KnE Open Top Picks for June 2025
On June 25, 2025
As we work toward healthier, more informed, and equitable societies, recent research is offering new insights into the systems that support human well-being. From education and healthcare to the environment and everyday well-being, this month’s featured studies look at how people adapt, cope, and grow. Whether through new teaching tools, evolving health practices, or the push for better working conditions, each study reflects a broader effort to build systems that are more supportive and sustainable for all.
Is Traffic Making City Air Too Dangerous to Breathe?
Urban life comes with its fair share of conveniences. However, as cities grow more crowded and cars fill the streets, it becomes clear that the hidden cost of convenience is poor air quality. Traffic-related air pollution is a major health hazard, contributing to respiratory issues, cardiovascular problems, and a general decline in public well-being. But how much of this pollution is really tied to traffic, and how do weather conditions play into the mix?
A recent study from the Journal of Environmental Treatment Techniques explores this relationship by comparing pollution levels in high- and low-traffic areas in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Can Social Media Reels Spark Better Writing in Classrooms?
In today’s fast-paced digital world, capturing and holding attention is a challenge, especially in the classroom. Yet, when used creatively, digital tools like short-form videos can become powerful teaching aids. For young learners, especially in elementary school, writing skills are foundational, not just for academics, but for expressing creativity, critical thinking, and self-confidence. Traditional writing instruction doesn’t always meet students where they are, especially in a media-rich environment.
A recent study from KnE Social Science explored how using social media-style videos helped elementary students improve their story-writing skills.
Can Herbal Remedies Offer Relief for PCOS?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex and often frustrating condition that affects millions of women worldwide. With symptoms like irregular periods, hormonal imbalances, weight gain, and fertility struggles, it can deeply impact both physical and emotional well-being. While conventional treatments, like hormone therapy or insulin sensitisers, can help manage symptoms, they often come with side effects and don’t always target the root causes. That’s why many are turning to herbal and plant-based remedies as a more natural, holistic alternative.
A recent review from the Journal of Infertility and Reproductive Biology brings together the latest findings from both clinical and animal studies, offering a comprehensive look at which herbal treatments may hold the most potential in supporting women with PCOS.
How Common Are Psychological Struggles During Pregnancy?
Pregnancy is often portrayed as a joyful time, but for many women, it also brings emotional turbulence. Hormonal shifts, physical discomfort, and anxiety about the future can all contribute to psychological distress. Mental health challenges like depression and anxiety during pregnancy can also impact the baby’s development, birth outcomes, and the early parent-child bond. These conditions may lead to complications such as low birth weight, premature delivery, or difficulties in mother-infant attachment. Despite how common these issues are, they often go unrecognised or untreated, especially in cultures where stigma surrounds mental health.
This study from the International Journal of Reproductive BioMedicine explores the prevalence of psychological symptoms among both low- and high-risk pregnant women, shedding light on the emotional toll of pregnancy and the need for more comprehensive mental health support in prenatal care.
What Keeps Healthcare Heroes in the Lab?
Behind nearly every diagnosis in modern medicine is a lab professional working diligently to deliver accurate test results. These experts play an essential role in the healthcare system, with their findings guiding the majority of medical decisions. But in places like Somalia, where healthcare infrastructure has been severely impacted by years of instability, retaining skilled medical laboratory professionals is a serious challenge. Many experienced workers have left the field, and younger professionals face limited opportunities for growth and recognition. Without adequate incentives, training, and job stability, even the most committed lab workers may choose to move on. Ensuring their satisfaction and retention is crucial for maintaining diagnostic accuracy and building long-term healthcare resilience.
This study from the Sudan Journal of Medical Sciences explores what motivates lab professionals in Somalia to stay in their roles, offering valuable insights into how health systems can better support and retain this critical workforce.