MDPI Articles Cited in the News: December 2025
MDPI publishes a diverse range of research articles highlighted by prominent news outlets such as The Independent and The Medical News.
In this feature, we explore some of this research, including the impact of short-form video addiction on memory function, and how ADHD in girls can often go undiagnosed in young girls. Furthermore, we learn more about the potential effects of Kefir on the human gut and oral microbiome, as well as techniques to reduce headaches in people suffering with migraines.
Reels to Remembrance: Attention Partially Mediates the Relationship Between Short-Form Video Addiction and Memory Function Among Youth
Article published in Healthcare
Mentioned by The Independent
Short-form video content, including Reels found on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, as well as Tik Tok videos, is now a significant component of social media consumed by billions of users worldwide.
The curated content is presented by a highly precise algorithm based on the personal interests of the user, in addition to third-party ad targeting and data sharing. This design, as well as its appealing nature, can fuel the addictive consumption of short-form video content. More research is now dedicated to understanding how this type of content is affecting brain function, both long- and short term.
With online platforms targeting young people as well as adults as audiences, there are primary concerns on how social media, particularly reels and Tik Tok videos, may impact memory and cognitive function in the youth. A study published in Healthcare explored this.
The researchers collected data from 1029 university students across 25 higher education institutions in Jordan. Staggeringly, they found that over half of the participants demonstrated moderate-to-high levels of short-form video addiction.
Importantly, they saw that attention did not moderate the relationship between short-form video addiction and memory function, while partially mediating memory function This means there was a consistent and direct impact of short-form video addiction on memory function, regardless of the attention capacity of the individual.
These results emphasise the extent of the impact that short-form videos have on cognitive processes and adds to the growing body of research on how social media may impact the youth.
The Effects of Kefir on the Human Oral and Gut Microbiome
Review published in Nutrients
Mentioned by The Medical News
The human microbiome is the population of bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms living in our bodies. There are many things that effect our microbiomes, and in turn, their responses can affect human health.
A study published in the Open Access journal Nutrients assesses the impact of kefir on human microbiome ecosystem and human health. Kefir is a type of fermented probiotic drink packed with ‘good’ bacteria, vitamins and minerals.
In the study, they examine evidence from the current literature that confirms changes specifically in the oral and gut microbiome induced by kefir consumption. The authors conclude that present findings suggest an influence of kefir on the microbiome; however, the extent of the effects differ between cases.
This may be due to differences in strains and the dynamic nature of kefir and the human microbiome. Specifically, kefir may influence the presence of the bacteria Lactobacillus and reduces the presence of Streptococcus mutans – a common bacteria known to cause cavities in both adults and children.
Further research is needed to elucidate the extent that kefir effects the human microbiome, and its role in achieving its claimed health benefits.
“Best Days of Our Lives?” Exploring the School Experiences of Women with ADHD Based on Diagnosis During or After School
Article published in Disabilities
Mentioned by The Independent
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition categorised by a range of symptoms, including hyperactivity and emotional dysregulation. However, symptoms, particularly in women and girls, often go amiss. This may be due to the condition manifesting differently in women compared to men.
New research published in the journal Disabilities explores the impact of ADHD in women, specifically those that attend school. A survey was given to women between the ages of 18 and 35 years old, where they were asked a series of questions and interviews regarding the impact of ADHD on their school life, relationships and personality.
The researchers emphasise that no shared lived experience is the same but also that the results of the survey given to the women revealed that ADHD impacted school negatively for all the participants.
Particularly, they found that, pre-diagnosis, the participants struggled with negative self-image, self-esteem and declining mental health. The results therefore suggest that early diagnosis, as well as increased education of teachers, particularly about less common ADHD symptoms affecting women, would have helped significantly to improve their experience at school.
Neuromodulation Techniques for Headache Management
Review published in Life
Mentioned by The Conversation
According to the World Health Organization, headache disorders effect around 40% of the global population. This includes migraines, which can significantly impact overall quality of life. There is currently no cure for migraines, but treatment is available to reduce the severity of symptoms and frequency of attacks.
A review published in the Open Access journal Life summarises the current application of neuromodulation methods in patients to treat headaches – specifically migraine and cluster headaches.
From the current research, the authors conclude that the minimally invasive neuromodulation techniques, such as peripheral nerve stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation, has offered effective relief from the symptoms of headaches and migraines.
To read more of MDPI’s Open Access research, access the full journal list.
