Articles tagged with Firearms
Researchers found that mass murderers with mental health problems are not typical of those who commit violent crimes, and most people with serious mental illness do not engage in violent acts. An evidence-based approach to limiting access to firearms for individuals with behavioral risk factors can reduce gun violence.
A UC Davis study found that reducing criminal charges can prevent subsequent violent crimes among those with misdemeanor convictions who purchase handguns. Nearly 25% of handgun purchasers were arrested for a new firearm-related or violent crime within three years.
The American Academy of Pediatrics hosts a symposium on firearm injury prevention in children, highlighting the need for high-quality research to inform policy change. New studies will focus on epidemiology, risk factors, preventable accidents, and counseling programs.
The American College of Physicians recommends nine strategies to address societal barriers to reducing firearms-related violence. ACP advocates for approach firearm safety as a public health issue and supports universal criminal background checks to keep guns out of the hands of felons and others at risk.
Researchers developed a novel approach to trace ammunition used in crimes, detecting a wider range of particles than existing methods. This new technique could rapidly identify the type of ammunition used, allowing crime scene investigators to reconstruct crime scenes more accurately.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that Missouri's 2007 handgun purchaser licensing law repeal contributed to a fourteen percent increase in the state's murder rate. The repeal was also associated with an additional 49 to 68 murders per year and a twenty-five percent increase in firearm homicides rates.
About 20 children per day are hospitalized due to firearm injuries in the US, resulting in 453 deaths annually among those under 20. The most common types of firearm injuries include open wounds, fractures, and internal injuries.
A new study reveals the shadowy world of Britain's discount hitmen, with victims often murdered while walking their dogs or shopping in suburban neighborhoods. The study identifies four main types of contract killers, including novice, dilettante, journeyman, and master hitmen.
A meta-analysis published in Annals of Internal Medicine finds that access to firearms is a significant risk factor for men committing suicide and for women being victims of homicide. Firearms play a major role in both suicide and homicide, accounting for over half of all suicide deaths and two-thirds of homicide deaths.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that access to firearms significantly increases the odds of being a victim of suicide or homicide. The researchers also found that uninsured patients are less likely to be transferred between hospitals for certain medical diagnoses, with women being 35-40% less likely to be transferred than men.
A pilot study has found ways to better screen and recover guns from domestic violence offenders, improving enforcement of existing laws. The study suggests using multiple sources of information, including firearm transaction records and court documents, to identify firearm owners and ensure timely recovery of firearms.
A team of researchers led by Sam Houston State University identified areas of improvement in the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) database. The study found that criminal investigators rarely used ballistics reports to link weapons used in multiple crimes due to delays in reporting. To address this, the federal ...
The report provides a summary of laws and policies to better protect victims of domestic violence, highlighting the link between firearms and lethal intimate partner violence. Several federal and state laws, including the Gun Control Act of 1968 and Texas law, prohibit gun ownership by abusers in domestic violence cases.
The study found that children under 14 are four times more likely to be shot at home and are much more likely to arrive by ambulance than older teens. Older teens often walk in or are dropped off at emergency department entrances.
Approximately 7,500 children are hospitalized each year due to gun-related injuries, with over 500 fatalities. A significant association was found between household firearm ownership and the percentage of gunshot wounds occurring in homes.
The increasing availability of 3D printers has sparked concerns about the design and production of custom plastic firearms. While the printed guns are currently unreliable, they can become more effective with advancements in technology. The American Chemical Society reports on this growing issue.
AUC Davis survey of 1,601 gun dealers found nearly unanimous support for denying gun purchases to individuals with prior convictions and serious mental illness. The survey also revealed strong support for existing policies denying handgun purchases to individuals convicted of aggravated assault or domestic violence.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health researchers finds a robust correlation between estimated levels of gun ownership and actual gun homicides at the state level. The study, covering 30 years, found that each 1 percentage point increase in gun ownership is associated with a 0.9% increase in firearm homicide rate.
Research found a modest increase in publications on firearms among children and adolescents, but not as significant as expected. The study suggests that the Congressional action in 1996 may have led to increased funding for research on other causes of death.
A new study by the University of Michigan Injury Center found that nearly one in four young assault victims have a gun, mostly obtained illegally, which increases their risk for future firearm violence. The study also revealed high rates of substance use, fighting, and attitudes favoring retaliation among those with guns.
A new study found that 93% of US law enforcement officer homicides were committed with firearms, highlighting the need for improved training procedures to reduce officer risk. The analysis, which used crime statistics from the FBI, identified high-powered weapons as a major contributor to officer fatalities.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have developed a low-cost smartphone system that can track gunfire with remarkable accuracy, using unique sonic signatures produced by firearms. The system consists of an external sensor module and smartphones, working together to triangulate the origin of shots.
Between 2000-2008, 6,920 youths were injured due to firearms, resulting in 17 fatalities, highlighting the need for increased focus on preventing pediatric firearm injuries.
A study published in Social Psychiatry & Psychiatric Epidemiology found that states with high rates of gun ownership and political conservatism have higher suicide rates. However, a higher percentage of church-goers at the state level was associated with reduced individual suicide risk. The study analyzed mortality data from 2000 to 20...
A new study reviews the National Rifle Association's National Shield School Proposal, finding it flawed and expensive. The authors suggest addressing troubled youth and ease of access to weapons as key factors in preventing school violence.
A study found that less than half of emergency room medical providers believe most or all suicides are preventable and rarely ask about firearm availability. This can lead to missed opportunities to save lives, as many providers think it's the responsibility of psychiatrists or social workers to address firearms.
A UC Davis survey of over 1,600 gun retailers found that they frequently encounter and refuse attempts to make illegal purchases, but often fail to report them to law enforcement. Retailers support harsh sentences for both buyers and sellers involved in illicit activities.
A majority of Americans (89%) support requiring universal background checks for all gun sales, while 83% back prohibiting high-risk individuals from owning guns. Gun owners and non-gun-owners show little difference in support for most policies aimed at reducing gun violence.
Garen Wintemute believes broader background checks and denials on gun purchases can reduce harm and ensure public safety. He cites research showing that individuals with a history of misdemeanor violent crime are nine times more likely to be arrested for violence later.
Middle-aged adults are experiencing a significant increase in suicide rates, particularly through hanging/suffocation. Suicide by firearm remains the leading cause of injury death, but hanging/suffocation has increased dramatically, especially among middle-aged men and women.
The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health report highlights policies and initiatives to reduce gun violence by reforming current gun laws. The key findings include easy access to large-capacity magazines facilitating higher casualties in mass shootings and prohibiting high-risk groups from owning guns.
The American Academy of Pediatrics emphasizes the need to keep guns out of reach of children and teens, citing scientific evidence that storage reduces risk. Pediatricians offer safe-gun-storage counseling as part of family guidance, and support legislative approaches to reduce gun accessibility.
Sixty percent of gun offenders were not legally prohibited from possessing firearms when they committed the crime. The study suggests that stricter restrictions on firearm possession in low-standard states could have prevented many gun crimes.
A new econometrics study shows that bank robberies yield modest proceeds, often lower than the cost of security devices. The average UK bank robbery generates £20,331, while US robberies yield $4,330. Firearms presence increases rewards, but also raises costs.
Researchers found that people consistently judge pistol-packers to be taller and stronger than men holding other objects, even when hand size and appearance are similar. The study suggests an unconscious mental mechanism that gauges threat and translates it into size and strength dimensions.
A study published in Significance magazine reveals three key factors that contribute to Usain Bolt's improved performance: optimizing reaction time, benefiting from favorable wind conditions, and running at altitude. By shaving off 0.13s from his world record, Bolt can achieve a faster time of 9.45s.
A randomized trial with 255 households showed a significant reduction in unlocked guns (35% to 35%) and ammunition (84% to 35%) after installing $80 locking metal gun cabinets. The study concluded that installing gun cabinets improves safe household firearm storage and could reduce gun-related injuries and deaths.
Researchers at Brigham Young University found that carrying guns in bear encounters offers no protection and can lead to increased injuries. Instead, they recommend using bear spray as a safe alternative. The study analyzed 269 incidents of bear-human conflicts and found that firearms did not reduce the risk of injury or fatality.
A new study found that modern low-energy handgun ammunition can inflict significant soft tissue damage, potentially causing infection and compartment syndrome. Orthopaedic surgeons should be aware of this powerful new ammunition to treat high-risk gunshot injuries properly.
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that the number of guns sold by Badger Guns & Ammo and diverted to criminals tripled after the adoption of Tiahrt amendments. The study also found that reductions in gun sales linked to crime declined by 66% before the amendments took effect.
Researchers discover intact Sex Pistols graffiti on a London flat's walls, arguing it's a powerful representation of punk rebellion. The find challenges traditional notions of heritage and suggests a new approach to conservation.
A Florida law barring doctors from discussing firearms safety with patients and parents endangers open communication about a critical public health issue. Gunshot wounds are a leading cause of pediatric trauma, and safe storage of firearms is crucial in preventing injuries and deaths.
Research reviews firearm injuries and prevention, arguing for including firearm safety in physician-patient conversations to prevent injuries and disease. The practice of asking about guns in the home is found to be meaningful to parents, with 90% of surveyed parents reporting they would share information.
According to a new study, approximately 20,600 non-fatal firearm injuries occur annually in US children aged 0-19 years. This rate is 30% higher than previously reported, highlighting the need for increased awareness and prevention efforts.
A study of Texas women holding concealed handgun licenses reveals they are motivated by feelings of empowerment and a need for self-defense. However, this form of self-defense can also lead to increased vulnerability when unarmed, as their sense of strength and confidence reside in the firearm.
A new study by David Hemenway found that gun ownership in homes increases the risk of accidents, suicide, homicide, and intimidation, outweighing any perceived benefits. Homes with children or women are disproportionately affected, with a higher risk of female homicide victimization.
A survey of college students at two universities found that more students were uncomfortable with concealed weapons on campus than those who supported it. The study, conducted by Sam Houston State University, found significant differences in opinions between students' comfort levels with guns on campus versus the wider community.
A new study by John L. Lastovicka and Nancy J. Sirianni reveals that consumers can form strong emotional bonds with their possessions, such as cars and firearms. The researchers found that love-smitten consumers are more likely to invest time and money into improving their prized possessions.
Sam Houston State University will study the use and effectiveness of the national Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) database to connect crimes to a single firearm. The research aims to identify best practices for improving the system's effectiveness and understand why some law enforcement agencies do not use it.
Young victims under age 15 account for over three-quarters of firearm accident fatalities, with most shots fired by a friend, relative, or acquaintance. The study highlights the need for gun safety measures to reduce unintentional shootings among youths.
The Firearms Research Digest provides summaries of articles from social science, criminology, and public health journals on gun violence. The database aims to help law enforcement, policymakers, and the general public understand research findings on curbing gun crime.
The Biathlon event demands high aerobic capacity and motor functions, yet faces limitations in respiratory system performance at high-altitude and cold conditions. Understanding these challenges is crucial for elite winter athletes to optimize their performance.
A new report investigates the cognitive biases that lead people to misidentify common objects, such as guns or tumors. The researchers suggest retraining individuals in these professions through simulated searches to improve their accuracy.
A Dartmouth professor used digital forensics to analyze the famous Oswald photo, finding no evidence of tampering. The analysis ruled out a conspiracy and provided new insight into the photo's authenticity.
A comprehensive regulation of gun sellers appears to reduce the trafficking of guns to criminals, with states having strong regulations and oversight experiencing far less gun trafficking. The study found that cities with laws regulating private sales and strong dealer oversight had significantly lower levels of in-state gun trafficking.
Engineers at Vanderbilt University's Institute for Software Integrated Systems developed a system that combines information from multiple nodes to triangulate on shooter positions, improving accuracy. The system uses acoustic signals produced by high-powered rifles to track shooters in real-time.
Heavy drinking near off-premise outlets increases gun violence risk, study finds. Reducing outlet density and server training may help reduce gun violence.
The US Department of Justice has awarded NJIT a grant to further develop child-safe gun technology, improving its patented dynamic grip recognition technology and moving it closer to commercial consideration. The goal is to create a complete prototype weapon that validates the biometric authorization concept.
Researchers at Harvard School of Public Health suggest a broader approach to treating potentially suicidal individuals, addressing not only mental illness but also access to lethal means. This population-based approach recognizes that the physical environment can have a profound effect on the likelihood of completed suicide.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health researchers found significant increases in firearm homicide among young male populations between 1999 and 2005. The overall US homicide rate remained flat during this period, but firearm deaths rose sharply, with black males experiencing higher rates than whites.