This month’s Cited in the News roundup showcases a selection of research published in MDPI’s Open Access journals that have attracted attention from media outlets around the world, including The Conservation, TIME and CNN.

The studies explore a range of topics including:

• Food security, how agricultural pests are devastating crops and the demand for sustainable, effective crop control methods.
• Ultra-processed food ingredients and preservatives in children’s and infants’ convenience foods.
• Remote work and how physical activity breaks improve the efficiency of remote workers are investigated.

As research increasingly shapes public understanding of the world, accurate reporting of scientific discoveries has never been more important. At MDPI, we are committed to making cutting-edge research freely accessible through Open Access publishing, helping ensure that high-quality science reaches researchers, journalists, policymakers, and the wider public.

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Managing African Armyworm Outbreaks in Sub-Saharan Africa: Current Strategies and Future Directions

Published in Insects | Mentioned in The Conversation

Figure 1: Recent outbreaks of African armyworm in South African provinces.

Agricultural pests pose a major risk to farmers and food security. According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations, up to 40% of global food crops are lost due to plant pests annually.  Food security is an immediate and serious global concern. A report by the FAO in collaboration with a range of organisations including UNICEF and the WHO estimates that 645 million people faced hunger in 2025.

A paper published in the Open Access journal Insects and referenced by The Conversation analyses recent outbreaks of the African armyworm. The paper focuses on key factors driving its spread across Sub-Saharan Africa. The authors evaluate existing surveillance and control measures such as chemical, biological and cultural approaches. Additionally, they explore innovative technologies such as predictive modelling, artificial intelligence, Bt maize technology, molecular biology and nanotechnology.

The authors explain that understanding how these pests evade current control methods is important to develop effective, sustainable roadmaps for pest control and to meet the demands for food security.

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Tiny Tummies, Big Questions: Unpacking Ultra-Processed Ingredients and Additives in Complementary Foods in the United States

Published in Nutrients | Mentioned in CNN

The consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) in infants and young children is growing globally. UPFs are food products which have undergone various stages of processing; additionally, they contain chemical additives such as flavour enhancers, colours and emulsifiers. In adults, regular consumption of UPFs has been linked to a range of diseases such as obesity and cardio-metabolic risks. A regular diet of UPFs in children has been linked to cardio-metabolic conditions. Moreover, it can influence taste preferences and form dietary habits that can extend into adulthood.

The popularity of UPFs in children’s diets has been attributed to increased exposure through commercial environments where children and adolescents are being targeted. Moreover, UPFs are being sophisticatedly hidden in seemingly healthy food products aimed at infants and toddlers.

A recent study published in Open Access journal Nutrients and referenced by CNN assesses the degree of processing and identifies the types of ingredients and additives used in infant and toddler foods in major US grocery stores. The authors analysed 651 infant and toddler food products sold by the top 10 US grocery stores in 2023. The study found that 71% of products tested were classified as UPFs due to the presence of additives.

The authors conclude that most US commercial complementary foods are ultra-processed and contain multiple additives. This highlights the need for clearer labelling of packaging demonstrating the presence of UPF ingredients.

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Ten-Minute Physical Activity Breaks Improve Attention and Executive Functions in Healthcare Workers

Published in JFMK | Mentioned in TIME

Figure 2: Strategy for workplace health and performance.

Remote work has been integrated into many companies and organisations in various forms, offering employees a range of benefits including flexibility and reduced commuting costs. However, working from home can remove cues for movement throughout the day, such as walking to and from the train station or standing to communicate with other colleagues.

Working from home can become a sedentary environment with little opportunity for movement, especially if they are taking minimal breaks for an earlier finish. Sedentary behaviour over an extended period, such as through prolonged sitting down, is linked to an increased risk of chronic illnesses and a decline in mental health. Social isolation can also contribute to a decline in mental health. Incorporating short periods of exercise during the day can help to mitigate these feelings and promote efficiency.

A study recently published in the Open Access Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology and referenced by TIME investigates a novel approach of introducing physical activity breaks (PAB) to sedentary workers to improve work efficiency. The authors investigated the effects of PAB on attention levels and executive functions in 27 healthcare workers with sedentary roles. Following 4 hours of work, the participants randomly performed 1 of 3 10-minute exercises. These exercises were rotated and included physical outdoor activity or exercise via exergaming.

The researchers identified that following both activities, attention levels improved, and greater executive functions were observed following outdoor activity.  The authors concluded that promoting PABs in the workplace is critical for improving cognitive function and wellbeing in healthcare workers.

Browse the full journal list to access more diverse, Open Access research published by MDPI.