Search

Acquiring a systemic perspective on epidemic events is mandatory in an age in which such events are rapidly growing in both number and spatial distribution. In this work we describe the human/virus interaction through the ���deep time��� of evolution. We show how ancient epidemics shaped animal and human biology influencing basic traits like multi-cellularity, immunity and cancer. Furthermore, on a much shorter time scale, we focus on the role played by globalization and anthropogenic environmental deterioration in the growing menace of recurring pandemics., Organisms. Journal of Biological Sciences, Vol. 5 No. 1 (2021)

The destruction of natural habitats and change in land use contribute to biodiversity loss by increasing species extinction and weakening the functions of ecosystems. Ecosystems often are unsafe for humans because animals that host viruses or other pathogens become dominant within impoverished biological communities. The risk of infection propagation from one animal species to other species depends on the size of the reservoir population and the “ability” of pathogen to spillover: an event that is more likely to occur in phylogenetically related hosts. Zoonotic spillover is the transmission of pathogens to humans from vertebrate animals. If human activities contributing to the alteration of ecosystems do not slow down, the critical state of biodiversity can turn into an important driver of emerging pathogens, including viruses involved in neoplastic diseases. A radical reform of the current growth-based economic model is urgently needed to counter the unsustainable human pressure on the natural environment and the risk of new pandemics., Visions for Sustainability, New Visions (2020)

Organisms. Journal of Biological Sciences, V. 3, N. 2 (2019)

Patients undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) often experience unexpected anxiety episodes. This raises the question of ensuring the success of the diagnostic examination, which is crucial especially for cancer patients. In hospital practice, the solution to that problem is often based on the administration of benzodiazepines. However, this option may be accompanied by adverse events, so patients must be monitored for a too long period of time, with negative effects on the daily work of health care services. Adopting an approach borrowed from integrative medicine, we tested a homeopathic product commonly used in the treatment of emotional and behavioral disorders, and we observed interesting results that deserve to be confirmed by further studies., Organisms. Journal of Biological Sciences, Vol 3, no 1 (2019)

In just over two decades, genetically modified (GM) crops have increased their global spread at an incredible rate. In the same period, research studies and reviews on their effects and performance have gradually become more frequent. Still today, however, there is a substantial lack of established evidence on GM crops mainly due to deontological, epistemological and methodological distortions that characterize much of the scientific production in this area of life sciences. As a consequence, the real impact of GM crops remains largely unclear and problematic. This situation challenges all promotional campaigns carried out by agribusiness companies. We address some issues related to GM crops and their impact, trying to highlight some obstacles that still prevent us from clarifying what we know, what we do not know and what we will never know by using unreliable scrutiny criteria. GM crops are still a source of heated debate within the scientific community and in public opinion. In many parts of the world, citizens are wary about biotech agriculture and foods. At international institutional level, it does not seem possible to develop an integrated framework of cultural and scientific principles capable of promoting the public interest. What is missing, above all, is the ability to incorporate uncertainty into the decision-making process, without hoping that an unlikely scientific consensus will develop on GM crops., Organisms. Journal of Biological Sciences, V. 2, N. 1 (2018)