Food and Medicine Homology Focus in 2026
Mengyao Li, Gui-Fen Wu, Feng Lu, Cong Geng, Song Yu, Mingliang Gao, Yan Gao, Xing-fang ZHANG, Jiawei Ling, Dong-Li Li, Zhenxing Wang, Qiang Ren, Zelin Li, Ninghao Yang, Hong-Cai Li, S T Yang, Qian Zhang, Jin Li, Wen-Long Sun, Chenghao Lv, Jun-Ping Zheng, Jin Li, Gui-Li Yang, Bo Zhu, Tao Zhuang, Zhongyang Ren, Li Tao, Lin Yang, Muhammad Waheed Iqbal, Haozhou Huang, Tian-Liang Liu, Han‐Qing Pang, Jing-Yu Xu, George Zhang, Xuan Jiang, Jin Li, T. L. Jin, Zhandong Yang, Hui-Hui Su, Lei Tian, Yanfang Li, Xiao-Yu Liu, Qian-Qian Yao, Wen-Yi Kang
Abstract
The field of food and medicine homology (FMH) is transitioning from traditional empirical knowledge to contemporary scientific methodologies.Commencing in 2026, this evolution will be anchored by a core tenet: fostering trust through scientific rigor, enhancing mechanistic comprehension via systematic analysis, refining health interventions with the concept of precision medicine, and modernizing the entire industrial chain using cutting-edge technologies.The progression within this domain will be underpinned by the scientific expansion of the substance directory and the establishment of an evidence-based standard system, thereby bridging the gap between industry regulations and empirical data.Pertinent research will pursue truths ranging from active component identification to multisystem interaction mechanisms centered around gut microbiota, while also investigating emerging biological processes such as phase separation and immunometabolic reprogramming.Applications are poised to evolve towards dynamic health management, leveraging multidimensional personal data and artificial intelligence for tailored solutions addressing challenges like chronic diseases and aging demographics.Concurrently, future transformations are expected to prioritize value enhancement through advancements in synthetic biology, intelligent delivery systems, and eco-friendly manufacturing, fostering a transparent and sustainable industrial ecosystem.This perspective highlights the key areas of focus in FMH as anticipated for 2026 (Fig. 1).