February has been another great month in the world of science. Articles written by major news outlets such as CNN, Forbes and Scientific American cite research published in MDPI Journals. Regarding all aspects of science, including psychology, the climate crisis and nutrition, we run through some pieces that caught our attention and are definitely worth a read.

Forbes: A Psychologist Explains the Cycle of Love Addiction

MDPI Journal of Personalized Medicine: Love Addiction, Adult Attachment Patterns, and Self-Esteem: Testing for Mediation Using Path Analysis

Love makes the world go around. But can it also be harmful to us? Research in MDPI’s Journal of Personalized Medicine explores love as an addiction and attachment styles in adults. This study analysed 300 individuals involved in romantic relationships and revealed significant relationships between love addiction, fearful adult attachment styles and self-esteem. This interesting research on behaviour can promote more effective ways to combat mental health issues and different modes of therapy to best help people who are both single and in relationships.

Scientific American: Unprecedented Fire Season has Raged Through one of the Earth’s Biodiversity Hotspots

MDPI Fire:  Spatio-Temporal Characterization of Fire using MODIS Data (2000-2020) in Colombia

The climate crisis has never been more prevalent, with spaces rich in precious biodiversity experiencing higher rates of natural disasters and harsh weather conditions. On January 5^th 2024, record-high temperatures resulted in forest fires in Colombia, wreaking devastating damage to the ecosystem. It is important to analyse the cause and effect of these changes. Research published in MDPI’s Fire analyses fire patterns in terms of geographical location, temperatures and trends over the years in Colombia.

CNN: Smoking Effects on the Immune System Can Last years, Study Finds

MDPI International Journal Medical Sciences: Smokng and Rhematoid Arthritis

Most people are aware that smoking is one of the main causes of lung cancer. But research now shows that the effects of smoking linger for longer than we think. Smoking shows significant effects on the functionality of the immune system and hinders its ability to heal the body and fight off infection efficiently. Studying the effects of smoking on the immune system is vital in understanding its implications, particularly in people suffering from diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or autoimmune inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.

TIME: 7 Ways to Deal with Climate Despair

MDPI International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health: Climate Anxiety, Loneliness and Perceived Social Isolation

Climate change can be stressful to think about. Although humans have faced many challenges over the centuries, climate change is one that we are experiencing for the very first time, and it can often be difficult to cope with. An article in TIME magazine discusses this, mentioning that a staggering 65% of Americans experience these feelings of despair about the climate. Citing research from MDPI’s International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health which explores the link between loneliness and climate anxiety, the TIME article equips the reader with 7 useful ways to deal with feelings of despair and hopelessness. This includes productive ways to channel this care for the environment, such as raising awareness, and ensuring that one’s emotional well-being is cared for by encouraging mindful activities such as art therapy.

National Geographic: Kombucha and nootropics are all the rage. Do these drinks really work?

MDPI Nutrients: Nootripics as Cognitive Enhancers : Types, Dosage and Side Effects of Smart Drugs

Gut health has been all the rage recently, especially on social media. Drinks loaded with healthy bacteria and other natural food substances are slowly saturating the beverage market, claiming functional health benefits. An article published in National Geographic shares the perspectives of nutritionist and food scientists to explore this deeper, looking to see if these drinks do what they say they do. These drinks sometimes include nootropics – substances that improve cognitive function. Research in MDPI’s Nutrients provide a comprehensive review on nootropics, running through their different types, functions and side effects. Understanding how substances like these work and how they can affect us is vital to ensure the public are making educated decisions when choosing what to consume.