Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline, memory loss, and neuronal dysfunction. It is driven by the accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques, Tau protein hyperphosphorylation, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation. Resveratrol (RSV) is a natural polyphenolic compound found in grapes, berries, and red wine that has garnered attention for its potential neuroprotective properties in combating AD. The neuroprotective effects of RSV are mediated through the activation of sirtuins (SIRT1), inhibition of Aβ aggregation, modulation of Tau protein phosphorylation, and the attenuation of oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. RSV also enhances mitochondrial function and promotes autophagy, which are important processes for maintaining neuronal health. Preclinical studies have demonstrated its efficacy in reducing Aβ burden, improving cognitive performance, and mitigating synaptic damage; however, challenges such as poor bioavailability, rapid metabolism, and limited blood–brain barrier penetration restrict its clinical applicability. Recent technological advances and selected modifications are being explored to overcome these limitations and enhance its therapeutic efficacy. This review summarizes the multifaceted neuroprotective mechanisms of RSV, the synergistic potential of natural compounds in enhancing neuroprotection, and the advancements in formulation strategies aimed at mitigating AD pathology. Leveraging the therapeutic potential of natural compounds represents a compelling paradigm shift for AD management, paving the way for future clinical applications.

Genomics has revolutionized epidemiology and disease surveillance by providing powerful tools for identifying, tracking, and analyzing pathogens at the molecular level. This exploratory analysis examines the integration of genomic with traditional epidemiological approaches, highlighting the role of whole-genome sequencing as a key method for pathogen identification, outbreak investigation, and understanding transmission dynamics. By enabling the detection of mutations and monitoring of antimicrobial resistance, genomics allows for precise mapping of infection sources and transmission pathways, thereby improving the timeliness and accuracy of public health responses. Furthermore, genomic surveillance supports the early detection of emerging variants, such as those observed during viral outbreaks like COVID-19, facilitating proactive intervention strategies. Despite its transformative potential, challenges related to data privacy, infrastructure, and interdisciplinary collaboration persist. This analysis emphasizes the importance of genomics in building resilient surveillance systems to address future infectious disease threats and advocates for sustained investment in genomic technologies to advance global health security.

Bioactive materials have recently shown potential in nerve repair and regeneration by promoting the growth of new cells, tissue repair, and restoring nerve function. These natural, synthetic, and hybrid materials offer a biomimetic structure, enhance cell attachment, and release bioactive molecules that promote the axonal extension of severed nerves. Scaffold-based preclinical studies have shown promising results on enhancing nerve repair; however, they are limited by the immune response and fabrication, scalability, and cost. Nevertheless, advances in manufacturing, including 3D bioprinting, and other strategies, such as gene editing by CRISPR, will overcome these shortcomings. The opportunity for the development of individualized approaches and specific treatment plans for each patient will also increase the effectiveness of bioactive materials for the treatment of nerve injuries. Combining bioactive materials with the neural interface can develop new reliable therapeutic solutions, particularly for neuroprosthetics. Finally, it is essential to stress a multidisciplinary focus, and future studies are needed to enhance the potential of bioactive materials for patients with nerve injuries and the field of regenerative medicine.

“eco.mont – Journal of Protected Mountain Areas Research and Management” was founded as a joint initiative of the Alpine Network of Protected Areas (ALPARC), the International Scientific Committee on Research in the Alps (ISCAR), the Austrian Academy of Sciences and the University of Innsbruck. “eco.mont” offers a platform specifically for scientists and practitioners working in and on protected mountain areas in Europe and overseas. Target audiences of the journal are scientists from all related disciplines, managers of protected areas and an interested public including practitioners, visitors, teachers, etc.“eco.mont” is available by open access under CC BY-NC-ND-Licence from the Austrian Academy Press and in a printed version from Innsbruck University Press. Alpine protected areas play a key role in biodiversity conservation, but also in monitoring species and habitats. Since its first issue, eco.mont has published articles on long-term monitoring programmes in different areas of the Alps.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by memory decline, cognitive impairment, and behavioral changes, ultimately leading to a loss of independence and reduced quality of life. Although understanding of the molecular basis of AD has advanced, effective disease-modifying therapies remain scarce. Neuropeptides are small protein-like signaling molecules that regulate diverse physiological processes, including mood, memory, and neuronal function. Growing evidence indicates that neuropeptides are promising therapeutic candidates for AD, particularly through modulation of neuroinflammation, synaptic plasticity, and amyloid-beta (Aβ) aggregation. Preclinical AD models show that neuroprotective neuropeptides, such as neuropeptide Y (NPY), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP), exert neuroprotective effects, enhance memory, and attenuate cognitive decline. This review summarizes current research on neuropeptide-based therapies for AD, detailing their molecular mechanisms, therapeutic actions, and the barriers to their clinical translation. We specifically highlight neuropeptides whose clinical potential in AD remains comparatively underrecognized, discuss strategies for optimizing their delivery and overcoming pharmacokinetic limitations, and outline future perspectives for integrating neuropeptide-based interventions into AD therapy.

Zinc (Zn), an important micronutrient, plays an essential role in plant growth and development. Being the most crucial divalent metallic enzyme, Zn acts as a catalyst in many biochemical processes that regulate growth hormones in plants. Nanoseed priming is an effective agrotechnology that enhances the quality parameters of young seedlings for establishing a good crop stand. In the present study, zinc nanoparticles synthesized from M. oleifera leaf extracts were characterized by UV spectroscopy, XRD, FTIR, FE-SEM, TEM, TGA, DLS, and zeta analysis. The synthesized nanoparticles showed moderate antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities. Phytosynthesized nanoparticles were tested for their efficiency in modulating plant growth and development, where modern nanoscience technology is at the seedling stage. In the present research, tomato seeds were hydropriming carried out with sample solution of 100 mL from a 1 L stock solution for each treatment with ZnONPs at 50 ppm, 100 ppm, 150 ppm, 200 ppm, and 250 ppm, as well as ZnSO₄ used as an ionic control at 1.5 g/L. 150 and 200 ppm increased germination percentage. Plant height at seedling stage was enhanced to 22.33 and 19.67 cm at 150 and 250 ppm, respectively. Foliar applications were initiated at 35 DAT, when the plants were at 10–12 true leaves and in the transition phase of tomato plants from the vegetative stage to the flowering stage; 150 ppm induced early flowering, as well as the highest leaf area, TSS content, chlorophyll levels, the number of fruits per cluster, and the number of fruits per plant. Foliar application at 150 ppm enhanced the total and marketable yields to a maximum of 4102.63 and 3984.30 g, respectively. Foliar application at 150 ppm induced the lowest disease severity, at 20.02%, in vivo and in vitro, with the maximum mycelial inhibition of 19.50 mm at 0.15 mg/mL.