Social Issues

News about UB research and outreach relating to societal issues such as poverty, homelessness, bullying, domestic violence, human rights, diversity and inclusion. (see all topics)

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Studying geographic and demographic disparities in mass shootings
10/1/25
Two-year project will also seek to identify predictors and recommend interventions, as well as fundamentally attempt to create a classification of the types of mass shootings.
UB engineer Viviana Monje awarded $312,359 grant to create bio-inspired membranes
9/29/25
The work, part of larger $2 million effort, will employ AI and other tools to develop eco-friendly membranes for use in medicine, agriculture, industry and other fields.
Pharmacy Student leads project to outfit Pharmacy Building with Narcan kits
8/26/25
Karina Babina is passionate about reducing overdoses through access and education.
Oral biology professor discusses challenges facing older patients
8/19/25
Untreated dental issues can lead to systemic health conditions, more prevalent in adults over age 65.
Breaking the habit: Study says shifting minds may be key to shifting behaviors
8/14/25
A recent paper by UB philosophers argues that lasting shifts might be achieved by redirecting the effort to change away from the troublesome norms themselves and towards the mental frameworks supporting them.
UB dental professor investigating persistent barriers to adolescent oral health
8/1/25
Published findings reveal financial, emotional and logistical reasons behind missed dental visits, more tooth decay.
UB School of Social Work, NF schools collaborate to teach trauma-informed concepts
7/24/25
Institute on Trauma and Trauma-Informed Care worked with school district to train teachers, administrators, staff and, most recently, students.
New theory suggests 'emotional invalidation’ can be a precursor to crime
5/14/25
Criminologist Christopher Dennison builds upon General Strain Theory, with implications for crime reduction.
Expert: Rite Aid pharmacies closing will have a ‘monumental negative impact’ on Western New York
5/8/25
The loss of roughly 70 community-based pharmacies will cause confusion, disruptions, and inconveniences for patients and health care systems.
Study: Families confront roles and responsibilities of rural jail incarceration
5/6/25
Although families have no official place in the criminal justice system, they create and take on substantial support roles for incarcerated people both during and after the incarceration.