Phycobiliproteins (PBPs), captivating water-soluble proteins found in cyanobacteria, red algae, and cryptophytes, continue to fascinate researchers and industries due to their unique properties and multifaceted applications. These proteins consist of chromophores called phycobilins (PBs), covalently linked to specific protein subunits. Major phycobiliproteins include phycocyanin (PC), allophycocyanin (APC), and phycoerythrin (PE), each distinguished by distinct absorption and emission spectra. Beyond their colorful properties, PBs exhibit a broad spectrum of biological activities, including antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antidiabetic effects, making them valuable for pharmaceutical, biotechnological, and medical purposes. The extraction and purification methods for PBs have been optimized to enhance their bioavailability and stability, opening new avenues for industrial production. For this review, a comprehensive literature search was conducted using scientific databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, prioritizing peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2025, with an emphasis on recent advances from the last five years, using keywords such as “phycobiliproteins”, “phycobilins”, “bioactivities”, “therapeutic applications”, and “industrial use”. Studies were selected based on their relevance to the biological, technological, and pharmacological applications of PBPs and PBs. This review explores the diverse applications of PBs in therapeutic, diagnostic, and environmental fields, highlighting their potential as natural alternatives in the treatment of various diseases. The future perspectives for PBs focus on their incorporation into innovative drug delivery systems, biocompatible materials, and functional foods, presenting exciting opportunities for advancing human health and well-being.

Background/Objectives: The global prevalence of overweight and obesity among young adults has doubled since 1975, primarily due to unhealthy dietary habits and sedentary lifestyles. Understanding dietary patterns (DPs) in this population is essential for designing effective prevention strategies. This study aimed to characterize the dietary patterns and diet quality of university students and to examine their physical activity and associated health risks. Methods: A convenience sample of 136 participants (77.9% females, 22.1% males) was recruited. Data on clinical history, lifestyle behaviors, and physical activity were collected using a structured questionnaire. Dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire and three 24-h dietary recalls. Intake was analyzed by food groups, total energy, and macronutrient and fiber composition. Principal component analysis was applied to identify DPs. Results: Three major DPs were identified: Ultra-Processed Foods, Variety Foods, and Traditional Mixed Mexican. Overall, participants showed low consumption of fiber, legumes, and nuts, coupled with high intake of animal-based foods. The mean daily energy intake was 2278 kcal for men and 2008 kcal for women. Although participants demonstrated higher adherence to the Traditional Mixed Mexican pattern, a strong tendency toward the Ultra-Processed Foods pattern was observed, which is linked to an increased risk of chronic diseases and poor nutritional outcomes. Conclusions: The findings highlight the urgent need for targeted dietary interventions among university students. Strategies should emphasize increased intake of fiber-rich plant foods, moderation of protein consumption, and reduction in refined carbohydrates and added sugars to promote healthier dietary habits and prevent chronic disease development.

Strongyloidosis is a parasitic disease caused by Strongyloides stercoralis, a nematode with a complex life cycle that facilitates long-term persistence within the host. The infection affects millions of people in tropical and subtropical regions and poses a particular challenge in immunocompromised individuals. Although conventional treatments, such as ivermectin and albendazole, are generally effective, emerging concerns regarding drug resistance and adverse effects have prompted the search for alternative therapeutic options. In this context, natural products—including plant extracts, bioactive phytochemicals, and nanoparticle-based formulations derived from natural sources—are emerging as promising anti-Strongyloides potential. This review summarizes recent studies on natural products with anthelmintic activity against strongyloidiasis, with emphasis on their mechanisms of action, efficacy, and future perspectives. A systematic search of the literature was conducted using terms related to Strongyloides, plant species, extracts, and bioactive compounds with nematocidal activity. Eligible studies included those reporting the activity of plants, plant extracts, and their purified metabolites against Strongyloides spp. Data were compiled into a comprehensive table including year of publication, author, plant species, active principle, application conditions, and target nematode species. The pharmacological treatment of this parasite varies according to its life cycle stage. Various biomolecules, phytoactive compounds, and novel plant-based formulations have demonstrated promising activity and may be considered both for treatment and for inclusion in control programs for strongyloidiasis. This review highlights medicinal plants and phytochemicals with ethnopharmacological background and experimentally validated activity against Strongyloides spp., integrating evidence from in vitro, in vivo, and experimental models, as well as clinical trials.

Supplements based on protein hydrolysates have been used as an effective source to access amino acids with greater bioavailability, promoting absorption to improve body composition. Five groups of young women were randomly selected. They followed a personalized eating plan that included different protein supplements (meat, vegan, branched-chain amino acids [BCAAs], whey, and control group), combined with an exercise plan, for eight weeks, aiming to assess their consumption effects combined with resistance exercise on body composition. Bioelectrical impedance before and after the treatment was conducted. The results showed that the supplementation with BCAAs presented a significant decrease (p < 0.05) on the BMI in this group (initial BMI = 19.7 kg/m²; final BMI = 19.4 kg/m²). When comparing the final measures among the groups, the BCAAs and vegan supplements caused a significant decrease in body weight (50.24 kg and 51.34 kg, respectively). The BMI of the group supplemented with meat proteins was statistically higher (22.06 kg/m²) than that the group supplemented with BCAAs (19.4 kg/m²) (p < 0.05). No significant changes were observed in the type of protein consumed to produce muscle mass in the participants after eight weeks of study under a controlled diet and anaerobic resistance exercise. Participants exhibited energy deficiencies, but their macronutrient distribution appeared normal. Following an 8-week intervention, meat and BCAAs reduced weight and BMI, although no statistical differences were observed. It is recommended to extend the treatment for a more comprehensive understanding.

El rápido crecimiento de la población mundial, sumado al deterioro ambiental, presenta desafíos urgentes para la producción agrícola. Para el año 2040, se calcula que la población mundial superará los 9 mil millones, lo cual incrementará la demanda de alimentos. Dentro de este marco, la introducción de tecnologías innovadoras en la agricultura aparece como una solución clave para asegurar la seguridad alimentaria y la sostenibilidad del sistema productivo. En este artículo se analiza el impacto de herramientas como la inteligencia artificial, la robótica, los sensores inteligentes y la agricultura de precisión en la transformación del sector agrícola. Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica para analizar los beneficios que estas tecnologías ofrecen en el mejoramiento de la productividad, la gestión de los riesgos climáticos, la predicción de plagas y los rendimientos. Los resultados muestran que el uso estratégico de nuevas tecnologías puede mejorar la resiliencia y eficiencia de los sistemas agrícolas, constituyendo una vía fundamental hacia una agricultura más inteligente y sostenible. Se realizó una búsqueda de información en bases de datos de Google Académico con documentos en español e inglés y se centró el análisis en las palabras clave “agricultura” y “tecnología”.