Life | Special Issues

Life publishes Special Issues to create collections of papers on specific topics, with the aim of building a community of authors and readers to discuss the latest research and develop new ideas and research directions. Special Issues are led by Guest Editors, who are experts on the topic and all Special Issue submissions follow MDPI's standard editorial process. The journal’s Editor-in-Chief and/or designated Editorial Board Member will oversee Guest Editor appointments and Special Issue proposals, checking their content for relevance and ensuring the suitability of the material for the journal. The papers published in a Special Issue will be collected and displayed on a dedicated page of the journal’s website. Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies and Guest Editor responsibilities can be found here. For any inquiries related to a Special Issue, please contact the Editorial Office.

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Exploring the Mechanisms of the Effects of Microplastics and Nanomaterials on Biological Physiological Functions

edited by Yung-Li Wang

submission deadline 31 Jan 2026 | Viewed by 20 | Submission Open

Keywords: microplastics; nanomaterials; environmental toxicology; oxidative stress; physiological function

(This special issue belongs to the Section Physiology and Pathology)

Microbiome–Gut–Brain Connections: New Windows into Health and Disease

edited by

Yating Wan

and Qi Su

submission deadline 31 Jan 2026 | Viewed by 8 | Submission Open

Keywords: gut microbes; gut– brain axis; neuroscience

(This special issue belongs to the Section Microbiology)

Current Challenges in Human Space Flight

edited by

Larry D. Sanford

and

Richard A. Britten

submission deadline 20 Feb 2026 | 4 articles | Viewed by 10789 | Submission Open

Keywords: cognition; microgravity; sleep; stress; Martian and lunar dust; neural stem cells and progenitors

(This special issue belongs to the Section Astrobiology)

Oral Health: Microbial Dynamics and Antibiotic Stewardship

edited by Kristina Peroš

submission deadline 26 Feb 2026 | Viewed by 27 | Submission Open

Keywords: oral health; oral microbiota; microbial dynamics; antibiotic stewardship

(This special issue belongs to the Section Microbiology)

Biomechanics of Aging

edited by

Márcio Fagundes Goethel

and

Filipa Sousa

submission deadline 26 Feb 2026 | Viewed by 27 | Submission Open

Keywords: aging; biomechanics; musculoskeletal; gait; balance; falls; exercise; assistive devices

(This special issue belongs to the Section Physiology and Pathology)

Skin Aging and Dermatosis

edited by Edwin Lephart and Zoe D. Draelos

submission deadline 26 Feb 2026 | Viewed by 19 | Submission Open

Keywords: skin aging; chronological dermal aging; photo-aging; hormone therapy; menopause; estrogen-deficient skin; dermatosis; skin conditions

(This special issue belongs to the Section Medical Research)

The Link Between Food Safety and Microbiology

edited by

Babak Pakbin

submission deadline 26 Feb 2026 | Viewed by 15 | Submission Open

Keywords: food safety; food microbiology; beneficial microbes; food preservation; food safety enhancement

What Is Life?—2nd Edition

edited by

Jacques Fantini

and André Brack

submission deadline 27 Feb 2026 | Viewed by 58 | Submission Open

Keywords: definition of life; origins of life; artificial intelligence; alphafold; synthetic biology; theoretical biology; quantum biology; water; time; and space; membrane systems; electrostatic potential; DNA; RNA; epigenetics; mutations; molecular interactions; chirality; artificial intelligence and life processes; early evolution of life; coevolution

Recent Insights in the Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, Prognosis and Treatment of Glomerular Disorders

edited by Adrian Constantin Covic and

Gener Ismail

submission deadline 28 Feb 2026 | 4 articles | Viewed by 3188 | Submission Open

Keywords: glomerular disorders; pathology; kidney biopsy; immunology; immunosuppresion; vasculitis

(This special issue belongs to the Section Medical Research)

Advances in Skin-Related Disease: Pathogenesis and Novel Therapeutic Strategies

edited by