Novel Thermal and Non-thermal Technologies towards Sustainability and Microbiological Food Safety and Quality
With the globalisation of the food trade and the emergence of new consumer habits, food production, processing, and distribution have undergone significant changes, which have continuously challenged global food systems. However, every effort is being made to ensure that the food being produced is healthy and safe, which is crucial in guaranteeing public health and well-being. Thermal methods are generally performed in the food industry to prolong a product's shelf life and inactivate spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms. Novel thermal technologies, such as ohmic heating and dielectric heating, have been developed to improve the effectiveness of heat processing whilst warranting food safety and eliminating undesirable impacts on the organoleptic and nutritional properties of foods.To meet the evolving needs and preferences of consumers, the food industry must keep pace to grow. There is now demand for products to be minimally processed, safe, and more sustainable, with added value and long shelf lives. This has led to the development of several green and non-thermal technologies that can help reduce energy consumption in the production, processing, and packaging of food. High-hydrostatic-pressure (HHP) processing, ultrasound (US), cold plasma (CP), pulsed electric fields (PEFs), and electrolysed water (EW) are some methods that show potential for application in the food industry. In addition, microfluidic technology and green extraction techniques are interdisciplinary with a diversity of applications, including in food processing.
Skin Anti-Aging Strategies
The pursuit of youthful, healthy skin remains one of the most compelling drivers in the cosmetics industry. Anti-aging claims dominate consumer expectations, and scientific research continues to evolve to meet these demands. This Special Issue of Cosmetics, titled, "Skin Anti-Aging Strategies", brings together novel insights, innovative technologies, and modern approaches to address the multifaceted nature of skin aging. Beyond scientific evidence, this Special Issue foster collaboration and knowledge exchange, driving progress toward effective and sustainable anti-aging solutions.We invite researchers, formulators, and specialists in the field to explore these contributions and join the dialogue shaping next-generation anti-aging strategies.
Recent Advances in Medicinal Plants and Natural Products
This reprint presents a curated selection of peer-reviewed studies originally published within the Special Issue on Recent Advances in Medicinal Plants and Natural Products. Together, these contributions offer a technically rigorous overview of the molecular, biochemical, and mechanistic dimensions that define contemporary research in natural product science. This reprint emphasizes the characterization of bioactive metabolites, including phenolics, terpenoids, alkaloids, and volatile constituents, through advanced analytical strategies such as chromatographic separation, high-resolution mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance techniques. Several works examine structure-activity relationships, focusing on the influence of extraction parameters, compound stability, and synergistic interactions on biological efficacy. Across the collected articles, researchers investigate antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective properties using in vitro biochemical assays and cellular models designed to elucidate pathways related to oxidative stress, membrane integrity, and molecular signaling. As the Special Issue is now closed, this reprint serves as a consolidated technical resource capturing the state of progress achieved during its publication window. It provides an integrated reference for scientists working at the intersection of natural product chemistry, molecular biology, and therapeutic innovation.
Nutrition, Metabolism, and Obesity
Obesity is a pressing public health issue, closely linked to metabolic comorbidities including type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, liver diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. Excessive or inappropriate nutrient intake triggers chronic inflammation, disrupts metabolic pathways, and leads to insulin resistance and systemic dysfunction. Nutritional interventions are increasingly recognized as effective tools for managing obesity and related disorders. This Special Issue of Biomolecules explores the molecular roles of macro- and micro-nutrients, alongside current dietary guidelines. We delve into the key metabolic pathways and mechanisms by which nutrients influence obesity and metabolic diseases, including the role of the gut microbiota in modulating metabolic responses to nutrition, offering insights into how diet and microbial interactions shape human metabolic health. This Reprint aims to advance understanding of the pathogenesis of obesity, type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic liver disease, cardiometabolic disorders, and malnutrition. We collected original research and reviews on innovative nutritional strategies, molecular mechanisms, and preclinical discoveries.
Novel Therapeutic Approaches for Cancer Treatment
Cancer affects a large proportion of the global population and remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, ranking second according to the World Health Organization. Despite advances in surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, major challenges, such as drug resistance, systemic toxicity, and limited tumor selectivity, continue to drive the search for more effective therapies and improved drug delivery strategies.This Special Issue brings together original research and review articles highlighting recent progress in cancer treatment. Contributions cover diverse approaches, including novel small-molecule anticancer agents, epigenetic modulators, nanotechnology-based and combination therapies, externally activated targeted treatments, drug repurposing, and immunotherapy. The collection reflects the multidisciplinary nature of modern oncology, spanning mechanistic insights and translational applications. The Issue also presents emerging experimental platforms and enabling technologies, including 3D in vitro cancer models, organoid-based drug testing, and machine learning-supported preclinical research. Novel therapeutic modalities-such as photothermal and photoimmunotherapy, nanovesicle drug delivery, dual-action treatments, and natural compounds-are also explored. Overall, this collection highlights innovative strategies aimed at improving the efficacy, selectivity, and safety of cancer therapies and advancing more personalized treatment approaches.
Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity of Honey Bee Products
Honey bees produce several products that humans have used for centuries for various purposes: royal jelly, venom, wax, processed honey, propolis, and pollen. The beneficial effects of honey bee products have been recognized and utilized as they have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and antioxidant activities. The main focus of this Special Issue Reprint is to unravel old findings, present novel discoveries, and align these with current global needs, not only as remedies but also as agents with the potential to promote health and reduce the risk of developing many diseases. Specifically, oxidative stress underlies many "modern" diseases, and honey bee products may serve as supportive means due to their antioxidant capacity. In studies of complex mixtures of natural products, the characterization of chemicals using analytical methodologies, such as HPLC, MS, LC-MS, HPLC-MS, and NMR, should be included. In addition, antioxidant power is important for antibacterial efficacy, and thus, in the present issue, we aim to unravel a plethora of features interconnected in honey bee products. We discuss the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of these complex products, which vary in composition, and the need for standardization of their quality parameters.
Hormones And Heredity
Hormones and heredity presents an examination of how internal biological regulators influence variation, inheritance, and long term biological change. The book connects physiological processes with emerging ideas about heredity, arguing that bodily functions play a meaningful role in shaping adaptive traits rather than acting separately from inheritance. Attention is given to how hormones affect development, growth, and functional differences, while also addressing debates surrounding mutations and genetic continuity. The discussion challenges simplified explanations of evolution by emphasizing interaction between internal regulation and external conditions. Scientific misunderstandings are addressed through careful explanation of biological mechanisms, aiming to bridge experimental observation with broader evolutionary interpretation. Throughout the work, there is an effort to balance established biological principles with newer theoretical perspectives, presenting heredity as a dynamic process influenced by both internal and external forces. The book reflects an analytical approach that blends physiology, evolutionary reasoning, and critical evaluation of prevailing scientific assumptions, offering readers a framework for understanding how biological change operates beyond purely mechanical inheritance models.
Longevity Without the Lab Coat
Are you exhausted by the endless cycle of contradictory health advice, expensive supplements, and complicated biohacking protocols? The wellness industry profits by making health optimization seem incredibly complex, but the rigorous science of aging tells a different, far more empowering story.In Longevity Without the Lab Coat: Science-Based Health Optimization for Skeptics, Ian Hutchinson provides a definitive guide to cutting through the noise of life extension claims. Hutchinson introduces the practical "Signal-Noise-Action-Watchlist" framework, a triage tool that teaches you how to evaluate the latest headlines and separate genuine scientific evidence from clever marketing hype.By exploring the nine biological hallmarks of aging, this book explains exactly how your daily choices influence your cellular health. You will discover: The True Pillars of Movement: Why a combination of moderate aerobic activity and progressive resistance training vastly outperforms trendy, high-intensity fads for long-term mortality reduction and muscle preservation.Metabolic Mastery Without Deprivation: How prioritizing protein intake and adopting a Mediterranean dietary pattern protects your brain and body, without the need for extreme intermittent fasting or obsessive calorie counting.The Science of Genuine Recovery: Why seven to nine hours of quality sleep and deliberate stress management are foundational to clearing cellular waste and slowing the biological clock.The Lifesaving Power of Early Detection: Why routine health screenings-like colonoscopies and lipid panels-are the unsung heroes of longevity, catching asymptomatic conditions when they are most treatable.The Hidden Longevity Lever: The surprising, scientifically validated power of deep social connections and emotional resilience in extending your lifespan and preserving cognitive sharpness.A Skeptic's Guide to the Frontier: A clear-eyed look at emerging technologies like senolytics and rapalogs, explaining why these fascinating compounds belong on your research watchlist rather than in your supplement cabinet today.Longevity Without the Lab Coat isn't about achieving a flawless routine or anxiously monitoring every metric of your existence. It is about building a personalized, sustainable "Longevity Dashboard" that focuses on high-leverage, evidence-backed habits you can actually maintain for decades. Leave the exhaustion of wellness trends behind, and learn how to implement the simple, powerful, and accessible interventions that genuinely extend human healthspan.
Effect of Processing and Cooking on Physicochemical, Sensory, and Functional Properties of Food
Crosstalk between Depression, Anxiety, Dementia, and Chronic Pain
This Special Issue maps how mood symptoms, memory decline, and chronic pain intersect through neuroimmune pathways, translating biology into patient centered care. The Reprint gathers original studies and authoritative reviews that connect molecular signals with brain networks and behavior, highlighting tractable targets such as microglia, calcitonin gene related peptide, and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Clinical papers probe comorbidity patterns that shape progression from mild cognitive impairment to dementia, while real-world data show how pain-focused therapies can also ease affective and sensory burdens. Methodological contributions integrate plasma proteomics, multimodal imaging, digital phenotyping, and predictive modeling to build reproducible risk tools. The collection advances lifestyle-aware precision medicine by linking daily activity, sleep, and nutrition to symptom trajectories and treatment response. Together, these articles chart a clear agenda for combination neuroimmune interventions and adaptive trials that align biomarkers with meaningful recovery across depression, anxiety, dementia, and pain.
The Impact of Probiotics/Prebiotics and Functional Foods in Human Health
Feedlot Ruminant Nutrition and Metabolism
Ruminant production systems are constantly being developed to improve the quality of products from these animals, especially meat and milk. Consumers have been increasingly demanding quality, environmentally friendly food with good nutritional properties. The use of strategies such as feedlot has been an important tool in improving these products and is usually related to a change in nutrition, which consequently tends to alter the metabolism of these animals. Several other factors can also influence these changes, such as adaptation to confinement, environment, feeding regime, stress, and genetics, among others.Increasing evidence has shown the importance of metabolic changes in feedlot ruminants, especially in relation to performance and health, meat quality, and milk composition. New knowledge about the metabolism of feedlot animals is essential to improve the productivity and quality of products. A better understanding of the molecular factors that affect the metabolism of these animals can significantly help to achieve the new goals of producing food of animal origin for the growing demand of the human population.
Emerging Antibody Engineering Strategies and Applications for Immunotherapy of Cancer
In the past decade, cancer immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of hematological and solid tumors, resulting in the approval of checkpoint inhibitory antibodies, CAR-T cell therapies, and T cells engaging bispecific antibodies. Despite this progress, the lack of response and/or relapse and subsequent resistance to immunotherapy remain major clinical challenges requiring the development of optimized therapeutic agents and novel principles for targeting cancer. For this purpose, the application of state-of-the-art antibody engineering continues to play a key role. This Special Issue covers recent progress and novel concepts in the engineering of antibody-based immunotherapies, including monoclonal antibodies, antibody engineering, bi- and multispecific antibodies, photo-and radioimmunotherapy and CAR-T cell therapy manufacturing.
FUNGI. Animal, Vegetable or What?
This book stems from an earlier publication, "Natural Toxins. The Good, The Bad and The Deadly". (Wright 2025) dealing with the bioactive properties of organisms including their interactions with each other and with their natural environment. The current work reects a resurgence of interest in fungi, a group of organisms that have only recently been recognised as unique life-forms with no direct taxonomic relationship with existing phyla such as plants, animals or bacteria. The cryptic lifestyle of fungi, often in close physical association with other phyla, has resulted in both beneficial and harmful effects on host organisms and on consumers including humans. These properties have also contributed to a rich folklore that has accompanied fungi throughout their history.
Paddling with a Naturalist
For anyone who loves the outdoors, Paddling with a Naturalist offers an opportunity to gain a strong sense of the forces behind, and the interconnectedness of the natural world. It will allow you to better understand what makes nature function, and to appreciate why the things you see from your canoe are the way they are. To see nature as a biologist does.Readable and entertaining, Paddling with a Naturalist is written like a travelogue. Follow Brett through creeks and lakes, and along the portage trail, to find that at the end of your journey you have come to understand the forces that make our beautiful natural world possible. Bring it along on your next canoe trip and see nature through different eyes.
Feature Papers in Biological Factors
This Topical Collection, "Feature Papers in Biological Factors", collects high-quality research articles, review articles, and communications on all aspects of biological factors. It offers insights into the research area of biological factors and comprises a selection of exclusive papers from the Editorial Board Members (EBMs) of the Biological Factors Section, as well as invited papers from relevant experts. We aim to represent our Section as an attractive open access publishing platform for biological factors research.
Commemorating the Launch of the Section "Marine Toxins"
This Special Issue Reprint is a published collection of articles which together celebrate the multi-disciplinary work conducted in the field of marine biotoxins. These toxins are produced naturally by many different species of microalgae, macroalgae, and bacteria. This Reprint includes work focusing on venoms produced by marine organisms, as well as topics of high relevance to the ongoing state of knowledge relating to the detection of marine toxins and venoms, production mechanisms, impacts of toxins on aquatic organisms, detection of new hazards, detection methodology refinements, toxicology, and an overall review of marine toxins in terms of occurrence and public health. This Reprint is a resource for all researchers interested in keeping up to date with developments in this field of aquatic science.
Inertial Sensor Assessment of Human Movement
The development of low-cost, commercial MEMS inertial sensors has led to rapid research growth around the application of these sensors for the assessment of human movement in daily living, sport, and physical exercise activities. The incorporation of inertial sensors into smartphones and, more recently, smartwatches has not only driven research but also broadened their applications in detecting a wide range of human movements.This Special Issue, titled "Inertial Sensor Assessment of Human Movement" brings together examples of the latest research findings in this field. The 11 articles in the Reprint collectively offer a multidimensional perspective on inertially sensed human movement control. The range of topics included in this Reprint is reflective of how inertial sensors are being used across multiple fields and subject areas. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the authors for their outstanding contributions, as their rigorous academic work forms the core of this Special Issue. We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to the expert reviewers, whose insightful comments have significantly enhanced the quality of the submitted papers.Finally, we thank the editorial team of the Biomechanics journal for their professional support and hard work throughout the preparation and publication process. We believe this Special Issue will provide valuable reference and inspiration for researchers across a wide range of human movement fields.
Fungal Communities in Various Environments
This Reprint collates recent research advances on fungal communities across a wide range of terrestrial and aquatic environments. The collected studies examine how fungal diversity, community assembly, and functional attributes respond to environmental gradients, including variations in soil properties, nutrient availability, vegetation, elevation, and habitat type.This Reprint highlights the ecological roles of fungi in key ecosystem processes such as decomposition, nutrient cycling, and biotic interactions, with contributions spanning forest, agriculture, mangrove, rhizosphere, and sedimentary ecosystems. Using high-throughput sequencing, ecological network analysis, and emerging long-read technologies, the studies provide insights into both taxonomic patterns and functional dynamics of fungal communities.By integrating evidence across ecosystems and methodological approaches, this Reprint offers a consolidated perspective on fungal ecology and emphasizes the importance of linking community structure to ecosystem functioning under environmental change.
RAS Signaling Pathway in Cancer Therapy
The RAS signaling pathway represents one of the most significant and challenging targets in oncology. Mutations in RAS genes are identified in approximately one quarter of all human malignancies, driving processes such as tumor initiation and maintenance. For decades, RAS proteins were considered undruggable, but persistent research led to a major breakthrough in 2021 with the approval of the first inhibitor targeting a specific mutant isoform of KRAS (KRASG12C), followed by the development of other RAS inhibitors targeting specific isoforms or multiple mutations at the same time. This Reprint provides a collection of original articles and reviews focusing on different aspects of RAS signaling. It explores the diverse roles of RAS signaling across various cellular contexts and identifies potential vulnerabilities that could expand treatment options for patients. By integrating genetic studies and biochemical analyses, the included works offer insights into novel therapeutic strategies designed to overcome both intrinsic and acquired resistance. A primary goal of the research presented here is to refine the understanding of these pathways to develop more effective treatments while minimizing therapy-related toxicities. As the field moves toward a more personalized approach to cancer care, understanding the intricate requirements for RAS signaling is more critical than ever. This collection serves as a valuable resource for researchers and clinicians dedicated to advancing the state of cancer therapy and improving patient outcomes through a deeper knowledge of molecular pathogenesis and targeted interventions.
Feature Papers of Ruminants 2024-2025
This Reprint brings together recent advances in ruminant science that address the role of ruminant animals in contemporary food systems, with a particular emphasis on efficiency, sustainability, and resource use. Ruminants uniquely convert non-human-edible biomass, such as pastures, rangelands, and agricultural by-products, into high-quality food for humans, positioning them as key components of resilient and circular agricultural systems. The studies compiled in this Reprint examine how different dietary strategies, feed resources, and production systems influence the conversion of energy and protein into meat and milk, as well as their environmental implications. Contributions span nutrition, physiology, production systems, and sustainability assessments, providing integrated perspectives on how ruminant feeding practices affect productivity, nutrient use efficiency, and emissions. By highlighting both biological mechanisms and system-level outcomes, this Reprint advances our understanding of how ruminant animals can contribute to sustainable food production under diverse agroecological and socioeconomic conditions. This collection is intended to support researchers, educators, and professionals seeking evidence-based insights into the optimization of ruminant production systems and their role in future agri-food systems.
The Role of Carotenoids in Health and Disease
Carotenoids are naturally occurring pigments found in most fruits and vegetables, plants, algae, and photosynthetic bacteria, and have a range of functions in human health. They primarily exert antioxidant effects, but individual carotenoids may also act through other mechanisms. Recently, a significant amount of research has focused on the reactions between carotenoids and free radicals and the ability of carotenoids to prevent the development of diseases caused by toxic free radicals. The development of various diseases, including infarction, cerebral thrombosis, and tumors, has been, in part, attributed to the action of free radicals and toxic forms of oxygen. No less significant are the membrane-stabilizing and immunostimulating functions of carotenoids, as well as their pro-vitamin A activity.This Special Issue, "The Role of Carotenoids in Health and Disease" published by the International Journal of Molecular Sciences includes contributions that assess state-of-the-art research as well as future developments in the field of carotenoid studies. Topics include, but are not limited to, the health benefits of carotenoids, the antioxidant activity of carotenoids, carotenoids in eye diseases, supramolecular complexes of carotenoids, carotenoid-membrane interactions, etc.
Genetic Regulation of Plant Growth and Protection
The growth and development of plants are under strict genetic regulation. Although also influenced by a wide range of abiotic and biotic stresses, plants have evolved complex defense mechanisms. In recent decades, significant progress has been made in research on the genetic regulation of plant growth and protection, depending on the rapid development of plant genomics and genetics, as well as the modern biotechnologies. This Special Issue of IJMS, "Genetic Regulation of Plant Growth and Protection", is dedicated to publishing cutting-edge research elucidating the genetic regulatory mechanisms that govern plant growth and responses to diverse stresses. The Reprint serves as a focused reference for researchers seeking to explore genetic strategies for enhancing crop productivity and sustainability.
Fungi and Insect Interactions
Insects represent the largest group of animals in nature and exert significant impacts on ecology, human health, and native flora and fauna. Naturally abundant entomopathogenic fungi play a crucial role in regulating insect populations through complex interactions with their hosts, and infect insects by attaching to, germinating on, and penetrating the host's cuticle, eventually proliferating within the insect's body and tissues. In response, host insects have evolved diverse defense strategies, including physical barriers, immune responses, microbial symbionts, and behavioral adaptations. Beyond their role in natural ecosystems, entomopathogenic fungi are valuable in biological pest control, often leading to host mortality. They can also function as facultative saprophytes in soil and enhance plant resistance to herbivores when established as endophytes. Although the general mechanisms underlying fungal-insect interactions are well-characterized, many molecular, physiological, and behavioral aspects remain unclear; thus, further investigation into these interactions in specific contexts promises to yield valuable and broad insights. This is a reprint of the Special Issue published in Journal of Fungi titled Fungi and Insect Interactions: Pathogenicity, Immune Defenses and Biocontrol.
Advances in Aquaculture Feed Additives
This Reprint showcases cutting-edge research that highlights the growing importance of feed additives in shaping the future of sustainable aquaculture. As the sector continues to expand worldwide, innovative nutritional strategies are essential to improve production efficiency, animal robustness, and environmental responsibility. The studies brought together in this Reprint demonstrate how feed additives have become powerful tools to meet these emerging demands. The collection features a diverse range of functional ingredients, including bioactive compounds, plant-based additives, microbial products, pigments, amino acids, and alternative protein sources. Across different species and production systems, the contributions illustrate how targeted dietary interventions can enhance growth performance, feed utilization, gut health, immune responses, stress resilience, and product quality. Sustainability and innovation are central themes throughout this Reprint. Several studies emphasize reduced reliance on finite marine resources, the valorization of alternative ingredients, and the application of circular economy principles in aquafeed development. The use of metabolomics and other omics-based approaches further highlights the scientific progress driving precision nutrition in aquaculture. By bridging fundamental research and practical application, this Reprint offers valuable insights for researchers, industry professionals, and stakeholders seeking science-based solutions to advance modern aquaculture and strengthen its role in global food systems.
Impact of Functional Ingredients on Technological, Sensory and Health Properties of Bakery Products
This Reprint focuses on the strategies proposed by various authors to recover and reuse agro-industrial byproducts rich in healthy molecules, such as vitamins, minerals, proteins, and other bioactive compounds that modulate human biological functions. These are used to formulate functional bakery goods, creating staple foods that are consumed worldwide. The emerging popularity of healthy, sustainable diets and the growing consumer demand for functional foods represent recent challenges for researchers and producers who formulate bakery products with functional ingredients, which are compounds with health-promoting properties that benefit human health.Improving well-being, enabling sustainable lifestyles, and enhancing waste management are among the United Nations' aims in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. These objectives have driven researchers to exploit agro-industrial byproducts as a resource for creating innovative ingredients and fortified foods with enhanced nutritional properties. While waste disposal in the agro-food industry is a critical environmental issue, recent advances suggest that recovering these byproducts offers significant economic advantages.
Natural Bioactives as Leading Molecules for Drug Development
Natural bioactive compounds remain a major foundation of drug discovery due to their structural diversity and ability to regulate multiple disease-relevant pathways. These molecules influence key biological processes, including inflammation, fibrosis, oxidative stress, hypoxia, metabolic imbalance, angiogenesis, and dysregulated cell proliferation and migration, all of which contribute to the development and progression of human diseases. Advances in extraction, purification, and analytical technologies have reshaped the study of natural bioactives. Traditional methods are increasingly complemented by innovative and sustainable approaches, such as green and solvent-free techniques, which improve efficiency while reducing environmental impact. In parallel, omics-based strategies-including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics-have become essential tools for identifying molecular targets, defining mechanisms of action, and accelerating the translation of bioactive compounds toward therapeutic applications. This Special Issue focuses on recent progress in the discovery, characterization, and development of natural bioactives as drug candidates. Topics include novel methodologies for compound isolation and identification, mechanistic and functional evaluation of bioactivities, and integrated analytical frameworks that combine omics technologies with conventional biochemical and pharmacological assays to provide a comprehensive understanding of therapeutic potential.
Feeding and Processing Affect Meat Quality and Sensory Evaluation
This Reprint, titled "Feeding and Processing Affect Meat Quality and Sensory Evaluation," presents a curated collection of research originally published in the journal Foods. The Special Issue provides an in-depth exploration of the critical factors that determine the final quality, nutritional value, and sensory attributes of meat products. It bridges the gap between animal nutrition and food technology by examining how diverse feeding protocols, including the use of specific feed additives and dietary compositions, influence muscle development and fat distribution.Furthermore, this Reprint highlights the impact of traditional and emerging processing techniques on the preservation of meat, as well as the evolution of flavor, texture, and overall consumer appeal. The included studies also address modern challenges in the meat industry, such as enhancing food safety and sustainability through innovative management practices. By bringing together groundbreaking empirical research and novel perspectives, this Special Issue serves as a valuable resource for researchers, food scientists, and industry professionals seeking to optimize the journey from farm to fork and meet the changing demands of the global consumer market.
Applied Biomechanics and Sports Sciences
This Reprint, "Applied Biomechanics and Sports Sciences", brings together a collection of studies that exemplify the interdisciplinarity nature of biomechanics as applied to human movement and athletic performance. The contributions within explore neuromuscular function, training optimization and sport-specific adaptations across multiple disciplines, including football, swimming, badminton and water polo. By integrating experimental, analytical and applied perspectives, this Reprint highlights how biomechanical assessment and evidence-based strength and conditioning approaches contribute to enhanced performance and injury prevention. This collection provides valuable insights for researchers, coaches and practitioners, seeking to bridge the gap between laboratory and practical sports applications.
Chromatography
Separation, qualitative analysis, and quantitative analysis can be achieved by choosing the right conditions. Thus, numerous gas chromatographic, liquid chromatographic, and supercritical fluid chromatographic methods have been developed and applied to most types of samples and most kinds of analytes. Not to mention the fact that older varieties, such as paper chromatography and thin-layer chromatography, were pioneer analytical techniques in many laboratories. In particular, when hyphenated to spectrometric techniques chromatography also allows for the identification of separated analytes in a single run. Highly sophisticated equipment can answer all analytical problems very quickly.Chromatographers cooperate with many scientific fields and provide their insights to medical doctors, veterinarians, food scientists, biologists, dentists, archaeologists, etc. The choice of two-dimensional approaches can expand the power of chromatographic techniques, either in heart-cut or comprehensive modes. In this Special Issue, the Guest Editors invited analytical chemists to prove that their separation technique is the ultimate analytical tool.
Abiotic Stress of Crops
Climate change and adverse soil conditions impose substantial abiotic stress on crops, presenting a major challenge to agricultural productivity and global food security. Advances in molecular genetics and genomics have enabled extensive genetic analysis and crop improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing abiotic stress tolerance, leading to significant achievements. This reprint comprises 13 articles focusing on abiotic stress in crops, including 10 research studies that investigate the response mechanisms of wheat, rice, maize, cotton, common bean, and Kentucky Bluegrass to various stresses (such as drought, heat, frost, salinity, and cadmium contamination), along with three review articles that synthesize research and technological advances in improving abiotic stress tolerance. These contributions provide key insights and a molecular foundation for molecular breeding and improvement of crops with enhanced abiotic stress tolerance.
Computational Approaches
This Special Issue is a collection of research articles in which computational methods were utilized for the development of new drugs, or the repurposing of an old drug for the treatment of new diseases. Moreover, these approaches helped to predict the metabolic fate of a drug candidate and to highlight the potential toxicity of the drug candidate, reducing the number of compounds to be tested. Virtual screening and machine learning tools were revealed to be of great interest in the field of pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacology, chemical biology, and bioinformatics.
Abiotic Stress of Crops
Environmental factors represent critical constraints on agricultural productivity. Abiotic stresses, including drought, heat, freezing, and salinity, driven by climate change, significantly reduce agricultural crop yields. Consequently, plants have evolved a diverse array of defense mechanisms to mitigate these stresses. Investigating the core regulatory genes implicated in plant stress tolerance and deciphering their underlying molecular mechanism establishes a critical theoretical framework for breeding stress-resistant crops. Advances in high-throughput genomic technologies, coupled with the availability of high-quality reference genomes for a wide range of crops, has substantially accelerated the identification of stress-resistant genes. This Reprint presents twelve research articles that investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying crop stress adaptation, including detailed analyses of drought, heat, freezing, and salinity responses in key species such as wheat, rice, maize, soybean, tomato, zanthoxylum, and alfalfa. Collectively, these investigations offer valuable genetic resources and molecular insights to support molecular breeding and genome-wide selection strategies in agriculture.
Disease Epidemiology in Farm Animal Production
Infections are estimated to be the leading source of economic losses in livestock globally, having the largest influence on animal growth performance (such as intestinal and respiratory infections) or fertility (pathogens that can cause reproductive abnormalities). Moreover, some viruses and bacteria can cause zoonotic diseases, endangering both human and animal health. Epidemiological studies and continuous surveillance are crucial for gaining fresh insights into the features and the status of infections. This Special Issue has focused on the epidemiology of pathogens with an impact on the livestock industry (including, but not limited to molecular and serological investigations), as well as original research that has provided an overview of advances in the prevention and control of infectious diseases in livestock such as cattle, small ruminants, pigs, buffalo, and others.
Small-Molecule Modulators Targeting Emerging Therapeutic Pathways
This Reprint presents a focused collection of recent research articles and reviews on small molecule modulators targeting emerging therapeutic pathways. The contributions highlight current advances in medicinal chemistry and chemical biology, integrating molecular design, synthesis, and biological evaluation to address complex disease mechanisms. Several studies report small molecules that modulate key signaling pathways, overcome therapeutic resistance, and promote regulated cell death, particularly in cancer models. Structural and mechanistic investigations provide molecular-level insights into target engagement, including enzyme and proteasome inhibition, supporting structure-guided drug design. Other contributions combine biophysical methods, computational modeling, and functional assays to clarify mechanisms of action and guide optimization.The Reprint also includes studies on immune and inflammatory modulation, studies on metabolic and lipid signaling regulation, and updated reviews on naturally derived inhibitors and hypoxia-responsive compounds. Together, these works emphasize multidisciplinary approaches and biological relevance in small molecule research. Overall, this Reprint reflects current trends in pathway-oriented therapeutic development and serves as a valuable reference for researchers in drug discovery, chemical biology, and pharmacological sciences.
Women's Special Issue Series
The scientific community has long recognized that diversity fosters innovation and progress. Over recent decades, women have increasingly contributed to entomological research, enriching the field with new perspectives and approaches. Nevertheless, despite representing 40-50% of doctoral graduates, women remain underrepresented in academic and institutional positions and are often underemployed. This Special Issue of Insects, entitled "Women's Special Issue Series: Insects", celebrates the scientific achievements of women who have shaped and continue to shape insect science. By highlighting their contributions, the initiative emphasizes the importance of equity, inclusion, and collaboration as drivers of scientific advancement and aims to promote a more balanced and supportive research community. The papers included demonstrate the breadth and excellence of women-led research across insect science. Topics range from molecular biology and genetics, addressing gene expression, adaptation, and responses to chemical stressors, to ecology and conservation, focusing on species distribution, habitat connectivity, and biodiversity. Overall, this Special Issue illustrates how women-led entomological research continues to expand the frontiers of knowledge, advancing both fundamental science and applied solutions with clear societal relevance.
Molecular Mechanisms of Tumor Progression and New Therapeutic Strategies for Urological Cancers, 2nd Edition
Urological tumors include malignancies of the bladder, prostate, kidney, upper urinary tract, and germ cells, among others. Their incidence has increased markedly over the past four decades, and together they account for a substantial proportion of cancers worldwide-up to one third of all malignancies in men. The diversity of their pathogenetic mechanisms and the complexity of their diagnostic and therapeutic management continue to pose major challenges in clinical practice. Treatment selection depends on multiple factors, including tumor grade and stage, with current options encompassing surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and systemic therapies. In recent years, the therapeutic landscape of urological tumors has evolved significantly with the introduction of immunotherapy and targeted treatments. Nevertheless, a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying tumor progression and therapy resistance remains essential for developing novel strategies and optimizing patient outcomes within the framework of precision medicine.This Reprint of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences brings together original research and review articles addressing the molecular mechanisms driving tumor progression and resistance to current therapies, the identification of prognostic and predictive biomarkers, and the exploration of new therapeutic strategies for urological cancers.
Pasture-Associated Poisoning in Grazing Animals
Grasslands consist of a wide variety of plant species, among which poisonous plants are commonly found. Herbivores generally neglect most toxic plants for several reasons, including low palatability. However, some poisonous plants or fruits are readily consumed, while the repellence of others may be reduced under environmental conditions such as drought or withering. Among toxic plants, invasive and exotic species represent a major and increasing threat to grazing animals.This Special Issue brings together current knowledge on plant-related poisoning in grazing animals, with a strong emphasis on real-world exposure scenarios. It addresses circumstances of intoxication, clinical signs, diagnostic approaches, mechanisms of action, and the identification of toxins and their metabolites.Collectively, the contributions provide updated information on pasture-associated poisoning in grazing animals, with a particular focus on horses and cattle.
Metal-Based Nanoparticles' Biological Activity and Pharmaceutical Applications
Nanoparticles have been the subject of numerous studies owing to their physicochemical characteristics. How metal-based nanoparticles interact with cells, as well as their structures and cellular metabolites, is of particular importance in their applications as drug carriers and in the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases. In this collection of papers, the biological properties of the metal-based nanoparticles are evaluated, including their antibacterial and cytotoxic effects and redox activity.The evaluation of the bacterial activity applies traditional microbiological assays to test the bactericidal effect against some of the most common Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Cytotoxicity is commonly expressed by viability, which can be estimated from measured cellular endpoints determined in colorimetric standard endpoint assays, but also by the kinetics of the cytotoxic response. The compounds with cytotoxic effects often damage the permeability and structure of the cell membrane and/or cell metabolism. Redox activity is often measured by the effects on oxidative stress. The free radical reactions and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are vital metabolic responses that ensure the body's homeostasis, functional activity, and adaptation. Any changes in ROS levels or their metabolism are particularly informative; their imbalance is a universal mechanism and cause for the development of diseases.
Enhancing Shelf Life of Food Products
This Special Issue titled 'Enhancing Shelf Life of Food Products: Strategies, Challenges and Innovations' focuses on cutting-edge approaches to extend the shelf life of food products while preserving their quality, safety, and nutritional properties. The reprint compiles a selection of original research and review papers addressing the complex interplay between formulation strategies, processing technologies, packaging solutions, and storage conditions. Special attention is given to the effects of advanced and sustainable packaging technologies, natural antimicrobial agents, bioactive compounds, and intelligent packaging systems in mitigating oxidative and microbial deterioration. The collection also explores consumer-driven innovations and regulatory perspectives related to food preservation, aiming to support the transition toward more sustainable, safe, and high-quality food production systems. By gathering contributions from international experts, this Special Issue provides an interdisciplinary overview of current trends and future directions in food shelf life enhancement.
Biomolecules and Materials Based Approaches in Biomedical Field
The Special Issue provides an overview of the state of the art of biomolecule- and material-based strategies in contemporary biomedical research. It brings together recent advances that demonstrate how biomolecules and innovative materials are being applied to improve biomedical diagnostics, therapeutics, pharmaceutics, and drug delivery systems. The Special Issue includes five original research articles and three systematic reviews that collectively consolidate current knowledge across different but interconnected research areas. The published contributions address topics ranging from biochemical and genetic markers of bone fragility and vitamin D deficiency to the role of ferroptosis in neurological disorders, nanomaterial-based biosensors for DNA immobilization, and advanced analytical methods for metabolic disease screening. Additional studies explore the effects of gut hormones on beta cell function and metabolic regulation, the expression of sarcoglycans beyond muscle tissue, biomolecule-driven coacervation processes, and modern approaches in soft-tissue reconstruction and vascularized adipose engineering. Overall, this Special issue highlights the growing impact of biomolecule- and material-based approaches as powerful tools that are reshaping biomedical science and accelerating translational applications from basic research to clinical practice.
