Articles tagged with Firearms
A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that nearly 1 in 3 US veterans who own firearms store at least one loaded gun unlocked. This practice contributes to heightened suicide risk among vulnerable individuals who perceive firearms as a means of protection.
A study found that individuals shot by police have arrest histories similar to those involved in assaults and homicides, and medical histories similar to those with self-inflicted firearm injuries. The study identified patterns among intent-specific firearm injuries, including increased risk of interpersonal and self-directed violence,...
The American Association for the Surgery of Trauma recommends stricter regulations on semi-automatic rifle sales, booster accessories and high-volume ammunition to reduce firearm-related injuries. The AAST aims to address the complex issue of gun violence through research, innovation, technology and cooperation.
An observational study found that the caliber of a firearm is associated with the likelihood of death from a gunshot, with medium- and large-caliber guns increasing the odds of fatality. The study analyzed data on 367 cases, including 183 fatal and 184 non-fatal shootings.
A new study published in the Journal of the National Medical Association suggests that residential segregation is independently linked with racial disparities in firearm homicides, even when controlling for other inequalities. States with greater residential segregation have higher racial disparities in firearm homicide fatalities.
Researchers found that combining elevated fasting glucose and HbA1c levels from a single blood sample is accurate for diagnosing diabetes. The new approach could prove useful in clinical practice by reducing patient visits and guiding treatment with HbA1c test results.
A recent study by Northwestern University researchers used network science to map the gun market in Chicago, finding that individuals are on average 2.5 handshakes away from a gun. Gang membership was found to reduce this distance by 27 percent, highlighting the role of gangs in facilitating access to guns.
Cancer remains a significant concern as the HIV-infected population ages. By 2030, prostate and lung cancers are projected to be the most common cancers among individuals with HIV, due to their weakened immune systems.
The study found that nearly 4.7 million adults had Alzheimer's in 2010, expected to grow to 13.8 million by 2050. The researchers emphasize the importance of conversations about gun ownership with families and physicians, balancing safety concerns with individual rights.
States with stricter firearm laws have lower rates of firearm-related deaths in children, according to a new study. The research found that states requiring universal background checks for firearm purchase had significantly lower median mortality rates compared to those without such laws.
Research highlights gun suicides disproportionately affect older, married white men experiencing declining health. Financial stressors also play a role in younger age groups. Tailored interventions and gun ownership registry measures may help reduce mortality associated with gun suicides.
A new analysis of video footage supports official findings that John F. Kennedy was shot by Lee Harvey Oswald from the Texas School Book Depository building. The study uses fundamental classical mechanics to analyze the forward head snap in the Zapruder film, which shows President Kennedy's reactions after being shot in the head.
A new study from McGill University found that southern US states with high gun ownership rates have the highest rates of white firearm suicide, while Midwestern states have the highest rates of black firearm homicide. The research suggests that different factors influence rates of firearm homicide for black and white men across states.
A recent $5 million NIH grant will fund a five-year research consortium aimed at reducing firearm injuries among US children and teens. The consortium, led by Michigan State University, brings together experts from various fields to investigate policy interventions and develop evidence-based solutions.
A randomized trial in Norway found that sigmoidoscopy screening reduced CRC incidence and mortality in men, but had little or no effect in women. Current guidelines recommending flexible sigmoidoscopy screening for women may need to be reconsidered. The effectiveness of screening in reducing colon cancer risk for women remains uncertain.
A recent $5 million NIH grant has funded a research consortium at Michigan Medicine to address firearm-related fatalities among children in the US, known as the second leading cause of death. The five-year effort aims to develop evidence-based solutions through an interdisciplinary group of scientists and stakeholders.
Children's National Hospital is leading a $5 million NIH grant to develop solutions for reducing pediatric firearm-related injuries. The project, called the Firearm-Safety Among Children & Teens Consortium (FACTS), aims to identify effective strategies and policies to lower pediatric deaths and injuries due to firearms.
This observational study found that strong state firearm laws are associated with lower rates of firearm homicide, suicide, and overall suicide rates. States with strict gun regulations had significantly lower firearm homicide rates when neighboring states also had strict laws.
A two-year study by RAND Corporation found persuasive evidence for child access prevention laws and moderate evidence for background checks and mental illness-related prohibitions. The study identified gaps in evidence for most gun laws, but suggests areas for compromise and increased funding for gun research.
Annual increase in firearm injury severity found from 1993 to 2014, reflecting hospitalization of more serious injuries and outpatient management of less serious ones. Non-fatal firearm injuries account for 70% of all firearm trauma injuries in the US.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School found a 20% decline in gun injuries nationwide during the dates of the National Rifle Association's annual convention. The decrease is attributed to a brief period of gun abstinence and the well-trained gun owners attending the meetings.
A multi-site study found that police use of force is rare, accounting for less than 1% of all calls and arrests. Most significant injuries were associated with firearms and dogs, while conducted electrical weapons like Tasers were rarely used in force incidents.
A national survey found that more than half of US gun owners do not safely store their guns, with 54% reporting not storing all firearms securely. Safe storage practices are linked to reduced risks of unauthorized access or use.
A new approach by NIST enables numerical testimony for ballistic comparisons, estimating the probability of false positive matches. The method produces a numerical score describing similarity between cartridge cases and estimates the probability of random effects causing a false positive match.
A new study examined prosecutions in Pennsylvania and Maryland following changes in firearm transfer laws, finding increased prosecutions after tougher sentencing in Pennsylvania but decreased prosecutions in Maryland after a court decision redefined private firearm transfers. The study highlights the importance of proper implementatio...
Researchers identified three types of risk-mitigation strategies: readiness practices (routines), simulated scenario practices (target shooting and training), and mentally-rehearsed scenarios. These efforts decrease some risk but cannot fully prepare individuals for actual self-defense situations, which can pose unexpected risks.
A new study estimates that 60 additional accidental deaths related to firearms occurred after the Sandy Hook shooting, including 20 among children and 40 among adults. Exposure to guns increased following the tragedy, leading to a spike in accidental firearm-related deaths.
A groundbreaking national study by Michigan State University researchers found that state laws restricting gun ownership among domestic abusers and others with violent histories significantly reduce intimate partner homicides. Laws covering dating partners, emergency restraining orders, permit-to-purchase requirements, and firearms rel...
A Baylor University study found that white male gun owners experiencing economic stress are more emotionally and morally attached to their guns. They are also more likely to see violence against the US government as sometimes justified, according to researchers.
A study of firearms-related eye trauma in the US found significant racial disparities, with African Americans making up 35% of patients and suffering greater odds of being assaulted on the street. Whites were more likely to suffer self-inflicted injuries at home, while most common injury locations were the home and the street
A £200,000 research project aims to enhance ballistics evidence with similar scientific accuracy as DNA analysis. The LOQUITUR project will develop software to measure minute surface details on ammunition and weapons, enabling more accurate matches and improving forensic analysis.
A new study by Northeastern University found that approximately 9 million handgun owners in the US carry loaded firearms monthly, while 3 million report daily carrying. The study revealed that gun owners are more likely to be male, aged 18-29, conservative, and from the South.
A new study by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, found that gun-related deaths and injuries in California spiked after Nevada gun shows. The study, which analyzed data from 2005 to 2013, showed a nearly 70% increase in firearm injury rates in California near Nevada gun shows compared to regions without such exposure.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that gun-related deaths and injuries in neighboring California spiked by nearly 70 percent after gun shows were held in Nevada. The findings suggest that lack of federal gun legislation reduces the impact of state laws intended to protect citizens from firearm injury and death.
Researchers found that 80% of handgun owners who carried their guns had a concealed-carry permit and 66% always carried them concealed. State laws on handgun carrying have become less restrictive over the last 30 years, leading to an increase in concealed-carry permit holders
A new study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that permissive concealed-carry laws are associated with significantly higher rates of handgun-related homicide. The study suggests that current trends towards more lenient gun laws are inconsistent with promoting public safety.
The American College of Physicians urges physicians to make a public commitment to talk to their patients about firearms and counsel them on safe firearm behaviors. Physicians who commit to this action can find resources and information in the growing literature.
A BU researcher received a three-year award to investigate factors associated with non-fatal firearm injuries across different regions of the US. The goal is to understand how regional differences impact gun injury risk, ultimately aiming to tailor prevention efforts to specific areas.
A study found that Delaware's expansion of comprehensive background check policies to include private-party sales resulted in a 25% increase in handgun background checks and a 34% increase for long guns. In contrast, Washington and Colorado experienced no overall change in background checks despite enacting similar policies.
A Johns Hopkins study of firearm-related injuries found decreasing incidence in some age groups, increasing trends in others, and higher costs for gunshot wounds. Firearm injuries are also linked to mental health disorders, with attempted suicides having the highest incidence among Medicare enrollees.
A randomized experiment found that children who watched a PG-rated movie clip containing guns played with a disabled real gun longer and pulled the trigger more often than those who saw the same movie without guns. Children who saw the movie containing guns also played more aggressively and sometimes fired the gun at people.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) has reaffirmed its opposition to the legalization of physician-assisted suicide, citing ethical and clinical concerns. ACP emphasizes the importance of improving palliative care, including awareness and access, as a more effective approach to end-of-life care.
A new study found that states with laws requiring people at high risk of committing intimate partner abuse to relinquish firearms have significantly lower rates of intimate partner homicide and firearm-specific IPH. The study suggests that effective enforcement procedures are key to the law's impact.
Research highlights the disparity in firearm injury rates among pediatric populations in urban and rural settings. Teenagers living in urban areas are disproportionately affected by firearm assaults, whereas children in rural areas face a higher risk of accidental firearm injuries. Accidental injuries were the leading cause of hospital...
Researchers found that regions with higher Brady Gun Law Scores, indicating stricter gun laws, had lower rates of firearm-related emergency department visits among children and teens. The Northeast region had the lowest rate of 40 injuries per 100,000 visits, while the South had the highest rate of 71 injuries per 100,000 visits.
A new study finds that many pediatric emergency department physicians do not discuss firearm injury prevention when discussing overall injury prevention issues. Despite the importance of primary prevention, only half as many clinicians provide counseling on firearm injury prevention compared to other topics.
A study by Children's National Health System researchers found that regions with stronger firearm legislation had lower rates of Emergency Department visits for pediatric firearm-related injuries. The majority of these injuries were accidental, affecting children aged 6-10 most severely.
Suicide rates in rural areas of Maryland are 35% higher than urban settings, driven by significantly greater use of firearms. Removing firearms from the equation reveals comparable suicide rates between rural and urban areas.
A new study found that humpback whales avoid loud ocean mining noise triggered by seismic air gun surveys, suggesting a clear avoidance reaction within a certain distance from the vessel. The research aims to improve current mitigation measures to prevent adverse effects of seismic air gun noise on large whale behavior.
New research from Iowa State University found that police officers' accuracy in detecting concealed weapons or threats is only slightly better than chance. The study's findings highlight the need for better training and research-based approaches to threat detection.
A study by Oregon State University found that gun owners are more likely to engage in gun safety behaviors when given culturally tailored suicide prevention messages. The research suggests that messaging should respect the values and rights of gun owners, rather than using language that may inadvertently promote anti-firearm bias. Cult...
A study from the University of Washington found that only about three in five US firearm owners have received formal gun training, with notable gaps in content, particularly on warning signs of suicide. The lack of standardization and education on suicide prevention in firearm trainings has significant implications for public health.
Researchers found that generic drug prices rose significantly when market competition decreased, particularly in lower-priced drugs. The study suggests understanding the connection between competition and price may help identify older prescription drugs at higher risk for price changes in the future.
A new study found that more lethal weapons are being manufactured and sold for self-defense purposes, rather than recreational use. The study analyzed data from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and found a significant increase in the production of high-caliber pistols and rifles between 2004 and 2015.
A study by Stroebe et al. found that fear of crime alone doesn't explain the need for personal protection; a general sense of threat about the world's danger also plays a role. Conservative political beliefs are stronger predictors than past experience with crime victimization.
Analyzing millions of internet searches tied to major societal events offers a new way to understand public reaction. In the study, firearm-related searches more than doubled after the Sandy Hook shooting incident, with retail websites being the most visited sites.
A review article highlights the prevalence of pediatric firearm-related injuries in the US, with approximately 20,000 children transported to Emergency Departments each year. Pediatricians can play a pivotal role in reducing these injuries by asking patients about access to firearms, encouraging safe storage, and supporting research in...
A comprehensive national database of state firearms laws has been developed to gauge the impact of laws intended to reduce firearm-related violence. The study found a significant increase in enacted state firearm provisions nationwide, but also identified disparities and inconsistencies between states.
New research presents findings that adolescents with mental health issues or past suicide attempts are more likely to have easy access to firearms, either in their own home or a friend's. This increases the risk of violent behavior and accidental death by guns.
Research reveals that over 5,800 US youth were hospitalized for firearm injuries in 2012, resulting in 16 children per day. The study found that most injuries among 15- to 19-year-olds were the result of assault, while nearly 90% of gunshot patients were male and over half were Black.