Traditional Knowledge, Ecology, and Conservation 

Gendered traditional agroecological knowledge in agri-food systems 

Men and women perform different tasks in farming, which affects their knowledge and access to resources like land and seeds. Men often have more access to land, while women are usually responsible for seed conservation. Cultural and societal norms often favor men, giving them more control over resources. This can limit women's ability to contribute to and benefit from farming activities. 

Women often pass down their knowledge within families and communities, especially in areas like food processing and medicine. However, globalization and other changes can erode this knowledge. Addressing gender inequalities in access to resources and decision-making is crucial for improving food security and adapting to climate change. 

The review highlights the need to recognize and support the different contributions of men and women in farming to build more resilient and equitable food systems. More research is needed, especially in underexplored areas like freshwater and livestock systems, and in regions like the global north. 

Food taboos and animal conservation 

This systematic review examines the impact of food taboos on animal conservation. It reveals that cultural prohibitions against consuming certain species can significantly contribute to the protection of biodiversity. The study provides examples from various cultures where food taboos have helped maintain ecological balance and prevent overexploitation of wildlife. 

Ethnobotanical contributions to global fishing communities 

Here more insights can be found about the role of ethnobotany in traditional fishing communities. It categorizes the various uses of plants and algae in fisheries, such as bait, tools, and habitat enhancement. The review emphasizes the ecological and cultural significance of these practices and calls for further research to support sustainable fisheries management. 

Ethnosciences, one health and human-microbe interaction 

Interactions between local medical systems and the biomedical system 

This review explores the dynamic interactions between local medical systems (LMS) and the biomedical system. It introduces the concept of hybridization, where elements of both systems are integrated to create more effective healthcare solutions. The study discusses case studies from different regions, illustrating how hybrid medical practices can enhance healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. 

The dawn of ethnomicrobiology: an interdisciplinary research field on interactions between humans and microorganisms 

This review introduces ethnomicrobiology as a new interdisciplinary field within ethnobiology, focusing on the interactions between humans and microorganisms. Traditionally, ethnobiology has concentrated on plants, animals, fungi, and ecosystems, often overlooking microbes such as bacteria, yeasts, molds, and viruses. However, microorganisms have been integral to human life since the earliest days of Earth, influencing health, food systems, and ecological processes. 

The article highlights how humans have historically accumulated knowledge about microbes through sensory attributes like smell, taste, and texture, which guide the management of microbial contexts. These interactions are expressions of biocultural diversity, reflecting the deep connections between human cultures and microbial life. 

Socioeconomic benefits associated with bats

Bats offer significant benefits to human communities, but these benefits are context-dependent and vary by region. Effective conservation strategies should consider these benefits while addressing public health concerns and promoting sustainable use of bat populations. 

Focus on Mexico

Academic history, domains and distribution of the hot-cold system in Mexico 

Dualism is a prevailing concept in many cultures around the world. It maintains that the world is structured by two opposing forces, such as light/dark, dry/wet, high/low, etc.  A prominent contemporary example of dualism is the traditional classification of health issues, foods, and remedies into “hot” and “cold” categories. This division is observed globally, including in Southeast Asia, India, the Peruvian Andes, the Greater Antilles, and southeastern Brazil, and many other cultures. 

This review examines the hot-cold classification system used in Mexico. The classification system applied to traditional foodways, many  health problems, remedies (diseases considered “hot” are treated with “cold” remedies, and vice versa), and foods. The hot–cold system is highly versatile and complex and is applied to other domains, such as colors, times of the year, human life stages, elements of the environment, and emotions.

 A review of the melliferous flora of Yucatan peninsula, Mexico 

This review provides a comprehensive overview of the melliferous flora in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. It discusses the diversity of plant species that are important for local apiculture, their growth habits, and flowering periods. The study underscores the importance of these plants for honey production and the need for conservation efforts to protect this valuable resource.