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Do school shootings have a copycat effect?

An analysis of US school shootings between 1990 and 2017 found that following a shooting, the risk of additional incidents in the same and neighboring states increases significantly. The study suggests that media coverage can minimize the risk of provoking further shootings by finding a balance between reporting on these events.

SourceWiley·JournalContemporary Economic Policy·DateApr 21, 2021

With masks on, three feet is just as safe as six feet apart in Massachusetts schools

A statewide study in Massachusetts public schools found no significant difference in COVID-19 case rates between districts with 3-foot versus 6-foot physical distancing policies with universal mask mandates. The study suggests that lower physical distancing policies can be adopted without negatively impacting student or staff safety.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateMar 11, 2021

Reinforced by policies, charters segregate schools

Research from Cornell University finds that charter schools have contributed to increased school segregation and a decline in residential segregation. The study analyzed over 1,500 metropolitan school districts and found a link between charter school enrollment and racial sorting among families.

SourceCornell University·JournalDemography·DateMar 1, 2021

Study: teacher performance measures may penalize Black educators

A recent study by Matthew P. Steinberg and Lauren Sartain found that classroom observation scores for Black teachers in Chicago Public Schools are driven by school and classroom factors, such as student poverty and academic achievement, rather than teacher effectiveness. The study suggests that these scores may lead to disproportionate...

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalEducational Evaluation and Policy Analysis·DateDec 10, 2020

Study: Teacher performance measures may penalize black educators

A study by George Mason University and UNC-Chapel Hill found that Black teachers in Chicago Public Schools were unfairly penalized for teaching in low-income neighborhoods with disadvantaged students. Once controlling for school and classroom factors, the racial gap in scores disappeared, highlighting the need to adjust teacher perform...

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalEducational Evaluation and Policy Analysis·DateDec 10, 2020

Researchers take issue with study evaluating an AI system for breast cancer screening

An international group of scientists raises concerns about a recent publication evaluating an AI system for breast cancer screening, citing restrictive data access and lack of transparency. The authors argue that protecting patient privacy should not hinder the broader research community from contributing to methodology and correcting ...

Reopening K-12 schools during COVID-19 pandemic

The article provides recommendations from a National Academies of Sciences report on reopening elementary and secondary schools, emphasizing partnerships with public health officials and transparent communication. The report aims to minimize risks and maximize benefits for students, staff, and communities.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJul 29, 2020

School HPV vaccine policies could result in higher vaccination rates, reduction in cancers

A UCLA-led study found that school HPV vaccine policies in Rhode Island and the District of Columbia significantly increased vaccination rates among adolescents. The expansion of such policies could lead to higher vaccination rates and reduced cancer risk, particularly for cervical, oral, and rectal cancers.

Should schools go screen-free

A study by Dr. Pooja Tandon found that 33% of middle schools and 69% of high schools do not restrict phone use during these times. Limiting phone use is believed to decrease screen exposure, improve focus in the classroom, and promote physically active play.

SourceSeattle Children's·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 18, 2020

On the menu: Study says dining out is a recipe for unhealthy eating for most Americans

A study published in The Journal of Nutrition found that most American adults consume meals of poor nutritional quality when dining out, with disparities affecting certain groups. The researchers recommend improving the nutritional quality of restaurant meals and reducing health disparities to promote healthier eating.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateJan 29, 2020

A tale of two cities: Impact of reducing teens' access to flavored tobacco products

A new study found that enforcing restrictions on flavored tobacco products led to decreased teen use of both flavored and non-flavored tobacco. In contrast, a nearby community without such restrictions saw an increase in tobacco use among youth. The study suggests that flavor restriction policies can curb youth tobacco use in as little...

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateOct 24, 2019

Are e-cigarettes safer and more effective than other treatments for quitting smoking?

A new study found e-cigarettes to be more effective than nicotine-replacement therapy in quitting smoking, with a one-year abstinence rate of 18% compared to 9.9% for NRT. However, health experts caution against recommending e-cigarettes as a primary treatment due to unknown health risks and long-term use concerns.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 30, 2019

School nutrition policy implementation slows weight gain in middle school students

A new study found that implementing strong school nutrition policies is associated with healthier weight trajectories in middle school students. The study, which followed 595 students over three years, found that students from schools with nutrition policy interventions experienced less than a 1% increase in body mass index (BMI), whil...

SourceUConn Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateDec 17, 2018

School-based nutritional programs reduce student obesity

A new study led by Yale University finds that school-based nutritional programs limit increases in body mass index (BMI) among middle school students. Students in schools with enhanced nutrition policies and programs reported healthier behaviors and had lower BMI trajectories compared to those without such support.

SourceYale University·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateDec 17, 2018

ACA reduced disparities in health care between Mexican-heritage Latinos and other Latinos

A new study led by UCLA researchers found that the ACA reduced disparities in healthcare between Mexican-heritage Latinos and other Latinos, with a significant increase in health insurance coverage among Mexican-heritage Latinos after implementation of the law's major provisions. However, disparities persist due to legal status, income...

Fighting illegal fishing

Indonesia's anti-IUU fishing policies have successfully kick-started fishery recovery without reducing local fishing effort or catch. The country's policies reduced foreign fishing in its waters by over 90% and total fishing by 25%, generating a 14% increase in catch and a 15% increase in profit by 2035.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMar 19, 2018

Making a case for health literacy

A new report highlights the benefits of health literacy for both patients and providers, achieving the quadruple aim of quality care, community health, reduced costs, and improved patient and provider experiences. Health literacy can improve patient outcomes, reduce hospitalization rates, and lower health expenditures.