Search Results (5,211)

The global rise in antimicrobial resistance poses a major threat to public health, with multidrug-resistant bacterial infections expected to surpass cancer in mortality by 2050. As traditional antibiotic pipelines stagnate, novel therapeutic alternatives are critically needed. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), particularly those derived from marine organisms, have emerged as promising antimicrobial candidates due to their broad-spectrum activity, structural diversity, and distinctive mechanisms of action. Unlike conventional antibiotics, AMPs can disrupt microbial membranes, inhibit biofilm formation, and even modulate immune responses, making them highly effective against resistant bacteria. This review highlights the potential of marine AMPs as next-generation therapeutics, emphasizing their efficacy against multidrug-resistant pathogens and biofilm-associated infections. Furthermore, marine AMPs show promise in combating persister cells and disrupting quorum sensing pathways, offering new strategies for tackling chronic infections. Despite their potential, challenges such as production scalability and limited clinical validation remain; nevertheless, the use of new technologies and bioinformatic tools is accelerating the discovery and optimization of these peptides, paving the way for bypassing these challenges. This review consolidates current findings on marine AMPs, advocating for their continued exploration as viable tools in the fight against antimicrobial resistance. Full article

Broth cooking is a traditional pretreatment and ripening strategy for high-commercial-value dehydrated marine food, effectively enhancing its texture and rehydration properties. In this work, we characterized the structural information of Maillard reaction products (MRPs) derived from beef scrap stock and investigated their effects on the texture and rehydration performance of dehydrated abalone. The optical and structural properties of the MRPs were analyzed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and fluorescence spectroscopy. These MRPs showed osmosis in abalone processing including pretreatment and drying. Low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) results revealed that MRP pretreatment improved the moisture migration and physicochemical properties of dehydrated abalone. These findings suggest that MRPs, owing to their high osmotic efficiency and nanoscale size, could serve as promising food additives and potential alternatives to traditional penetrating agents in the food industry, enhancing the rehydration performance of dried seafood and reducing quality deterioration. Full article

This paper investigates the cultural, spiritual, and ecological use and value of fish by-products in the material practices of Alaska Native (Indigenous Peoples are the descendants of the populations who inhabited a geographical region at the time of colonisation and who retain some or all of their own social, economic, cultural, and political institutions. In this paper, I use the terms “Indigenous” and “Native” interchangeably. In some countries, one of these terms may be favoured over the other.) and Greenlandic Inuit women. It aims to uncover how fish remnants—skins, bones, bladders, vertebrae, and otoliths—were transformed through tanning, dyeing, and sewing into garments, containers, tools, oils, glues, and adornments, reflecting sustainable systems of knowledge production rooted in Arctic Indigenous lifeways. Drawing on interdisciplinary methods combining Indigenist research, ethnographic records, and sustainability studies, the research contextualises these practices within broader environmental, spiritual, and social frameworks. The findings demonstrate that fish-based technologies were not merely utilitarian but also carried symbolic meanings, linking wearers to ancestral spirits, animal kin, and the marine environment. These traditions persisted even after European contact and the introduction of glass trade beads, reflecting continuity and cultural adaptability. The paper contributes to academic discourse on Indigenous innovation and environmental humanities by offering a culturally grounded model of zero-waste practice and reciprocal ecology. It argues that such ancestral technologies are directly relevant to contemporary sustainability debates in fashion and material design. By documenting these underexamined histories, the study provides valuable insight into Indigenous resilience and offers a critical framework for integrating Indigenous knowledge systems into current sustainability practices. Full article

Climate change is disrupting marine ecosystems, necessitating a deeper understanding of environmental and fishing-related impacts on exploited species. This study examines the effects of physical factors (temperature, thermal anomalies, salinity, seabed conditions), biogeochemical elements (pH, oxygen levels, nutrients, primary production), and fishing pressure on the biomass of commercially important species in the Alboran Sea from 1999 to 2022. Data were sourced from the Copernicus observational program, focusing on the geographical sub-area 1 (GSA-1) zone across three depth ranges. Generalized Additive Models were applied for analysis. Rising temperatures and seasonal anomalies have largely negative effects, disrupting species’ physiological balance. Changes in water quality, including improved nutrient and oxygen concentrations, have yielded complex ecological responses. Fishing indices highlight the vulnerability of small pelagic fish to climate change and overfishing, underscoring their economic and ecological significance. These findings stress the urgent need for ecosystem-based management strategies that integrate climate change impacts to ensure sustainable marine resource management. Full article

Nudibranchs have garnered increasing interest in biomedical research due to their complex chemical defense mechanisms, many of which are derived from their diet, including sponges, cnidarians, tunicates, and algae. Their remarkable ability to sequester dietary toxins and synthesize secondary metabolites positions them as a promising source of biologically active compounds with potential therapeutic applications, particularly in oncology. This study aimed to review and summarize the available literature on the bioactive potential of nudibranch-derived compounds, focusing mainly on their antitumor properties. Although research in this area is still limited, recent studies have identified alkaloids and terpenoids isolated from species such as Dolabella auricularia, Jorunna funebris, Dendrodoris fumata, and members of the genus Phyllidia. These compounds exhibit notable cytotoxic activity against human cancer cell lines, including those from colon (HCT-116, HT-29, SW-480), lung (A549), and breast (MCF7) cancer. These findings suggest that compounds derived from nudibranchs could serve as scaffolds for the development of more effective and selective anticancer therapies. In conclusion, nudibranchs represent a valuable yet underexplored resource for antitumor drug discovery, with significant potential to contribute to the development of novel cancer treatments. Full article

Virginia’s coastal location and abundant marine resources make its seafood industry a vital contributor to the state’s economy, supporting both local communities and tourism. This study applied input–output models and updates the economic contributions of the Virginia seafood industry using 2023 data, building on models developed for 2019 that capture both direct effects and broader economic ripple effects. In 2023, the industry generated USD 1.27 billion in total economic output and supported over 6500 jobs—including watermen, aquaculture farmers, processors, and distributors—resulting in USD 238.3 million in labor income. Contributions to state GDP totaled USD 976.7 million, and tax revenues exceeded USD 390.4 million. The study also evaluates the economic role of Virginia seafood products sold in retail stores and restaurants, based on secondary data sources. In 2023, these sectors generated USD 458 million in economic output, supported more than 3600 jobs, produced USD 136.7 million in labor income, and USD 280.8 million in value-added. Combined tax contributions surpassed USD 74 million. Importantly, the analysis results for the Virginia seafood products from retail and restaurant should not be summed to the seafood industry totals to avoid double-counting, as seafood products move as output from one sector as an input to another. These results provide evidence-based insights to guide decision-making, inform stakeholders, and support continued investment in Virginia’s seafood supply chain and related economic activities. Full article

Animal protein production represents a complex system of lives transformed into nutrition, with profound ethical and environmental implications. This study provides a quantitative analysis of animal lives required to produce human-consumable protein across major food production systems. Categorizing animal lives based on cognitive complexity and accounting for all lives involved in production, including direct harvests, reproductive animals, and feed species, reveals dramatic variations in protein efficiency. The analysis considers two categories of animal life: complex-cognitive lives (e.g., mammals, birds, cephalopods) and pain-capable lives (e.g., fish, crustaceans). Calculating protein yield per life demonstrates efficiency differences spanning more than five orders of magnitude, from 2 g per complex-cognitive life for baby octopus to 390,000 g per life for bovine dairy systems. Key findings expose disparities between terrestrial and marine protein production. Terrestrial systems involving mammals and birds show higher protein yields and exclusively involve complex-cognitive lives, while marine systems rely predominantly on pain-capable lives across complex food chains. Dairy production emerges as the most efficient system. Aquaculture systems reveal complex dynamics, with farmed carnivorous fish requiring hundreds of feed fish lives to produce protein, compared to omnivorous species that demonstrate improved efficiency. Beyond quantitative analysis, this research provides a framework for understanding the ethical and ecological dimensions of protein production, offering insights for potential systemic innovations. Full article

Background/Objectives: Most snakebite incidents in Latin America are caused by species of the Bothrops genus. Their venom induces severe local effects, against which antivenom therapy has limited efficacy. Metabolites derived from Coffea arabica have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant properties, suggesting their potential as therapeutic agents to inhibit the local effects induced by B. asper venom. Methods: Three enzymatic assays were performed: inhibition of the procoagulant and amidolytic activities of snake venom serine proteinases (SVSPs); inhibition of the proteolytic activity of snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs); and inhibition of the catalytic activity of snake venom phospholipases A₂ (PLA_2s). Additionally, molecular docking studies were conducted to propose potential inhibitory mechanisms of the metabolites chlorogenic acid, caffeine, and caffeic acid. Results: Green and roasted coffee extracts partially inhibited the enzymatic activity of SVSPs and SVMPs. Notably, the green coffee extract, at a 1:20 ratio, effectively inhibited PLA₂ activity. Among the individual metabolites tested, partial inhibition of SVSP and PLA₂ activities was observed, whereas no significant inhibition of SVMP proteolytic activity was detected. Chlorogenic acid was the most effective metabolite, significantly prolonging plasma coagulation time and achieving up to 82% inhibition at a concentration of 62.5 μM. Molecular docking analysis revealed interactions between chlorogenic acid and key active site residues of SVSP and PLA₂ enzymes from B. asper venom. Conclusions: The roasted coffee extract demonstrated the highest inhibitory effect on venom toxins, potentially due to the formation of bioactive compounds during the Maillard reaction. Molecular modeling suggests that the tested inhibitors may bind to and occupy the substrate-binding clefts of the target enzymes. These findings support further in vivo research to explore the use of plant-derived polyphenols as adjuvant therapies in the treatment of snakebite envenoming. Full article

An increasing global population, rising energy demands, and the shift toward a circular bioeconomy are driving the need for more resource-efficient waste management. The increase in the world population—now exceeding 8 billion as of 2024—results in an increased need for alternative proteins, both human and feed grade proteins, as well as for biopolymers and bioenergy. As such, agricultural, forest, and marine waste biomass represent a valuable feedstock for production of food and feed ingredients, biopolymers, and bioenergy. However, the lack of integrated and efficient valorization strategies for these diverse biomass sources remains a major challenge. This literature review aims to give a systematic approach on the recent research status of agricultural, forest, and marine waste biomass valorization, focusing on cascade processing (a sequential combination of processes such as pretreatment, extraction, and conversion methods). Potential products will be identified that create the most economic value over multiple lifetimes, to maximize resource efficiency. It highlights the challenges associated with cascade processing of waste biomass and proposes technological synergies for waste biomass valorization. Moreover, this review will provide a comprehensive understanding of the potential of waste biomass valorization in the context of sustainable and circular bioeconomy. Full article

Plastic pollution is a growing environmental and social concern, particularly in Southeast Asia, where urban rivers serve as key pathways for transporting waste to marine environments. This scoping review examines 110 peer-reviewed studies to understand how plastic pollution in waterways is being researched, addressed, and reconceptualized. Drawing from the literature across environmental science, technology, and social studies, we identify four interconnected areas of focus: urban pollution pathways, innovations in monitoring and methods, community-based interventions, and interdisciplinary perspectives. Our analysis combines qualitative synthesis with visual mapping techniques, including keyword co-occurrence networks, to explore how real-time tools, such as IoT sensors, multi-sensor systems, and geospatial technologies, are transforming the ways plastic waste is tracked and analyzed. The review also considers the growing use of novel theoretical frameworks, such as post-phenomenology and ecological materialism, to better understand the role of plastics as both pollutants and ecological agents. Despite progress, the literature reveals persistent gaps in longitudinal studies, regional representation, and policy translation, particularly across the Global South. We emphasize the value of participatory models and community-led research in bridging these gaps and advancing more inclusive and responsive solutions. These insights inform the development of plastic tracker technologies currently being piloted in Vietnam and contribute to broader sustainability goals, including SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 14 (Life Below Water). Full article

Marine biomass, particularly from waste streams, by-products, underutilized, invasive, or potential cultivable marine species, offers a sustainable source of high-value biopolymers such as collagen and chitin. These macromolecules have gained significant attention due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, functional versatility, and broad applicability across health, food, wellness, and environmental fields. This review highlights recent advances in the uses of marine-derived collagen and chitin/chitosan. In alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we analyze how these applications contribute to sustainability, particularly in SDGs related to responsible consumption and production, good health and well-being, and life below water. Furthermore, we contextualize the advancement of product development using marine collagen and chitin/chitosan within the European Union’s Blue bioeconomy strategies, highlighting trends in scientific research and technological innovation through bibliometric and patent data. Finally, the review addresses challenges facing the development of robust value chains for these marine biopolymers, including collaboration, regulatory hurdles, supply-chain constraints, policy and financial support, education and training, and the need for integrated marine resource management. The paper concludes with recommendations for fostering innovation and sustainability in the valorization of these marine resources. Full article

Hydrogen production is increasingly vital for global decarbonization but remains a water- and energy-intensive process, especially in arid regions. Despite growing attention to its climate benefits, limited research has addressed the environmental impacts of water sourcing. This study employs a life cycle assessment (LCA) approach to evaluate three water supply strategies for hydrogen production: (1) seawater desalination without brine treatment (BT), (2) desalination with partial BT, and (3) freshwater purification. Scenarios are modeled for the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Australia, and Spain, representing diverse electricity mixes and water stress conditions. Both electrolysis and steam methane reforming (SMR) are evaluated as hydrogen production methods. Results show that desalination scenarios contribute substantially to human health and ecosystem impacts due to high energy use and brine discharge. Although partial BT aims to reduce direct marine discharge impacts, its substantial energy demand can offset these benefits by increasing other environmental burdens, such as marine eutrophication, especially in regions reliant on carbon-intensive electricity grids. Freshwater scenarios offer lower environmental impact overall but raise water availability concerns. Across all regions, feedwater for SMR shows nearly 50% lower impacts than for electrolysis. This study focuses solely on the environmental impacts associated with water sourcing and treatment for hydrogen production, excluding the downstream impacts of the hydrogen generation process itself. This study highlights the trade-offs between water sourcing, brine treatment, and freshwater purification for hydrogen production, offering insights for optimizing sustainable hydrogen systems in water-stressed regions. Full article

Although Hylocereus polyrhizus pulp residues polysaccharides (HPPP) have shown potential in improving metabolic disorders and intestinal barrier function, the mechanism by which they exert their effects through regulating O-glycosylation modifications in the mucus layer remains unclear. Therefore, this study established a HFD-induced obese colitis mouse model (n = 5 per group) and combined nano-capillary liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (nanoLC-MS/MS) technology to quantitatively analyze the dynamic changes in O-glycosylation. Additionally, through quantitative O-glycosylation proteomics and whole-proteome analysis, we identified 155 specifically altered O-glycosylation sites in colon tissue, with the glycosylation modification level of the MUC2 core protein increased by approximately 2.1-fold. The results indicate that HPPP alleviates colonic mucosal damage by regulating interactions between mucus O-glycosylation. Overall, we demonstrated that HPPP increases HFD-induced O-glycosylation sites, improves intestinal mucosal structure in obese mice, and provides protective effects against obesity-induced intestinal mucosal damage. Full article

Global marine coastal aquaculture increased by 6.7 million tons in 2024, with whiteleg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) dominating crustacean production. However, reliance on a single species raises sustainability concerns, particularly in the face of climate change. Diversifying shrimp farming by cultivating native species, such as the European brown shrimp (Crangon crangon), presents an opportunity to develop a sustainable blue bioeconomy in Europe. C. crangon holds significant commercial value, yet overexploitation has led to population declines. Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) offers a viable solution by utilizing fish farm wastewater as a nutrient source, reducing both costs and environmental impact. Research efforts in Germany and other European nations are exploring IMTA’s potential by co-culturing shrimp with species like sea bream, sea bass, and salmon. The physiological adaptability and omnivorous diet of C. crangon further support its viability in aquaculture. However, critical knowledge gaps remain regarding its lipid metabolism, early ontogeny, and reproductive biology—factors essential for optimizing captive breeding. Future interdisciplinary research should refine larval culture techniques and develop sustainable co-culture models. Expanding C. crangon aquaculture aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals by enhancing food security, ecosystem resilience, and economic stability while reducing Europe’s reliance on seafood imports. Full article

During the course of genome mining initiatives, we identified a marine-derived Micromonospora, assigned here as strain WMMD956; the genome of WMMD956 appeared to contain a number of features associated with everninomicins, well-known antimicrobial orthosomycins. In addition, LCMS-based hierarchical clustering analysis and principal component analysis (hcapca) revealed that WMMD956 displayed an extreme degree of metabolomic and genomic novelty. Dereplication of high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (HRMS/MS) and Global Natural Product Social molecular networking platform (GNPS) analysis of WMMD956 resulted in the identification of several analogs of the previously known everninomicin. Chemical structures were unambiguously confirmed by HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR experiments, and the use of MS/MS data. The isolated metabolites, 1–3, were evaluated for their antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphalococcus aureus (MRSA). Full article