New study sheds light on Shanghai’s collaborative school reform

School collaboration reforms help improve academic performance and school climate in underperforming schools through leadership and peer support

ECNU Review of Education

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In recent years, the strategy of improving underperforming schools through partnerships with high-performing schools has become an increasingly popular approach globally. These collaborations often aim to enhance leadership and teaching practices by sharing resources and best practices. This model has been adopted in countries including the United States, Europe, Chile, and China. In Shanghai, the Strong School Project (SSP) has been a leading example of such a program, where high-performing schools provide resources and leadership support to weaker schools.

A new study published in ECNU Review of Education on May 9, 2025, offers strong empirical evidence supporting the idea that school-to-school collaboration can significantly enhance student academic performance, particularly in underperforming schools. Drawing on data from Shanghai's SSP, which ran from 2018 to 2021, the research highlights how structured collaboration, improved peer relationships, and strengthened principal leadership contribute to enhanced learning outcomes across key subjects, including mathematics, Chinese, English, and science.

The study, led by Dr. Maohua Wang from Shanghai Teacher Institute and Dr. Huacong Liu from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, employed a range of statistical techniques, including difference-in-differences (DID), propensity score matching combined with DID, and causal mediation analysis. These methods were used to analyze how school partnerships affected student achievements over a three-year period.

“Our findings show that school-to-school collaboration is not just a policy slogan—it can directly impact student learning in meaningful ways,” claim Wang and Liu.

The findings reveal that participation in the SSP led to significant improvements in student test scores, particularly in mathematics and Chinese. Students in SSP-participating schools saw improvements of +0.67 standard deviations in mathematics and +0.63 in Chinese. These results underline the effectiveness of peer collaboration in improving academic outcomes, demonstrating that underperforming schools can see substantial gains when they have access to the right resources and leadership.

Key to these improvements were peer relationships, which emerged as the most influential factor. “Peer relationships are a powerful force—when students feel supported and engaged, their academic performance improves,” explain Wang and Liu. Principal leadership also played a significant role in driving these improvements. However, despite expectations, changes in teaching styles were not significant when comparing SSP schools to control schools. This finding suggests that while leadership and peer relationships were instrumental, teaching methods remained largely unaffected by the intervention.

The study also examined the broader impact of the SSP on school climate and leadership development through interviews. Schools participating in the SSP received significant investments, including 1 million RMB per school over three years. These funds were used to improve infrastructure, build science labs and libraries, and introduce innovative courses such as robotics, AI, and programming. Principals in SSP schools were paired with mentors—experienced school leaders and university experts—who provided ongoing support throughout the program. This mentorship, alongside the addition of subject specialists and instructional coaches through city-wide teacher rotation programs, helped to refine both curriculum and pedagogy.

As a result, participating schools saw a shift toward a more student-centered climate. This environment fostered stronger peer relationships, improved engagement, and greater academic success. The study also underscores the importance of adapting leadership practices to the specific needs of struggling schools. Many principals from high-performing schools found that their leadership experience did not directly translate to the challenges faced in weaker schools, where issues such as low teacher morale and student disengagement were more pronounced.

“Leadership development should be tailored to the context of the school,” says Dr. Liu. “Principals in struggling schools require specific training in areas such as curriculum integration and staff motivation to succeed.”

While the study offers valuable insights into the effectiveness of school-to-school collaboration, the authors acknowledge several limitations. For instance, the research focused on Grade 9 students, which may limit the broader applicability of the findings. Additionally, only instructional leadership was measured, excluding other aspects of school management that might influence student performance. Finally, the voluntary nature of the SSP may have introduced selection bias, as schools with a higher initial level of commitment or readiness for change may have been more likely to participate.

Despite these limitations, the findings have important implications for educators, policymakers, and school leaders worldwide. The study provides compelling evidence that school-to-school collaboration, when implemented strategically, can drive significant improvements in student outcomes, particularly in schools that are struggling.

By fostering stronger peer relationships, enhancing leadership, and providing targeted resources, such initiatives can support educational equity and reform.

 

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Reference

Titles of original papers: School-to-School Collaboration, Student Learning Outcomes, and Mediating Factors: Evidence From Shanghai's Strong School Project

Journal: ECNU Review of Education

DOI: 10.1177/20965311251330932

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Journal

ECNU Review of Education

DOI

10.1177/20965311251330932 

Method of Research

Data/statistical analysis

Subject of Research

People

Article Title

School-to-School Collaboration, Student Learning Outcomes, and Mediating Factors: Evidence From Shanghai's Strong School Project

Article Publication Date

19-May-2025

 

Rooftop solar and EV batteries could supply 85% of Japan's electricity needs

Tohoku University

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Electricity self-sufficiency by rooftop PV + EV 

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Credit: ©Takuro Kobashi et al.

A new study led by Tohoku University has revealed that rooftop solar panels, when combined with electric vehicles (EVs) as batteries, could supply 85% of Japan's electricity demand and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 87%. The research provides a promising pathway for Japan's local governments to achieve carbon neutrality by taking advantage of existing infrastructure--rooftops and vehicles--rather than relying solely on large-scale energy systems.

As the urgency of climate change accelerates, cities and municipalities around the world are exploring ways to decarbonize their energy systems to slow down these changes. Japan, with its mountainous terrain and limited available land for solar farms, faces unique challenges. However, the country has more than 8,000 km² of rooftops and a rapidly growing EV market. The combination of rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems and EV batteries--referred to as the "PV + EV" system or "SolarEV City"--offers a practical and cost-effective solution to help transition to renewable energy and energy self-sufficiency.

The study aimed to answer three critical questions: What is the decarbonization potential of PV + EV systems across all municipalities in Japan? What regional factors influence their effectiveness? How can these findings inform national and local energy policy?

To answer these questions, the research team conducted a comprehensive techno-economic analysis for all 1,741 municipalities in Japan. They assumed that 70% of rooftops would be fitted with 20%-efficiency PV panels, and that EVs with 40 kWh batteries would serve as household storage, using about half their battery capacity for grid flexibility. Their findings were striking: rooftop PV could generate 1,017 TWh annually--more than Japan's total electricity generation in 2022. On average, a PV-only system could supply 45% of municipal electricity needs, while the PV + EV system boosted this figure to 85%. In addition to drastically reducing CO₂ emissions from both electricity and driving, the system could lower energy costs by 33% by 2030.

These results carry broad implications not only for Japan, but for countries worldwide that face similar constraints. Rooftop PV + EV systems are particularly promising for urban and rural regions where centralized renewable energy systems may not be feasible. In rural areas, the study found that some municipalities could generate several times their electricity demand through rooftop PV alone. While highly urbanized areas like Tokyo face greater limitations due to smaller rooftop areas and fewer vehicles, they still benefit from the integration of EV batteries to increase energy flexibility and reduce peak demand.

"To make this system a reality and move towards a greener society, we need policy support at the end of the day," remarks Takuro Kobayashi (Tohoku University). "A major goal of this study was to provide a wealth of scientific information that policymakers can refer to when making decisions about implementation."

When making these policies, there are many factors to consider. Policymakers must address regional disparities, especially for northern areas with lower solar potential, where energy poverty could be exacerbated during the transition period. Furthermore, while Japan currently offers subsidies for EVs and rooftop PV systems, stronger support is needed for bidirectional charging infrastructure (V2H and V2G), battery integration technologies, and public awareness. This research exploring the potential of PV + EV systems is a crucial step closer towards decarbonization.

The study was published in Applied Energy on May 15, 2025. The research was led by Tohoku University in collaboration with The University of Tokyo, the National Institute for Environmental Studies, Radboud University (Netherlands), and the Meteorological Research Institute. The work was supported by public research funding including from Japan's Ministry of the Environment and JSPS KAKENHI.

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Journal

Applied Energy

DOI

10.1016/j.apenergy.2025.126067 

Article Title

On the decarbonization potentials of rooftop PVs integrated with EVs as battery for all the municipalities of Japan

Article Publication Date

22-May-2025

 

Increase in the number of young patients with anorexia nervosa in Japan after the COVID-19 pandemic

Toho University

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The short-dashed line indicates the period of school closure, March 2020. The dashed line shows the counterfactual trend after the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Credit: Yoshifumi Fukuya

A research group led by Professor Takahiro Nemoto from the Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience and the Department of Social Implementation Psychiatry at the Toho University Faculty of Medicine analyzed large-scale clinical data to examine the association between the COVID-19 pandemic and the incidence of anorexia nervosa (ICD-10 classification: F50.0) in young patients in Japan. Their study revealed that the number of patients with anorexia nervosa increased after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This research was published in the international academic journal Medicina (Lithuania) on March 3, 2025.

 

Key Findings
 

• While reports from Western countries have indicated an increase in the number of young patients with anorexia nervosa after the COVID-19 pandemic, no clear evidence has been established for Japan or other Asian regions.
• This study found that before the pandemic, the number of young patients with anorexia nervosa was gradually decreasing over time. However, after the onset of the pandemic, this trend reversed. Notably, this increase was more pronounced in men and younger age groups.
• Similar findings have been reported in Western countries, suggesting that the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lifestyle change, which is a common global phenomena beyond social and cultural differences, are strongly associated with the onset of anorexia nervosa. Additionally, factors such as an individual’s psychological states and relationships with family and friends have been suggested as potential risk factors.
• Based on these findings, it is crucial to implement interventions tailored to mitigate these risk factors during future infectious disease outbreaks and major disasters to prevent the onset of anorexia nervosa, which can lead to significant social consequences.

 

Journal
Medicina (Lithuania) (March 3, 2025)

Title:
Association of COVID-19 Pandemic with Newly Diagnosed Anorexia Nervosa Among Children and Adolescents in Japan

Authors:
Yoshifumi Fukuya, Keitaro Miyamura, Tomoyuki Funatogawa, Taiju Yamaguchi, Naoyuki Katagiri, and Takahiro Nemoto* (*corresponding author)

DOI:
10.3390/medicina61030445

 

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Journal

Medicina

DOI

10.3390/medicina61030445 

Method of Research

Observational study

Subject of Research

People

Article Title

Association of COVID-19 Pandemic with Newly Diagnosed Anorexia Nervosa Among Children and Adolescents in Japan

Article Publication Date

23-Mar-2025

COI Statement

Takahiro Nemoto belongs to the Department of Psychiatry and Implementation Science, Toho University Faculty of Medicine, and received funds from Nippon Life Insurance Company. Other authors have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have influenced the work reported in this paper.

 

Factors involved in human healthy aging: insights from longevity individuals

Higher Education Press

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A comprehensive overview of the multifactorial determinants of human longevity.

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Credit: Fan-Qian Yin, Fu-Hui Xiao, Qing-Peng Kong

Human healthy aging and longevity are complex phenomena influenced by a dynamic interplay of genetic, epigenetic, metabolic, immune, and environmental factors. Long-lived individuals (LLIs), particularly centenarians, serve as valuable models for understanding these mechanisms due to their ability to delay or avoid age-related diseases. This overview synthesizes current insights into the multifaceted determinants of exceptional longevity, highlighting key findings from studies on LLIs across diverse populations.

LLIs, defined as individuals surviving beyond 90 years, exhibit distinct characteristics such as reduced morbidity, delayed onset of chronic diseases, and preserved physiological functions. They often cluster in “longevity blue zones” like Okinawa and Sardinia, where lifestyle and environmental factors interact with genetic predispositions. Gender differences are evident, with females comprising most centenarians, though male centenarians tend to have fewer age-related diseases. LLIs can be categorized into “escapers,” “delayers,” and “survivors” based on disease history, reflecting heterogeneous pathways to longevity.

Genetic factors contribute significantly to longevity, with familial clustering indicating a heritable component. Key nuclear genomic variants include APOE ε2 (protective against cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s), FOXO3A (linked to oxidative stress resistance and DNA repair), and SIRT6 (involved in genome maintenance). Mitochondrial haplogroups like J and D are associated with reduced oxidative stress, while telomere maintenance genes (hTERT, TERC) ensure chromosome stability. However, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) highlight APOE and FOXO3A as the most consistently linked genes across populations, underscoring their pivotal roles.

Epigenetic mechanisms bridge genetics and environment. DNA methylation patterns in LLIs show delayed age-related methylation loss, particularly in heterochromatin regions, which may stabilize genome integrity. Noncoding RNAs, such as miR-363* and lncRNAs THBS1-IT1/AS1, regulate cellular senescence and gene expression, contributing to healthy aging. These epigenetic signatures correlate with younger biological age and reduced disease risk in LLIs and their offspring.

Metabolic profiles in LLIs are characterized by favorable lipid metabolism (low LDL cholesterol, high HDL), reduced insulin resistance, and enhanced antioxidant capacity. Endocrine factors like low thyroid hormone levels and preserved sex hormones (estradiol in females, testosterone in males) play protective roles. Caloric restriction (CR), a well-established longevity intervention in model organisms, mimics metabolic states in LLIs, improving glucose tolerance and reducing inflammation. CR mimetics, such as metformin and resveratrol, show promise in translating these benefits to humans without dietary restriction.

Immune system alterations in LLIs include reduced chronic inflammation (“inflammaging”) and preserved immune cell function. Centenarians exhibit lower IL-6 levels, higher TGF-β and IL-10 (anti-inflammatory cytokines), and maintained T-cell proliferation and natural killer cell activity. The balance between pro-inflammatory Th17 cells and regulatory T cells (Tregs) shifts toward anti-inflammatory states, contributing to disease resistance.

Environmental and lifestyle factors are equally critical. Gut microbiota in LLIs features increased diversity and enrichment of health-promoting taxa like Akkermansia muciniphila and Bifidobacterium, which enhance gut barrier function and produce anti-aging metabolites. Plant-based diets rich in vegetables, whole grains, and nuts correlate with lower risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegeneration. Regular physical activity, particularly endurance and strength training, improves metabolic health and extends lifespan through mechanisms like mitochondrial biogenesis and reduced oxidative stress. Other key lifestyle factors include non-smoking, moderate alcohol intake, adequate sleep, and stress management, which collectively reduce mortality risk.

Socioeconomic and medical advancements, such as improved sanitation, vaccination, and healthcare, have significantly increased average life expectancy, though genetic and epigenetic factors determine exceptional longevity. Future research leveraging multi-omics (transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics) on large LLI cohorts will deepen understanding of interactive mechanisms. Functional studies in model organisms and clinical trials of longevity-promoting interventions (e.g., probiotics, CR mimetics) are essential to translate findings into therapeutic strategies.

In summary, human longevity emerges from a synergistic interplay of genetic resilience, epigenetic stability, metabolic adaptability, immune balance, and healthy lifestyles. LLIs exemplify how these factors converge to delay aging and disease, offering actionable insights for promoting healthspan. As global aging populations grow, unraveling these mechanisms holds promise for developing personalized interventions to extend both lifespan and quality of life.

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Journal

Frontiers of Medicine

DOI

10.1007/s11684-024-1120-4 

Method of Research

Experimental study

Subject of Research

Not applicable

Article Title

Factors involved in human healthy aging: insights from longevity individuals

 

Scientists say microplastics are ‘silently spreading from soil to salad to humans’

Murdoch University

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PhD candidate Joseph Doctor in the lab

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Credit: Murdoch University

A review from Murdoch University has stressed that agricultural soils now hold around 23 times more microplastics than oceans.  

Amongst the revelations in the comprehensive evaluation is that plastics in soil may be exposed to up to 10,000 chemical additives, most of which are unregulated in agriculture.  

“These microplastics are turning food-producing land into a plastic sink,” said PhD candidate Joseph Boctor, who led the study. 

Both microplastics and nanoplastics have now been found in lettuce, wheat and carrot crops. This happens through various means, from plastic mulching, fertilisers and even through being dropped by clouds.   

This is particularly concerning when combined with findings of these plastics in the human lungs, brain, heart, blood, and even placenta.   

“And BPA-free does not equal risk free,” Mr Boctor said.  

“Replacement chemicals like BPF and BPS show comparable or greater endocrine-disrupting activity.”  

The challenge is that regulations are slower than science, and industry is faster than both. 

In addition to this, assessing additive toxicity is often overlooked, Mr Boctor said, due to the lack of transparency in the plastic industry and large number of additives produced.  

“This makes the plastic crisis unchecked, and human health exposed,” he said. 

“This review tries to bring this creeping danger under the radar and shine a flashlight on regulators.”  

Alongside endocrine disruptors, the review pinpointed other additives in soil such as Phthalates (linked to reproductive issues), and PBDEs (neurotoxic flame retardants).  

These additives have been linked with neurodegenerative disease, increased risks of stroke and heart attack and early death.  

“These are not distant possibilities – they are unfolding within biological systems – silently and systematically,” Mr Boctor said.  

To address this crisis, Mr Boctor is working alongside his colleagues at the Bioplastics Innovation Hub to create a type of plastic that is not only safe, but also decomposes in soil, land and water, leaving behind no legacy.  

One innovation currently under development is the Smart Sprays Project - which will demonstrate and test a non-toxic, bioplastic-based spray for soil which forms a water barrier to harvest rainfall and reduce evaporation that can be easily applied with existing farm equipment. 

The hope is that through the Hub's work, they will introduce a green plastic to the market that will minimise and eventually negate the need for non-sustainable plastic production worldwide. 

“This review highlights the urgent need for coordinated scientific and regulatory efforts,” Joseph said.  

“Regulators, scientists and industry must collaborate to close the loopholes before plastic pollution further entrenches itself in the global food chain.”  

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Journal

Environmental Sciences Europe

DOI

10.1186/s12302-025-01104-x 

Method of Research

Literature review

Subject of Research

Not applicable

Article Title

Microplastics and nanoplastics: fate, transport, and governance from agricultural soil to food webs and humans

Article Publication Date

22-May-2025