The gut–brain axis links the health of the gut microbiota to cognitive function and mental well-being. Numerous studies suggest that probiotics, particularly strains belonging to Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp., can positively modulate memory, attention, and executive functions, contributing to the prevention of cognitive decline. However, while the use of probiotic capsules and powders is widely documented, the role of probiotic beverages or liquid preparations in brain health remains poorly explored. This systematic review analyzes studies on the efficacy of probiotics in improving cognitive functions from 2020 to 2025, evaluating the potential of probiotic liquid preparations as a delivery vehicle. The results indicate that fermented beverages or liquid suspensions containing probiotics could improve the bioavailability of beneficial microorganisms, promoting synergistic effects with other bioactive components and facilitating treatment adherence. However, the current literature still has methodological limitations and there is a need for further clinical studies to validate the efficacy of this strategy. Probiotic supplementation through functional beverages could represent a promising innovation to improve cognitive health and counteract neurocognitive decline.

Three strains of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and three bifidobacteria (Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis, Bifidobacterium breve, and Bifidobacterium subtile) were used as target strains; in addition, for each microorganism, the cell-free supernatant (CFS) was produced and used as an ingredient of the growth medium. Namely CFSs from lactobacilli were used on bifidobacteria and CFSs from bifidobacteria were used on lactobacilli. The viable count was assessed, and the data were modelled through a reparametrized Gompertz equation cast both in the positive and negative form to evaluate the parameters t-7log, which is the time after which the viable count was 7 log CFU/mL, and the t-7log*, which is the time after which the viable count was below 7 log CFU/mL; the difference between the t-7log* and t-7log defines the stability time. Statistics through a multiparametric ANOVA (analysis of variance) provided evidence for the presence of a bifidogenic and/or bioactive factor produced by bifidobacteria and active on lactobacilli, and vice versa (bioactive factor of lactobacilli with a functional effect on bifidobacteria), although further studies are required to better explain the mechanisms beyond the positive effects. In addition, the influence on the target strains can be found during the growth phase (stimulation), as well as during senescence and death phase (protective effect), with a strong strain/species dependence on both CFS production and target strain.

This article reports on a pilot experiment conducted on STEM teaching (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) within the context of orientation teaching, wherein young pupils take on the role of “young researchers”. Twenty-six pupils participated in this research, and 18 of them evaluated 20 commercial yogurts (banana, vanilla, strawberry, and plain yogurt). They assessed acidity, sweetness, odor, texture, taste, and overall acceptability using a 5-point scale. Data were analyzed through non-parametric tests, box-whisker plots, and Principal Component Analysis. Statistics point out that for teenagers, overall acceptability was directly related to sweetness (0.695), odor (0.587), and taste (0.861), and indirectly related to acidity (−0.517). In addition, non-parametric tests show high variability within the dataset, with a non-normal distribution of sensory scores.

Il presente studio analizza l’importanza delle narrazioni autobiografiche linguistiche nella costruzione dell’identità personale e nell’apprendimento della lingua inglese. Coinvolgendo 400 partecipanti tra studenti e docenti, si utilizza il quadrato di Floch per mappare categorie semantiche e tecniche di analisi testuale come polarità del sentimento e TF-IDF. I risultati mostrano differenze significative tra gruppi per lessico, complessità narrativa e profondità semantica. Le narrazioni emergono come strumenti per favorire l’inclusione transculturale e la consapevolezza identitaria, evidenziando l’importanza di strategie didattiche che uniscano varietà linguistica ed esplorazione emotiva. Lo studio offre spunti per un’educazione inclusiva e orientata alla crescita personale.

The integration of Virtual Worlds (VW) and Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS) represents a transformative advancement in education, combining immersive, interactive learning with AI-driven personalization. This study explores the synergies between these technologies, analyzing their benefits, challenges, and applications in domains such as medical training, STEM education, and language learning. Findings highlight their shared characteristics of adaptability, real-time feedback, and collaborative learning. However, challenges such as computational demands, pedagogical complexity, and ethical concerns must be addressed. Future research should focus on hybrid models leveraging blockchain, IoT, and augmented reality to enhance adaptive and scalable learning experiences.