The American College of Physicians, along with leading physician and public health organizations, calls for policies to reduce firearms-related injuries and deaths. Comprehensive criminal background checks, research into the causes of firearm violence, and improved access to mental health care are recommended.
A Boston University study finds that laws restricting who can have a gun are most effective in reducing firearm homicides, with different laws more effective in urban and suburban/rural areas. Universal background checks and stringent concealed carry laws show promise in reducing urban and suburban/rural rates.
A new Rutgers University study found a significant link between the concentration of federally licensed firearms dealers in urban counties and intimate partner homicide in the home, regardless of victim age or gender. The researchers suggest that easy access to legal guns in urban areas can increase the risk of intimate partner violence.
A review of 33 years' worth of medical studies reveals key areas for new research to explore. The study found that only a few hundred studies have been published on the topic, many with methodological flaws. Experts recommend more research on larger samples, school- and family-level risk factors, and protective factors.
A new study found that firearm ownership significantly increases the risk of intimate partner and family homicide, with a 13% increased incidence for each 10% increase in household gun ownership rates. The majority of domestic violence victims are women who are more likely to be killed if there is a gun in the household.
A cross-sectional study published in Pediatrics found that states with stricter firearms laws had a 35% lower firearm-related death rate among children. The study also showed that universal background checks for firearm purchases were associated with lower mortality rates.
Researchers found a causal link between print news media coverage of U.S. gun control policy and increases in firearm acquisition, especially in states with lax gun laws. The study analyzed data on mass shootings, media coverage, and firearm background checks, revealing no significant links between other variables.
A recent study found a 60% increase in suicide deaths among young black males and a 182% increase among young black females between 2001 and 2017. Safe firearm storage and adequate mental health services are crucial to reducing these rates.
A new white paper from the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Policy and Research concludes that handgun licensing is more effective at reducing gun deaths than comprehensive background checks alone. States with licensing requirements have been shown to experience significant reductions in gun homicides and suicides, while comprehensive back...
A team of experts from the Firearm Safety Among Children and Teens (FACTS) consortium has published a list of 26 urgent questions for rigorous studies to address pediatric firearm injury prevention. The questions cover various aspects, including access, storage, and exposure to firearms, as well as the effectiveness of programs and tec...
A majority of current gun owners (almost four out of five) support the sale of both traditional and personalized guns through licensed dealers. However, only 18% are likely to purchase a personalized gun for themselves due to added costs. Personalized guns offer safety features to prevent unauthorized use, but their high cost may limit...
A study examining firearm ownership and accessibility found that US Army soldiers who died by suicide were more likely to own firearms and store them loaded at home. The study suggests a link between firearm availability and increased risk of suicidal death among military personnel.
A new clinical guide aims to empower physicians to recognize patients' risk of firearm injury or death and discuss safe firearm practices. The guide, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, provides practical tools for screening, counseling, and interventions.
A randomized clinical trial found that children exposed to violent video games with guns were more likely to engage in dangerous behavior, such as pulling the trigger at themselves or others. Self-reported consumption of violent media was also a risk factor for this behavior.
Firearm mortality is significantly higher in young men, particularly those with low education and from racial minorities. A study of 4 high-burden countries (USA, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia) between 1990-2015 found firearm deaths accounted for up to half of overall premature death risk among young men.
The proceedings from the inaugural Medical Summit on Firearm Injury Prevention identify a consensus-based approach to reduce injury, disability, and death from firearm violence. The article outlines a public health framework for addressing the crisis, including research, education, and targeted injury prevention initiatives.
At SAEM 2019, experts like Rebecca Cunningham emphasized the need for gun safety beyond 'gun control', focusing on injury prevention. Meanwhile, a study found opportunities to reduce over-testing in emergency departments through data analysis and targeted quality improvement initiatives.
A modeling study suggests that locking all household guns could prevent between 72-135 youth firearm fatalities and 235-323 nonfatal injuries. The study's results underscore the need for safe gun storage practices to motivate adults to securely store firearms.
Acoustic researcher Dan Costley presents on WWI's sound ranging method, which pinpointed enemy gun locations to within 10 meters. The technique used innovative solutions like the Tucker microphone and 'harp' galvanometer, credited to Bragg's scientific leadership.
A recent study by Children's National Hospital found that firearm injuries disproportionately impact African American youth in Washington D.C.'s Wards 7 and 8. The majority of these injuries (64%) were accidental, and nearly all patients (94%) were African American.
A recent study examines the alarming rise in firearm fatalities among US children, particularly those from marginalized communities. The research found that public health approaches must consider underlying demographic trends to effectively address this issue.
Patients who undergo vascular surgery for major blood vessel injuries due to firearm wounds have the highest injury severity scores, leading to increased risk of death and complications. The study highlights the need for improved trauma care and long-term treatment strategies for gun violence survivors.
Research published in Deviant Behavior found that the dark web is a hub for anonymous handgun sales, with 64% of products advertised being handguns. The study sheds light on a niche market where buyers can circumvent stricter gun laws, highlighting the need for further investigations and potential regulation.
Nearly 2,200 adolescent homicides were analyzed; 150 were committed by an intimate partner, with nearly all female victims killed by firearm. The study highlights the need for understanding early adolescent dating relationships to inform prevention and intervention efforts.
Researchers found that mass shootings with extensive media coverage were associated with increases in handgun purchases, while high-fatality shootings led to decreases in handgun sales. Overall, the study suggests a possible connection between gun violence and public opinion on gun purchases.
Research reveals that US states with more relaxed gun control laws and higher gun ownership rates experience higher rates of mass shootings. The gap between permissive and restrictive states has widened in recent years, with rates falling in restrictive states and rising in permissive ones.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine reveals that states with strict gun laws experience higher homicide rates when neighboring states have more lenient laws. The research suggests that gun trafficking across state lines plays a significant role in this relationship.
A new study found that states with more permissive gun laws and greater gun ownership have higher rates of mass shootings. On average, more permissive states and states with higher gun ownership rates appeared to have more mass shootings.
A new study found that doctor-affiliated PACs contribute more money to politicians who oppose evidence-based firearm safety policies than those who support them. The findings contradict the advocacy efforts of individual physicians and organizations, highlighting a disconnect between their public health goals and political contributions.
The report identifies weaknesses in current Illinois law and recommends strengthening the state's gun purchaser licensing system, expanding firearm prohibitions for domestic abusers, and providing more funding for local initiatives. These policies aim to reduce gun violence and homicides in Illinois.
A national study found that US counties with greater income inequality have a higher rate of firearm homicide deaths. The association was positively correlated across all races and individual groups, with African-Americans experiencing a nearly 10% increase in firearm homicide rates for every 0.04 greater value of the Gini index.
A new study by researchers at The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston found that individuals with access to guns were approximately 18 times more likely to have threatened someone with a gun, while most mental health symptoms were unrelated to gun violence. Limiting access to guns is key to reducing gun violence.
A recent study found that 10% of firearm injury survivors will be readmitted to the hospital within 90 days, highlighting a significant burden of morbidity. The researchers also discovered a 30% increased risk of readmission among those with firearm injuries compared to occupant motor vehicle injury patients.
Research highlights the dangers of unsafe gun storage and calls for pediatricians to counsel families on safe handling practices. The authors advocate for innovative design features and childproofing technologies to reduce firearm-related injuries among young children.
Gun injury hospitalizations averaged $911 million from 2010 to 2015, with Medicaid and Medicare covering most of the costs. The study highlights the chronic nature of firearm injuries, with 93% of patients surviving their initial hospital stay and 15.6% readmitted within six months.
A study suggests introducing gun safety into healthcare providers' checklists can prevent teen suicide. Researchers found support for promoting firearm safety in pediatric primary care as a universal suicide prevention strategy.
A new study reveals that firearm-related deaths are the second leading cause of death among US children and teens, accounting for over 60% of preventable deaths. The rate of firearm-related death remains persistent, with over eight children dying daily, and disproportionately affects urban adolescents and African-American youth.
A new study by Columbia University Professors Charles Branas and Jeffrey Fagan found that US blacks face a significantly lower life expectancy due to firearm-related deaths, with substantially higher homicide rates among young black Americans contributing to this disparity.
Veterans in mental health care support measures to address firearm access, such as screening by clinicians and gun locks. The VA could consider working with veterans to develop and implement these programs to prevent suicide.
A new study reveals that black Americans' life expectancy is decreasing due to firearms, with a two-fold loss compared to white Americans. The researchers found that substantially higher homicide rates among blacks up to age 20 drive this gap.
A recent study found that gun violence has a disproportionately high impact on black Americans, with their lives shortened by nearly twice as much as those of white Americans. The study, which analyzed data from 2000 to 2016, also found that firearm suicides and assaults contributed to this disparity.
A study published in Academic Emergency Medicine finds that children and adolescents who survive firearm injuries have increased long-term mortality rates compared to those who survive nonviolent trauma. The study identifies socioeconomic disparities as a key factor in these disparities.
A recent study found that Delaware's comprehensive background check policy led to a significant increase in firearm background checks, with no comparable effect in Washington and Colorado. The study suggests that enforcement and compliance issues hindered the policy's impact in these states.
A study in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association notes that elderly gun owners with dementia are at a high risk of suicide and accidental shootings. The authors argue that public policy, such as red flag laws, can help mitigate this risk by removing firearms from patients with cognitive impairment.
Physicians say firearms are within their lane, disagreeing with NRA's stance on gun violence prevention. The American College of Physicians is collaborating with the American Foundation for Firearm Injury Reduction in Medicine to provide funding for research and develop practice recommendations on firearm injury prevention.
A study of 5,200 Washington residents found that 55% of children living in firearm-owning households had access to a firearm not stored safely. Adults who misused alcohol were more likely to store firearms unsafely, increasing the risk of child firearm injuries and deaths.
A new website aims to change the equation on death and trauma from firearms among young people by sharing what's known about guns and people under age 19. The site offers a trove of data and training for health care providers, researchers, and others to tackle the prevention of youth firearm injuries as a public health issue.
The California Safety and Wellbeing Survey found that 25% of adult Californians live in households with firearms, while 40% include children under 12. The survey also revealed that nearly 3,200 people died from firearm-related injuries in California in 2017.
A University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing article highlights how nurses understand factors leading to firearm violence and investigate ways to prevent it. The research identifies priority areas for nursing science to address this public health problem.
A study presents findings on pediatric firearm-related injuries, revealing unintentional injuries were the most common among children presenting to emergency departments. The research suggests that effective strategies should focus on age and intent to prevent firearm-related injury in children.
A Stanford study found that lax state gun laws are associated with higher rates of firearm-related fatalities among children and teenagers. States with stricter gun control legislation have lower rates of firearm-related suicides among youth.
A study found that only 41% of children aged 7-17 correctly identified both real and toy guns. The researchers emphasize the need for safe firearm storage in homes where children live or play, especially among gun owners who were more likely to let their children play with toy guns.
A new study presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics conference found a strong correlation between state-level gun legislation and pediatric firearm mortality rates. States with stricter gun laws had significantly lower firearm-related fatalities among children, even after adjusting for poverty, unemployment, and education rates.
A study finds that children under 12 are more likely to be shot by accident, while those aged 18-21 are more likely to be victims of firearm-related injuries due to assault. Firearm-related injuries remain a leading cause of injury and death among U.S. children.
A new study finds that suicide is twice as common as homicide in the US, but most Americans don't know it. The research suggests that public perceptions are skewed by media and entertainment portrayals of gun violence, leading to a gap between reality and informed discussion.
A new study describes a method, called PrinTracker, that can trace 3D-printed objects to their machine of origin. The technology uses in-fill patterns, unique to each printer, to identify the source of printed goods.
A global report confirms that tough gun laws in Australia and other countries have led to a significant decrease in firearm deaths, particularly suicides. The study found that the Australian National Firearms Agreement has been closely linked to this decline, with other countries showing similar results.
A study from 2000-2017 found that active shooter incidents involving semiautomatic rifles resulted in a significantly higher number of wounded and killed individuals compared to those without semiautomatic rifles. Semiautomatic rifles were used in approximately 25% of the shootings, resulting in 898 people being wounded and 718 deaths.
A study by University of Kansas researchers found that gun owners are a strong political group who hold significant influence despite being a minority in American politics. The study suggests that the growing politicization of gun ownership is driving increased political participation among gun owners, with implications for gun control...
A new study reveals that six countries in the Americas - Brazil, the US, Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, and Guatemala - accounted for over half of all firearm-related deaths in 2016. The study found that global firearm-related deaths exceeded conflict and terrorism deaths every year from 1990 to 2016, except for 1994.