To cite: Bognar G. J Med Ethics Published Online First: [please include Day Month Year] doi:10.1136/ medethics-2015-10291

We examine a “mere newness bias,” a preference for novelty purely due to recentness of release. In a series of studies, we show that, for newer and older products of identical quality, people prefer newly released goods over older goods across a range of domains. This bias translates to a higher willing to pay, greater anticipated excitement, and higher likelihood of purchase for products perce...

Firstword I glide through some days of my family practice with an effortless grace. I am on time for my appointments. I address patients’ concerns and mine in unrushed, friendly visits. There is rhythm and joy in what I do. Then, there are days when I seem to be mired in wet concrete. I am neither fast nor efficient, and many patient encounters end with the feeling that nothing was accomplished...