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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Feature Papers in Synthetic Biology and Systems Biology 2024
edited by
submission deadline 27 Feb 2026 | 1 articles | Viewed by 1417 | Submission Open
Keywords: design and construction of synthetic biological systems; innovations in the creation of synthetic organisms; genetic circuits; and biomolecular devices; bottom-up synthetic biology; cell-free synthetic biology; tissue engineering and organoids; bioorthogonal parts; devices; systems; microcompartmentalized systems with soft or hard interfaces; theoretical considerations about synthetic biology; synthetic biology intersection with systems chemistry and bioorganic chemistry; computational modeling and simulation of biological processes; advances in computational tools and models that enhance our understanding of biological processes and systems; metabolic engineering and synthetic pathways; development of novel approaches for the production of biofuels; pharmaceuticals; and other valuable compounds; synthetic biology for approaching evolutionary problems; artificial evolution and in vitro evolution; optogenetics and related techniques; gene editing technologies; applications; and developments; education in synthetic and systems biology; cutting-edge techniques and applications of CRISPR and other gene editing tools; systems biology approaches to understanding complex biological networks; mathematical aspects of systems biology approaches; artificial photosynthesis; applications of synthetic biology in medicine; agriculture; and industry; practical applications of synthetic and systems biology in various sectors; including healthcare; agriculture; and industrial biotechnology; ethical; legal; and social implications of synthetic and systems biology; exploration of the broader implications of advancements in synthetic and systems biology; including ethical considerations and regulatory challenges and social implications
(This special issue belongs to the Section Synthetic Biology and Systems Biology)
What Is Life?—2nd Edition
edited by and André Brack
submission deadline 27 Feb 2026 | Viewed by 101 | 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
Advances in Plant Biotechnology and Molecular Breeding
edited by Serik Eliby, Nikolai Borisjuk and
submission deadline 27 Feb 2026 | Viewed by 13 | Submission Open
Keywords: doubled haploidy; genetic engineering; genome editing; genomics; marker-assisted selection; molecular breeding; molecular markers; plant biotechnology
(This special issue belongs to the Section Plant Science)
Innovative Applications of Extracellular Vesicles: From Diagnostics to Drug Delivery
edited by Alessandra Lo Cicero
submission deadline 28 Feb 2026 | 3 articles | Viewed by 5684 | Submission Open
Keywords: extracellular vesicles; exosomes; cancer; cardiovascular diseases; neurodegenerative diseases; biomarkers; diagnostics; cell-cell communication; drug delivery; therapeutics
(This special issue belongs to the Section Physiology and Pathology)
Recent Insights in the Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, Prognosis and Treatment of Glomerular Disorders
edited by Adrian Constantin Covic and
submission deadline 28 Feb 2026 | 5 articles | Viewed by 4751 | Submission Open
Keywords: glomerular disorders; pathology; kidney biopsy; immunology; immunosuppresion; vasculitis
(This special issue belongs to the Section Medical Research)
Atherosclerosis: Pathogenesis, Clinical Advances and Future Perspectives submission deadline 28 Feb 2026 | 2 articles | Viewed by 1729 | Submission Open
Keywords: atherosclerosis; cardiovascular risk; hypercholesterolemia; hypertension; inflammation; cardiovascular prevention
(This special issue belongs to the Section Medical Research)
Advances in Novel Biomarkers and Emerging Immune/Targeted Therapies in Solid Tumors
edited by and Liang Lu
submission deadline 28 Feb 2026 | Viewed by 284 | Submission Open
Keywords: solid tumor; biomarker; molecular targets; tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs); immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs); oncogenic driver mutation; acquired resistance; precision oncology; cancer; next-generation sequence
(This special issue belongs to the Section Medical Research)
Advances in Veterinary Infectious Diseases: Pathogenesis, Diagnostics, and Control Strategies
edited by
submission deadline 28 Feb 2026 | Viewed by 71 | Submission Open
Keywords: veterinary infectious diseases; zoonoses; animal health; pathogen transmission; vaccine development; immunology; antiviral strategies; emerging pathogens; diagnostic tools; public health
(This special issue belongs to the Section Animal Science)
Decoding Hematologic Malignancies by Clinical Cytometry: From Diagnosis to Precision Medicine
edited by Yijie Liu and Huanbin Zhao
submission deadline 28 Feb 2026 | Viewed by 71 | Submission Open
Keywords: hematologic malignancies; diagnostic advancements; minimal/measurable residual disease (MRD) monitoring; emerging technologies; translational applications
(This special issue belongs to the Section Medical Research)
New Updates in Adipocytes and Adipose Tissue—3rd Edition submission deadline 28 Feb 2026 | Viewed by 39 | Submission Open
Keywords: adipose tissue; obesity; inflammation; thermogenesis; adipokines; insulin resistance
(This special issue belongs to the Section Physiology and Pathology)
Regulation of Cellular Signaling Pathways in the Metabolic Syndrome
edited by Robert H. Newman and Danielle L. Schmitt
submission deadline 28 Feb 2026 | Viewed by 38 | Submission Open
Keywords: metabolic syndrome (MetS); cellular signaling pathways; insulin signaling and resistance; nutrient-sensing pathways; inflammation and immune signaling
(This special issue belongs to the Section Physiology and Pathology)
Neuromodulation and Motor Skill Enhancement: Prospective Applications
edited by and Davin R. Greenwell
submission deadline 28 Feb 2026 | Viewed by 28 | Submission Open
Keywords: non-invasive brain stimulation; tDCS; tACS; neuroplasticity; motor skill learning
(This special issue belongs to the Section Physiology and Pathology)
Structural Biology: Mechanisms, Technologies, and Insights
edited by , and Hoa Nguyen
submission deadline 28 Feb 2026 | Viewed by 24 | Submission Open
Keywords: protein structure; allosteric regulation; protein dynamics; structure-guided therapeutics; structural methodology
(This special issue belongs to the Section Biochemistry, Biophysics and Computational Biology)
Exploring New Approaches to Disease Treatment with Attenuated Salmonella
edited by
submission deadline 28 Feb 2026 | Viewed by 14 | Submission Open
Keywords: attenuated salmonella; vaccine development; bacterial therapy; cancer immunotherapy; targeted drug delivery
(This special issue belongs to the Section Microbiology)
Osteoarthritis: New Insights into Mechanisms, Diagnosis, Therapy and Management
edited by Tommaso Greco and
submission deadline 1 Mar 2026 | Viewed by 8 | Submission Open
Keywords: osteoarthritis; joint degeneration; artificial intelligence; 3D printing; augmented reality; arthroplasty; joint replacement; disease-modifying therapies
(This special issue belongs to the Section Medical Research)
Evolutionary and Conservation Genetics: 3rd Edition
edited by and Ilenia Azzena
submission deadline 15 Mar 2026 | 3 articles | Viewed by 4695 | Submission Open
Keywords: evolutionary genetics; population genetics; conservation genetics; phylogeography; phylogenetics; phylodynamics; molecular taxonomy
(This special issue belongs to the Section Evolutionary Biology)
Advances in Substance Abuse and Addiction—2nd Edition
edited by , and Chieh-Liang Huang
submission deadline 18 Mar 2026 | Viewed by 5 | Submission Open
Keywords: addiction medicine; opioid pharmacology; substance abuse; addictive disorder intervention
(This special issue belongs to the Section Pharmaceutical Science)
Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation and Acute Stroke: Prevention and Management
edited by Luca Masotti
submission deadline 18 Mar 2026 | Viewed by 4 | Submission Open
Keywords: atrial fibrillation; acute ischemic stroke; intracerebral hemorrhage; direct oral anticoagulants; vitamin K antagonists; reversal therapy; tenecteplase; alteplase; intravenous thrombolysis; mechanical thrombectomy; left atrial appendage occlusion; embolic stroke of undetermined source; ECG monitoring
(This special issue belongs to the Section Medical Research)
Towards Resilient Seas: Marine Biodiversity and Ecological Functioning in a Changing Ocean
edited by and Dorka Cobián-Rojas
submission deadline 20 Mar 2026 | Viewed by 268 | Submission Open
Keywords: marine conservation; ecosystem-based management; biodiversity; climate change adaptation; restoration process; ecological connectivity
(This special issue belongs to the Section Diversity and Ecology)
Cereal Production Systems: Climate-Fertilizer-Crop Yield Dynamics submission deadline 20 Mar 2026 | Viewed by 8 | Submission Open
Keywords: cereals; climate; preceding crop; fertilization; grain yield; grain quality; straw yield; soil health; soil chemistry and biology; yield stability; mineral fertilizers; organic manures; tillage
(This special issue belongs to the Section Plant Science)
Green Medicine: Unraveling the Medicinal Effects of Plant Extracts and Functional Foods submission deadline 24 Mar 2026 | 13 articles | Viewed by 23036 | Submission Open
Keywords: plant extracts; phytochemicals; inflammation; obesity; liver disease; oxidative stress; antioxidants; diabetes; skin damage; aging
(This special issue belongs to the Section Pharmaceutical Science)
Therapeutic Innovations from Plants and Their Bioactive Extracts
edited by and Annamária Pallag
submission deadline 26 Mar 2026 | Viewed by 40 | Submission Open
Keywords: herbals; plant extracts; phytochemicals; polyphenols; anthocyanins; natural compounds isolation; herbal extract characterization; bioactive extracts preparation; oxidative stress; apoptosis; inflammation; dermatitis; psoriasis; diabetes mellitus; neurodegenerative disorders; CNS diseases; new target molecules; animal models; clinical studies
(This special issue belongs to the Section Pharmaceutical Science)
Novel Therapeutics for Musculoskeletal Disorders
edited by and Giulia Letizia Mauro
submission deadline 26 Mar 2026 | Viewed by 36 | Submission Open
Keywords: osteoarthritis; osteoporosis; bone; arthropathy; joint; pain; lower back pain
(This special issue belongs to the Section Medical Research)
From Stem Cells to Embryos, Congenital Anomalies and Epidemiology
edited by , Soultana Meditskou and
submission deadline 30 Mar 2026 | 8 articles | Viewed by 20914 | Submission Open
Keywords: stem cell research; human embryonic development; birth defects epidemiology; birth defects prevalence; maternal and fetal medicine; congenital anomalies prevention; ultrasound evaluation; pre-birth assessment; prenatal screening; healthcare
(This special issue belongs to the Section Epidemiology)
Innovative Perspectives in Physical Therapy and Health submission deadline 30 Mar 2026 | 7 articles | Viewed by 7419 | Submission Open
Keywords: physical therapy; health; pain management; musculoskeletal disorders; ultrasonography; rehabilitation; innovative therapies
(This special issue belongs to the Section Medical Research)
Applications of EEG in Neural Rehabilitation: 2nd Edition submission deadline 30 Mar 2026 | 2 articles | Viewed by 6767 | Submission Open
Keywords: neurorehabilitation; neuroplasticity; EEG; ERPs; qEEG; EEG mediated patient-therapist interaction; BCI; exoskeleton; cognitive rehabilitation; brain rewiring
(This special issue belongs to the Section Radiobiology and Nuclear Medicine)
Critical Issues in Intensive Care Medicine
edited by
submission deadline 30 Mar 2026 | 4 articles | Viewed by 4485 | Submission Open
Keywords: critical issues; intensive care; co-morbidities in ICUs; new technology issues in ICUs; hospital-acquired infections; end of life
(This special issue belongs to the Section Medical Research)
Eye Diseases: Diagnosis and Treatment, 3rd Edition
edited by and Laura De Diego-García
submission deadline 30 Mar 2026 | 4 articles | Viewed by 4434 | Submission Open
Keywords: ocular treatment; ocular diseases; retina; anterior eye; posterior eye; ocular biomarkers
(This special issue belongs to the Section Medical Research)
Advances in the Treatment of Pulmonary Hypertension and Pulmonary Embolism submission deadline 30 Mar 2026 | 2 articles | Viewed by 3797 | Submission Open
Keywords: pulmonary hypertension; pulmonary embolism; therapy; cardiac imaging; artificial intelligence
(This special issue belongs to the Section Medical Research)
Advances and Applications of Neuroimaging in Brain Disorder
edited by Julio Plata-Bello
submission deadline 30 Mar 2026 | 1 articles | Viewed by 1303 | Submission Open
Keywords: neuroimaging; magnetic resonance imaging; positron emission tomography; near infrared spectroscopy; brain; dementia; schizophrenia; depression; brain tumors; multiple sclerosis; autism
(This special issue belongs to the Section Radiobiology and Nuclear Medicine)
Microvascular and Macrovascular Response in Healthy and Critically Ill
edited by Andrius Pranskunas and
submission deadline 30 Mar 2026 | 2 articles | Viewed by 1297 | Submission Open
Keywords: microcirculation; glycocalyx; peripheral perfusion; systemic hemodynamic; body temperature; dynamic maneuvers; remote ischemic conditioning; exercise; adaptation
(This special issue belongs to the Section Physiology and Pathology)
Gut Microbes Associating with the Host
edited by and
submission deadline 30 Mar 2026 | 1 articles | Viewed by 1268 | Submission Open
Keywords: gut microbes; microbiome; animals; nutrition
(This special issue belongs to the Section Microbiology)
Innovations, Utilization, and Safety of Psychiatric Drugs: Current Trends and Future Directions
edited by Josipa Bukić
submission deadline 30 Mar 2026 | 1 articles | Viewed by 1008 | Submission Open
Keywords: psychiatric diseases; psychiatric medicine; psychiatric pharmacotherapy; psychiatric drugs
(This special issue belongs to the Section Pharmaceutical Science)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Clinical, Epidemiological, and Molecular Bases
edited by
submission deadline 30 Mar 2026 | 1 articles | Viewed by 739 | Submission Open
Keywords: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; COPD; emphysema; chronic bronchitis
(This special issue belongs to the Section Medical Research)
Biological Insights into Drug Safety for Vulnerable Populations submission deadline 30 Mar 2026 | Viewed by 264 | Submission Open
Keywords: drug safety; vulnerable populations; pharmacotherapy; drug metabolism and efficacy; pediatric medication safety; drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
(This special issue belongs to the Section Pharmaceutical Science)
Recent Advances in Non-Invasive Diagnosis Based on Volatile Metabolites
edited by Kiran Sankar Maiti
submission deadline 30 Mar 2026 | Viewed by 234 | Submission Open
Keywords: volatile metabolites; breath analysis; headspace analysis; biofluids; non-invasive; diagnosis
(This special issue belongs to the Section Medical Research)
Effects of Exercise Training on Muscle Function—2nd Edition
edited by Marco Duca and
submission deadline 30 Mar 2026 | Viewed by 9 | Submission Open
Keywords: exercise; training; muscle function; resistance training; HIIT
(This special issue belongs to the Section Physiology and Pathology)
Livestock Genomics: Decoding Complex Traits Through Network Biology
edited by Ikhide Imumorin, and Olanrewaju B. Morenikeji
submission deadline 31 Mar 2026 | Viewed by 58 | Submission Open
Keywords: network biology; systems biology; computational genomics; complex phenotypes; economic traits; livestock improvement; molecular genetics
(This special issue belongs to the Section Animal Science)
Vision Science and Optometry: 2nd Edition submission deadline 31 Mar 2026 | Viewed by 53 | Submission Open
Keywords: clinical optometry; eye movements and binocular vision; aberrometry; accommodation; color vision; anterior and posterior pole; circadian light
(This special issue belongs to the Section Medical Research)
The Contribution of Neurogenetics in Disentangling the Pathophysiology of Neurodegenerative Diseases
edited by , Michele Salemi and
submission deadline 31 Mar 2026 | Viewed by 38 | Submission Open
Keywords: neurodegenerative diseases; translational neurogenetics; early diagnosis; prevention; therapies; clinical practice; advanced genetic techniques; outcome measures
(This special issue belongs to the Section Physiology and Pathology)
Interdisciplinary Approach to Diabetes Mellitus: From Pathophysiology to Diagnosis and Therapeutic Challenges: 2nd Edition submission deadline 31 Mar 2026 | Viewed by 29 | Submission Open
Keywords: hyperlipidemia; neuropathy; nephropathy; retinopathy; psychological effects; epigenetic imprinting; molecular profiling; glucose control; vascular damage and regeneration; diabetes complications
(This special issue belongs to the Section Physiology and Pathology)
From Vessel to Muscle—An Integrative Approach to Ischemic Heart Disease submission deadline 31 Mar 2026 | Viewed by 27 | Submission Open
Keywords: ischemic heart disease; atherosclerotic plaque features; microvascular dysfunction; coronary vasospasm; percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty; coronary artery bypass grafting; cardiac magnetic resonance imaging; coronary computed tomography angiography
(This special issue belongs to the Section Physiology and Pathology)
Water Pollution Solutions: From Ecological Risk Assessment to Biological Restoration
edited by Lei Wang
submission deadline 31 Mar 2026 | Viewed by 21 | Submission Open
Keywords: water pollution; emerging contaminants; biological restoration; ecological risk assessment; microbial bioremediation; phytoremediation; aquatic ecosystem restoration; bio-based technologies; biomimetic technologies
(This special issue belongs to the Section Diversity and Ecology)
Stem Cell Biology, Tissue Formation, Cell Plasticity and Regenerative Medicine
edited by
submission deadline 31 Mar 2026 | Viewed by 20 | Submission Open
Keywords: stem cell biology; development and tissue formation; growth; tissue repair and regeneration; cell plasticity; model organisms and systems; clinical translation; regenerative medicine
(This special issue belongs to the Section Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering)
Thyroid and Parathyroid Diseases: Advances in Molecular Imaging
edited by Petra Petranović Ovčariček and
submission deadline 31 Mar 2026 | Viewed by 20 | Submission Open
Keywords: thyroid cancer; parathyroid imaging; hyperparathyroidism; benign thyroid diseases; molecular imaging; radioactive iodine; radioiodine-refractory thyroid cancer; theranostics
(This special issue belongs to the Section Medical Research)
New Advances in Natural Product Research for Drug Discovery and Therapeutics submission deadline 31 Mar 2026 | Viewed by 19 | Submission Open
Keywords: plant extract; natural Product; biological activity; chemical profiling; drug discovery; clinical applications
(This special issue belongs to the Section Plant Science)
Fatty Liver Disease: From Molecular Mechanisms to Novel Therapeutics
edited by Stephen Malnick
submission deadline 31 Mar 2026 | Viewed by 7 | Submission Open
Keywords: fatty liver disease; metabolic-associated liver disease-MAFLD; alcoholic liver disease; non-alcoholic steatohepatitis; alcohol and COVID-19; cytokine storm; microbiome
New Horizons of Adipose Tissue Disorders: From Hormonal Issues to Loose Connective Disease: 2nd Edition
edited by
submission deadline 31 Mar 2026 | Viewed by 4 | Submission Open
Keywords: adipose tissue; lipedema; lymphedema; obesity; matrix; vascular and lymphatic disorder; connective tissue diseases; dysbiosis; inflammation; pain
(This special issue belongs to the Section Medical Research)
New Treatment Options for Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer and Gastrointestinal Cancer
edited by Lydia Meder and Anna M. Dmitrieva
submission deadline 31 Mar 2026 | Viewed by 4 | Submission Open
Keywords: non-small cell lung cancer; gastrointestinal cancer; metastasis; molecular mechanisms; targeted therapy; immunotherapy; chemotherapy; vaccines; cancer treatment
(This special issue belongs to the Section Medical Research)
Neurodegenerative Diseases: From Risk Factors to Treatments
edited by
submission deadline 28 Apr 2026 | Viewed by 44 | Submission Open
Keywords: immune regulation (e.g.; chronic inflammation) of NDs; cardiocerebral vascular disease and NDs; the effects of emotional and affective dimensions on cognitive reserve decline; the multidimensional screening of NDs; the interventions of NDs; gene polymorphism on the efficacy of pharmacological treatments in NDs; cognitive and functional rehabilitation for patients with NDs; technology innovation in the integrated approach to the patients with NDs
(This special issue belongs to the Section Medical Research)
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