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Research lacking when it comes to heart disease in prison populations

A recent study highlights the gaps in knowledge about cardiovascular disease among incarcerated and released populations, with limited research on factors contributing to heart disease. The report identifies areas for further study, including how prisoners receive care and treatment, and the relationship between stress and coping behav...

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJul 25, 2017

UCSF studies ambulance diversion by race, health care for released prisoners in journal issue

Researchers at UCSF found that black heart attack patients suffered higher mortality rates when ambulances were diverted due to hospital overcrowding. In contrast, better coordination between correctional and community health care systems can help reduce these disparities. A separate study also found that released prisoners who receive...

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJun 5, 2017

Study: Street gangs, crime serve as deviant leisure activities for youths

A new study suggests that gang membership and criminal acts serve as deviant leisure activities for young people, filling their needs for excitement and a sense of belonging. The researchers found that many participants enjoyed the violence and experienced a rush during violent incidents, with some likening it to a drug addiction.

New in the Hastings Center Report

The Hastings Center Report explores how bioethics can address authoritarian populism and contribute to the rebuilding of civic foundations. A study on prisoners' participation in clinical research found unique influences that may leave them vulnerable to exploitation.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalHastings Center Report·DateMar 20, 2017

Reboot Gitmo for science

Scientists seek to convert the notorious U.S. military prison at Guantanamo Bay into a leading marine research facility and peaceful sanctuary for threatened Cuban species. A 'green' Gitmo proposal, proposed by University of Vermont biologist Joe Roman, offers a potential solution to the long-standing impasse in U.S.-Cuba relations.

Use your words: Written prisoner interactions predict whether they'll clean up their acts

Research at Ohio State University found that prisoners' written communication changes are linked to reduced reoffending rates in substance-abuse programs. The study analyzed tens of thousands of messages exchanged between participants and found that those who showed greater language change were less likely to return to prison.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Substance Abuse Treatment·DateDec 1, 2016

Study examines effectiveness of probation program

A randomized control trial tested the HOPE program against traditional PAU, finding no significant differences in re-arrest rates or time to re-arrest. The study suggests that strict supervision practices can be effective, but more work is needed to determine the model's effectiveness for specific types of probationers.

SourceWiley·JournalCriminology & Public Policy·DateNov 11, 2016

Research shows US tendency to hide war against democracies, secretly detain their citizens

A US study found that the country secretly detains citizens from democracies in 'black sites,' while openly holding those from non-democracies in known prisons. The researchers argue that this behavior is rooted in the 'Perceptual Theory of Legitimacy', which suggests good things happen to good people, and bad things happen to bad people.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournal of Conflict Resolution·DateOct 19, 2016

Transcendental Meditation reduces stress and trauma in prisoners, fosters transformation

Prisoners show significant reductions in trauma symptoms, anxiety, depression, dissociation, and sleep disturbance after practicing Transcendental Meditation. The study found a 47% reduction in total trauma symptoms and improved physiological functioning, suggesting TM as an alternative treatment for posttraumatic stress.

SourceMaharishi International University·JournalThe Permanente Journal·DateOct 7, 2016

Vast majority of impoverished fathers involved with their children

Despite President Obama's criticism, a new study suggests that the vast majority of impoverished fathers are involved with their children, including those who have been incarcerated. The research reveals concrete examples of father involvement, such as writing letters and maintaining relationships through phone calls and visitations.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalFamilies in Society The Journal of Contemporary Social Services·DateOct 3, 2016

Drug-use may hamper moral judgment

Research suggests that prolonged drug use can damage the brains of cocaine and methamphetamine users, leading to difficulty with moral decision making. The study found abnormal neural activity in the frontal lobes and limbic regions of their brains during moral processing.

SourceSpringer·JournalPsychopharmacology·DateJul 13, 2016

Youth with parents, household members in prison more likely to have first baby before marriage

A Princeton University study examines the impact of parent incarceration on a child's future and finds youth who experience household member imprisonment are 41% more likely to give birth before marriage. This risk is highest for fathers or extended family members, highlighting the need for interventions targeting vulnerable populations.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalChildren and Youth Services Review·DateJun 14, 2016

Prison's extended punch

A new study by Kathleen Brewer-Smyth of the University of Delaware's College of Health Sciences found that female inmates with an incarcerated adult family member during childhood were more than twice as likely to have neurological abnormalities as adults. The implications are significant internationally, particularly in light of a Wor...

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalHealth Care For Women International·DateApr 19, 2016

Cutting prison sentences could reduce spread of HIV, study suggests

A computer model suggests that cutting incarceration can decrease the number of sexual partners men and women have, thus reducing the spread of sexually transmitted infections. The study also found that harsher penalties may exacerbate this effect, highlighting the need for more open criminal justice systems.

SourceElsevier·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateFeb 9, 2016