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Anti-Black racism linked to lower support for some gun rights

Research published by the American Psychological Association found that racially resentful white Americans are less likely to support some gun rights if they believe Black people are exercising those rights more than white people. This bias led to a quicker match of photos of white people with gun rights phrases and photos of Black peo...

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology·DateAug 19, 2022

Historical rates of enslavement predict modern rates of American gun ownership

A study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers found a strong correlation between historical rates of enslavement and present-day gun ownership in the US. The study suggests that American attitudes towards guns are shaped by historical events, such as the legacy of slavery, and are influenced by social transmission of beliefs.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 18, 2022

US youth firearm mortality increases over the past decade; trends differ significantly across states

A study published in American Journal of Medicine Open found that gun death rates among US children increased by 30% from 2010 to 2019. States with stronger gun control laws, such as New York and California, saw a decrease in youth firearm mortality rates, suggesting that policies can impact the epidemic of youth suicides.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Medicine Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 19, 2022

Clinicians who responded to recent mass shootings release recommendations for an effective healthcare response in the future

The study provides guidelines for healthcare facilities to respond effectively to mass shooting incidents. The clinicians identified the importance of modified triage plans, prioritizing patients based on anatomical considerations, and clear communication with emergency responders. By implementing these strategies, hospitals can better...

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJul 18, 2022

California’s ‘red flag’ law utilized for 58 threatened mass shootings

A new study from the University of California - Davis Health examines case details and mortality records from the first three years of California's Gun Violence Restraining Order law. The research found that GVROs were used to prevent firearm assault and homicide, with almost 30% of cases involving mass shooting threats.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalInjury Prevention·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 7, 2022

Over 70% of mass shootings in developed countries happen in the US, international analysis shows

A study published in the International Journal of Comparative and Applied Criminal Justice found that mass shootings in the US account for 73% of all incidents in developed countries, resulting in 816 deaths. The research identified distinct characteristics of US mass shootings, including ideological motives and relationship problems.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalInternational Journal of Comparative and Applied Criminal Justice·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 1, 2022

Firearm suicides fell worldwide since 1990, but rose in 31 countries

A global analysis of firearm suicide data found that deaths from self-inflicted shootings decreased worldwide between 1990 and 2019. However, an increase in firearm suicides was observed in 31 countries, particularly in developing nations, suggesting a need for targeted public health efforts to reduce these deaths.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateMay 25, 2022

Study finds link between dropping permit requirement for carrying concealed weapons and increase in officer-involved shootings with civilian victims

A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that relaxing concealed firearm laws led to a 12.9% increase in officer-involved shootings with civilian victims in 10 US states. Four states saw significantly higher rates, including Missouri and West Virginia.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Urban Health·DateMay 11, 2022

Analysis of firearm violence during pandemic in US

During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, firearm-related incidents and nonfatal injuries increased significantly in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The analysis found a notable association between the pandemic and firearm violence, highlighting the need for further research and interventions to address this issue.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 28, 2022

Firearm retailers and law enforcement show support for providing safe storage options

A new study reveals that firearm retailers and law enforcement agencies in Colorado and Washington support providing temporary, voluntary firearm storage options. The concept aims to increase safety by limiting access to firearms during times of crisis, such as suicidal thoughts or Alzheimer's disease. However, concerns about civil lia...

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalSuicide and Life-Threatening Behavior·DateApr 6, 2022

BU study: racial disparities in child exposure to gun violence worsened

A new study found that non-White children experienced greater exposure to neighborhood firearm violence before the pandemic and saw an increase in disparities during COVID. The study quantified racial disparities in childhood exposure to gun violence with data from every US neighborhood.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 5, 2022

The hidden cost of firearm injuries

A new study by Harvard Medical School researchers found that people who survive firearm injuries face greater risks of mental health disorders, substance use disorders, and pain in the year following injury. The analysis showed significant increases in healthcare spending, with gunshot survivors averaging $2,495 more per month compared...

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateApr 4, 2022

Researchers find patterns of handgun carrying among youth in rural areas, building foundation for injury prevention

A recent study found that young people in rural areas carry handguns nearly twice as often as urban youths, with one in three reporting carrying by age 26. The study identified six longitudinal trajectories of handgun carrying, suggesting different cultural contexts and motivations for the behavior.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeSurvey·DateMar 31, 2022

Birds of prey populations across Europe suppressed by lead poisoning from gun ammunition – study

A study has found that lead poisoning from gun ammunition has suppressed the populations of birds of prey across Europe, resulting in a loss of around 55,000 adult birds. The impact is particularly significant for species like eagles and Red Kites, which are long-lived and breed later in life.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 15, 2022

Study results may help improve firearm safety messaging to prevent suicides

A study published in Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior reveals subgroups of firearm owners in the United States who can be trusted to discuss safe storage. The study found that certain groups, such as those owning multiple firearms or shotguns and rifles, may require more individualized conversations about safe storage.

SourceWiley·JournalSuicide and Life-Threatening Behavior·DateMar 9, 2022

Firearms have overtaken car crashes as main cause of premature US trauma deaths

Firearm deaths have overtaken car crashes as the leading cause of premature US trauma deaths, with firearm suicides highest in older white men and firearm homicides highest in young black men. Firearm-related deaths increased steadily over the past decade, accounting for 12.6 million years of potential life lost between 2009 and 2018.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalTrauma Surgery & Acute Care Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 22, 2022

Firearm storage in US households with children

A survey study analyzed responses from the 2021 National Firearms Survey to examine firearm storage practices in US households with children. The findings suggest that many households do not store firearms safely, posing a significant risk of accidents and injuries.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 22, 2022

A news media outlet’s perceived credibility can affect how gun violence headlines are received

A Rutgers study suggests that delivering accurate gun safety messages from credible news sources can shape American attitudes toward gun violence. Researchers found that participants perceived headlines more accurately if they trusted the source, highlighting the importance of credible media portrayal in gun violence prevention.

SourceRutgers University·JournalHealth Communication·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 21, 2022

Trauma centers expand care to treat patients beyond physical injury

Trauma centers in the US are increasingly screening and intervening for patients with alcohol and substance abuse issues, as well as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and suicidal ideation. A survey found that over 95% of trauma centers screen and intervene for high-risk patients, leading to significant reductions in re-entry rates.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateFeb 14, 2022

Most older adults support steps to reduce firearm injury risk, study shows

A national survey of over 2,000 adults aged 50-80 found that most support steps to reduce firearm injury risk, including safety counseling and background checks. The study highlights opportunities to help older adults recognize and address risks in their homes, particularly for those living with children or experiencing cognitive decline.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPreventive Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateJan 27, 2022

New research shows violence is broadly felt by millions of Californians

A new study by UC Davis Professor Garen Wintemute found that two-thirds of Californians have a direct personal stake in gun violence, with many experiencing violence through hearing gunshots or encountering memorials. The research suggests experiences of violence can permeate communities and may inform public policy and education.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalInjury Epidemiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 3, 2022

mRNA vaccines highly effective at preventing death from COVID-19, less effective at preventing infection

Researchers found that mRNA vaccines were highly effective (86%) in preventing SARS-CoV-2-related deaths among vaccinated individuals, especially in the elderly population. However, vaccine effectiveness against infection was lower (69%) and decreased with increasing age and comorbidity burden.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 20, 2021

Violence increased most in marginalized neighborhoods early in the COVID-19 pandemic

A new UC Davis study tracks firearm violence, assault, and homicide in 13 major US cities by zip code, revealing stark disparities. Firearm violence increased 29.3%, homicides by 27.7%, while robberies decreased 23.3% and rapes by 31.4% during the first five months of the pandemic.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 9, 2021

Survey of gun policy experts finds wide disagreement remains

A RAND Corporation survey of 173 gun policy researchers found strikingly polarized views on the merits of various policies, with differing estimates of their effects on firearm homicides and suicides. The study highlights areas where experts agree and disagreements exist, providing a roadmap for future research to resolve uncertainties.

SourceRAND Corporation·TypeSurvey·DateNov 30, 2021

Who bought firearms during 2020 purchasing surge?

A Rutgers study of 3,500 adults found that those who bought firearms during the 2020 purchasing surge tend to be more sensitive to threats and have less emotional control. This suggests that individuals prone to impulsivity may buy firearms as a coping mechanism for stress.

SourceRutgers University·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 15, 2021

Uncovering racial disparities in nonfatal police shootings

A study of four US states finds that Black people are more likely to be nonfatally shot and injured by police, with disparities greater than seen for fatal shootings. The research highlights the need for comprehensive data on police shootings to draw reliable conclusions about racial disparities.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateNov 10, 2021

Study finds correlation between rural geography and access to handguns, suicidality among Colorado teenagers

A cross-sectional study found a correlation between rural geography and easy access to handguns, leading to higher risks of suicidality among Colorado teenagers. The findings can inform the allocation of educational firearm safety and suicide prevention resources in the state.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 13, 2021