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Passage of recreational cannabis laws leads to some rise in use but not for all demographics

A study by Columbia University found that recreational cannabis laws led to increased past-year and past-month cannabis use among Hispanic, Other and non-Hispanic white individuals, but not among non-Hispanic Black people or those aged 12-20. The researchers also highlighted persistent racial disparities in cannabis arrests and incarce...

Analyzing marijuana legalization, use among high schoolers

A new study published in JAMA Network Open analyzed the relationship between marijuana legalization and adolescent use, finding no significant association. The researchers used updated estimates from survey data, concluding that state-level marijuana legalization does not impact teenage marijuana use.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 7, 2021

UTHealth leads effort to enhance Texas' financial exploitation investigations of seniors

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston is partnering to enhance Texas Adult Protective Services' financial exploitation investigations and client services. The three-year grant will provide statewide access to forensic accountants and enhanced training for caseworkers to investigate claims of financial exploitation.

New in the Hastings Center Report: Federal right-to-try, the gamification of science, & more

The federal right-to-try law has been criticized for undermining the FDA's role in monitoring drug safety and efficacy, potentially creating a loophole for pharmaceutical companies to sell unapproved drugs. In contrast, citizen science and gamification are changing the way research is conducted, with nonprofessional volunteers contribu...

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalHastings Center Report·DateApr 25, 2019

Racial bias associated with disparities in disciplinary action across US schools

A study by Princeton University researchers found that racial bias contributes to disciplinary disparities in US schools, with black students experiencing higher rates of suspension and expulsion. The study analyzed data from over 3,100 counties and found a correlation between county-level measures of racial bias and disciplinary action.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 3, 2019

Federal law increases use of services for autism without raising out-of-pocket costs

A federal law aimed at ensuring equal insurance benefits for physical and mental health care has led to modest increases in healthcare utilization among children with autism spectrum disorder. Despite these gains, researchers highlight the need for stronger enforcement of the parity law to ensure adequate access to services.

Researchers successfully test modified stun gun with heart monitoring capability

Researchers successfully combined a heart monitoring device with an existing CEW to detect and store cardiac rhythms, producing both incapacitating charges and interpretable EKG signals. The modified prototype demonstrates the potential for safety measures like cardiac biomonitoring to be incorporated into law enforcement devices.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalJournal of Forensic and Legal Medicine·DateAug 9, 2016

Cyber thieves making millions in profits

A study published in the journal Deviant Behavior estimates that cybercrime profits are in the hundreds of millions, with sellers making between $250,000 to $1 million per batch of 50 stolen cards. Buyers can earn up to $8 million by using the stolen cards, highlighting a lucrative global criminal enterprise.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalDeviant Behavior·DateFeb 16, 2016

Online gambling would benefit from better regulation

A new study by Michigan State University business scholars estimates the costs and benefits of the Unfair Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, concluding that regulated online gambling would benefit both the industry and consumers, reducing uncertainty and confusion among firms and individuals.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalThe Journal of Hospitality Financial Management·DateJun 1, 2015