SynComs should be rigorously defined, not renamed.

Replacing "SynComs" with "defined microbial communities" obscures the design-driven focus of SynCom research and hampers clear conceptual classification.

• Why it matters: Clear terminology is essential for advancing understanding and communication in microbial community studies, preventing confusion and promoting precise research approaches.
• What they did: Koch et al. advocate for maintaining the term "SynComs" to emphasize the design-based methodology, arguing that renaming dilutes the conceptual clarity of the field.
• The result: Preserving the original terminology supports better conceptual clarity and encourages rigorous, design-focused research in microbial community studies.