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Anti-immigrant ‘public charge’ policy may have contributed to rise in HIV among Hispanic ropulations

A new study found a 16.8-percent increase in HIV cases among Hispanic populations in antisanctuary counties compared to baseline counties. The researchers attributed this increase to the 2018 announcement of changes to the public charge rule, which penalized immigrants for using public benefit programs.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalMilbank Quarterly·TypeObservational study·DateAug 25, 2026

Novel study maps changes in US immigration policy landscape since 9/11

A comprehensive analysis of US state and local sanctuary and anti-sanctuary policies reveals associations with immigrants' health outcomes. Sanctuary policies are linked to improved community trust, reduced crime, and higher employment rates, while anti-sanctuary policies increase deportation risk and negatively impact mental health.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 27, 2026

Thoughts don’t kill people, but study suggests options for keeping guns from doing so

A new study from Michigan Medicine found that over 7% of Americans have thought about shooting someone, while 8.7 million adults considered it in the last year. Firearm owners were no more likely to have these thoughts than non-owners, but 21% of those who had thoughts said they would consider giving their gun to someone for safekeeping.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeSurvey·DateMar 17, 2026

'Exploitative' online money gaming in India causing financial, health and social harm, analysis shows

New legislation bans online money games in India, highlighting aggressive promotional spending and addictive design features that exploit users. The study finds 450 million people lose Rs. 20,000 crores annually through online gaming, with cases of Internet Gaming Disorder and suicides reported.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalGaming Law Review·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 26, 2025

Study explores how food manufacturers respond to state regulations

A new study from the University of Illinois examines how food manufacturers navigate different state regulations, revealing four response options: updating products, maintaining separate versions, removing from stricter markets, or ignoring regulations. The researchers found that firms choose their responses based on factors like cost ...

Existing international law can help secure peace and security in outer space, study shows

A recent study by Chris O'Meara from the University of Exeter Law School argues that existing laws can be used to limit when and how states may lawfully target satellites using ASAT technologies. This could help address pressing international concerns regarding space militarization and the fear of wars between states.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalLeiden Journal of International Law·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 2, 2025

U.S. abortion bans and fertility

A new study suggests that US abortion bans are associated with increased fertility rates, particularly among subpopulations experiencing structural disadvantages. The findings also highlight the negative impact of these policies on maternal and child health outcomes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 13, 2025

Study finds changes in opioid use outcomes after passage of medical marijuana laws

A new study at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found no changes in opioid outcomes among the general population with the states' passage of medical and recreational marijuana laws. Decreases in opioid outcomes were observed among people reporting cannabis use but not when both medical and recreational use laws existed.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalInternational Journal of Drug Policy·DateJan 13, 2025

Protecting tax whistleblowers pays off

A study by Aruhn Venkat found that the law led to a significant reduction in tax avoidance strategies, including shifting money overseas or moving it to special purpose entities. The law also had a deterrent effect on companies, with publicity around actual whistleblower lawsuits having a complementary effect.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalManagement Science·DateNov 12, 2024

BU commentary: Project 2025 could become a ‘political reality that would upend medical practice’

A new JAMA commentary by Boston University School of Public Health researchers warns that Project 2025's conservative blueprint would undermine healthcare and public health. The playbook's proposals, led by The Heritage Foundation, include deregulating healthcare, weakening the ACA, and allowing discrimination within healthcare settings.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJAMA·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 26, 2024

Surge in discriminatory state laws threatens the health of multiple marginalized groups

A new analysis by Boston University School of Public Health found that between 2020-2024, 30 states enacted laws targeting Black people, LGBTQ+ individuals, transgender people, and birthing people. The study suggests that these discriminatory laws work in tandem to curtail legal protections for marginalized populations, leading to nega...

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·TypeContent analysis·DateSep 25, 2024

Pharmacy naloxone standing order distribution may have reduced opioid fatality rates in Massachusetts

A new study found that communities with pharmacies implementing a state standing order to distribute naloxone without a prescription showed a significant decrease in opioid-related deaths. The analysis, conducted from 2013 to 2018, observed a gradual decline of 16% per year in cities with naloxone distribution, compared to those without.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateAug 29, 2024

Pharmacy naloxone standing order distribution may have reduced opioid fatality rates in Massachusetts

A new study found that communities with pharmacies dispensing standing order naloxone experienced a gradual and significant decrease in opioid deaths, averaging 16% per year. This suggests that expanding access to naloxone through state-mandated standing orders can save lives and reduce opioid fatality rates.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateAug 29, 2024

Gun permits may be more effective than background checks alone at reducing firearm homicides

A study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that states with gun permit laws see firearm homicide rates 18% lower than those with universal background check policies alone. Gun permits are associated with decreases in firearm fatalities due to their ability to record lower-level crimes and update criminal databases more consistently.

SourceTufts University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 1, 2024