EurekAlert! In the Spotlight

Welcome to In the Spotlight, where each month we shine a light on something exciting, timely, or simply fascinating from the world of science.

This month, we're turning our attention to National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, an important time dedicated to raising awareness, breaking stigma, and exploring the science behind mental health and suicide prevention.

Latest news releases

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 3-Sep-2025 06:11 ET (3-Sep-2025 10:11 GMT/UTC)

31-Jul-2025

Hidden violence: Murder-suicide events more common than previously known

Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health
Peer-Reviewed Publication

The incidence of murder-suicide in the United States is higher than earlier estimates suggest, according to new research. The study reveals that while murder-suicide events remain relatively rare, they are occurring more frequently than previously documented—particularly among current or former intimate partners.

Journal: JAMA Network Open

29-Jul-2025

An increase in suicides follows rising homicide rates throughout the U.S.

Rutgers University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Rutgers researchers uncover the connection, which is particularly stronger when firearms are involved.

Journal: Social Science & Medicine

24-Jul-2025

New approach to suicide prevention is needed in universities

University of Surrey

A new shared approach to suicide prevention in universities is needed – one where students, staff, families and wider communities work together to make student life safer and more supportive for all, say leaders of a new project.

23-Jul-2025

Youth at risk of suicide show early warning signs that adults often miss

McGill University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Drawing on a landmark 25-year study that followed Quebec children into adulthood, McGill University researchers have identified two distinct patterns in how suicidal thoughts emerge and the early signs that are often missed.

Suicidal thoughts are increasingly common among youth, but how they begin and what mental health symptoms often precede them are poorly understood, the researchers said.

Journal: JAMA Psychiatry
Funder: Institut de la statistique du Québec, Fonds de recherche du Québec, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, Canadian Institutes of Health Research

21-Jul-2025

Global study of more than 100,000 young people latest to link early smartphone ownership with poorer mental health in young adults

Taylor & Francis Group
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Owning a smartphone before age 13 is associated with poorer mind health and wellbeing in early adulthood, according to a global study of more than 100,000 young people.

Journal: Journal of Human Development and Capabilities

20-Jul-2025

New study shows increased suicide risk among healthcare workers

Karolinska Institutet
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A new study from Karolinska Institutet shows that healthcare workers in Sweden have a higher risk of suicide compared to other occupational groups with similar professional levels. The study highlights the risks for physicians, registered nurses, and assistant nurses in particular.

Journal: Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica

16-Jul-2025

Study: Transgender Americans fear losing medical care

University of Vermont
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Gender-diverse individuals not only fear losing their access to gender-affirming care but may resort to self-harm or questionable alternatives if it disappears, according to new research from the University of Vermont (UVM) published July 16, 2025 in JAMA Network Open.

Journal: JAMA Network Open