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Gun violence rises in TV dramas over two decades, paralleling U.S. gun homicide trends

Research by the Annenberg Public Policy Center found that gun violence on popular prime-time TV dramas doubled from 2000 to 2018, with gun use substantially increasing and rising significantly as a proportion of the violence depicted in the shows. This trend parallels the rise in U.S. homicide deaths attributable to firearms.

Social, behavioral modifications can be positive trigger to mitigating gun violence

Researchers found that active shooter drills can cause emotional distress and uncertainty among students, highlighting the need for evidence-based strategies. Social-emotional learning programs and a safe, supportive environment are key to reducing gun violence in schools, according to West Virginia University Professor Keith Zullig.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateDec 2, 2020

Trauma hospitalizations fall in Philly during COVID-19 lockdown, but gun violence rises

Gun violence patients made up nearly 23% of trauma hospitalizations during the 2020 stay-at-home order, a significant increase from previous years. Trauma cases overall dropped by half during this time, but gun violence remained a major concern, disproportionately affecting people of color.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateNov 9, 2020

Study reveals how green space can reduce violent crime

A new study reveals that properly designed and maintained green space can reduce violent crime and gun violence. Researchers analyzed over 14,000 papers to identify patterns that inform public policy and urban design. The findings suggest that greening interventions at the urban level can significantly reduce violent crime.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateFeb 27, 2020

Gun owners aren't happier, don't sleep better at night

A study by University of Arizona researcher Terrence Hill found that gun ownership is not associated with improved happiness or better sleep. Gun owners were more likely to be married, which was driving their reported happiness. However, a separate study on sleep disturbance showed no difference between gun owners and non-gun owners.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateFeb 4, 2020

Social determinants of health are linked to gun homicide rates

A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that social determinants of health, such as income inequality and trust in institutions, are associated with higher gun homicide rates in the US. The study also showed that levels of social mobility and poverty are linked to neighborhood gun homicide rates.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateDec 17, 2019

Study finds public support for health care providers talking about gun safety

A study by UC Davis researcher Rocco Pallin found that most Californians support healthcare providers talking about gun safety in exam rooms when there is a risk of firearm-related harm. The study suggests that patients may find these conversations most appropriate when specific risks are elevated, and providers should take a risk-base...

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalHealth Affairs·DateOct 10, 2019

Peer influence, social networks might be leveraged to aid gun violence reduction efforts

A Northwestern University study found that the Violence Reduction Strategy (VRS) program reduced gunshot victimization among participants by 3.2 percentage points, with spillover effects reducing victimization among their peers by 1.5 percentage points. These findings suggest that social networks can be leveraged to enhance gun violenc...

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateAug 19, 2019

Excess body fat, particularly around the waist, is a major risk factor for premature death among Hispanics

Research published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that both general and abdominal obesity were strongly associated with mortality among Mexican adults. The study, which followed over 115,000 adults for up to 14 years, also found that waist-to-hip ratio was a major risk factor for premature death.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 12, 2019

Sustained police effort explains higher arrests for gun murders

A new study by Duke and Northeastern universities reveals that sustained police efforts lead to higher arrest rates for gun murders compared to nonfatal shootings. The researchers found that persistence in investigating fatal cases results in more arrests due to increased resources and cooperation from witnesses.

SourceDuke University·JournalCriminology & Public Policy·DateAug 1, 2019

Gun ownership linked to greater incidence of domestic homicides

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.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJul 22, 2019

Survey: Majority of current gun owners support the sale of personalized guns

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...

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJun 10, 2019

Weapons trade reveals a darker side to dark web

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.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalDeviant Behavior·DateApr 19, 2019

Changes in gun purchases after mass shootings

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 5, 2019

States with strict gun laws see more homicides when they border states with lax 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.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery·DateMar 6, 2019