MDPI Articles Cited in the News: August 2025
As autumn rolls in, we look back to August and the range of top MDPI articles cited by popular news outlets throughout the month, including BBC and ABC News. In this selection of interesting highlights, we learn about the importance of children’s nutrition and plant-based diets, and how the gut microbiome may help develop a future therapeutic agent for obesity. Furthermore, we visit research that explores forever chemicals, as well as looking at scientists’ attempts to decipher whether a dog’s head shape determines their personality.
Published in Nutrients
Cited by BBC Future
Plant-based diets have become immensely popular over the past decade. This rise in opting for an animal-free and vegan lifestyle across the globe, particularly in the West, may be due to the increased awareness of the harmful environmental and health impacts associated with consuming high quantities of animal products.
Although previous research demonstrates that plant-based diets are both more sustainable and reduce the risk of developing major health conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease in adults, there is little research exploring their impact on children. Children require sufficient nutrients during critical stages of development; therefore, the composition of their diet is extremely important to ensure they are consuming exactly what they need for their growth.
An Editor’s Choice systematic review published in the Open Access journal Nutrients and cited by BBC Future looks at the previous and current trends in giving children plant-based diets . The review analysed studies across the UK and Poland, which demonstrated health trends amongst children with different diets and their related outcomes.
Some of the evidence suggested that compared to omnivores (a diet consisting of food of both plant and animal origin), a vegan diet in children may restrict growth and increase the risk of the child being stunted and underweight. On the other hand, children with vegan diets had a more favourable lipid profile.
The article highlights the current lack of consistent study results and contradicting evidence on the impact of both vegan diets on children’s health. The article, therefore, lays out an essential roadmap for future studies for the development of cohesive dietary recommendations for children, their caregivers and health professionals, aiming to improve the diet, health and safety for children globally.
Selection for Short-Nose and Small Size Creates a Behavioural Trade-Off in Dogs
Published in Animals
Cited by Popular Science
Certain breeds of dog are known for their friendly nature. But does the way dogs look really determine their personality? A feature paper published in the Open Access journal Animals sought to answer this question.
Researchers from Hungary analysed 5000 dogs across 90 different breeds to understand whether head shape determined their personality and behavioural traits. In particular, the researchers sought to understand what makes flat-faced dogs, such as French Bulldogs and Pugs, appealing pets for owners. The study also took into account body shape, owner demographics and dog-keeping practices.
The research showed conflicting results, as initial findings did not confirm any potential traits associated with flat-faced dogs. However, analysis revealed that their positive traits were unrelated to other factors analysed, suggesting a potential genetic and anatomical link at play.
Published in Foods
Cited by ABC News
Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), otherwise known as forever chemicals, are found in many places in the environment, such as the water, air and soil. This contamination has resulted in its leakage into human food supplies, such as the fish, meat and vegetables we consume. Its persistence and waterproof properties make it an appealing component to use to manufacture things like waterproof clothing and non-stick cookware. Furthermore, PFAS are used in food packaging items; therefore, they have the inevitable potential to migrate into food.
A review published in Foods highlights the presence of PFAS in food-contact materials, such as packaging and non-stick cookware, and its subsequent migration into food. The study concludes that PFAS favour migration into . This is particularly true for foods that are high in fat content, low in pH and high in salt. Based on the current literature, this migration can be described as a serious public health concern, as PFAS have been linked to an increased risk of the development of certain diseases and health issues.
There are currently no guidelines in the UK and EU for PFAS regulation, while the USA has implemented specific limitations, such as restricting intentionally added PFAS in certain consumer products. Further research is required to elucidate the extent of the impact different PFAS have on health and the environment.
Published in International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Cited by Discover Magazine
The gut microbiome has now been well-established as a crucial component of health and well-being. A study published in the International Journal of Molecular Science explores how gut microbe metabolites of tryptophan, an essential amino acid obtained through diet, can impact the type of cells present in the gut, as well as hormone production.
Researchers carried out experiments which included the use of human organoid models to determine the effects of the metabolites in the context of obesity. In particular, they tested how the metabolites affected the differentiation of enteroendocrine cells, specialised secretory cells present in the intestine. These cells secrete hormones that regulate insulin secretion and appetite, which is particularly relevant for developing a treatment for obesity. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity is a complex chronic disease resulting in the accumulation of excessive fat, and can be caused by many different factors, including hormone imbalances.
The results indicated an increase in markers for these specialised cells, highlighting the key mechanisms by which gut microbial metabolites can impact gut composition, and suggesting a potential therapeutic application of tryptophan metabolites for those suffering from obesity.
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