In this short talk, psychologist Dan Ariely tells two personal stories that explore scientific conflict of interest: How the pursuit of knowledge and insight can be affected, consciously or not, by shortsighted personal goals. When we're thinking about the big questions, he reminds us, let's be aware of our all-too-human brains. Related posts: Conflicts of Interest in Medical Journal Publishing When Leaders Sacrifice Group Goals for the Sake of Self-Interest DSM V and Author Conflicts ..read more »

Surgeons not being the most social animals among doctors, I was surprised to see 7 editorials about surgery and social media. These seven editorials highlighted the use of social media and different settings for surgeons, from medical school all the way up to the American College of Surgeons. The most factual contribution was about the implications of social media such as twitter, blogging and facebook on the next generation of physicians. In this editorial a recent study was cited. They found a difference in the use of social media between residents and medical students. 13% of residents and 64% of medical .....read more »

[blackbirdpie id="106967698902228992"] [blackbirdpie id="106967208357412864"]   Two examples of possible censorship in our western communities, more examples?Related posts: Tough decision preferably made by doctors? Stay Online During Vacation? Homoeopathy multinational Boiron threatens amateur Italian blogger. ..read more »

A recent post on Clinical Cases and Images: CasesBlog about "Netiquette" and married couples reminded me of a previous post on this blog Netiquette within married couples. This study has a strong online presence since PsyBlog also wrote about it. So take care out there.Related posts: Netiquette within married couples Gratitude among married couples Elderly couple of 62 years married plays piano ..read more »

[blackbirdpie id="106733188298186752"]   I don't think the situation is different in The Netherlands compared to the authors observations from the literature. More involuntary admissions of shorter duration, what do you think?Related posts: In Australia no ECT for involuntary patients, says New Mental Health Bill Shrink Rap: L.A. E.R. Tragedy . . . Emergency Mental Health Care E-Mental Health Summit and Health 2.0 Conference ..read more »

To my astonishment the relation between the exposure of unhealthy snack foods in a supermarket and eating behavior is hardly a topic of research. Read this in a recent study about the relationship between a greater variety of chocolates in supermarket and consumption of chocolates. In this Australian study they used data from 1007 women in 35 neighborhoods with their local supermarkets. They examined the associations between the number of different varieties of chocolate and confectionery items stocked in local supermarkets and consumption of these foods over and above what would be expected based on demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. In this .....read more »

Another useful health application developed with game engines. Relax in a beautiful virtual world when you can't go there. The real environment is to be preferred but not everyone is able to go there. Interesting research, not only a good idea but also proven effective after the research, hopefully. Reporter Daniel Cressey takes a trip to the University of Birmingham for a walk through a virtual world. By recreating the positive effects of spending time in natural environments, Bob Stone and his team hope to help those who can't get out and about by bringing these environments to them.Related posts: Strengths and .....read more »

[blackbirdpie id="103874779450314752"]Related posts: Censorship in the western world? Italian Quack Treats Breast Cancer with Sodium Bicarbonate Brain Blogger Grand Round ..read more »

Life Charts or Mood Charts are used by psychiatrists and patients with bipolar disorder and unipolar disorder. Keeping track of mood fluctuations such as in depression or manic phase together with medication use and possible triggers can be of immense value to treatment plans. Optimism is a mood chart app that helps you develop strategies to manage depression, bipolar or other physical and mental health conditions. It can be customized completely to suit your specific circumstances, making it relevant to any health condition that affects (or is affected by) mood. Optimism helps you to: Monitor and develop strategies, specific to yourself, that help you .....read more »

[blackbirdpie id="102272172462059520"]Related posts: Censorship in the western world? Cognitive Dissonance or why they stay in Iraq and we in Afghanistan 5 Motives for Residents to Stay Late at the Hospital and Why that is a Bad Idea ..read more »