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Last month, European researchers launched a program to identify errors within scientific literature. With an initial fund of 250,000 Swiss francs - roughly 285,000 USD - team leaders Malte Elson and Ruben C. Arslan are seeking experts to investigate and discover errors in scientific literature, beginning with psychological papers. 

Here’s them in their own words: 

ERROR is a comprehensive program to systematically detect and report errors in scientific publications, modeled after bug bounty programs in the technology industry. Investigators are paid for discovering errors in the scientific literature: The more severe the error, the larger the payout. In ERROR, we leverage, survey, document, and increase accessibility to error detection tools. Our goal is to foster a culture that is open to the possibility of error in science to embrace a new discourse norm of constructive criticism.

(Elson, 2024)

Their program follows a growing awareness of what researchers in the early 2010s called “the replication crisis:” the inability to reproduce large amounts of scientific findings. For example, the former head of cancer research at the biotechnology company Amgen, C. Glenn Begley, investigated 53 of his company’s most promising publications (pieces that would lead to groundbreaking discoveries). Of those 53, his team could only reproduce 6 (Hawkes, 2012). While 53 is not a large sample size, Nature surveyed 1,576 researchers and more than 70% reported trying and failing to reproduce published experiments (Baker, 2016).

ERROR founders Malte Elson and Ruben C. Arslan point to a poor incentive structure: “error detection as a scientific activity is relatively unappealing as there is little to gain and much to lose for both the researchers whose work is being scrutinized (making cooperation unlikely)” (Elson, 2024). 

Nature concurs. Journals, they report, are less likely to publish verification of older work or work simply reporting negative findings (Baker, 2016). Reproduction gets deferred, because reproduction requires more time and money (Ibid). 

Not to mention that even in science, biases can crop up - the siren call of new discoveries can lead people to publishing versus confirming results. In a noteworthy example, Begley - the aforementioned Amgen researcher - approached a scientist and explained that he tried - and failed - 50 times to reproduce the results of his experiments. The scientist answered that “they had done it six times and got this result once but put it in the paper because it made the best story” (Hawkes, 2012, emphasis added). 

Bearing these issues in mind, the ERROR program hopes to incentivize error-detection and change the publication culture: opening the perception of negative results as useful data (Elson, 2024). To foster a positive environment, authors must agree to be reviewed, and hopefully, these authors can even benefit from the verification (Lee, 2024). 

Since at least 2005, researchers have called for attempts to address the replication crisis (Pashler, 2012; Loaandis, 2005). While time will decide whether the ERROR program makes a difference, it provides an interesting answer to that call. 

REFERENCES

Baker, M. (2016). 1,500 scientists lift the lid on reproducibility. Nature 533, 452–454. https://www.nature.com/articles/533452a.

Elson, M. (2024). ERROR: A Bug Bounty Program for Science. https://error.reviews/

Hawkes, N. (2012). Most laboratory cancer studies cannot be replicated, study shows. BMJ 344. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.e2555 (Published 04 April 2012)

Lee, S. (2024). Wanted: Scientific Errors. Cash Reward. The Chronicle of Higher Education. https://www.chronicle.com/article/wanted-scientific-errors-cash-reward

Loannidis, J. (2005). Why Most Published Research Findings Are False. Plos Medicine 19(8). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1004085

Pashler, H., Harris, C. (2012). Is the Replicability Crisis Overblown? Three Arguments Examined. Perspectives on Psychological Science, Volume 7 (6). https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1745691612463401

Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

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There has been an increase in discussion and research on loneliness, isolation and social disconnection within the United States and around the world. Many people experienced true isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic when social distancing and other preventive measures required people to stay inside their homes and lose in-person contact with our social circles. But prior to the pandemic, researchers have noticed a steady decline in participation in traditional social institutions such as religious institutions, civic organizations and unions. Along with a decline in social institutions, more people are expressing a sense of loneliness or a lack of meaningful social connections. 

The U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, issued an advisory report in 2023 that addressed the health consequences of loneliness and how institutions must address the loneliness epidemic. In the introduction, Dr. Murthy wrote “...social disconnection was far more common than I had realized. In the scientific literature, I found confirmation of what I was hearing. In recent years, about one-in-two adults in America reported experiencing loneliness. And that was before the COVID-19 pandemic cut off so many of us from friends, loved ones, and support systems, exacerbating loneliness and isolation.” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2023) Loneliness has been tied to negative health consequences and behaviors and researchers argue that if this epidemic is not addressed, community and social institutions will further erode and people’s overall quality of health will worsen over time.

Loneliness & Health

As Dr. Murthy said, loneliness is more than a negative feeling. “Loneliness is defined as a psychologically distressing perception of social isolation, which occurs when there is a mismatch between one’s desired amount and quality of social interactions and relationships and the actual experience.” (Ng, 2024) Anyone is susceptible to loneliness, but according to research studies young people aged 15-24, people over the age of 65, disabled individuals, women and other specific groups report high rates of loneliness. Rates of reported loneliness are high. “In the United States, one in two adults reported experiencing loneliness, and in European studies, the prevalence of loneliness was 2.9%, 2.7% and 5.2% in young, middle-aged and older adults respectively in northern Europe, and 7.5%, 9.6% and 21.3% in young, middle-aged and older adults respectively in eastern Europe.” (Ng, 2024)

Loneliness has been linked to negative health consequences. People who experience high rates of loneliness are at increased risks of depression, anxiety, heart disease, dementia and early death. Lonely people “are also more likely to exhibit negative health behaviors which are fundamental in the association between loneliness and poor health outcomes, for example, excess alcohol consumption, smoking and substance abuse.” (Allen et al., 2022)  The U.S. Surgeon General said the negative health effects of loneliness are comparable to the health effects of smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

Addressing Loneliness & Lack of Connections

Addressing the loneliness epidemic will require cooperation among different institutions and community members. Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation from the Surgeon General’s Office outlines both the harmful effects of loneliness and the Office’s national strategy to address the epidemic. The strategy consists of six pillars: 

  • Strengthening Social Infrastructure in Local Communities
  • Enact Pro-Connection Public Policies
  • Mobilize the Health Sector
  • Reform Digital Environments
  • Deepen our Knowledge
  • Cultivate a Culture of Connection

For the third pillar, Mobilize the Health Sector, the report says “It is critical that we invest in health care provider education on the physical and mental health benefits of social connection, as well as the risks associated with social disconnection. We must also create systems that enable and incentivize health care providers to educate patients as part of preventative care, assess for social disconnection, and respond to patients’ health-relevant social needs.” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2023) Health care providers must educate themselves on the impacts of loneliness and have conversations with their patients about the epidemic. Additionally, researchers can collaborate to track rates of loneliness and success of intervention methods so there is clear data that can be used to inform local, state or national policy. These efforts in tandem with other organizational and governmental efforts will create meaningful partnerships and programs that will connect people and cultivate a culture of community care and meaningful relationships.

Conclusion:

Combatting the loneliness epidemic may be difficult because people may experience shame over feeling isolated from others. But failing to address the epidemic means a potential rise in negative health consequences that are associated with severe rates of loneliness. Being vocal about loneliness will also require a level of empathy and vulnerability that is not immediately reciprocated or valued by others. A significant and intentional cultural shift will need to occur in order for people to connect in the aftermath of the pandemic.

References:

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A teal ribbon in a person's hand. On top of the image, text reads "January is cervical health awareness month!"

For many years, cervical cancer was one of the leading cancer deaths for women in the United States. Thankfully, with the introduction of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and regular cervical screening tests, instances of cervical cancer and cervical cancer deaths have dropped significantly around the world. Australia and Rwanda are on the path to eliminating cervical cancer instances among their population, while public health officials in other countries have created community partnerships to expand access to testing and treatment. A recent collaborative study from Public Health Scotland, the University of Strathclyde and the University of Edinburgh found that “the HPV vaccine was “highly effective” in preventing the development of cervical cancer” which supports the notion that testing and vaccination will lead to an end of cervical cancer. (Loudon, 2024)

Despite this recent positive news, barriers to testing and treatment continue to contribute to health inequities. Women in low- and middle-income countries do not have the same access to care as women in wealthier countries. “Low- and middle-income countries carry more than 80 percent of the burden of cervical cancer cases in the world…Those cervical cancers get diagnosed so late, and mortality is very high. More than half of people diagnosed die from cervical cancer worldwide.” (O’Donnell, 2022)

In the United States, Hispanic and Black women receive a cervical cancer diagnosis at higher rates than white women and die from cervical cancer at higher rates than white women. When looking at these statistics, researchers theorize that inadequate access to care is not the only reason for cervical cancer impacting Hispanic and Black women at such high rates. Dr. Jennifer Young Pierce, a gynecologic oncologist in Alabama, “suspects discrepancies in follow-up care for Black women–and systemic bias–are contributing to this higher mortality rate.” (Slivinski, 2022) A study published in Gynecologic Oncology “found that even though Black women were more likely to get Pap tests, only 78% of Black women reported receiving a follow-up recommendation, compared to 87% of white women in the study.” (Slivinski, 2022)  Researchers are seeking to understand what factors are contributing to disparities in care for Black and Hispanic women. 

In 2020, the World Health Organization [WHO] launched its global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer. The three pillars of this strategy include the 90-70-90 targets:

  • “90% of girls fully vaccinated with HPV vaccine by age 15 years
  • 70% of women are screened with a high-performance test by 35 years of age and again by 45 years of age
  • 90% of women identified with cervical disease receive treatment (90% of women with precancer treated, and 90% of women with invasive cancer managed).” (World Health Organization, 2020)

WHO urges countries to reach the 90-70-90 targets by 2030. There is a concerted effort to educate people about cervical health, HPV, the HPV vaccine and cervical cancer. Yet many women impacted by cervical cancer expressed not knowing about or understanding the illness until their cancer progressed to a late stage. Tamika Felder was diagnosed with stage II cervical cancer at the age of 25. “She was seeing a small amount of vaginal bleeding after sex…but she didn’t think anything of it. She was young, healthy and busy, and undergoing Pap tests was low on her priority list.” (Slivinski, 2022) Milicent Kagonga Amtana had to visit multiple medical facilities in her home country of Kenya before she was able to receive a comprehensive treatment plan. She now works within her community “to break down the stigma and shame around cervical cancer. Despite her own pain and health challenges, she works hard to encourage women to be screened for HPV and to have their daughters vaccinated.” (O’Donnell, 2022)

Addressing questions and misconceptions about cervical health and cervical cancer is necessary to break down stigma and encourage people to prioritize regular screenings. The National Cervical Cancer Coalition has resources to help you speak with your patients about the importance of regular screening exams and the HPV vaccine. WHO’s cervical cancer webpage provides updated news on the road to eliminating cervical cancer across the world, fact sheets, databases and other information that is informative for healthcare professionals and patients. Building trust with patients and the local community will be important to eliminating cervical cancer. “Ultimately, many experts agree that efforts to eliminate cervical cancer can make an impact if they are done right…The key, says [Ana P.] Ortiz, is for health care professionals and researchers to work together to identify the gaps.” (Slivinski, 2022) 

References:

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Image from Wikipedia Commons.

As we embark on a new year, it is a fantastic time to focus on an often underestimated facet of our well-being: thyroid health. January marks Thyroid Awareness Month, providing an opportunity for students, teachers, and researchers within the field of medicine to understand the importance of a well-functioning thyroid. Beyond its role in supporting our metabolism, the thyroid holds a profound connection to cognitive function and the overall energy levels we feel throughout the day which gives us all the more reason to take a moment to further understand the thyroid, and why promoting thyroid health matters. 

Thyroid imbalances can manifest in symptoms such as fatigue, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, and mood swings which may hinder our ability to function during daily activities or study. If you are experiencing unexplained symptoms, it may be beneficial to seek medical advice and also to encourage your patients to as well. Early detection and management of thyroid disorders can not only alleviate symptoms but can also contribute to an improvement in the quality of life. 

This January, Thyroid Awareness Month serves as a timely reminder for universities to actively promote a culture of health and well-being. Encouraging a proactive approach towards health fosters a community that prioritizes both physical and mental wellness.

In many ways, the silent hero in our well-being is the thyroid. If we take the time to understand the profound impact it has on our ability to function cognitively and advocate for regular screenings, we can collectively create a culture that empowers minds and supports the pursuit of knowledge. This thyroid awareness month, let's not only spread awareness but also take concrete steps towards a healthier, more resilient academic community.

Further reading on Thyroid health at Himmelfarb can be found at: 

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Drinking Alcohol

December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving Awareness Month. We are in the full swing of celebrating the holiday season. There are office parties, family and friend’s parties and dinners, and community get-togethers. According to The National Highway Safety Traffic Administration (NHSTA) in 2019, 210 people lost their lives during the week between Christmas and New Year's Day to alcohol-related fatalities.

As far back as the 1980s, there has been an effort to bring awareness to the problem of driving while under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Television networks would regularly broadcast PSA commercials about the consequences of driving while under the influence of alcohol and drugs. One of the more vocal organizations against drunk driving is a non-profit named Mothers Against Drunk Drivers. MADD was founded in 1980 in Sacramento, California by Candace Lightner and Cindi Lamb after the women lost children in accidents caused by a drunk driver. Then there was the designated-driver campaign during the late 1980s. Now that ride-share apps are available, there is no reason this should still be an issue in the United States.

Driving while under the influence of alcohol and drugs is a serious issue that poses a threat to the safety of everyone on the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2020 there were 11,654 people killed in drunk-driving crashes nationwide. This accounts for nearly one-third of all crash fatalities that year. The National Highway Safety Traffic Administration (NHSTA) runs two campaigns during the holiday season, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over and If You Feel Different, You Drive Different - Drive High Get a DUI. While these videos are helpful, it is up to the individual to take responsibility for their actions and make the right choice when it comes to drinking and driving.

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Picture of a brown woman wearing a pink shirt holding a pink ribbon.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the need for awareness and action is as vital as ever. While we often associate this month with fundraising events, it's essential to recognize that supporting breast cancer awareness can encompass a more comprehensive approach to wellness.

This month is an opportune moment for all members of the health sciences community, including faculty, students, and staff, to partake in understanding the risk factors, symptoms, and early detection techniques related to breast cancer. It is beneficial for all to gain insight into these facts so that you may share them with your patients, peers, and the broader community. Raising awareness commences with a deep understanding of the subject matter, and there are excellent resources available from reputable organizations like the American Cancer Society, the CDC, and the American Association for Cancer Research that can be used to help consumers be well-informed. If you are looking to delve further into the subject during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we encourage you to explore the educational guide provided by the National Breast Cancer Foundation. 

It is vital to underscore that recognizing and acting upon symptoms is of utmost importance. Now is a fantastic time to promote regular breast health check-ups and screenings, as early detection is the linchpin of successful treatment. We urge you to encourage visits to healthcare providers for routine breast examinations and screening.

Let's elevate breast cancer awareness beyond just the pink ribbon, focusing on a more data-driven and comprehensive approach to wellness in 2023. Take the time to empower yourself and your patients with knowledge, prioritize breast health through regular check-ups, and actively engage in advocacy to bring about meaningful change. Awareness is a collective effort, and your involvement can make a significant impact in the fight against breast cancer. 

Additional resources can be found in Himmelfarb’s collection: 

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The Nobel Prizes are awarded annually on December 10 which marks the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death. According to Nobel’s will, the prize and award funds “is to be distributed annually as prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind.” (Nobel Prize Outreach AB, 2023) Since 1901, the Nobel Prize has been awarded over six hundred times and one thousand laureates have been recognized across the five award categories. 

The 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman. Their research in mRNA and its potential therapeutic applications “contributed to the unprecedented rate of vaccine development during one of the greatest threats to human health in modern times.” (The Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institute, 2023) Karikó and Weissman’s research not only significantly contributed to the rapid development of the COVID-19 vaccine, but their work may be used as the foundation to create future immunizations against certain forms of cancer or other debilitating illnesses. 

Prior to the work of Karikó and Weissman “In vitro transcribed mRNA was considered unstable and challenging to deliver…Moreover, in vitro-produced mRNA gave rise to inflammatory reactions.” (The Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institute, 2023) Despite these obstacles, the two researchers collaborated and through their efforts “Karikó and Weissman had eliminated critical obstacles on the way to clinical applications of mRNA.” (The Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institute, 2023) 

In their first reactions interviews, Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman shared what winning the award meant to them and how their long careers led them to this moment:

The formal award ceremony will take place on December 10, 2023 in Stockholm, Sweden and will be broadcast live on television and on The Nobel Prize YouTube channel. To learn more about previous Nobel Prize winners or about the history of these awards, visit the Nobel Prize website.

References: 

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September Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month (Purple ribbon)

September marks Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month, a time when we spotlight the importance of early detection and education in the fight against gynecologic cancers. These cancers, which include ovarian, cervical, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar cancers, are often overshadowed by more well-known types of cancer, like breast or lung cancer.

In the United States alone, it's estimated that over 106,000 women will receive gynecologic cancer diagnoses in 2023, with approximately 32,000 lives at risk. These numbers underscore the urgency of raising attention, particularly given the potential for improved outcomes through early detection.

Prevention and early detection are essential. Regular screenings and vaccinations, such as the HPV vaccine for cervical cancer prevention, are strongly encouraged. It's vital to educate women about risk factors and symptoms, as early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes. 

Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month also empowers women to take control of their health. It promotes open and honest communication between healthcare providers and patients, creating supportive and judgment-free environments for discussing concerns, symptoms, and risk factors.

If you are looking for ways to get involved or to learn more, Move4Her has a fitness and celebration event that will unite caregivers, fitness professionals, organizations, and survivors. You may register to attend on their website for the event which takes place on September 23rd, online or in person at the National Press Club, Washington, D.C. from 10:30 am to Noon ET. 

Let's renew our commitment to raising awareness, supporting research, and providing compassionate care to those affected. Together, we can work toward a future where the burden of these diseases is significantly reduced, and women everywhere can lead healthier, cancer-free lives.

Check out our related resources at Himmelfarb: 

#GynecologicCancerAwarenessMonth, #GCAM, #MoveTheMessage, #Move4Her

September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month. Click here to read about the Congress initiative to end the disease.
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September is Sickle Cell Awareness month - a designation from Congress meant to boost attention towards the most common inherited blood disorder in the United States (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 2023). Affecting around 100,000 Americans, Sickle Cell Anemia is a genetic disorder that affects the shape of blood cells, causing them to “stack up” in capillaries and induce chronic pain and systemic health complications (2018). 

While “staying aware” might feel irrelevant, for medical professionals, awareness itself actually contributes to bettering the lives of patients by recognizing the disease earlier, referring potential parents to the right tests, and helping prevent pain episodes through health regimens and palliative care. Knowledge helps save lives.

You can add to your knowledge base by checking out the NHI’s great fact sheet, the inspiring stories, or recent initiatives to find cures for SCA. 

In 2018, congress passed the Sickle Cell Treatment Act, ratcheting up research through grants awarded by the Health Resources and Service Administration. The Cure Sickle Cell Initiative aims to “accelerate the development of genetic therapies to cure sickle cell disease,” specifically through hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Since abnormal hemoglobin (Hemoglobin S) causes the blood cells to be sickle shaped, replacing it will cause the body to create normal hemoglobin. Traditionally, this has only been possible through bone marrow transplant and was limited to younger patients with perfectly matching donors. Stem cell research could change that.

Today, medicine seeks to alleviate the symptoms of SCD. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute provides a good list of the current medications. See the following excerpt (2023):

  • Hydroxyurea is an oral medicine that can reduce or prevent several SCD complications, such as acute chest syndrome, a need for blood transfusions and pain events.
  • Voxelotor treats SCD in adults and children age 4 and older. The oral medicine prevents red blood cells from forming the sickle shape and binding together. This may decrease the destruction of some red blood cells, lowering the risk for anemia and improving blood flow.
  • Crizanlizumab-tmca reduces the number of pain crises experienced by adults and children aged 16 and older. Given through an IV, the medicine helps prevent blood cells from sticking to blood vessel walls and causing blood flow blockage, inflammation and pain crises. In addition, L-glutamine has been shown to lower the number of pain crises in people ages 5 and older. Over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can be used to treat mild to moderate pain, but for severe pain, providers may prescribe stronger medicines called opioids.
  • Penicillin has been shown to help children with SCD. Taking it twice a day can reduce the chance of having a severe infection in the bloodstream.
  • Transfusions can treat and prevent certain SCD complications. Acute transfusions treat complications that cause severe anemia. Red blood cell transfusions increase the number of red blood cells and provide normal red blood cells that are more flexible than red blood cells with sickle hemoglobin. Regular or ongoing blood transfusions may help lower the chances of another stroke in people who have had an acute stroke.

Read the full article here ("New Treatment Options for Sickle Cell Disease Provide Hope").

Lastly, you can check out Himmelfarb’s current Sickle Cell Awareness Month Display near the elevator!

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2018). Curing Sickle Cell Initiative.

https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/science/cure-sickle-cell-initiative.

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2023). New Treatment Options for Sickle Cell Disease Provide

Hope. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/education/sickle-cell-month.

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2023). September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month.

https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/education/sickle-cell-month.

Sickle Cell Disease Social Media Resources. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2023). https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/education/sickle-cell-month/social-media.

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August is National Immunization Awareness Month. Vaccination is the best protection against serious diseases.
Image created by Yvonne Lee from CDC NIAM promotional graphics and an American Association of Immunologists vaccine handout.

August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM). Regular immunizations are an important part of staying healthy. Vaccines help provide immunity before potential exposure to diseases. Vaccines help your body create antibodies to fight off infections by training your immune system to recognize and destroy harmful pathogens before they can cause serious illness. To learn more about how vaccines work, check out this great video from Nature - which you can also share with your patients:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is a great resource for information on immunizations for healthcare professionals and patients. The CDC’s Vaccines and Immunizations website provides information on immunization schedules for children and adults, information about pregnancy and vaccination, as well as a list of recommended vaccines for travelers. Their website also provides a wealth of information for healthcare professions including clinical resources, Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations and guidelines, immunization schedules, vaccine storage, administration protocols, and patient education resources. 

Himmelfarb Library also has a number of immunization resources available! Next time you’re in the library, check out our current book display on the first floor with immunization and vaccine-related resources. If you see something of interest, ask at the circulation desk to check out the book.

Picture of books on immunization on display in Himmelfarb's display case.

We also have some great e-books available on the topic of vaccines:

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