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Science denial not limited to political right

A new study suggests science denial is not limited to the political right, but a desire to see the world fit one's personal preferences drives it. People of all political backgrounds can be motivated to participate in science denial, particularly when results contradict their existing attitudes.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateSep 19, 2017

Almost 1 in 3 US adults owns at least 1 gun

A recent study found that nearly a third of US adults own guns, with a higher prevalence among white married men over 55. Gun ownership is also linked to social gun culture, where family or friends also own guns or engage in activities involving firearms.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalInjury Prevention·DateJun 29, 2015

The arithmetic of gun control

A UC Irvine team measures how to best prevent bullet deaths by designing parameters for gun control. They found that reduced legal gun availability lowers domestic and one-on-one crime deaths, but armed citizens may save lives in rare mass shootings if trained to avoid accidentally shooting fleeing bystanders.

Study links suicide risk with rates of gun ownership, political conservatism

A study published in Social Psychiatry & Psychiatric Epidemiology found that states with high rates of gun ownership and political conservatism have higher suicide rates. However, a higher percentage of church-goers at the state level was associated with reduced individual suicide risk. The study analyzed mortality data from 2000 to 20...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalSocial Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology·DateApr 4, 2013

Psychology study shows distance plays key role in gun control arguments

A new psychology study from the University of Texas at Austin suggests that public officials located out of state from their constituents are more likely to gain approval by framing their arguments around the abstract rather than specific incidents. This prompts people to consider the larger picture, according to researchers.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateMar 25, 2013

Regulation and oversight of gun sales reduces trafficking to criminals

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.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Urban Health·DateJul 7, 2009

Political attitudes are predicted by physiological traits

Researchers found that individuals with lower physical sensitivities to sudden noises and threatening images tend to support liberal policies, while those with higher physiological reactions favor conservative policies. This discovery may help explain the stability of strong convictions and the prevalence of political conflict.

SourceRice University·JournalScience·DateSep 18, 2008

First study of gun shows finds California laws reduce illegal gun purchases

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalInjury Prevention·DateJun 11, 2007

Licensing and registration of firearms makes it harder for criminals and juveniles to get guns, new study shows

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.