Editors of medical journals deal with allegations of research misconduct, defined by the Office of Research Integrity (ORI) in the U.S. as fabrication, falsification and plagiarism. Research misconduct threatens the validity of science, undermines trust in science and contributes to misinformation and disinformation about science.

 

According to former editor-in-chief of the Journal of the American Medical Association Howard Bauchner, MD, “it is important that editors have a transparent and consistent process to deal

with these allegations quickly and fairly.“ Journals are the public conduit for research reports, review articles and opinion pieces and play an important role in adjudicating research misconduct. It is important for all journals to have a policy which carefully defines research misconduct and lays out a consistent stepwise approach to deal with allegations of misconduct,” says Bauchner, professor of pediatrics at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine.

A new study in JAMA Pediatrics found that the spike in gun death rates during the first two years of the pandemic disproportionately affected adolescents ages 10-16, as well as adults over 30 years old. These increases lowered the peak risk of being a victim of a fatal shooting from 21 years old to 19 years old. The study also found that as adult gun death rates returned to pre-COVID levels in 2022 and 2023, gun homicide rates continued increasing for the 10-16 adolescent age group, doubling pre-pandemic rates.

From protecting butterflies in Michigan and across the nation to uncovering the connection between gut health and stronger bones, Michigan State University researchers are tackling challenges that impact our environment, health and future well-being. In March, Nick Haddad, Gemma Reguera, Laura McCabe and Michael Thoennessen were recognized as 2024 fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, or AAAS. 

The American Heart Association and University of North Carolina Chapel Hill collaborate to enhance value of virtual care

Rutgers Health researchers reveal critical mechanism behind idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.