Parallels and discrepancies between non-native species introductions and human migration

Biological invasions and human migrations have increased globally due to socio-economic drivers and environmental factors that have enhanced cultural, economic, and geographic connectivity. Both processes involve the movement, establishment, and spread of species, yet unfold within fundamentally different philosophical, social and biological contexts. Hence, studying biological invasions (invasion science) and human migration (migration studies) presents complex parallels that are potentially fruitful to explore. Here, we examined nuanced parallels and differences between these two phenomena, integrating historical, socio-political, and ethical perspectives. Our review underscores the need for context-specific approaches in policymaking and governance to address effectively the challenges and opportunities of human migration and harm from biological invasions. We suggest that approaches to studying the drivers of biological invasions and human migration provide an excellent opportunity for transdisciplinary research; one that acknowledges the complexities and potential insights from both fields of study. Ultimately, integrating natural and social sciences offers a promising avenue for enriching the understanding of invasion biology and migration dynamics while pursuing just, equitable, and sustainable solutions. However, while human migration is a clear driver of biological invasions, drawing on principles from biological invasions to understand past and current human migration risks oversimplification and the potential for harmful generalisations that disregard the intrinsic rights and cultural dynamics of human migrations. By doing so, we provide insights and frameworks to support the development of context-specific policies that respect human dignity, foster cultural diversity, and address migration challenges in ways that promote global cooperation and justice. This interdisciplinary approach highlights the potential for transdisciplinary research that acknowledges complexities in both fields, ultimately enriching our understanding of invasion biology and migration dynamics while pursuing equitable and sustainable solutions.

Climate Change and Plant Foods: The Influence of Environmental Stressors on Plant Metabolites and Future Food Sources

Climate change is reshaping global agriculture by altering temperature regimes and other environmental conditions, with profound implications for food security and agricultural productivity. This review examines how key environmental stressors-such as extreme temperatures, water scarcity, increased salinity, UV-B radiation, and elevated concentrations of ozone and CO2-impact the nutritional quality and bioactive compounds in plant-based foods. These stressors can modify the composition of essential nutrients, particularly phytochemicals, which directly affect the viability of specific crops in certain regions and subsequently influence human dietary patterns by shifting the availability of key food resources. To address these challenges, there is growing interest in resilient plant species, including those with natural tolerance to stress and genetically modified variants, as well as in alternative protein sources derived from plants. Additionally, unconventional food sources, such as invasive plant species and algae, are being explored as sustainable solutions for future nutrition.

Exploration of Polyphenols Extracted from Cytisus Plants and Their Potential Applications: A Review

The increasing world population means an increased demand for sustainable processes and products related to foods, particularly those with added health benefits. Plants can be an alternative source of nutritional and biofunctional ingredients. Cytisus plants are an underexploited bioresource, currently prevalent in the Mediterranean Basin and western Asia. This manuscript addresses the processing potential of Cytisus plants for the development of added-value products, including food formulations, food packaging, cosmetics, and therapeutic applications. Most research has reported that Cytisus spp. are a promising source of inexpensive bioactive polyphenol compounds. Cytisus flowers should be considered and exploited as raw materials for the development of new food ingredients (antioxidants, preservatives, additives, etc.), nutraceuticals, or even direct therapeutic agents (anticancer, antibacterial, etc.). In order to evaluate the socioeconomic effect of these underutilized plants, more research is needed to assess their valorization for therapeutic and dietary possibilities, as well as the economic impact.

Strategies for the Management of Aggressive Invasive Plant Species

Current control methods for invasive alien plants (IAPs) have acceptable short-term outcomes but have proven to be unfeasible or unaffordable in the long-term or for large invaded areas. For these reasons, there is an urgent need to develop sustainable approaches to control or restrict the spread of aggressive IAPs. The use of waste derived from IAP control actions could contribute to motivating the long-term management and preservation of local biodiversity while promoting some economic returns for stakeholders. However, this strategy may raise some concerns that should be carefully addressed before its implementation. In this article, we summarize the most common methods to control IAPs, explaining their viability and limitations. We also compile the potential applications of IAP residues and discuss the risks and opportunities associated with this strategy.

Is now the time for a Rubiscuit or Ruburger? Increased interest in Rubisco as a food protein

Much of the research on Rubisco aims at increasing crop yields, with the ultimate aim of increasing plant production to feed an increasing global population. However, since the identification of Rubisco as the most abundant protein in leaf material, it has also been touted as a direct source of dietary protein. The nutritional and functional properties of Rubisco are on a par with those of many animal proteins, and are superior to those of many other plant proteins. Purified Rubisco isolates are easily digestible, nutritionally complete, and have excellent foaming, gelling, and emulsifying properties. Despite this potential, challenges in efficiently extracting and separating Rubisco have limited its use as a global foodstuff. Leaves are lower in protein than seeds, requiring large amounts of biomass to be processed. This material normally needs to be processed quickly to avoid degradation of the final product. Extraction of Rubisco from the plant material requires breaking down the cell walls and rupturing the chloroplast. In order to obtain high-quality protein, Rubisco needs to be separated from chlorophyll, and then concentrated for final use. However, with increased consumer demand for plant protein, there is increased interest in the potential of leaf protein, and many commercial plants are now being established aimed at producing Rubisco as a food protein, with over US$60 million of funding invested in the past 5 years. Is now the time for increased use of Rubisco in food production as a nitrogen source, rather than just providing a carbon source?

High throughput method development and optimised production of leaf protein concentrates with potential to support the agri-industry

Invasive plants offer an interesting and unconventional source of protein and the considerable investment made towards their eradication can potentially be salvaged through their revalorisation. To identify viable sources, effective and high-throughput screening methods are required, as well as efficient procedures to isolate these components. Rigorous assessment of low-cost, high-throughput screening assays for total sugar, phenolics and protein was performed, and ninhydrin, Lever and Fast Blue assays were found to be most suitable owing to high reliability scores and false positive errors less than 1%. These assays were used to characterise invasive Scottish plants such as Gorse (Ulex europeans), Broom (Cystisus scoparius) and Fireweed (Chamaenerion angustifolium). Protein extraction (alkali-, heat- and enzyme assisted) were tested on these plants, and further purification (acid and ethanol precipitation, as well as ultrafiltration) procedures were tested on Gorse, based on protein recovery values. Cellulase treatment and ethanol precipitation gave the highest protein recovery (64.0 ± 0.5%) and purity (96.8 ± 0.1%) with Gorse. The amino acid profile of the purified protein revealed high levels of essential amino acids (34.8 ± 0.0%). Comparison of results with preceding literature revealed a strong association between amino acid profiles and overall protein recovery with the extraction method employed. The final purity of the protein concentrates was closely associated to the protein content of the initial plant mass. Leaf protein extraction technology can effectively raise crop harvest indices, revalorise underutilised plants and waste streams.