Articles tagged with Firearms
Research shows that staff training programs and gun safety educational materials increase doctor/parent conversations about gun safety, leading to safer storage practices and reduced firearm injuries. Pediatricians who received training and support were more likely to counsel parents on gun safety, resulting in improved firearm screeni...
Men with a history of alcohol charges have more than twice the risk of suicide when purchasing handguns, according to new research. The study also found that recent and repeat alcohol charges were associated with the greatest risk of suicide, suggesting that reducing firearm access or addressing alcohol use could help mitigate this risk.
The study of medieval gunpowder recipes reveals that the evolution of the perfect powder was a slow trial-and-error process. Researchers analyzed energies released during combustion and found that certain additives made gunpowder stronger, while others had no energetic advantages but might have served other purposes.
Researchers at the University of Colorado will test an online decision aid to improve firearm safety for caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The study aims to reduce firearm injuries and deaths while promoting older adult independence and autonomy.
A new study from the University of California Firearm Violence Research Center shows that physical disorder in Detroit doesn't lead to a steep increase in violent crime. The study's findings suggest that community-driven efforts to rebuild and remake rundown neighborhoods can be effective in reducing disorder and fear.
A new study found that increasing mental health workforce capacity can lead to a 1.35% reduction in non-firearm suicide rates among young people aged 10-24. However, the study did not find any correlation between increased mental health services and decreased firearm suicides.
Researchers found that candidates' pro-gun messages and NRA funding influence voters' evaluations, with racial resentment moderating the effects. Voters who own guns or are racially resentful were more likely to support candidates with similar views, while those low in racial resentment preferred pro-gun control candidates.
A Kaiser Permanente study published in JAMA Health Forum found that 83% of primary care patients and 92% of mental health clinic patients answered the question about their access to firearms. The study suggests that asking about firearm access could support suicide prevention by creating opportunities to discuss safety planning, includ...
A study found that patients receiving care for mental health and substance use who had access to firearms were at a higher risk of suicidal thoughts. The researchers emphasize the need for improved gun safety measures in these settings.
A recent survey study in California adults reveals alarming rates of firearm injuries and highlights the importance of safe storage practices. The study also explores perceptions of safety among households with children, emphasizing the need for effective injury prevention strategies.
The American College of Surgeons proposes four strategies to address the root causes of violence, including investing in at-risk communities and advocating for policy changes. Trauma Informed Care is a key feature of these strategies, aiming to foster empowerment and partnership with patients.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, 10% of households with high school-age teens reported buying a firearm, and 3% of U.S. households became first-time gun owners. One in seven households that purchased a gun during this time also had a teen experiencing depression symptoms.
Research at MUSC Health found that adolescents who survive nonfatal gunshot wounds are at a higher risk of developing mental health disorders. Those with pre-existing conditions such as depression or conduct disorder are particularly vulnerable, highlighting the need for timely mental health care following a firearm injury.
The American College of Surgeons surveyed its members on firearm safety, with strong consensus for policy initiatives and safe storage. Most respondents support preventing people with serious mental illness from buying firearms and cracking down on illegal sales.
During the first five months of the COVID-19 pandemic, an estimated 4.3 million more background checks for firearm purchases occurred nationwide than expected, resulting in 9.3 million total firearm purchases. Researchers found an association between increased gun purchases and domestic violence but not non-domestic firearm violence.
A new analysis by NYU researchers outlines how red flag laws can reduce gun violence while protecting constitutional rights. The study found that 19 states enacted a total of 43 red flag laws, despite concerns over constitutionality.
A new study from Stanford University School of Medicine found that hospitalizations to treat pediatric gun injuries are expensive, with a total of about $109 million spent each year. The cost of hospitalizations rose over time, with more than half paid by Medicaid and uninsured patients accounting for 11% of all hospitalizations.
Researchers successfully reduced uranium, vanadium, and molybdenum levels in groundwater by more than ten-thousandfold using a 'sponge-like' mineral called calcium apatite. The technology has been shown to be effective and long-lasting without negative side effects.
A survey study in California found that public awareness of extreme risk protection orders is low, and many people are unwilling to use them to prevent firearm-related harm. The study suggests that targeted education and awareness campaigns can improve public understanding and encourage the use of these orders.
A new study reveals that two-thirds of Californians have never heard of gun violence restraining orders, despite being available for five years. Most respondents, including gun owners, would be willing to use a GVRO if a family member was at risk of causing harm.
Katie's research focuses on harnessing advances in digital information and data to enhance the identification of bullets and weapons. She aims to move away from subjective visual evidence and instead use quantifiable measurements and techniques.
A Rutgers University study found that states with stricter firearms laws reported lower suicide and homicide rates. The study analyzed data from 1991 to 2017 and found a significant correlation between the total number of firearm laws in a state and its corresponding suicide and homicide rates.
Researchers developed a unique identification system using a 3D printer's hot end, allowing for accurate tracking of intellectual property and security threats. The 'ThermoTag' method compares the printing process to a human fingerprint, enabling precise identification of printer models.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine are working to develop innovative solutions to prevent firearm-related deaths and injuries, building on federal funding for the first time in years. The effort aims to strike a balance between public health and gun rights, with initial studies revealing promising results.
The American College of Physicians suggests that physicians should educate patients about firearm safety, act locally against the NRA, and lobby for sensible firearm injury prevention laws. The editorial highlights the need for action after mass shootings, despite a decline in overall gun violence in 2020.
A new study found that 20% of high school students in Colorado have easy access to handguns, with males and transgender youth being more likely to report this. The researchers emphasize the need to raise awareness and improve efforts to reduce firearm access for youth in Colorado.
A study by Children's National Hospital found that sociodemographic factors related to intent of injury by firearm may help guide policy and inform tailored interventions. The study identified distinct risk profiles for individuals aged 21 and younger with firearm injuries, including unintentional and self-harm cases.
A Rutgers study found that law enforcement and military personnel are the most preferred messengers for safe gun storage and suicide prevention education. The study ranked 14 groups as trusted sources, with law enforcement and military personnel ranking highest among firearm owners.
The study found that serious mental illness was present in only 11% of all mass murderers and 8% of mass shooters. Non-firearm means resulted in significantly more casualties per event. The researchers also found that U.S.-based mass shooters were more likely to have legal histories or use recreational drugs.
A new study published in Archives of Suicide Research found that handgun ownership is associated with a greater odds of dying from self-inflicted gunshot wounds in suicide deaths. Researchers also discovered that individuals who only owned handguns were more likely to use them in their death compared to those who owned shotguns.
A Temple-led team found a significant and sustained increase in firearm violence in Philadelphia following COVID-19 containment policies, which exacerbated existing issues like poverty and structural racism. The study suggests that these measures had a strong association with increased gun violence.
A new Northwestern University study links adolescent firearm involvement to perpetration of gun violence in adulthood. Researchers found that youth victimized by firearms as adolescents were nearly three times more likely to become perpetrators themselves.
A study by Oregon Health & Science University found that firearm-related deaths among children ages 1-4 increased exponentially between 1999 and 2018, with non-Hispanic Black and White children being disproportionately affected. Nearly 90% of these incidents occurred in or near the victim's home, making them preventable.
A study by UC Davis VPRP found that 4% of California adults experienced violence, leading to severe distress and social problems. Firearm involvement in violent events was associated with increased socioemotional consequences, including higher levels of perceived threat and reduced social functioning.
A California survey study found a strong association between the COVID-19 pandemic and increased self-reported worry about violence for oneself and others. The study also reported changes in firearm acquisition and storage practices, highlighting public concern during this time.
Military personnel who receive lethal means counseling and a cable lock are more likely to use a gun safe and unload firearms before storing, according to a Rutgers study. The combination of these interventions resulted in greater adoption of safe storage methods, reducing the risk of military suicide.
A new study published in the journal Nursing Forum found a distinct shift in the method of nurse suicides, with firearm use increasing among female nurses between 2014 and 2017. The study suggests that removing firearms from homes and providing increased social support may help prevent such deaths.
A national survey of 4,000 adults found that fewer than 10% have ever discussed firearm safety with a clinician, highlighting the need for improvement in clinical settings. The study also found that when conversations occurred, the most common advice given was to lock all household firearms.
A Rutgers study found that people intending to acquire a firearm in the next 12 months are less tolerant of uncertainty and experience more severe COVID-19 specific fears. Essential workers and those who have worked in law enforcement are more likely to consider purchasing firearms as a means of safety during uncertain times.
Researchers confirm the gun embodiment effect, where gun owners perceive others as holding guns, and found small but significant effects on accuracy and speed. The study replicated earlier findings with larger sample sizes and suggests universal applicability.
A new study reveals an average of 120,232 firearm injuries per year in the US, with nonfatal cases being twice as prevalent as deaths. The research highlights the need for effective prevention strategies beyond just addressing fatal injuries.
A Rutgers study of 3,500 Americans found that those who purchased firearms during the pandemic were more likely to experience suicidal thoughts, with 70% reporting lifetime suicidal ideation. Unsafe firearm storage habits also increased the risk of suicide in homes with a firearm.
A new study from Rice University found that racial and gender biases significantly impact American attitudes toward gun ownership. The research revealed that Republicans are more likely to support gun rights for white men, while Democrats are more willing to support white women's right to own firearms. These findings highlight the need...
A study examined the association between changes in firearm laws and suicide rates among young people aged 14-24 in Missouri. The researchers found that loosening state firearm restrictions was associated with an increase in suicides by firearms among this age group.
A new curriculum at Washington University School of Medicine equips surgical residents with technical and non-technical skills to treat victims of firearm violence. The Anatomy of Gun Violence (AGV) curriculum includes training sessions, simulations, and discussions on the social context of firearm violence.
A study by Columbia University researchers found that strong state gun laws are associated with lower rates of firearm homicides within the state and across state lines. Weaker laws in one state contribute to higher homicide rates in neighboring states, particularly when guns can flow undetected into areas with already weak laws.
Researchers at Forefront Suicide Prevention at the University of Washington found that talking about suicide prevention and safe firearm storage at gun shows can lead to a significant increase in people locking up their firearms. In a community-based setting, engaging people in an empathetic conversation resulted in more people adoptin...
A Canadian study found that 68% of firearm-related deaths in Ontario were from self-harm, with most occurring among older men living in rural areas. The study highlights the need for targeted prevention efforts and suicide-prevention strategies in these regions.
A new study by the University of California - Davis Health found that the COVID-19 pandemic led to an estimated 110,000 firearm purchases in California and increased individuals' worries about violence. Respondents who bought firearms mainly did so for self-protection, citing concerns over lawlessness and government actions.
Researchers found that officers can cut their chance of making misdiagnosis shooting errors by more than half when using a low ready position. The study, published in Police Quarterly, suggests that this simple adjustment could lead to fewer perception shootings and improved safety.
A randomized controlled trial found that early referral to physical therapy significantly improved function and reduced symptoms of back pain with sciatica compared to usual care. Patients who received physical therapy immediately after their primary care visit reported less disability than those who took the wait-and-see approach.
For over two decades, the FDA has approved new opioids based on studies lacking critical safety and efficacy data. The agency's regulatory activities have been scrutinized due to the role prescription opioids played in driving the opioid epidemic.
A recent University of Washington study found that age restrictions on handgun purchases have little effect on the rate of homicides involving guns by people in this age group. The central issue is high informal access to firearms, making it difficult to address with age limits. Firearms are a leading cause of death among American youth.
A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that weaker gun laws in neighboring states are associated with increased gun deaths in adjoining states. The researchers analyzed 578,022 firearm deaths over a 17-year period and found that stronger state gun policies were linked to decreased firearm deaths.
A study found that nearly 16% of LGBT adults in California own a gun or live with one, often for protection. This increases their likelihood of victimization, including suicide. The research highlights the need for unique gun violence prevention strategies targeting the LGBT community.
Researchers studied mass shootings near schools and child frequented locations, finding that these areas are disproportionately affected by gun violence. The study's results suggest that these areas may require additional safety measures to protect children.
A new study by UC Davis Health finds that gun owners and those living with gun owners are less worried about firearm injuries than non-gun owners. The researchers suggest that effective communications strategies can improve firearm safety in the same way as public health messaging has reduced disease and injury.
A UC Davis Health study found that nonfatal firearm injuries in California decreased by 38% over an 11-year period, primarily due to a drop in firearm assaults. However, the lethality of those and other firearm injuries increased, with a higher proportion of self-inflicted injuries being deadlier.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that states with handgun purchaser licensing laws had lower firearm homicide and suicide rates. Connecticut's law, enacted in 1995, was associated with a 28% decrease in firearm homicides and a 33% decrease in firearm suicides.
A new study published in The American Journal of Medicine estimates that one out of every 100 American children will die from firearms if current death rates continue, while one out of every 70 will die from drug overdoses. The study aims to educate the public and policymakers about the impact of firearm and overdose deaths.