Analysing longitudinal data from 2,121 adolescents aged 13–15, researchers found that problematic social media use predicted increases in depressive symptoms one year later, particularly among younger teenagers and girls. Published in Scientific Reports, the study highlights how loss of control over social media use—rather than time spent online—may be a key mental health risk factor during early adolescence.

A Korean research team has developed a closed-loop 4D printing technology that enables self-actuating and recyclable structures using sulfur waste generated from petroleum refining processes. A joint research team led by Dr. Dong-Gyun Kim of the Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Professor Jeong Jae Wie of Hanyang University, and Professor Yong Seok Kim of Sejong University reported the world’s first 4D printing technology based on sulfur-rich polymers that respond to heat, light, and magnetic fields.

This work systematically examined the pathogenesis of and clinical management challenges related to PCM. Building on the therapeutic strengths of TCM, the authors propose 5 prioritized research domains with corresponding scientific planning: (1) Early identification and intervention strategies for PCM; (2) Optimization of TCM syndrome differentiation systems for PCM; (3) Standardization of efficient evaluation metrics for PCM therapies; (4) Mechanistic studies on the pathogenesis of PCM and TCM therapeutic targets; (5) Prevention protocols and complication management frameworks for PCM. We further delineate recommended research directions, anticipated outcomes, value propositions, and funding priorities. The aim of this research model, which was derived from the PCM-focused academic salon series, is to advance the development of high-quality TCM practices by informing national scientific planning, innovative drug development, research priorities, and the formulation of clinical guidelines.

 Electronic health records (EHRs) offer valuable real-world data (RWD) for Chinese medicine research. However, significant methodological challenges remain in developing integrative Chinese-Western medicine (ICWM) databases. This article developed the methodological framework through a comprehensive process, including systematic literature review, synthesis of empirical experiences, thematic expert discussions, and consultation with an external panel to reach consensus. The BRIDGE framework outlines 6 core components for ICWM-EHR database development: Overall design, database architecture, data extraction and linkage, data governance, data verification, and data quality evaluation. Key data elements include variables related to study population, treatment or exposure, outcomes, and confounders. These databases support various research applications, particularly in evaluating the effectiveness and safety of integrative therapies. The authors developed an ICWM-EHR database on women’s reproductive lifespan, encompassing 2,064,482 patients. This database captures women’s health conditions across the life course, from reproductive age to older adulthood. The BRIDGE methodological framework provides a standardized approach to building high-quality ICWM-EHR databases. It offers a unique opportunity to strengthen the methodological rigor and real-world relevance of Chinese medicine research in integrated healthcare settings.

Botanists from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) named the new species, Clusia nanophylla, because of the tiny size of the leaves, the smallest within the genus. This species has only been found in Panama.

Researchers have proposed a novel methodology to optimize the placement of impedance relays in medium-voltage electrical distribution systems, where their application has traditionally been limited compared with transmission networks. By integrating clustering algorithms with metaheuristic optimization techniques, the approach enables a more strategic configuration of protection devices within complex and dynamic distribution grids. Simulation studies conducted using CYME software and the Ant Colony Optimization algorithm demonstrate that the proposed method can reduce failure frequency and improve the system’s response to fault conditions, contributing to greater reliability and resilience in electrical distribution infrastructure.

A new study introduces a coordinated charging scheme for electric vehicles that prevents power grid overloading. By classifying vehicles (cars, trucks, and buses) and utilizing real-time pricing, researchers identified a more efficient way to install distributed generation units. This approach significantly reduces power loss and increases monetary benefits compared to traditional methods.

A 25-year graph algorithm gap for the All Pairs Shortest Paths (APSP) problem has been narrowed by Dr Manoj Gupta, an Associate Professor at the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar. Previous methods provided distance estimates that were no worse than twice the actual distance (2-approximation) and worked effectively only for distant points. The new method, however, offers a reliable 2-approximation guarantee for the APSP problem while handling considerably closer spots with the same efficiency. This advance helps make large-scale network analysis faster and more practical across many real-world systems.

As ocean temperatures continue to rise, one of the smallest but most important organisms may be starting to struggle.