MDPI Articles Cited in the News: May 2026
In this article, we visit trending MDPI research mentioned by trustworthy science news outlets such as The Conversation and Grist. This roundup explores the science behind the design of the FIFA World Cup Match ball, a review of how climate change and agricultural farming has caused a decline in monarch butterflies, as well as how driving habits can be analysed to test for early signs of neurodegeneration. We also see how new archaeological findings of ancient tombs reveal unique insights into social hierarchies and Bronze Age funeral practices present at the time.
Trionda: Enhanced Surface Roughness Relative to Previous FIFA World Cup Match Balls
Published in Applied Sciences | Cited in The Conversation
Trionda is the official name given to the match ball of the 22nd FIFA World Cup, which will be kicking off in June 2026. The carefully crafted design of match balls differs at every edition of the FIFA World Cup. This summer’s version, the Trionda, possesses thermally bonded sleek panelled surfaces which give it unique aerodynamic and flight performance.
In a study published in Applied Sciences, researchers explored the science behind the seamless performance of the match ball, and how it compares to the performance of designs from previous tournaments.
Wind-tunnel tests and trajectory simulations revealed functional aerodynamic characteristics of the ball. This resulted in the Trionda possessing a lower drag-crisis, consistent with the rougher surface of the ball. Hence, flight simulations of the ball demonstrated reduced variability during long range kicks.
This means that the ball may offer improvements in precision for the players in the upcoming games, compared to match balls designs for previous FIFA World Cup tournaments.
Middle Bronze Age Funerary Practices in Southwest Portugal Hypogea: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Social and Ritual Dynamics
Published in Quaternary | Cited in Popular Mechanics
Exciting discoveries from excavations in the Baixo Alentejo region of Portugal reveal information about distinct funerary practices carried out in the Middle Bronze Age societies (2000–1500 BC) of Southwestern Iberia.
The findings, published in the Open Access journal Quaternary and mentioned in Popular Mechanics, present the first multi-site analysis of 57 Middle Bronze Age hypogea which refers to ancient underground temples or tombs, across seven archaeological sites. The report included documentation of the layout and deposition of bone remains and offerings left of the tomb.
Ceramic and metal vessels were identified as burial offerings. After analysis, the researchers noticed distinct differences between the tombs, with significantly more offerings with greater diversity given to female graves compared to male burials. Surprisingly, weapons were also offered to female graves as well as male graves, indicating that both sexes buried in these tombs may have been of elevated social status.
The study provides a deeper insight into the social hierarchies which may have been present during the Middle Bronze Age in Southwest Portugal Hypogea.
Sensor-Detected Differences in Behaviors of Older Drivers with Pre-MCI and Mild Cognitive Impairment vs. Unimpaired Drivers
Published in Sensors | Cited in Medical XPress
Do driving habits provide information on cognitive status? Research published in the Open Access journal Sensors shows how monitoring patterns in driving behaviours could help to predict early cognitive impairment.
The study, mentioned in Medical Xpress, found that patterns such as greater throttle variability and shorter trips were linked to drivers with the onset of cognitive impairment. Meanwhile, patterns such as higher speed and better pedal control were found in unimpaired drivers.
Although further study with a larger sample size is required to understand the link between driving behaviours and cognitive impairment, this exploratory study highlights how driving could be a useful indicator of cognitive ability in individuals with mild cognitive impairment.
Eastern North American Monarch Butterfly Conservation Needs and Opportunities: What the Science Tells Us
Published in Insects | Cited in Grist
Many countries globally are reaching record-breaking temperatures this spring, with exceptional heatwaves and abnormal weather patterns occurring more frequently. Climate scientists worldwide emphasise the unprecedented impacts of extreme climate shifts, including its devastating effects to habitats and wildlife. Furthermore, acceleration of industrial agricultural practices threatens native species by destroying important food sources and local habitats.
New research published in Insects by Prof. Karen Oberhauser, an expert in monarch butterfly biology and conservation, and mentioned in Grist explores how the population of the species of native Northern American monarch butterfly is declining.
The review discusses how loss of habitat, harmful agricultural practices and weather changes are leading to the decline of the milkweed butterfly in the Rocky Mountains and how implementing important conservation strategies could help preserve these threatened species.
Browse the full journal list to access more diverse, open access research published by MDPI.
