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From human cohorts to plant cohorts: The potential of plants in epidemiological studies

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Cohort studies are traditionally focused on human participants. The emergence of the “Planetary Health” and “One Health” paradigms has expanded the scope of cohort studies to include animal participants. Despite this, plants remain largely overlooked in traditional biomedical research. This gap prompts the introduction of the concept of a “plant cohort,” which involves treating plants as participants in cohort studies. By collecting comprehensive data on plant characteristics and biosamples, plant cohorts may assist in enhancing our understanding of the interactions between plants, ecosystems, and human health. However, establishing plant cohorts presents unique challenges, including interdisciplinary collaboration and data collection methods. Nonetheless, the potential contribution of plant cohorts to environmental health and human well-being may warrant further exploration and research.

Source: Hygiene and Environmental Health Advances

DOI: 10.1016/j.heha.2024.100105

Authors: Tianyu Zhao, Joachim Heinrich

Institutions: German Center for Lung Research, Institut und Poliklinik für Arbeits-, Sozial- und Umweltmedizin, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, The University of Melbourne

Language: English

Topic: Health, Environment, Cognitive Aging

Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,200