Research Library

Raising the purchasing age for semiautomatic rifles to age 21 years in Texas has the potential to save lives while preserving firearm ownership for the majority of the population.

To continue competing with one of America’s largest trading partners, the new U.S. administration must monitor the Chinese government’s upcoming economic policy changes, regarding national security, science and technology exchange agreements, and tariffs, in order to ensure U.S. security and diplomacy, writes fellow Steven W. Lewis.

San Diego and Tijuana, key entry points at the U.S.-Mexico border, face challenges in meeting the needs of migrants arriving in their cities due to insufficient shelter capacity, infrastructure, and funding. Ana Martín Gil’s new report examines the cities’ differing migrant reception systems and approaches to collaborative efforts among international, federal, and local groups, while also providing policy recommendations to advance the development of an orderly and humane asylum system.

The U.S. is facing an ongoing labor shortage that is hampering its economic growth and contributing to inflationary pressures. Allowing more foreign-born workers into the U.S. in an orderly and legal manner is an effective way to ease this shortage.

Each firearm injury statistic represents a person with a unique story. By empowering young people to advocate for new legislation and encouraging gun owners to use secure storage community members can better engage in firearm injury prevention. This new brief from the Center for Health and Biosciences offers more insights and policy recommendations.

Throughout Houston, disparities in injury risk for children walking and biking are prevalent. In a new Center for Health and Biosciences brief, nonresident fellow Zoabe Hafeez and his coauthors look at who is disproportionately affected and identify ways to reduce risks. Solutions include promoting safe routes to school, reducing motor vehicle speeds, and making roads safer for children.

In 1969, nearly 50% of young people walked or biked to school, now that figure has dropped to just over 10%. This alarming decline in physical activity impacts children’s physical health, social health, well-being, and autonomy — presenting an urgent need to increase their physical activity by enhancing active transportation safety for children. This brief from the Child Health Policy Program provides key insights and policy recommendations.

Once considered a uniquely Japanese art form, anime is globalizing — with China now playing a growing role in its production and consumption. Experts Brandon Zheng and Steven W. Lewis explore this trend and its implications for measuring China’s soft power.

From 2020 to 2023, sales of hemp-derived cannabinoids increased by 1,283%, reaching a value of $2.78 billion last year. Although the Texas hemp industry is booming, lack of regulation poses risks to public health. A new brief from the Drug Policy Program makes specific recommendations for strengthening and enforcing current laws — ensuring consumer safety while also providing economic benefits for the state.