Argument against renaming synthetic microbial communities to defined microbial communities, suggesting clearer classification is needed.
Koch et al. propose replacing “synthetic microbial communities (SynComs)” with “defined microbial communities”. We argue that this substitution obscures the design-driven logic of SynCom research, and that the field needs clearer conceptual classification rather than a broader renaming of SynComs.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Wang et al. (2026) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: