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Lost in taxonomy: Why bacterial type strains are the anchor we need

Professor David Ussery and Dr. Ake Vastermark, bioinformatics and microbial taxonomy experts at Oklahoma State University, introduce the challenges of defining bacterial species in an era of rapidly expanding genomic data. Their article highlights how modern genome-based tools can bring clarity to this evolving field.
Figure 1: Douglas-fir seedling

The benefits of harvest residue and vegetation control on conifer seedling survival and growth

Mark Kimsey, the Director of the Intermountain Forestry Cooperative, discusses the benefits of harvest residue and vegetation control on conifer seedling survival and growth.
Rainbow acanthastrea showing diversity of colors

Can stem cells aid coral reef recovery?

Shani Talice and Benyamin Rosental from Ben Gurion University of the Negev explore how stem cells could help corals recover from stress and environmental damage, addressing the urgent threats of climate change, pollution, and disease to coral reefs.
DNA, Background, Biolgy

The science of gamification: Reimagining biomedical education through gamified learning

Dr Michael J. Dillon and Prof Laura Bowater examine the science of gamification to transform biomedical education through gamified learning.
Figure 1: Graphical representation of pharmacokinetic processes. Botanicals taken concurrently with drugs may modify any of these processes.

Understanding botanical-drug interactions

With a specific focus on pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic mechanisms, Dr Erin C Berthold discusses the interactions between botanical and herbal supplements and conventional pharmaceuticals, highlighting the urgent need to examine these interactions for public health and patient safety.
Figure 1. Human oligodendrocytes. A. Cartoon of oligodendrocyte myelination of neuronal axons. B-D. Oligodendrocytes grown in a dish (cell culture). E,F. Oligodendrocyte excitotoxicity. G. Peroxynitrite (ONOO) formation and protein damage. H. Oligodendrocyte excitotoxicity with quinolinic acid (QA) causes formation of toxic forms of α-synuclein as monomer (arrow) and oligomers. Ponceau shows equal protein loading in the lanes.

iPSCs and NSCs model newborn brain injury

This article discusses research by Dr. Lee J. Martin and his team on HIE, a leading cause of neonatal mortality. They use human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and neural stem cells (NSCs) and emphasize the vulnerability of oligodendrocytes, sharing how these cells can accumulate toxic misfolded proteins, potentially causing severe neural damage and long-term cognitive disabilities in affected infants.
A hand with a microplate filled with color samples

Smarter decisions, better outcomes: How a new molecular test improves patient care

Oliver Bathe, Professor of Surgery and Oncology at the University of Calgary and CEO of Qualisure Diagnostics, examines how a new molecular test can lead to smarter decisions and better patient care outcomes in his third article.
medical consultation - close up asian female doctor is explaining the situation to woman after Uterus ultrasound

Elimination of cervical cancer: Implementation in action

Professor Karen Canfell and Paul Grogan from the Cancer Elimination Collaboration at the Sydney School of Public Health discuss the WHO strategic plan for elimination of cervical cancer and how a combination of prevention, screening, and treatment can effectively achieve this goal.

Gut microbiome and aging – Unlocking new frontiers in healthy longevity

As the population ages, research into preserving healthy longevity is gaining pace. Christian Brechot highlights the role of the gut microbiome – a complex community of microorganisms within us – in influencing health as we age.

Bexyl Project: Beyond Xylella – Europe’s United fight against Xylella fastidiosa, a silent plant...

Across the Mediterranean, olive groves have shaped landscapes, cultures, and economies for centuries. But in the last decade, this heritage has come under threat from a silent plant killer: Xylella fastidiosa.
"Vitamin pills spilling from an open bottle, not isolated"

Vitamin a toxicity: “Too much of a good thing”

Fredric Gorin, Sarah Torres, and Pamela J. Lein discuss the implications of vitamin A supplementation during a recent measles outbreak in the US. They explain that a common misconception – that vitamin A supplementation can prevent the transmission of measles among unvaccinated individuals – can result in vitamin A toxicity.
Figure 1. Hypothetical relationships among the chemical exposome, gut microbiome, and neuroendocrine system of a wild primate.

Primate exposure to anthropogenic pollutants: Interactions with the gut microbiome and neuroendocrine SYSTEM

Michael Wasserman of Indiana University discusses interactions among the chemical exposome, microbes, and hormones in wild primates.
White beans and green leafs in flasks on the table with biologist in the background

Understanding the role of botanicals in medicine

Dr Erin C. Berthold from Planted in Science Consulting LLC discusses the uses and perceptions of botanical medicines, emphasizing the necessity for coordinated global efforts to understand and regulate these substances to ensure their safe integration into healthcare.
Blur background of sphere network structure. Connection abstract design.

Enabling preventive medicine and improving patient care via aptamer-based molecular monitors

As health systems put greater focus on preventive, personalized care, Netzahualcóyotl Arroyo-Currás tells us about the broad benefits of Continuous Molecular Monitors (CMMs) in providing insights into biomolecular markers that facilitate early disease detection.
Figure 1. Microbial electrochemical fluidized bed reactor under anodic and cathodic conditions to stimulate wastewater removal and PHB production, respectively.

Purple phototrophic bacteria and microbial electrochemical technologies: A new biorefinery concept for wastewater treatment

The shift towards sustainable wastewater treatment focuses on nutrient recovery through biorefineries, highlighting the importance of microalgae, cyanobacteria, and, more recently, purple phototrophic bacteria for their metabolic flexibility and adaptability.
Dna data visualization. Medical genetic sequence pattern in black and white. Abstract antibody architecture for infographic analytics. X and Y gene learning or research illustration. Ideogram profile

Raman spectroscopy for forensics: Identifying body fluid traces and gunshot residue

Here, the Department of Chemistry and the Center for Biophotonic Technology and Artificial Intelligence (CeBAI), investigates Raman spectroscopy for forensic applications, a universal technique for identifying traces of body fluids and gunshot residue.
Lab technician injecting liquid into a microtiter plate

The critical role of infection tolerance

Drawing on his research in understanding factors impacting infection tolerance, Brian P. Lazzaro, Liberty Hyde Bailey Professor at Cornell University, discusses the importance of tolerance to minor infections, highlighting that while active immune responses are crucial for pathogen defense, tolerance can often lead to better health outcomes.
Enterobacteriaceae, gram-negative rod-shaped bacteria, part of intestinal microbiome and causative agents of different infections, 3D rendering. Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Enterobacter and other

The microbiome in early life: Setting the stage for optimal early life health in...

Researchers at the University of South Florida Microbiomes Institute are exploring exciting new areas in microbiome research; here, they discuss the essential role that the microbiome plays in early life health.
Herb wall, plant wall, natural green wallpaper and background. nature wall. Nature background of green forest

Rethinking urban greenery: A nature-based approach to biodiversity management

This article examines the urbanLIFEcircles project as an example for integrating biodiversity management into urban planning through nature-based solutions.
Image: © Beyond Belief Brewing Co. (BBB) - brewing

The role of brewing in the emerging circular economy: A case study

Freddie Ugo from Beyond Belief Brewing Co. discusses the role of brewing in the emerging circular economy by presenting a case study.

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