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Predictive policing substantially reduces crime in Los Angeles during months-long test

A UCLA-led team developed a mathematical model to predict crime hotspots, which was tested in Los Angeles and Kent, England. The model accurately predicted crime locations more often than human analysts, leading to a significant reduction in crime rates in Los Angeles, with potential annual savings of $9 million.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJournal of the American Statistical Association·DateOct 7, 2015

Predicting which soldiers will commit severe, violent crimes

A study published in Psychological Medicine suggests that predictive analytics can pinpoint soldiers at highest violence risk for preventive interventions. The model, developed from administrative data, identifies 5% of soldiers as having the highest predicted risk, accounting for a significant proportion of violent crimes.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateOct 6, 2015

Criminals acquire guns through social connections

A new study by Duke University researchers found that 60% of criminals obtain guns through purchase or trade with family and acquaintances. The study also identified straw purchasers and gun traffickers as key sources of crime guns in Chicago.

SourceDuke University·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateSep 16, 2015
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Crime ties are relative in youth offenders' substance abuse

A new study found that family arrest histories and delinquent friends were the best predictors of heavy drinking or long-term marijuana use among youth offenders. The researchers emphasized the importance of training youths to strengthen impulse control and resist peer pressure as part of drug and alcohol abuse prevention programs.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalPsychology of Addictive Behaviors·DateSep 16, 2015

Cohort study explores association between SSRI use and violent crime

A cohort study found a modest association between SSRI use and violent crime among individuals aged 15-24, with increased risks of violent arrests and non-fatal injuries. In contrast, no significant associations were found for older adults, suggesting potential age-related differences in the link between SSRI use and violent behavior.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 15, 2015

The Lancet Psychiatry: Long-term study links common psychiatric disorders with increased risk of violent reoffending in ex-prisoners

A long-term study published in The Lancet Psychiatry journal found that ex-prisoners with common psychiatric disorders such as bipolar disorder and alcohol abuse are more likely to commit violent crimes after release. The study estimated that up to a fifth of violent reoffending by former male prisoners can be attributed to diagnosed p...

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateSep 2, 2015
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

A new CSI tool could pinpoint when fingerprints were left behind (video)

Scientists have developed a technique to estimate the age of fingerprints, which could help investigators determine relevance and exclude older prints. The method uses palmitic acid migration rate to predict fingerprint age, applying to prints up to four days old, with plans to expand that window.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateAug 12, 2015

Behaviors linked to adult crime differ between abused boys and girls, study finds

A new study from the University of Washington suggests that abusive children can exhibit either 'externalizing' (arguing, disobedience, fighting) or 'internalizing' (depression, withdrawal) behaviors, which are predictors of later criminal activity. Abused girls who internalize their emotions are more likely to commit crimes as adults.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Interpersonal Violence·DateAug 11, 2015
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Switching off street lights at night does not increase car crashes and crime

A new study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found that reducing street lighting at night does not lead to an increase in road traffic collisions or crime. Local authorities can safely reduce energy costs and carbon emissions by carefully assessing risks, according to the researchers.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateJul 28, 2015

Study connects low-cost building improvement with decreased crime

A recent study found that installing functional doors and windows in abandoned buildings can lead to a significant decrease in crime rates. Over a 2-year period, the study revealed an estimated 8 fewer assaults, 10 fewer gun assaults, and 5 fewer nuisance crimes in areas with improved building facades.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Northern Research Station·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 8, 2015
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

UPitt researchers find link between neighborhood quality and cellular aging

A study by University of Pittsburgh researchers found a significant link between living in neighborhoods with high crime and vandalism and biological aging processes. Telomere length, a key indicator of cellular health, was found to be shorter in individuals from disadvantaged areas, similar to a 12-year chronological age difference.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 18, 2015

Weakening memories of crime through deliberate suppression

Researchers develop method to suppress guilty memories, reducing their impact on behavior and brain activity. The study uses EEG and Implicit Association Tests to demonstrate the effectiveness of suppressing crime-related memories.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJun 1, 2015

Study identifies barriers to intimate partner violence services

A study by the Crime Victims' Institute found that Texas has a shortage of beds for survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) and that many face barriers to accessing services, including language and financial issues. The survey also highlighted the need for more support services, particularly for underserved populations.

SourceSam Houston State University·DateMay 19, 2015

Latin-American immigrants 'social climate' is more tolerant to intimate partner violence

Research reveals significant disparities in attitudes towards intimacy partner violence among Latin American immigrants and Spaniards. Latin Americans perceive situations as less severe and blame victims more. However, both groups show positive change after intervention programmes, suggesting equal effectiveness.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalPsychosocial Intervention·DateMay 13, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Sex crimes more common in certain families

A nationwide study in Sweden found that men convicted of sex crimes are more likely to have relatives who also commit similar offenses due to genetic factors. The study suggests a substantial family risk increase and may inform preventive treatment strategies.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateApr 8, 2015

Depictions of race on TV news can influence perception of police

A study by North Carolina State University found that depictions of black men and women as criminals or suspects in TV news programs led to lower support for police among non-white viewers. Conversely, representations of white suspects had little impact on public opinion.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Social Issues·DateMar 16, 2015

Hair dye 'CSI' could help police solve crimes

Scientists have developed a new method to analyze hair samples at crime scenes, using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) to detect minute amounts of illicit drugs and explosives. This technique can quickly confirm whether hair is dyed and what brand of colorant was used.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateFeb 18, 2015

Child maltreatment not a clear path to adult crime

A recent study finds that childhood maltreatment is linked to adult crime, but this effect disappears when accounting for socioeconomic status and later life factors. Protective experiences like high school graduation and marriage can significantly reduce an individual's risk of crime.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Interpersonal Violence·DateJan 28, 2015
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Sam Houston State studies civilians in policing

The study found that civilians offer numerous benefits to police departments, including cost savings, specialized skills, and improved community relations. However, it also raises concerns about job security, officer discretion, and operational disruption.

SourceSam Houston State University·DateJan 27, 2015

Closing your eyes boosts memory recall, new study finds

Researchers from the University of Surrey discovered that closing eyes enhances memory recall in witnesses, while building rapport also increases accuracy. In two experiments, participants showed improved performance when recalling details after closing their eyes, regardless of whether rapport was built beforehand.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalLegal and Criminological Psychology·DateJan 15, 2015

People can be convinced they committed a crime that never happened

A study found innocent adults can be led to believe they committed serious crimes, including assault with a weapon, over the course of a few hours. Participants developed detailed false memories after being interviewed and encouraged to recall events.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJan 15, 2015
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Sexual objectification increases women's fear of crime

A study published in Sex Roles found that sexual objectification increases women's fear of face-to-face crime and physical harm. The researchers suggest that challenging social acceptance of sexual objectification can help transform unequal power distributions between men and women, reducing violence against women.

SourceSpringer Science+Business Media·JournalSex Roles·DateJan 14, 2015

Stalking risk increases among college students

A study by Sam Houston State University's Crime Victims' Institute found that college students are at higher risk for stalking than the general public. Only one-quarter of college victims reported stalking incidents to police, compared to 32 percent of the general population.

SourceSam Houston State University·DateJan 13, 2015

Graffiti: Art or eyesore?

A new study by Michigan State University sociologist Toby Ten Eyck analyzed news coverage of graffiti in US publications, finding most articles linked it to crime and blight. However, some stories highlighted graffiti as an expression of solidarity or social commentary.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalThe Social Science Journal·DateJan 12, 2015

Tired of London? Maybe you're living in the wrong place

Research found geographical differences in life satisfaction and personality traits across London's postal districts. Openness to experience and agreeableness were associated with higher life satisfaction, while extraversion was linked to lower life satisfaction in certain areas.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 12, 2015
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Crime, British Muslims and their relationships with the police

A study by Julian Hargreaves from Cambridge's Centre of Islamic Studies found that British Muslim communities may not be as victimized by violent crime or dissatisfied with the police as widely believed. Positive attitudes towards the police were also found, with 61.2% of respondents rating their local police as good or excellent.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalThe British Journal of Criminology·DateDec 1, 2014

Denying problems when we don't like the political solutions

A new Duke University study finds that people evaluate scientific evidence based on its policy implications, leading to denial of problems even when faced with strong evidence. The study sheds light on why conservatives and liberals disagree so vehemently over issues like climate change.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateNov 6, 2014

Study shows how texas campus police tackle stalking

A study by Sam Houston State University's Crime Victims' Institute found that Texas campus police often fail to respond effectively to stalking cases due to victim fears and lack of policies. The report calls for improved strategies and partnerships between law enforcement and colleges to better support victims.

SourceSam Houston State University·DateOct 21, 2014
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Community justice court associated with lower rearrest rates

A study by RAND Corporation found that a community justice court in San Francisco significantly reduces the risk of rearrest among low-level offenders. The court's multifaceted approach, including access to services and reduced time between arrest and court appearance, contributes to lower recidivism rates.

SourceRAND Corporation·DateOct 8, 2014

Brain wave may be used to detect what people have seen, recognize

New research suggests that a specific brain wave, P300, can be used to identify details that a person has seen and recognized from everyday life. A study found that this method could potentially be used in criminal investigations and courtrooms, with promising results.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateSep 23, 2014
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Sam Houston State study examines use of GIS in policing

A Sam Houston State University study examines the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in policing, identifying key uses and limitations. The review found that while GIS is widely used for crime mapping and profiling, there is a lack of independent evaluations on its effectiveness in curbing crime.

SourceSam Houston State University·JournalInternational Journal of Applied Geospatial Research·DateSep 16, 2014

Habitual Facebook users: Suckers for social media scams?

A study found that frequent Facebook use and inability to regulate social media consumption make individuals susceptible to phishing attacks. Social media phishing is used in various crimes, including home invasion, cyber bullying, and espionage, highlighting the need for understanding why people fall victim to such scams.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Computer-Mediated Communication·DateSep 15, 2014

Scared of crime? Good

A Michigan State University study suggests that adolescents who are more fearful of crime are less likely to become victims and offenders of violent acts. The research found that fearful youth tend to avoid potentially dangerous situations, leading to safer outcomes.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJustice Quarterly·DateAug 12, 2014

Crime rates may fluctuate depending on authority in charge

A new Israeli study found that crime dropped after transferring authority over jails from police to the Prison Authority, leading to more arrests and longer detention periods. The study suggests that similar reforms in California may result in an increase in crime rates.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJournal of Public Economics·DateAug 11, 2014
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Crime Victims' Institute tracks the state of stalking in Texas

According to a 2010 CDC survey, an estimated 1.4 million women in Texas experience stalking during their lifetimes, with nearly half reporting weekly unwanted contacts. The report emphasizes the need for increased data collection and reporting on stalking to improve laws and support services.

SourceSam Houston State University·DateAug 6, 2014
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Sleep deprivation may increase susceptibility to false memories

Research found that sleep-deprived individuals who viewed photos of a crime and then read false information were more likely to report remembering the false details. The study suggests that chronic sleep deprivation may increase susceptibility to false memories, with implications for eyewitness reliability.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 23, 2014

Do urban casinos increase local crime? Not in this case study

Researchers at Drexel University and Temple University found that the introduction of SugarHouse Casino had no significant impact on violent street felonies, vehicle crime, residential burglary, or drug crimes in the immediate neighborhood. Crime rates were largely unaffected, with some displacement to surrounding areas observed.

SourceDrexel University·JournalSecurity Journal·DateJul 17, 2014

Genes/adversity linked to crime in incarcerated sample

Researchers found that a specific gene (MAOA) interacts with childhood adversity to predict higher rates of crime in an incarcerated sample. The study, published in Psychiatric Genetics, suggests that gene-by-environment interactions play a crucial role in understanding crime variation.

SourceSam Houston State University·JournalPsychiatric Genetics·DateJun 4, 2014
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Partners in crime: When do friends conspire to eat more chocolate?

A study found that when friends make small indulgences together, it enhances their friendship. However, when the stakes are high, they bond through moral support. This understanding can help brands and policymakers tailor their strategies to promote accountability and well-being.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateMay 21, 2014

New analysis method uncovers factors in vehicle burglary rates

Researchers used a new method to analyze 17,549 vehicle burglaries from 2004 to 2009, finding links between socioeconomic and physical environments. The study identified factors associated with increased and decreased burglary rates, providing insights for law enforcement and local communities.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalGeographical Analysis·DateMay 20, 2014

Surveys indicate decline in children's exposure to violence

Rates of violent crime in the US have decreased since the 1990s, with significant declines in assaults involving weapons or injuries, bullying, and sexual victimization. Researchers attribute these declines to factors such as increased use of psychiatric medication and electronic technology.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateApr 28, 2014

Mental illness not usually linked to crime, research finds

A study of 429 crimes committed by 143 offenders with serious mental disorders found that only 7.5% were directly related to symptoms of mental illness. Most offenders who committed crimes with mental illness symptoms also had unrelated crimes for other reasons, such as poverty or substance abuse.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalLaw and Human Behavior·DateApr 21, 2014

UT Dallas study: Youth who fail to envision future commit more crimes

A UT Dallas study found that serious youth offenders who lack hope for the future are more likely to offend at high rates and commit serious offenses. The study suggests that youths who believe they will die earlier tend to focus on short-term gains, leading to impulsive behavior.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalJustice Quarterly·DateApr 14, 2014
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Are Southern death-row inmates more polite?

A new study published in SAGE Open found that Southern death-row offenders are more likely to apologize for their crimes, with two times the frequency of non-Southerners. However, the degree of remorse shown by Southerners and non-Southerners did not differ.

SourceSAGE·JournalSAGE Open·DateApr 8, 2014

New study on the crime risk on London Underground

A new study published in Crime Science found that below ground offences are concentrated at particular stations, with the highest risk during morning and late afternoon peak travel periods. The research developed an algorithm to calculate the probability of where theft is most likely, helping authorities target resources more effectively.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalCrime Science·DateApr 4, 2014
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Real-life CSI: What can investigators really tell from gunshot residue?

Researchers developed a novel approach to trace ammunition used in crimes, detecting a wider range of particles than existing methods. This new technique could rapidly identify the type of ammunition used, allowing crime scene investigators to reconstruct crime scenes more accurately.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateMar 26, 2014

Drug trafficking corrupts Kyrgyzstan's politics and underworld

A researcher found that Kyrgyzstan's lack of economic activity outside the drug trade has led to a blurring of lines between government and crime. The country's politicians and police are often complicit in the smuggling industry, with some even using their positions for personal gain.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalInternational Journal of Drug Policy·DateMar 17, 2014

Does solitary confinement fuel more crime?

A Michigan State University study refutes critics' claims that solitary confinement leads to increased recidivism rates. In reality, young drug offenders with prior convictions and disciplinary charges are more likely to re-offend.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalThe Prison Journal·DateFeb 25, 2014

Crime Lab receives $1 million MacArthur Foundation award

The University of Chicago Crime Lab has received a $1 million MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions to study interventions preventing violence. Researchers have found targeted tutoring programs improve school outcomes and reduce violence among high school students.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·DateFeb 20, 2014