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The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently launched new guidance on best practices for clinical trials. The document aims to reinforce global standards in the organization, design, conduct, analysis and reporting of clinical trials. It responds to calls in World Health Assembly resolution 75.8, which emphasized the urgent need to enhance both global and national clinical trial ecosystems to generate high-quality evidence on health interventions.

A review published in 2015 found a reduction of atrial fibrillation in people undergoing heart surgery if they were given statins before surgery. However, the review was withdrawn in 2016 when questions were raised about some of the included studies. To accompany the publication of the updated review, a Cochrane Library editorial, titled Preoperative statins in cardiac surgery: a tale of small study bias or ‘the truth, and nothing but the truth’, takes a closer look at how the authors handled study registration.

In April 2023, a major milestone was met when new data structures launched in RevMan, called study centric data. This was followed in September 2023 by the launch of the focused review format. By encompassing changes in both the review and data formats, authors are able to work smarter in RevMan. Study centric data guides authors to invest more time earlier in the review process to streamline the later analyses stages. This facilitates better defined and more focused reviews, with clearer criteria for the review and planned syntheses.

The first Cochrane intervention review in the new format has made its debut on the Cochrane Library, offering a more streamlined, user-friendly experience for readers and researchers. The review, Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor biosimilars for neovascular age-related macular degeneration by Tomiko Sunaga and colleagues, is an excellent example of the kind of review that can now be achieved.

Cochrane's strength lies in its collaborative, global community. Cochrane Geographic Groups represent Cochrane in their host countries, advocating for the use of Cochrane evidence in health policy and practice, and supporting Cochrane's members and supporters locally. This report provides an overview of the work of Cochrane Iran, dedicated to increasing the use of best evidence to inform healthcare decision-making across Iran, the Middle East, and neighbouring regions.

We are pleased to share that Cochrane has recently signed a formal collaboration agreement with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). PAHO is the specialized international health agency for the Americas. It works with countries throughout the region to improve and protect people's health and serves as the Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Cochrane's strength is in its collaborative, global community. Our 100,000+ members and supporters from more than 130 countries work together to produce credible, accessible health information and help inform health decision making. Though we are spread out across the globe, our shared passion for health evidence unites us. We want to come together and tell our collective and individual Cochrane stories!

The world of artificial intelligence (AI) is moving rapidly. At Cochrane, we are keenly aware of concerns within the health research community about keeping pace with - and making the most of - these advancements. In response, Cochrane is stepping forward to outline its strategic engagement with AI.

Thematic Groups are topic-based groups that will identify priority areas, engage with key stakeholders, maintain the enthusiasm of Cochrane’s volunteer network, support the development and dissemination of high-quality evidence syntheses, and maximise our impact on global health. They will collaborate closely with Cochrane’s new Evidence Synthesis Units to ensure that the units can deliver impactful Cochrane evidence promptly.