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Research brings into question prosecution of foreign fighters in Russia

Research by Associate Professor Shannon Bosch challenges Russia's classification of foreign fighters as mercenaries, arguing that international law and Ukrainian domestic legislation protect their rights. The study highlights the need for full combatant immunity and prisoner of war status for these foreign fighters.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalPotchefstroom Electronic Law Journal/Potchefstroomse Elektroniese Regsblad·TypeCase study·DateJul 8, 2024

The problem with prison abolition? Misunderstanding it

A new paper reviews Tommie Shelby's book on prison abolition, arguing that Shelby misreads the intentions of the movement. The author contends that while prisons cause real harm, quibbling with abolition may be unproductive. The paper examines how mass incarceration structures US society through fear, racism, and police brutality.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalEthics·DateJun 5, 2024
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Contract treatment reduces recidivism and substance-related adverse health events

A study evaluating contract treatment in Sweden found that this sanction significantly reduces recidivism and substance-related adverse health events compared to community sanctions or prison sentences. Providing treatment yields better results than punishment, addressing the root causes of criminality often linked to substance misuse.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalBMC Psychiatry·DateMay 6, 2024

Mental health first-aid training may enhance mental health support in prison settings

Researchers found that Mental Health First Aid training improved correctional officers' ability to distinguish between mental health challenges and other issues. The training also positively impacted their attitudes toward referring incarcerated individuals to mental health professionals. However, there is a need to enhance the mental ...

SourceRutgers University·JournalPsychological Services·TypeSurvey·DateMay 3, 2024

Chicago study: Sibling contact with criminal legal system harmful to children, families

A new study found that sibling criminal legal system contact disrupts home life for siblings and families, leading to increased behavioral issues in children, financial and material hardship for parents, and lower levels of social support. The study suggests that mass criminalization imperils families and children.

SourceCrime and Justice Research Alliance·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateApr 22, 2024
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Drinking water in U.S. prisons may have dangerously high levels of PFAS

A new study finds that nearly half of America's carceral facilities are in watersheds contaminated with PFAS, putting millions at risk. The research highlights the need for better water quality monitoring and mitigation in prisons, jails, and detention centers.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMar 20, 2024

Rehabilitative reform

University of Missouri researcher Kelli Canada is using a $2.8 million grant to transform prison conditions in four Missouri prisons. Her multi-pronged mission includes staff training, physical space changes, skill building for residents, and community connections.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·DateMar 18, 2024

Hazardous heat and humidity is widespread in US jails and prisons, and climate change is worsening conditions

Climate change is exacerbating dangerous humid heat conditions in US carceral facilities, with 44 states lacking universal air conditioning. Incarcerated people are disproportionately susceptible to heat-related illnesses, with preexisting health conditions increasing risk.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 5, 2024
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.

University of Cincinnati research links prison time with increase of TB

A new study from the University of Cincinnati finds that being in prison is a significant driver of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) transmission. The researchers identified molecular resistance patterns and defined recent transmissions, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to control the MDR-TB epidemic in prisons.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Americas·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 8, 2024

After prison, perpetrators of genocide say they’ve changed

A new study reveals that former Rwandan genocide perpetrators who returned to their communities articulating a 'narrative of redemption,' saying they were good people despite past crimes. The researchers found that many received warm welcomes from families and/or their communities, leading to an identity shift and a sense of belonging.

SourceOhio State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Sociology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 7, 2024

The medical community should not stand silent on medicalized rape at CIA secret prisons, BU researchers argue in new commentary

Boston University School of Public Health researchers Sondra Crosby and Leonard Glantz denounce rectal feeding practices at CIA secret prisons, equating them to torture. They call for medical officers who authorized or participated in these nonconsensual practices to be held accountable for violating ethical and legal standards.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJAMA·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 16, 2024

Reimagining rehabilitation: Iceland’s open prisons offer a blueprint for UK’s foreign national prisoners

A new study suggests Iceland's open prisons offer a blueprint for the UK's foreign national prisoners, providing a unique degree of freedom and promoting holistic rehabilitation. This approach helps to challenge prevailing norms surrounding incarceration, focusing on community engagement and maintaining family connections.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalInternational Journal of Law Crime and Justice·TypeObservational study·DateJan 15, 2024

People deprived of liberty are at very high risk of tuberculosis, even years after release

A study in Paraguay found that people deprived of liberty are at a high risk of tuberculosis (TB) during and after incarceration. The risk persists for years after release, with the incidence of TB declining but remaining 10 times higher than in the community.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Americas·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 15, 2024
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.

Taming noise behind bars #Acoustics23

The article discusses the importance of acoustic design in prison environments, where constant noise is harmful to both prisoners and staff. By incorporating speech intelligibility, strategic noise reduction, and privacy considerations, acoustic design can improve communication dynamics and alleviate negative social interactions.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateDec 5, 2023

Widening gender gap in life expectancy in the US

The COVID-19 pandemic and drug overdose epidemic significantly contributed to the widening gender gap in US life expectancy. Chronic metabolic disease and mental illness are also thought to play a role in the growing disparity.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateNov 13, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Almost half of people who use drugs in rural areas were recently incarcerated

A nationwide study found that nearly half of people who use illicit drugs in rural areas have been recently incarcerated. The study suggests that expanding addiction treatment to individuals while they're incarcerated could benefit communities overall by reducing overdose rates and improving rehabilitation outcomes.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeSurvey·DateNov 9, 2023

French love letters confiscated by Britain finally read after 265 years

A team of researchers from Cambridge University has decoded over 100 French love letters written in the 18th century, revealing universal human experiences and emotional struggles. The letters were sent to sailors on a ship captured by Britain during the Seven Years' War, but never reached their recipients.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalAnnales Histoire Sciences Sociales·DateNov 6, 2023

Prisons vulnerable to natural disasters, but ill-prepared

A study of 110 Colorado facilities found that 74.5% are at risk of climate-related hazards, including wildfires, heatwaves, and floods. Incarcerated individuals from marginalized communities face added risk due to poor infrastructure and lack of agency.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNatural Hazards Review·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 30, 2023
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

COVID-19-related jail decarceration did not affect crime in California

A new study by researchers at UC Irvine and the University of Arizona found no consistent relation between COVID-19-related jail decarceration and violent or property crime in California. The study suggests that downsizing, on average, did not drive crime increases statewide, but notes limitations such as a short measurement period.

SourceCrime and Justice Research Alliance·JournalJournal of Contemporary Criminal Justice·DateOct 20, 2023

Portable device instantly detects illegal drugs with 95% accuracy

A new portable device invented by researchers at the University of Bath can detect synthetic cannabinoids like Spice on various materials, including paper and fabric, with high accuracy. The device is expected to be rolled out across the UK within months and may eventually be available globally.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2023
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.

Study finds probation associated with poorer health for Black Americans

A new study published in the Journal of Criminal Justice found that Black Americans experience poorer self-rated health and chronic conditions when associated with contact from the criminal justice system. Probation was identified as a strong driver of lower health outcomes, due to its stressful nature and lack of economic and social r...

SourceUniversity of Arkansas·JournalJournal of Criminal Justice·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 11, 2023

Parental incarceration increases cardiovascular risk in young adults

Research from the University of Chicago Medical Center reveals that people who experienced parental incarceration before age 18 had higher levels of hypertension and coronary disease biomarkers. The study's findings suggest that mass incarceration may have transgenerational health consequences.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJAMA Cardiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 30, 2023

How Norway is helping to restore humanity inside U.S. prisons

The Norwegian approach to prison reform focuses on building relationships and trust, reducing solitary confinement. In a US pilot program, residents spent more time outside their cells, with a 74% drop in assaults and an 86% decrease in staff use-of-force incidents.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 29, 2023
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.

Do prisons hold the key to solving the opioid crisis?

A Rutgers-led study found that improving prison reentry programs for highest-risk users can help reduce opioid overdose deaths in the US. Strengthening healthcare services, such as psychiatric medication and syringe services, is crucial to engage individuals in opioid use treatment after release.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Offender Rehabilitation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 21, 2023

Study compares youth detained for sex trafficking with more serious offenders

A new study from Florida Atlantic University compares the characteristics and risk factors of youth detained for running away or sex trafficking to those detained for more serious offenses. The research found significant differences in abuse rates, polyvictimization, and other factors between the two groups.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalAmerican Journal of Criminal Justice·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 8, 2023
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Focus on state as ‘problem parent’ rather than care-experienced mothers – new research

Mothers with a criminal record and care experience face negative judgements and excessive scrutiny due to their 'known' status. The study emphasizes the need for supportive dialogue across disciplinary boundaries to break cycles of stigma and social care involvement, focusing on safe spaces and trust-building for care-experienced mothers.

SourceLancaster University·JournalThe British Journal of Criminology·TypeCase study·DateJul 10, 2023

Study explores incarceration, employment and re-offense during COVID-19 pandemic

A randomized controlled study found that transitional employment programs had no significant impact on recidivism, but participants were more likely to be employed. Cognitive behavioral interventions showed marginal benefits in reducing reconviction odds.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Experimental Criminology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 6, 2023

For job applicants with a criminal record, showcasing the right credentials can make a difference

A new study found that certain credentials, such as more education, references, and experience, can offset the negative impact of a criminal record on job prospects. Applicants with a criminal record were less likely to be hired without these credentials, but more likely to be hired if they had relevant experience or a college degree.

SourceAmerican Society of Criminology·JournalCriminology·DateJun 29, 2023

Nearly half of tuberculosis cases in prisons worldwide go undetected

A new study found consistently high TB case rates among incarcerated people, but low detection rates. Nearly half of TB cases were not detected, highlighting the need for increased efforts to reduce TB spread in prisons.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateJun 29, 2023

Prisoners ‘trading rare jaguar parts for fashion items’

Researchers uncovered a deadly trade where Bolivian prisoners sell jaguar skins and body parts to produce wallets and other fashion items. The illegal market poses significant threats to jaguar conservation despite international protection since 1975 and national protection in Bolivia since 1986.

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalOryx·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 28, 2023
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.

Forensic bitemark analysis for court trials is not supported by sufficient data and “is leading to wrongful convictions”

Bitemark analysis, commonly used in court trials, lacks scientific backing due to the uniqueness of human teeth on skin. A study of 26 people wrongfully convicted based on this evidence reveals a high rate of distortion, rendering it unreliable for identification purposes.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of the California Dental Association·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 23, 2023

De facto decriminalization of drug possession reduces the overall arrest toll on the Black community, although racial disparities persist

A new study finds that de facto decriminalization of drug possession in Baltimore led to significant reductions in low-level drug-related arrests, mainly among the Black community. However, racial disparities persisted, with the ratio of street arrests in Black residents increasing after the policy change.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 19, 2023

Reentry services may help stabilize substance use risks after mass prison release

A Rutgers study found that reentry services helped reduce the risk of overdose and death related to substance use disorder after a large-scale prison release in New Jersey. Researchers attribute this finding to the state's robust reentry supports for incarcerated individuals with substance use disorders.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 2, 2023

Only 16 US states provide free, detailed and updated suicide data from their prison systems, with 13 states providing incomplete data that was not always free, 8 states providing sparse or old data, and 13 states providing no data at all

Only 16 US states provide free, detailed, and updated suicide data from their prison systems, but many others have incomplete, sparse, or no data at all. This lack of transparency is in violation of the Death in Custody Reporting Act.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 31, 2023
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.

New analysis of prisoner healthcare highlights risks to patient safety

A nationwide analysis of prisoner healthcare incidents in England reveals medication-related harm as a major issue, with staff mistakes being the most common cause. The researchers recommend prioritizing timely access to healthcare services, improving processes to mitigate medication-related harm and increasing remote appointments.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·DateMay 17, 2023
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.

Bail reform law in New York had negligible effect on increases in crime

A new study by researchers at SUNY Albany found that the NY bail reform law had no significant impact on increases in murder, larceny, and motor vehicle theft rates. The study controlled for the COVID-19 pandemic's effect on crime rates, concluding that the law did not contribute to a rise in crimes.

SourceCrime and Justice Research Alliance·JournalJustice Quarterly·DateMay 11, 2023

Spanish courts hand down milder sentences for rapes if they are committed by the victim's partner or ex-partner

A study by UOC researchers found that Spanish courts impose milder punishments and lower compensation amounts when a victim's partner or ex-partner is accused of rape. In cases involving intimate partners, only 22% of rulings mentioned this as an aggravating factor, leading to milder sentences.

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalEuropean Journal on Criminal Policy and Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 9, 2023

Providing legal counsel at initial bail hearings lowers incarceration rates

A RAND Corporation study found that defendants with legal counsel during initial bail hearings are more likely to receive non-monetary releases and have reduced jail stays. This is attributed to the impact of public defenders on favorable outcomes at the initial bail hearing.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 5, 2023

Paternal incarceration complicates college plans for Black youth

A study published in Sociology of Education found that teens with incarcerated fathers have lower expectations of completing college, especially for impacted Black youth. Despite optimism about their futures, these teens face stigma and limitations on their educational trajectory.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalSociology of Education·TypeCase study·DateApr 27, 2023
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.

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.

Study finds disparate gender differences in victims of child sex trafficking

The study reveals that female youth charged with prostitution had significantly higher prevalence rates of physical abuse and lower likelihood of living with parents, while males were more likely to live with their parents. Education and training are crucial for professionals to identify sex trafficking victimization and reduce misiden...

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalVictims & Offenders·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 11, 2023