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.

 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.

In the paper published on Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine (STCM), the authors firstly demonstrated that Cuscutae Semen (CS) ameliorated mepanipyrim-induced visual impairment in zebrafish by modulating the phototransduction pathway. It integrated transcriptomics, behavioral assays, and histopathology to reveal CS's restorative effects on retinal structure and function. Notably, chlorogenic acid was identified as a key bioactive constituent. The research provided scientific validation for the traditional use of CS in eye health and offered a novel therapeutic strategy for visual disorders, highlighting the potential of zebrafish models in natural product pharmacology.

Researchers discovered a way to use nanoparticles to prevent the drug’s addictive high.