PATRICK D. CONWAY, MD

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This research studied how people make moral decisions about sacrificing one person to save a group, focusing on their beliefs about fairness and justice. They found that when participants thought the person to be sacrificed was guilty, they were more okay with the decision compared to when the person was innocent. The study involved over 1,100 participants, and it showed that people’s beliefs about justice influenced their responses, particularly regarding innocent targets, even though these beliefs sometimes overlapped with traits related to psychopathy. Who this helps: This helps ethicists, policy makers, and psychologists understand how moral decisions are influenced by perceptions of justice and fairness.

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This study looked at how critical thinking classes in college can help students make better decisions by reducing common biases. The researchers found that these classes were very effective, with significant improvements in students' thinking that lasted for at least 16 months after the class ended. Specifically, they reduced four major types of thinking errors, showing the importance of strong reasoning skills for better judgment. Who this helps: This helps students in college improve their decision-making skills.

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This study examined how heat-inactivated probiotics (HP) compare to live probiotics (P) in very preterm infants, specifically those born before 32 weeks gestation. Researchers found that both types of probiotics had similar levels of a marker called faecal calprotectin after three weeks, with the HP group showing a median level of 75 and the P group at 80, meaning there were no significant differences in safety or effectiveness. This matters because if HP can provide the same benefits without the risks associated with live probiotics, they could be a safer option for vulnerable preterm infants. Who this helps: This helps preterm infants and their caregivers by potentially offering a safer probiotic option.

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This study looked at how well a new and more advanced medical scanner can detect recurrences of prostate cancer in patients with low levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in their blood. Researchers found that the new scanner detected cancer in 67% of patients with PSA levels below 0.2 ng/ml, and over 90% of patients with levels above 1.0 ng/ml. This matters because detecting cancer earlier can lead to better treatment options and outcomes, especially since some patients had disease localized to areas where salvage therapy could be effective. Who this helps: This helps patients with prostate cancer who are experiencing biochemical recurrence.

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This study examined how effective Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) is for patients with prostate cancer that has spread to the lungs (lung oligometastases). Out of 35 patients, those treated with SBRT had a median time before their cancer progressed of 21.6 months, and the median time without new cancer spreading was 32.4 months. Notably, 87.2% of patients who did not start hormone therapy before or with SBRT lasted one year without needing this treatment. Who this helps: This benefits prostate cancer patients with lung oligometastases looking for effective treatment options.

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This study focused on how combining choline, an important nutrient, with certain prebiotics can change gut bacteria, improve how the body uses choline, and lower the production of trimethylamine (TMA), which is linked to heart disease. The research found that adding galactooligosaccharides (GOS), a type of prebiotic, significantly decreased TMA production from choline in healthy human samples. This matters because it shows that improving gut health with prebiotics can help the body use choline better and potentially reduce the risk of heart-related illnesses. Who this helps: Patients at risk for cardiovascular diseases.

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Researchers implemented a healing touch program for patients in a rehabilitation unit to see if it could help reduce pain and anxiety. Over nine months, 35% of patients received this therapy, and both patients and therapists reported that pain and anxiety levels dropped by about two points after treatment. This matters because it shows that this type of therapy can provide comfort and support to hospitalized patients, potentially making their recovery more manageable. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from rehabilitation as well as healthcare providers looking for effective ways to support them.

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This study looked at how effective a specific type of radiation therapy called stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is in treating men with oligometastatic prostate cancer, which means their cancer has spread but not extensively. After five years, only 21.7% of the 199 men studied needed more aggressive cancer treatments, with better results (25.4%) in those who had not yet received hormone therapy. This is important because it shows SBRT can help delay the need for more intense treatments, improving patient management. Who this helps: This research benefits men with oligometastatic prostate cancer and their doctors by providing a promising treatment option.

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Researchers conducted five experiments with over 2,200 participants to explore how people react to the dilemma of bombing a military target that also risks killing an unknown bystander. They found that while only 15% supported bombing if the bystander was an innocent civilian, this support jumped to over 30% when the bystander's identity was unknown. This matters because it highlights a dangerous tendency to presume that unidentified bystanders may be guilty, influencing decisions in military conflicts. Who this helps: This research benefits military strategists and policymakers involved in conflict situations.

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This study looked at the mental health of UK police officers and staff who investigate child sexual abuse material (CSAM). It found that 29% experienced depression and 23% had anxiety, while feelings of support helped protect their mental well-being. However, feelings of betrayal by their institution led to more negative mental health outcomes. Who this helps: This research benefits police officers and mental health professionals by highlighting the need for better support systems in high-stress investigative roles.

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Researchers studied how probiotics can help newborns with congenital gastrointestinal issues. They found that a specific combination of probiotics improved gut health, raised beneficial short-chain fatty acids in the stool, and increased head circumference growth in these babies. This is important because it shows that probiotics can improve health outcomes for vulnerable newborns, guiding future research to enhance their effectiveness. Who this helps: This helps newborns with congenital gastrointestinal surgical conditions and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how effective and safe a type of radiation treatment called hypofractionated stereotactic radiosurgery (hfSRS) is for patients with larger or more complex brain metastases. Researchers found that 13.2% of patients developed radiation necrosis, a harmful side effect, with 18.1% of those experiencing symptoms. On the positive side, the treatment controlled the cancer for 86% of patients and had a median survival of 9.5 months after treatment. This matters because it shows that hfSRS can effectively manage aggressive brain tumors while keeping side effects relatively low. Who this helps: Patients with high-risk brain metastases.

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This study looked at a special protein found in a type of bacteria that helps form a biofilm, which is a community of interacting microorganisms. Researchers discovered that the protein, known as BROSI_A1236, acts like glue, connecting different types of bacteria together within the biofilm and helping them work together effectively. They found that this protein was crucial for creating a supportive environment in the biofilm, allowing the bacteria to thrive and perform important functions like breaking down nitrogen compounds. Who this helps: This benefits environmental scientists and engineers working on water treatment and pollution management.

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This study looked at how police officers and staff involved in investigating child sexual abuse and exploitation feel about the support they receive for their mental health. Out of 661 participants, many reported they rarely used available support services due to a lack of trust and stigma around mental health issues, which negatively affects their emotional wellbeing. Improving workplace culture and support services could significantly enhance the mental health of these officers. Who this helps: This benefits police officers and staff working in child sexual abuse investigations.

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Researchers studied how speaking a foreign language affects people's moral decisions, specifically whether they are more willing to sacrifice one person to save five when using that language. They found that Russian speakers were indeed more accepting of sacrifice when making decisions in English, mostly because they felt less emotional about the harm involved. Additionally, those who understood the dilemmas better in English showed more concern for both the harm caused and the overall outcomes, suggesting that proficiency and comprehension are important to moral reasoning in a foreign language. Who this helps: This helps linguists and psychologists understand how language affects moral decision-making in diverse populations.

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This study looked at what factors help people with knee osteoarthritis do better after physical therapy. Out of 706 patients, those who were older, had more therapy visits, or were prescribed opioids were more likely to improve their mobility. However, simply following care guidelines didn't increase their chances of success, and only 6% of patients received physical therapy even though it could be beneficial. Who this helps: This information benefits patients with knee osteoarthritis and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how people manage their feelings of empathy, how this affects their willingness to help others, and how they make moral decisions. It found that in situations where multiple victims are suffering, like large disasters, individuals often struggle to decide who to help and may prioritize some needs over others. Understanding these dynamics is important because it can lead to better ways to encourage helping behavior and improve moral decision-making. Who this helps: This helps patients and communities facing crises, as well as the professionals who support them.

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This study looked at whether giving probiotics to newborns with congenital gastrointestinal surgical conditions helps improve their gut health. The researchers involved 61 babies, with one group receiving probiotics and the other a placebo. They found that those who got the probiotics had lower levels of harmful bacteria and higher levels of beneficial bacteria in their stool after two weeks; specifically, harmful bacteria were present at 50.4% in the probiotic group compared to 67.1% in the placebo group. Who this helps: This research benefits newborns with congenital gastrointestinal conditions and their healthcare providers by offering a potential treatment for gut health.

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This study looked at how different types of probiotics—single-strain (SS) versus triple-strain (TS)—affect extremely preterm infants (born before 28 weeks). The researchers found that both SS and TS probiotics had similar impacts on how quickly the infants could be fully fed, taking about 11 days for SS and 10 days for TS, which was not significantly different. However, both types of probiotics improved the gut bacteria balance in these infants, which is important for their health, and led to beneficial increases in certain substances in their guts. Who this helps: This benefits extremely preterm infants and their caregivers.

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This study looked at how antibiotics are used in chicken farming in Bangladesh, finding that 98% of farms had used antibiotics at some point in their production. Specifically, 41% reported using antibiotics in the last 24 hours, with broiler and Sonali farms using them the most often. Reducing antibiotic use is important because it can help combat antimicrobial resistance, which is a growing public health threat. Who this helps: This research benefits patients and the general public by aiming to reduce antibiotic resistance.

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This study looked at a new treatment, called PRV111, designed to deliver a cancer drug (cisplatin) directly to tumors in patients with oral cancer, minimizing harmful side effects. In animal tests, PRV111 showed strong anti-cancer effects, while in a small patient trial, it reduced tumor size by an average of 69% in about a week, and over 87% of patients had a positive response without serious side effects. This matters because it may offer a safer and more effective way to treat a challenging type of cancer. Who this helps: Patients with oral cancer.

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This study looked at how unpredictable and harsh childhood environments affect people's moral decision-making later in life. Researchers found that individuals who experienced unpredictable childhoods were less likely to make decisions that prioritize preventing harm or maximizing benefit for others; specifically, those from unpredictable backgrounds made 20% fewer moral decisions aligned with these ethical principles. This matters because it shows how early life experiences shape empathy and moral reasoning, which can lead to different perspectives on right and wrong. Who this helps: This helps mental health professionals and educators understand the impact of childhood environments on moral development.

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This study looked at how oesophageal cancer patients in the Loddon Mallee region of Victoria were treated, how quickly they received care, and their outcomes. Out of 95 patients, 72% received radiotherapy, but only 32% started treatment within the first 28 days after diagnosis. Those with later stages of cancer had a much higher risk of dying, while receiving treatment with a goal to cure significantly lowered that risk. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with oesophageal cancer and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how constipation caused by strong opioid painkillers affects healthcare costs in England. Out of 27,629 patients treated with opioids, 5,916 were on strong opioids and 2,886 experienced constipation. Those with constipation faced higher healthcare costs, averaging £4,786 per year, compared to £3,822 for those without constipation, highlighting the significant financial impact on patients and the healthcare system. Who this helps: This helps patients dealing with opioid-related constipation and their doctors in managing treatment options.

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This research studied whether using virtual reality (VR) to expose participants to suicide scenarios is safe and ethical. In two studies, researchers found that after experiencing VR suicide situations, there were no increases in suicidal thoughts or behaviors among participants; in fact, some measures related to suicidality showed a decrease. These findings are important because they support the idea that intense research methods can be conducted safely without harming participants. Who this helps: This helps researchers studying suicide prevention and mental health treatments.

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This study looked at how the hormones testosterone and cortisol affect people's decisions in moral dilemmas where they have to choose between harming one person to save more lives. In a group of 199 university students, the researchers found that neither hormone influenced whether participants accepted or rejected these tough choices. This matters because it challenges previous beliefs that higher testosterone levels lead to more acceptance of sacrificing one for the good of many. Who this helps: This helps researchers and psychologists understand the factors influencing moral decision-making.

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This paper discusses a program that provided free mental health support to students at the University of Gdańsk during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in March 2020. The initiative showed that students faced significant psychological challenges, and the support included activities like relaxation techniques and simply talking about their feelings. It led to the establishment of the Academic Psychological Support Centre, which aims to improve future mental health programs. Who this helps: This helps university students coping with mental health issues, especially in challenging times like a pandemic.

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This study looked at two different navigation tools to help delivery couriers—one that provides a map on a handheld device and another that gives instructions directly in their line of sight. The researchers found that the handheld device was better for helping couriers find the right locations quickly and accurately, while the in-sight device helped them be more aware of hazards in their surroundings. This is important because improving navigation can make deliveries safer and more efficient, especially in busy city areas. Who this helps: This helps delivery couriers and companies working to improve urban logistics.

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This study explored how people feel after making tough moral choices, like deciding to sacrifice one person to save five. Researchers found that those who chose to harm one for the greater good felt more emotional regret but were less likely to wish they'd made a different decision compared to those who refused to cause harm, with more than 50% of utilitarian decision-makers reporting high affective regret. Understanding these feelings can help explain why people react differently to moral dilemmas, which is important for discussions about ethics in real-life situations. Who this helps: This helps psychologists and ethicists understand decision-making processes.

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This research paper reviews recent advancements in Rosetta, a widely used software for studying the structure and design of large molecules like proteins. Over the past five years, more than 80 new tools have been added to improve its features, making it easier and more efficient for scientists to use. These improvements enhance the software's performance and make it more user-friendly, which is important for developing new medical treatments. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and doctors working in drug design and protein research.

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This study looked at how therapeutic anticoagulation (blood thinning) might help COVID-19 patients, especially those with severe symptoms and complications like blood clotting issues. A patient treated in an intensive care unit showed marked improvement after receiving a higher dose of a blood thinner called enoxaparin, leading to her recovery and discharge from the ICU just three days later. However, while there is some evidence that blood clots are a problem in COVID-19, the study highlights a need for more research to clearly define the benefits of this treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from severe COVID-19 and their doctors.

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This study looked at how people view their own social status and how legitimate they think their society is. Researchers surveyed nearly 12,800 people from 30 different countries and found that those who feel they have higher status see their social systems as more legitimate compared to those with lower status. This is important because understanding these perceptions can help address how people with lower status might accept their situation rather than fight for change. Who this helps: This benefits researchers, policymakers, and social activists working to improve social equality.

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This study looked at patients who suffered blunt head injuries while taking warfarin, a blood thinner. Out of 204 patients observed, 1.7% experienced an early delayed brain bleed, and none of these cases were serious enough to require surgery. This finding is important because it shows that with proper monitoring and management, the risk of severe complications from minor head injuries while on warfarin is low. Who this helps: This helps patients on warfarin, doctors managing their care, and those treating head trauma.

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This study examined how speech and language therapists and educators understand and address developmental language disorders (DLD) in children. Researchers reviewed 81 articles and found that while there were some shared beliefs, the differences in views were more significant, especially regarding how DLD is defined, assessed, and treated. This lack of common understanding can make it hard for these professionals to work together effectively, which is crucial for supporting children with DLD in schools. Who this helps: This helps children with developmental language disorders and the professionals working with them.

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This research examined how self-awareness, created by having participants solve moral dilemmas in front of a mirror, influences their ethical decisions. The study found that people showed a greater tendency to reject causing harm when they could see themselves in the mirror—specifically, 370 participants rejected harm more, while there was no significant change in their desire to maximize good outcomes. This matters because it highlights that self-awareness can influence moral choices, particularly in rejecting harm to others. Who this helps: This helps patients and individuals facing moral decisions in healthcare settings.

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This research looked at how different types of thinking influence moral decisions, particularly when faced with tough choices that involve causing harm to save others. The studies found that people who thought about math problems (arithmetic reflection) were more likely to make utilitarian choices (the choice that results in the greatest good), while those who used logical reasoning (logical reflection) could swing either way between utilitarian and deontological choices (which focus on moral rules). These findings help understand how our thinking processes shape our moral choices. Who this helps: This helps psychologists and ethicists understand decision-making in challenging moral situations.

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This research developed two models to predict survival in patients with cirrhosis, a liver condition. They found that after 90 days of diagnosis, 23% of patients had died, and the average survival rate was 3.7 years. Key factors affecting survival included kidney disease, elevated bilirubin levels, and low sodium levels. Understanding these models helps doctors estimate a patient's risk of dying from cirrhosis based on routine health information. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and healthcare providers managing patients with cirrhosis.

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This study looked at how people make moral decisions that involve causing harm to others for a greater good. Researchers found that feelings about the outcomes of harmful actions, not just the actions themselves, play a big role in how people judge these situations. Specifically, both empathic concern for others and emotional responses helped shape moral judgments, regardless of whether the judgments aligned with avoiding harm or maximizing benefits. Who this helps: This research helps both patients and doctors understand the emotional factors influencing moral decisions in healthcare and ethical dilemmas.

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This study looked at how different feelings, like happiness, sadness, and anger, change the way people make moral decisions when faced with dilemmas. Researchers conducted six experiments with a total of 727 participants and found that feeling happy made people less concerned about moral rules, but it didn't change how they thought about the outcomes of their actions. Sadness and anger didn't significantly affect their decision-making. Who this helps: This helps researchers and psychologists understand how emotions influence moral decision-making.

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This study looked at how patients aged 50 to 65 responded to genetic testing for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a serious eye condition. Out of 101 participants, 85 engaged in the testing, and many found the results helpful—27 people changed their habits to protect their eye health, like wearing sunglasses and taking vitamins. This is important because it shows that genetic testing can encourage individuals to adopt healthier behaviors that may reduce their risk of developing AMD. Who this helps: This helps patients concerned about their eye health, especially those with a family history of AMD.

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This study looked at the effectiveness and cost of using rifaximin-α alongside lactulose for treating patients in the UK with hepatic encephalopathy, a serious liver condition. It found that, over five years, this combination not only cost less—about £573 less per patient—but also provided more health benefits, with patients enjoying an average of 2.35 quality-adjusted life years compared to 1.83 for those only taking lactulose. This is important because it shows that rifaximin-α can save money for healthcare while improving patient well-being. Who this helps: This helps patients with liver disease and doctors treating them.

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This study looked at how people make moral decisions in "sacrificial" scenarios, like choosing to harm one person to save many, and whether these choices reflect genuine concern for the greater good. Researchers found that those who identified as utilitarians were more likely to support such sacrifices, and that ordinary people’s decisions also showed real moral concern about reducing harm, not just selfish motives. This matters because it helps clarify the connection between philosophical beliefs and how people actually think about moral dilemmas. Who this helps: This benefits researchers, ethicists, and anyone interested in understanding moral decision-making.

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This study looked at how willing parents are to enroll their children in biobanks, which collect medical samples for research. Out of 5,737 parents surveyed, 55% said they would allow their youngest child to participate. Factors like education level and concerns about privacy influenced parents' decisions, with some being open to participating themselves but reluctant to include their children. Who this helps: This benefits parents and researchers working to enhance participation in medical studies involving children.

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This report covers a conference focused on the gut microbiome and its impact on health, especially for people in Asia. Researchers found that the gut bacteria of Asians are different from those in Europe and North America, influenced by factors like location, diet, and ethnicity. As diets in Asia change due to urbanization, there has been a shift in health concerns from infections to chronic diseases; new Indonesian probiotic strains also showed promise in boosting the immune response in studies. Who this helps: This information benefits healthcare providers and researchers who focus on digestive health in Asian populations.

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This research explored how people make moral decisions when faced with dilemmas that involve conflicting choices, such as the classic trolley problem. The study introduced a new model called the CNI model, which assesses how much people consider consequences, moral rules, and their tendency to avoid action—finding that these factors shape moral judgments differently based on situations and personal traits. For example, researchers discovered that gender and cognitive loads significantly influenced how decisions were made, providing clearer insights into why people choose one action over another in tough moral situations. Who this helps: This research benefits psychologists, ethicists, and anyone involved in understanding decision-making in challenging situations.

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This study looked at the impact of a summer research program for undergraduate students at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine, which has hosted 335 students since 2008. The findings showed that 76% of the 200 tracked graduates went on to further education in health-related fields, including 34% in medical school and 20% pursuing PhDs, while many others entered healthcare-related jobs. This is important because it highlights how summer research experiences not only engage students but also help develop the next generation of health professionals, especially from rural areas. Who this helps: This benefits students aiming for careers in healthcare, educators, and the greater community looking for skilled health professionals.

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This study looked at how our brains respond when we see someone else in pain and how that affects our moral decisions, like whether to hurt one person to potentially save others. Researchers found that brain activity in a specific area called the posterior inferior frontal cortex (pIFC) was linked to the tendency to avoid causing harm, even when doing so might lead to a better overall outcome. This matters because it indicates that our moral choices are driven by real empathy for others, not just a fear of feeling guilty about causing harm. Who this helps: This helps patients by improving our understanding of how caregivers and healthcare professionals make difficult ethical decisions.