MDPI Articles Cited in the News: May 2025
In this selection of MDPI articles cited in popular news outlets throughout May, we explore a range of social and health-related research published in a diverse line-up of MDPI’s Open Access journals.
We discuss the observed effects of obesity-fighting medication and the importance of cerebrospinal fluid in assessing disease severity.
Research also demonstrates the importance of socio-political beliefs in eco-labelling receptiveness. Interestingly, a research commentary also highlights how analysing fossilised soft tissue from dinosaurs can help us understand the mechanism and evolution of cancer.
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Related Mental Health Issues; Insights from a Range of Social Media Platforms Using a Mixed-Methods Approach
Published in Brain Sciences
Cited by Forbes
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have gained prominence in the last year, as their use in treating obesity has increased in popularity. In an article published in the Open Access journal Brain Sciences, researchers explore how GLP-1RAs, with Ozempic being the best known drug of this class, may have impacts on mental health as reported by accounts on social media.
As part of the study, the authors analysed thousands of posts and entries across Reddit, YouTube and TikTok, finding matches relating to insomnia, anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. Entries include complaints about being unable to sleep, fatigue, lack of motivation.
GLP-1 RAs are a class of medication used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. It functions by triggering insulin secretion into the blood to regulate blood glucose levels. In addition, it slows down gastric emptying and therefore could help to reduce food intake.
The link between metabolic disease and mental health issues is difficult to elucidate. This study demonstrates documents and explores the apparent effect that treatment with GLP-1 RAs has on mood and behaviour. However, further research is needed to understand the link in more detail and the drug’s safety profile.
Cerebrospinal Fluid–Basic Concepts Review
Published in Biomedicines
Cited by UPI
An editor’s choice article published in Biomedicines, explores the importance of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in maintaining our nervous system. CSF is a critical component that works to protect the nervous system, as well as playing a role in the transport of nutrients and waste.
Dysregulation of CSF can result in diseases such as hydrocephalus. Typically, these conditions are diagnosed by MRI or CT scans and analysis of CSF and can cause significant issues to the brain and overall health.
The study, cited by UPI, also addresses CSF’s role in diagnosing other diseases. Currently, the fluid is used to detect specific molecular biomarkers that indicate certain diseases, such as neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.
Therefore, the composition of CSF has shown excellent abilities to demonstrate the severity of disease and hence, helps doctors to formulate appropriate treatment plans. The study demonstrates the importance of continuous research on CSF and using the fluid to understand the extent of the disease state.
Which Consumers Change Their Food Choices in Response to Carbon Footprint Labels? The Role of Political Ideology and Other Socio-Demographic Factors
Published in Nutrients
Cited by Phys.org
As the impact of climate change is becoming increasingly apparent, individuals are becoming aware of the environmental impact of specific foods. In light of this, food packaging is evolving, as companies use this awareness to their advantage by displaying the products’ carbon footprint values. In theory, this approach is perhaps a good way of encouraging consumers to opt for foods in which their production is less detrimental to the environment.
A 2025 study published in Nutrients set out to understand the demographic that was more likely to change their food choices based on these changes to food packaging, otherwise known as eco-labels.
As part of the study, the researchers designed an experiment involving an online grocery store in which products contained eco-labels and normal packaging. They also collected purchase intention data from the participants of the study to understand their choice reasoning. The results revealed that increasing the amount of foods with eco-labels led those who were liberals and centrists to choose foods with lower carbon footprints; however, it had no impact on people who held conservative political views.
The study shows the critical importance that socio-demographic factors have on the receptiveness of specific labelling, particularly eco labels, and how political ideologies can determine food choices.
Preserving Fossilised Soft Tissues: Advancing Proteomics and Unveiling the Evolutionary History of Cancer in Dinosaurs
Published in Biology
Cited by Newsweek
Previous research shows that just like humans, dinosaurs may have also experienced cancer, as demonstrated by tumours found in fossilised soft tissue. This extraordinary finding is explored in a study published in Biology, where researchers emphasise the potential of using advanced proteomics to analyse these ancient fossils to further our understanding of the mechanisms of cancer.
Cancer is a complex disease, in which its mechanisms have evolved to resist both human immune responses as well as recently developed treatments. Understanding this evolution is imperative to deciphering its complexity and developing efficient treatments to overcome resistance.
The mentioned study carried out scanning electron microscope imaging and soft tissue paleo proteomics to carry out a deep analysis of fossilised tumour samples. Upon analysis, the authors state that:
‘…a combination of factors—including metabolic rates, reproductive strategies, and environmental pressures—likely influenced tumour dynamics in these extinct species.’
These findings could contribute not only to the field of palaeontology but also provide a deeper understanding of how cancer functions and has evolved against selective pressure.
To read more of MDPI’s diverse range of research, access the full MDPI journal list.
