefer assimilation," says a psychologist. Assimilation asks minorities -- whether newly arrived or historically rooted -- to drop their cultural identities and adopt the ways of the majority. Fri, 06 Jan 2012 13:59:59 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120106135948.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105145833.htm Children could learn valuable lessons in responsible citizenship, such as making moral judgments and informed choices, through taking part in philosophical dialogue, according to new research. Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105145833.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105143305.htm A smuggler using a public bus to transport a veritable aviary of rare birds for the illegal pet trade was recently arrested by Indonesian authorities. Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:33:33 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105143305.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104133156.htm Researchers have for the first time estimated the cost and impact of disabilities on the finances of disabled people. According to data, 90% of the population with a serious disability in Spain is in a state of moderate poverty and 56% lives in a state of extreme poverty. Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:31:31 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104133156.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120103165008.htm A new program, which was created by health care professionals two decades ago in an effort to ensure the wishes of those with advanced illness are followed, has now spread to 34 states in the United States. Tue, 03 Jan 2012 16:50:50 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120103165008.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120103135323.htm Use of torture around the world has not diminished but the techniques used have grown more complex and sophisticated, according to new research. Tue, 03 Jan 2012 13:53:53 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120103135323.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111229091640.htm The sustainable development goals of community conservation in Zanzibar raise more complex issues than just protecting monkeys and mangroves. Contingent socio-economic and cultural factors must be taken into account when planning and implementing conservation initiatives if they are to endure, let alone succeed. Thu, 29 Dec 2011 09:16:16 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111229091640.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111228111722.htm Half the drugs used today target a single class of proteins – and now scientists have identified an important molecular player critical to the proper workings of those proteins critical to our health. What you see, what you smell, how you feel – molecules known as G-protein coupled receptors and their prime targets, G proteins, are key to those and many other processes that are ubiquitous in our bodies, and Ric-8 plays a vital role. Wed, 28 Dec 2011 11:17:17 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111228111722.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111227210713.htm A survey of nurses and physicians in intensive care units (ICUs) in Europe and Israel indicated that the perception of inappropriate care, such as excess intensity of care for a patient, was common, and that these perceptions were associated with inadequate decision sharing, communication and job autonomy, according to a new study. Tue, 27 Dec 2011 21:07:07 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111227210713.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221151718.htm An international study of holiday shopping and religion finds that dominant religious groups are more likely to experience "consumption mass hysteria" while shoppers in minority religions may view malls and stores much differently: as central meeting places that "can play an active role in the creation of a sacred event." Wed, 21 Dec 2011 15:17:17 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221151718.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221140627.htm Where does prejudice come from? Not from ideology, say the authors of a new article. Instead, prejudice stems from a deeper psychological need, associated with a particular way of thinking. People who aren't comfortable with ambiguity and want to make quick and firm decisions are also prone to making generalizations about others. Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:06:06 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221140627.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221140623.htm Scientists have written an expanded review of six new air quality regulations by the EPA. These include the first national standards in the U.S. for reducing dangerous emissions of mercury and other toxic pollutants from power plants. Though the cost of implementing is about $195 billion over the next two decades, the economic, environmental and health benefits amount to well over $1 trillion, considerably outweighing the control costs. Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:06:06 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221140623.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221105734.htm A new United Nation's report documents the current status of the world's land and water resources for food and agriculture. Wed, 21 Dec 2011 10:57:57 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221105734.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111219152506.htm Investigators have shown that iPS cells, viewed as a possible alternative to human embryonic stem cells, can mirror the defining defects of a genetic condition -- in this instance, Marfan syndrome -- as well as embryonic stem cells can. Mon, 19 Dec 2011 15:25:25 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111219152506.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111216174440.htm The gross domestic product of the United States -- that oft-cited measure of economic health -- has been ticking upward for the last two years. But what would you see if you could see a graph of gross domestic happiness? Scientists have made such a graph -- and the trend is down. Fri, 16 Dec 2011 17:44:44 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111216174440.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215135840.htm Given that chimpanzees are so closely related to humans and share similar behavioral traits, the U.S. National Institutes of Health should allow their use as subjects in biomedical research only under stringent conditions, including the absence of any other suitable model and inability to ethically perform the research on people, says a new report from the Institute of Medicine. Thu, 15 Dec 2011 13:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215135840.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215095448.htm The Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues has issued its report concerning U.S. federally sponsored research involving human volunteers, concluding that current rules and regulations provide adequate safeguards to mitigate risk. Thu, 15 Dec 2011 09:54:54 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215095448.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111214162103.htm It may be that a person can become callous enough to commit human atrocities because of a failure in the part of the brain that's critical for social interaction. A new study suggests this function may disengage when people encounter others they consider disgusting. Wed, 14 Dec 2011 16:21:21 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111214162103.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213110531.htm Consumers hold churches and pharmaceutical companies to different moral standards than other organizations, according to a new study in the Journal of Consumer Research. Tue, 13 Dec 2011 11:05:05 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213110531.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212221031.htm In response to a lawsuit after a college football player died from complications due to sickle cell trait (SCT) during a workout, the NCAA implemented mandatory SCT screening of all Division I student-athletes. A new study evaluated the impact of that policy and found that testing alone will help identify more than 2,000 athletes with SCT, but warns that screening alone will not prevent death. Mon, 12 Dec 2011 22:10:10 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212221031.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212092641.htm The World Trade Center disaster exposed nearly half a million people to hazardous chemicals, environmental toxins, and traumatic events. According to recent research, this has resulted in increased risk of developing physical and mental health conditions after 9/11. Mon, 12 Dec 2011 09:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212092641.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111209171944.htm Research shows that feeling good about your country also makes you feel good about your own life -- and many people take that as good news. But a political scientist and a sociologist suspected that the positive findings about nationalism weren't telling the whole story. Fri, 09 Dec 2011 17:19:19 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111209171944.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208121400.htm Researchers have shown that the more cohesive a group appears -- be it a corporation, political party, governmental entity, pro sports team or other organization -- the more likely it is that people will hold its members less responsible for their own individual actions. The study area raises questions about decision-making, blame, moral judgment and the effects of a strong brand image. Thu, 08 Dec 2011 12:14:14 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208121400.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111207175732.htm Researchers studied how parents' financial problems and resulting mental distress affect their relationships with their children. They found that parents who experience financial problems and depression are less likely to feel connected to their children, and their children are less likely to engage in prosocial behaviors, such as volunteering or helping others. Wed, 07 Dec 2011 17:57:57 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111207175732.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205102635.htm Fatal snakebites are a bigger-than-acknowledged global health problem that has been vastly under-reported, according to new research. A key reason for the low count is that many snakebite victims are treated or die without seeking or reaching health facilities. Mon, 05 Dec 2011 10:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205102635.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111202155531.htm Individuals and courts deal more harshly with people who actively commit harm than with people who willfully allow the same harm to occur. A new study finds that this moral distinction is psychologically automatic. It requires more thought to see each harmful behavior as morally equivalent. Fri, 02 Dec 2011 15:55:55 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111202155531.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111201174227.htm Evolutionary psychologists suspect that prejudice is rooted in survival: Our distant ancestors had to avoid outsiders who might have carried disease. Research still shows that when people feel vulnerable to illness, they exhibit more bias toward stigmatized groups. But a new study suggests there might be a modern way to break that link. Thu, 01 Dec 2011 17:42:42 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111201174227.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111201132524.htm Some atheist scientists with children embrace religious traditions for social and personal reasons, according to new research. Thu, 01 Dec 2011 13:25:25 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111201132524.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111201105447.htm Established human embryonic cell lines, including those approved for federal research funding under former President George W. Bush, are different than newly derived human embryonic stem cell lines, according to a study by stem cell researchers. Thu, 01 Dec 2011 10:54:54 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111201105447.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111201105443.htm Nine out of 10 people would kill one person to save five others, according to a provocative new morality study. Thu, 01 Dec 2011 10:54:54 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111201105443.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111128171215.htm Most heart attack patients transferred between hospitals for the emergency artery-opening procedure called angioplasty are not transported as quickly as they should be, researchers report in the first national study of "door-in door-out" time for transfer patients. Mon, 28 Nov 2011 17:12:12 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111128171215.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111128120146.htm Thoughts about killing oneself and engaging in suicidal behavior may begin much younger than previously thought. While about one of nine youths attempt suicide by the time they graduate from high school, new findings reveal that a significant proportion make their first suicide attempt in elementary or middle school. Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:01:01 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111128120146.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111123151918.htm Patients overall in the United States are very satisfied with their physicians and with treatment they receive in outpatient settings, according to new information which challenges common public perceptions about outpatient medical treatment. Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:19:19 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111123151918.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111121142446.htm The less people know about important complex issues such as the economy, energy consumption and the environment, the more they want to avoid becoming well-informed, according to new research. Mon, 21 Nov 2011 14:24:24 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111121142446.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111115191228.htm With three people on the transplant list dying in the UK every day, should doctors encourage their patients to put themselves at risk for the benefit of others? Two experts debate the issue. Tue, 15 Nov 2011 19:12:12 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111115191228.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111115132851.htm A report commissioned by the Royal Society of Canada claims that assisted suicide should be legally permitted for competent individuals who make a free and informed decision, while on both a personal and a national level insufficient plans and policies are made for the end of life. Tue, 15 Nov 2011 13:28:28 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111115132851.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111114142043.htm There are plenty of examples of corporate managers lying about their companies' earnings and ultimately hurting themselves and the businesses they work for. Why do they do it? A limited capacity to see the whole picture -- known as "bounded rationality" -- combined with a faulty ethical compass are two big reasons. Mon, 14 Nov 2011 14:20:20 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111114142043.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111113141250.htm According to a state survey, fewer than 6 percent of doctors fully follow national guidelines for assessing sudden cardiac death risk during high school sports physicals, researchers report. Sun, 13 Nov 2011 14:12:12 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111113141250.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111110151703.htm Young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 report the highest rates of substance use and dependence, according to the U.S. National Survey on Drug Use & Health. A new study found that rural adolescents who engage in prosocial behaviors, such as volunteering and helping others, are less likely to use substances as young adults. Thu, 10 Nov 2011 15:17:17 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111110151703.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111110142100.htm For both men and women, wearing revealing attire causes them to be seen as more sensitive but less competent, says a new study. Thu, 10 Nov 2011 14:21:21 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111110142100.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111110094923.htm The first ever comprehensive report on people's experiences of the adoption process in Victoria reveals that many found the current system to be inflexible and focused almost exclusively on administrative tasks and bureaucratic formalities. For many prospective applicants, the mismatch between their emotional experiences and the bureaucratic processes caused tension and anxiety the report found. Thu, 10 Nov 2011 09:49:49 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111110094923.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111108195128.htm The number of species recognized as endangered is ever increasing and a new study reveals the unanimity among conservation scientists of expectations of a major loss of biological diversity. The survey also shows a growing acceptance of controversial strategies such as ‘triage’ -- a decision to prioritize resources and not to intervene to save some highly threatened species. Tue, 08 Nov 2011 19:51:51 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111108195128.htm