Articles tagged with Firearms
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.
A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that local-level background checks are associated with a 27% lower firearm suicide rate and a 22% lower homicide rate compared to federal-level checks. States that rely on local-level checks have substantially lower rates of firearm suicides and homicides.
Researchers from UC Davis found that microstamping technology worked well for some guns, but poorly for others. The study tested six brands of semi-automatic handguns, two semi-automatic rifles, and a shotgun, and found varying levels of success depending on the weapon and type of code.
A groundbreaking study published in Injury Prevention found that California's tight gun show regulations significantly reduced undocumented gun sales and 'straw' purchases outside of the state. The research, led by UC Davis director Garen Wintemute, observed increased regulation without affecting attendance or business at gun shows.
A study in Injury Prevention reveals California's tougher gun show controls have drastically reduced the sale of firearms linked to crimes. The stricter regulations have also limited the availability of assault-style weapons and banned certain types of rifles and handguns.
A study by pediatric researcher Robert H. DuRant found that over 70% of families surveyed did not store their firearms safely in the home. The study emphasizes the importance of storing guns safely to prevent accidents and suicide, particularly among children. Experts recommend removing guns from homes or using gun locks when not in use.
A Harvard study found that households with guns have significantly higher rates of suicide, especially among children and women. Removing firearms from the home or securely locking them up can help reduce suicide risk.
A study by Harvard researchers found that households with guns are more likely to be involved in homicides, particularly among children and women. States with higher levels of gun ownership have significantly higher homicide victimization rates, driven mainly by gun-related homicides.
The study found that the number of firearm-related deaths dropped by at least 6% after the law took effect, with a decrease in average annual suicides from 491 to 246. The legislation also led to a significant decline in homicides and overall homicide rates fell by almost 2.5% per year.
A study found that parents of teenagers are more likely to store firearms unsafely in their homes compared to parents of younger children. The researchers surveyed 392 parents and found that nearly 42% of parents with teenage children had an unlocked firearm at home, whereas only 28.8% of parents with children under 12 had the same issue.
A study by Harvard researchers found that households with adolescents are more likely to store guns loaded and/or unlocked. Parents of older children may be less vigilant about securing firearms due to perceived responsibility.
Frangible bullets are becoming increasingly popular due to their lead-free nature and reduced risk of exposure. NIST researchers have developed a Kolsky bar apparatus to test the performance of these bullets on various materials, including soft body armors worn by law enforcement officers.
A study published in Evaluation Review highlights the dangers of firearms in intimate partner violence cases, with women twice as likely to die from gunshot wounds inflicted by male intimates. The research explores potential solutions such as restraining orders, gun removal, and denial of gun purchases to intimate partner abusers.
A survey of 314 pairs of parents and children aged 5-14 years found that many mothers are misinformed about the extent of their children's potential access to household guns. Despite discussing gun safety with their children, some parents reported that their children knew where the guns were stored or had handled firearms.
A UC Davis study found that one percent of California retailers sell 40% of guns used in crimes. The research highlights the importance of targeting problem retailers to prevent gun violence. The study's findings also suggest that law enforcement can better allocate resources by focusing on these retailers.
A new study suggests that men and women have different perceptions of gun ownership and storage practices, with men more likely to own guns and be responsible for storing them. The research emphasizes the importance of providing gun safety counseling in various settings, including hardware stores, workplaces, and sporting events.
A new study by University of Michigan researcher Jeffrey B. Bingenheimer found that adolescents exposed to gun violence are nearly four times as likely to perpetrate violence over the next two years. The study used propensity stratification to simulate randomization and controlled for demographic, socioeconomic, and temperamental factors.
The Marine Corps has created a dedicated virtual-reality training system for its assault amphibian vehicles, allowing for increased training capabilities due to range and ammunition supply constraints. The Virtual Environment Assault Amphibian Vehicle (VEAAV) training system was developed by a Navy-Marine Corps team in just six months.
A review of federal, state, and local gun laws found no conclusive evidence that these laws reduce gun-related deaths or violent crimes. Poor data, underreporting, and jurisdictional issues hindered the research, leading to a lack of knowledge about the effectiveness of current laws.
A study found that storing household guns locked, unloaded, or separate from ammunition significantly reduces the risk of unintentional and self-inflicted firearm injuries among adolescents and children. The study suggests that locking firearms and ammunition is an effective way to prevent access by youth.
A study found that households with parents visiting children's homes are more likely to store firearms unlocked and have poor medication storage practices. Homes with older adults and child visitors tend to have more firearms and less safe storage, but the difference is not statistically significant.
A recent study published in Archives of Surgery found that patients with abdominal trauma are at high risk of developing intra-abdominal infections following surgery. The likelihood of infection increased with more severe wounds, contamination of the abdominal cavity, and admission to the intensive care unit.
Researchers at New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) have successfully tested a smart gun that can distinguish between authorized and unauthorized users. The technology uses dynamic grip recognition, which measures the size, strength, and reflexive way a person acts when squeezing the trigger.
A recent study found that in 55% of homes with young children, household chemicals were stored in accessible locations, while one-third of U.S. gun owners kept firearms unlocked at home. The odds of reported unlocked storage of guns and household poisonous chemicals were two and a half times higher when young children visited.
State gun safe storage laws, which require gun owners to lock up their guns, were associated with a 8.3% decrease in suicide rates among 14- to 17-year-olds. The study found that these laws may have prevented 333 suicides among this age group between 1989 and 2001.
State CAP laws associated with an 8.3% reduction in youth suicide rates for 14- to 17-year-olds, particularly those using firearms. The study estimates that over 300 youth suicides were prevented, saving 35 lives in 2001.
A study analyzing data from Chicago's youth between ages 9-19 found that teenagers living in safer neighborhoods were significantly less likely to carry concealed firearms compared to those in more disordered areas. The research suggests that decreasing community violence and disorder can positively impact youth gun carrying behavior.
Researchers developed a new screening tool to identify adolescents at risk of carrying firearms in emergency departments. The tool, FiGHTS, uses known risk factors and has shown promising results in preventing firearm injuries among this age group.
A recent study by researchers at the University of California - Los Angeles found that many gun dealers are willing to sell firearms to individuals prohibited from buying them, despite federal laws. The survey revealed that 87.5% of dealers would make a sale if the firearm was identified as being for someone else.
A study of 216 cases found that 74% resulted from mishandling and 32% from potential deficiencies in firearm design. Researchers propose promoting safe storage and handling, as well as requiring safety features in new handguns to prevent unintentional shootings.
A study found that suicide rates among African-American males aged 15-24 increased by 14% from 1979 to 1997, while gun-related suicides rose to 70%. Healthcare providers should ask depressed youths about firearm access.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health researchers found that Maryland's 1990 law banning Saturday night specials resulted in a 9% lower rate of gun homicides. The study suggests the law saved an average of 40 lives per year between 1990-1998.
Research suggests that targeted policing strategies can be effective in preventing assaults and injuries by increasing deterrence through education and punishment. The study also highlights the importance of specific, visible police work and increasing certainty of punishment.
A study found that law enforcement officers encourage the public to use gun locks to make stored guns less dangerous, but they don't seem to like using the locks themselves. Only half of the officers who received free keyed cable gun locks accepted them, and two-thirds of those who did later reported not using the locks.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health finds that states with mandatory licensing and registration of handguns reduce the number of crime guns sold by in-state dealers. Cities with stricter gun laws have lower rates of crime guns sold outside the state, supporting the benefits of comprehensive handgun sales laws.
A nationwide study by Ohio State University researchers found that gun owners have less faith in the federal government than non-owners. The study controlled for various factors, including political ideology and fear of crime, and found a significant correlation between distrust of government and gun ownership.
A study of Southern law enforcement agents found that 44% store their loaded guns unlocked at home. Agents with children are more likely to use safer storage practices. The findings highlight the need for better firearm safety devices and emergency response measures for officers.
A recent study by Dr. Tamera Coyne-Beasley found that 59% of surveyed law enforcement officers stored firearms unlocked, while 68% kept their guns loaded. The researchers called for mandatory safety training and stricter firearm storage laws to address the issue.
Researchers from Penn State and the University of Verona developed a new approach to analyze the steadiness of a marksman's aim, which may help diagnose and monitor tremors in patients with neuro-muscular disorders. The technique combines statistical data analysis and stability analysis to track and explain the sources of tremor.
The paper attributes the decline in homicide since the early 1990s to changes in drug markets, police response to gun carrying by young males, and economic expansion. Fewer handguns were used in homicides, especially among juveniles and young adults.
Student engineers at Johns Hopkins University designed a low-tech, affordable childproofing device for handguns that can be defeated by adults but not young children. The device automatically switches the gun back to safe mode when it leaves an adult's hand, providing passive protection.
The Red Cross has identified new 'cruel weapons' such as sound beams, sticky foam, capture nets, and microwaves that can cause severe injuries. The organization's SIrUS Project aims to outlaw these weapons by defining superfluous injury and unnecessary suffering based on scientific data.
A recent study published in Pediatric Emergency Care found that air gun injuries accounted for 87 of the 162 injuries caused by guns during a seven-year period. The research revealed that air gun wounds can be serious and even permanent, with 13 children suffering from visual disabilities.
According to a recent study, 80% of poisoning deaths in the US are caused by drugs, with opioids and cocaine being the leading causes. The death rate from poisoning increased by 25% between 1990 and 1995, with the peak age group being 35-44 years.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine examines firearm injuries in three American cities, finding that nearly 90% of non-fatal gunshot wounds resulted from confirmed or probable assaults. The study also reveals alarming rates of injury and fatality among young black men, with a rate of 1,708.4 per 100,000 person-years.