How many<i>16S</i>-based studies should be included in a metagenomic conference? It may be a matter of etymology

Abstract

The word 'metagenomic' is one of the most used words in environmental microbiology especially in recent years, yet sometimes it is a little overused. Can studies targeting a single gene be considered 'metagenomic'? It is more controversial than once thought, maybe a possible solution may come from an etymological analysis of the word.