I'm working on my first ever scientific paper: a meta-analysis of data from other studies. I've just finished my search for relevant papers. My paper is to cover two related (but different) topics (determined by my advisor). For Topic A, I have a fair number of papers (nearly 20) from which to obtain data. For Topic B, though, I only have two! Is it even possible to do a meta-analysis of two papers? If so how would I go about it? I'm asking y'all instead of my advisor because he is unavailable this week and next, and I want to go ahead and get going, at least by reviewing other meta-analyses so I can get a sense of what I need to do with the papers I've got.
posted by ocherdraco on Jan 17, 2013 - 9 answers

Who is doing research into Hepatitis C? [more inside]
posted by Rock 'em Sock 'em on Apr 4, 2012 - 6 answers

I'm a post-bacc pre-med student, and I'm trying to find a research position (paid, unpaid, whatever) for this summer so I can start to get some research experience. My school's listings for research positions in medicine-related fields (or even basic science) are really not useful, nor is the pre-med advising office. Where can I find listings for such positions? Who else should I talk to?
posted by ocherdraco on Mar 27, 2012 - 15 answers

When a drug company is trying to get the FDA to approve a new drug, my understanding is that they have to demonstrate that it's clinically effective and not acutely toxic for a finite period of time (weeks or months). But how long? [more inside]
posted by toomuchkatherine on Dec 15, 2011 - 11 answers

Evidence-based medicine/comparative effectiveness skeptics? [more inside]
posted by Ralston McTodd on Nov 17, 2010 - 16 answers

Librarians: Is the library the right place for me, and do I need an MLS to get there? [more inside]
posted by neurodoc on May 8, 2007 - 10 answers

How do I find out what percentage of pharmaceutical research is directed towards 'natural remedies' and how much is directed towards 'typical' scientific research? [more inside]
posted by fsmontenegro on Jan 2, 2007 - 8 answers

How do I come up with a scientific theory to explain complex phenomena? My area of research is medicine, but I'm interested in the opinions of all flavors of scientists. [more inside]
posted by lunchbox on Aug 3, 2006 - 8 answers

I need your help. I'm a licensed acupuncturist and a herbalist. I have been involved in many out reach programs in the past. My goal was to reach out to as many immigrant groups with no to low health insurance coverage and educating them of available resources. The unique experience came working with the Korean community in New York City. This group tends to have such a high stomach cancer rate and about 70% of the patient population I came in contact with tested positive for H. pylori. The standard of treatment for H. pylori is course of antibiotic drugs. I don't know if you guys are aware but if you don't have health insurance to cover for these meds, it cost about $300 out of pocket expense. So, my thing is this - I wanted to set up a research program using simple herbs that are readily available and in low cost. I know nothing about setting up a research program. What do I need to do and who do I need to talk to? Any advice is greatly appreciated.
posted by haesung on May 25, 2006 - 11 answers

What should I do, in the way of homework, before elective surgery? [more inside]
posted by teece on Mar 23, 2006 - 9 answers

Best Source for Timely Medical Information: What is the best place to find new and recent in-depth information (clinical studies, treatment protocols, etc.) related to specific medical topics? I'm thinking of a medical journal / search engine combo. [more inside]
posted by letterneversent on Feb 2, 2006 - 4 answers

I need the names of some institutions (schools, hospitals, colleges, whatever) that are at the forefront of medical research in their fields. [more inside]
posted by jennyjenny on Mar 30, 2005 - 12 answers

BioMeFites, what's the authoritative process on assessing neurotoxicity of any substance, in general? [more inside] [more inside]
posted by Gyan on Apr 9, 2004 - 7 answers

Academic research resources: I do research in the field of global health, at the intersection of medicine and social science. After months of using Medline, Proquest, and ASSIA and being frustrated, I just stumbled upon Scopus, and it's rocking my world. But now I wonder: is there anything better that I'm missing?
posted by stonerose on Mar 22, 2004 - 3 answers