A Recap of This Week’s Top News – February 17, 2023

Changes to policy, scientific discovery, and expert recommendations and opinions all have the power to rapidly influence the landscape of a sector. Whether you’re a leader at a non-profit, a member of a university’s marketing department, or a stakeholder for a public health agency, being informed about the latest industry happenings can be the difference between exceeding and falling short of organizational goals. At Hager Sharp, our experts vigorously scan media coverage to identify areas of opportunity. And now, with the introduction of the Sharp Round-Up, you too can review what we consider some of the top news of the week.

Below you will find a compilation of news spanning the health and education, labor, and economy sectors. This list includes mainstream, DC-focused, and trade publication coverage from Saturday, February 10, to Friday, February 17. Let these clips serve as a resource when developing thoughtful strategies and use them to further foster organizational innovation and adaptability.

Here’s what you need to know.

Mainstream News:

• Schools lack the resources to address the mounting mental health problems among students. 92% of superintendents believe the mental health crisis is worse than it was in 2019, and 79% say they do not have the necessary staff to mend the problem.
• Researchers have linked the likelihood of new-onset diabetes with COVID-19 infection. Scientists believe that COVID-19 infection may accelerate the development of diabetes in those with preexisting risk.
• Officials investigating the recent derailment of a train carrying toxic chemicals in Ohio are increasingly concerned about the effect on human health and the environment. Among the potential health issues that can arise from being exposed to vinyl chloride, scientists say that particles from the chemicals can seep into wells and other drinking water sources and migrate through soil into basements and homes.

Education News:

• During the pandemic, the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) test scores in data literacy dropped significantly compared to other math subjects. Large racial gaps in data literacy scores also widened during the pandemic. A study suggests that teachers should incorporate data literacy lessons into other subjects to improve their students’ skills in interpreting and understanding data.

Advancements in Health:

• A new device has revolutionized heart transplants by increasing the distance donor hearts can travel, expanding the number of hearts available for transplant. While previously donor hearts were simply placed on ice, the new method utilizes a machine that pumps blood through the organ, allowing the heart to be viable for double the original 4-hour period.
• A new form of male birth control renders lab mice “temporarily infertile” via a single injectable dose. The new drug can temporarily pause fertility in male mice by inhibiting the movement of an enzyme that is vital for sperm movement and maturation.
• Revolutionized epilepsy treatments rely on improvements in monitoring the brain’s electrical activity. Doctors are able to remove a piece of the patient’s skull, place electrodes into the brain to find the primary source of seizures, and then use a laser to remove that piece of the brain.