A new review of current research highlights the importance of culturally grounded approaches to food systems literacy in addressing global hunger and malnutrition. The study suggests that Indigenous knowledge and participatory methods can improve food systems resilience and support communities to maintain traditional food practices.
A study reveals that gut bacteria can process chemically modified amino acids from heated foods, such as CML. This enzyme, SpeC, is a 'Swiss pocket knife' that breaks down these compounds, which are not absorbed in the small intestine and pass to the large intestine.
Canadian agri-food leaders recommend strengthening food infrastructure, improving preparedness, and building resilience to protect against geopolitical threats, biological threats, trade disruptions, and supply chain vulnerabilities. The report outlines seven key recommendations to ensure Canada's long-term food resilience.
The RMIT Food Innovation Hub will bring together food technology and nutrition expertise to address industry challenges and support sustainable innovation. The Hub aims to create knowledge, build future workforce skills, and translate research into practical applications for the Australian food system.
A new study reveals that thiol-modified biochar can maintain long-term mercury immobilization in contaminated soils even when subjected to repeated drying and rewetting. The research found that TMB strongly reduced mercury mobility, lowered bioavailable mercury, and redistributed mercury into less available forms.
Researchers found that acid-modified and alkaline biochars helped reduce stress from saline-alkali soil, improving soil conditions and supporting alfalfa performance. Alkaline biochar promoted biomass growth, while acid-modified biochar improved soil chemistry and root defense in highly alkaline soils.
A new study by the American Cancer Society finds that nearly five million Americans live in food deserts, where grocery stores are scarce. The number of food swamps, areas with mostly restaurants and fast-food locations, has increased nationwide.
A University of Otago study found that hunger influences food thoughts, making them more vivid and rewarding. This discovery could help understand food cravings, dieting habits, and healthy eating.
The £10 million Natasha's Prize aims to develop solutions to prevent food allergy by focusing on prevention. Leading scientists from various disciplines will be invited to apply and brainstorm ideas to stop food allergy development in the first place.
Researchers from Fudan University published a study on modified sigmoid sinus wall reconstruction using bone cement, demonstrating a 96.2% overall success rate for symptom resolution. Symptoms typically resolved within four weeks, providing evidence for optimizing surgical techniques and material selection.
A review of food waste in Australia's quick service restaurants found order mistakes as the biggest driver of waste, with better staff training crucial for reduction. The study recommends ongoing training and making food waste metrics part of performance evaluations to mitigate back-of-house food waste.
A new study from the University of Copenhagen shows that Danish retailers can generate a net financial gain of €0.3-€0.8 per kilo by selling surplus food at discounted prices. Donating food to organizations that redistribute it to vulnerable people is often cheaper than disposal, with savings of €0.10-€0.20 per kilo.
Researchers found that thiol-modified biochar reduces mercury mobility by up to 80% in soils exposed to dry-wet cycles. The material promotes natural weathering processes, traps mercury in stable forms, and alters the soil microbial community, creating a resilient ecosystem.
A recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that a Food is Medicine and food literacy education program improved food-related knowledge and practical skills among rural, uninsured adults with type 2 diabetes. The Fresh Start FIM + Food Literacy intervention showed significant overall improvements i...
Cats gradually reduce food intake when same food is repeatedly presented, but this effect is mitigated by introducing a different food or odor, suggesting sensory novelty plays a key role in regulating feeding behavior.
Researchers have developed chloride-modified bismuth nanosheets that accelerate the reduction of carbon dioxide to formate with near 100% efficiency. The modified nanosheets exhibit high formate Faradaic Efficiency and long-term stability, making them a promising catalyst for CO2 reduction.
Researchers have created genetically modified marmosets with a knocked-out OTOF gene, replicating key characteristics of human deafness. The animals developed normally but were deaf from birth, offering a crucial tool for developing new therapies.
A recent article advocates for a risk-based approach to food safety, aiming to enhance sustainability and resilience of food systems. The authors argue that current policies leading to 'zero tolerance' are fueling the discard of safe food due to increasingly sensitive detection methods.
The American Heart Association has announced its inaugural Health Care by Food award, recognizing a study that explored effective ways to integrate healthy food into clinical care for Native Americans with uncontrolled hypertension. The study provided compelling evidence that culturally tailored, heart-healthy food box interventions ca...
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University are working on sustainable packaging solutions to reduce food spoilage and plastic pollution. The team is developing advanced nanocomposite materials that can help food stay fresh longer while reducing environmental impact.
A study by Frontiers in Science argues that ultra-sensitive food safety tests may drive food waste and unavailability, but not always translate to health risk. The researchers propose a more balanced approach that considers trade-offs between food safety, sustainability, and nutritional health.
Researchers developed a phosphorus-modified biochar that can simultaneously immobilize harmful metals and enhance soil fertility. The material showed remarkable adsorption capacity for lead and cadmium, with potential applications in soil remediation and sustainable agriculture.
Researchers genetically modified a probiotic yeast to reduce its virulence in immunocompromised patients. The modified yeast was found to be less likely to cause infection, with improved survival rates in animal models.
A new genomic study of koala populations found that rapid demographic rebound restores genetic variation and drives recombination, easing the harmful effects of inbreeding. This recovery is driven by recombination, which shuffles existing genetic material into new combinations, helping to restore functional diversity.
Researchers designed modified biochars with phosphorus and magnesium to improve compost quality by retaining nitrogen and accelerating humification. The study found that these materials reduced ammonia emissions and promoted microbial activity, resulting in higher nitrogen retention and improved soil fertility.
A novel engineered biochar has been developed to simultaneously immobilize arsenic and cadmium in contaminated water and agricultural soils. The sulfur-ferrihydrite-modified biochar achieves high adsorption capacities for both pollutants, transforming them into more stable residual fractions.
New guidelines recommend strengthening legislative protections against genetic discrimination in insurance, including clearly defining genetic information and regulating its use. State lawmakers should consider carefully wording restrictions on discriminatory practices to ensure the efficacy of current policies.
Scientists have discovered how engineered biochar and microbes work together to enhance phytoremediation by improving soil conditions and stimulating beneficial microbes. The study found that modified biochar substantially increased plant growth, boosted photosynthesis, and promoted the transfer of cadmium from roots to stems and leaves.
A new study found a combination of genetic, environmental, microbial and social factors influence childhood food allergies. Early-life factors like skin health, microbiome, and environmental exposures increase the risk of developing a food allergy by age six.
A new report by Anglia Ruskin University and the University of York identifies key weaknesses in the UK's food system and recommends interventions to prevent disruptions from escalating into a crisis. The study suggests increasing energy security, diversifying food value chains, and promoting varied diets to reduce risks.
A HKUST research team developed an innovative urban food waste management framework analyzing food waste data from 29 large cities worldwide. The study shows that grinding food waste and diverting it into sewage systems can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 47% and lower total waste-management costs by 11%.
Researchers compared seedling germination, growth and nutrient uptake in pure food waste substrate, commercial potting mix and blends with varying ratios. Mixtures with less than 50% food waste compost produced better results.
Researchers at Mass General Brigham developed a modified herpes simplex virus that stimulates the immune system to attack glioblastoma cells, increasing T-cell and natural killer cell responses. The virus, engineered to recognize markers found on glioblastoma cells, also increases overall survival in preclinical models.
A new method of gene editing allows for the efficient production of non-GMO, genome-edited plants without introducing foreign DNA. The technique uses Agrobacterium-mediated transient expression to enable genome editing in a transgene-free manner.
This pilot study evaluated the effectiveness of improved laser ablation with saline injection in treating early-stage lung adenocarcinoma. The modified system significantly expanded ablation zones, achieving a 100% complete ablation rate in six patients. The treatment was safe and effective, with no major complications reported.
A team of Chinese researchers has developed a low-cost biochar material that efficiently removes persistent metal complexes from water. The ferromanganese oxide-modified biochar can capture copper–citrate complexes, which are difficult to remove using conventional methods, achieving high removal rates and chemical stability.
Researchers have developed a modified biochar made from biogas residue that can efficiently remove ammonium nitrogen from water. The potassium-permanganate-modified biochar achieved an adsorption capacity up to four times greater than unmodified biochar, making it a promising tool for environmental remediation.
Phosphorus-modified biochar dramatically reduces heavy metal pollution, improving soil quality and microbial communities. The innovation offers a promising approach for cleaning up contaminated farmland and securing the food supply.
Research highlights that wealthy countries waste more food, but urbanization is narrowing this gap. Global food waste has increased by 24% since 2004, with rising waste in middle-income countries driven by economic growth and urbanization.
A new review from the University of Adelaide highlights inconsistencies in Australian crop regulations, affecting the coexistence of genetically modified (GM) and non-GM crops. The current regulatory framework is inadequate, leading to varying standards across different sectors, making it difficult for farmers to ensure compliance.
Research suggests that semaglutide, a weight loss medication, decreases intrusive thoughts about food and improves mental health in individuals with obesity. The study found that 81% of participants experienced less food noise after taking semaglutide for at least four months.
A Kennesaw State University researcher is working on an electronic nose that can detect bacterial contamination in food using volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The system uses AI models trained from thousands of samples to identify pathogens like salmonella and E. coli, aiming to revolutionize food safety.
Researchers have developed a novel Food Cue Reactivity image bank that measures the brain's reaction to food images, correcting limitations in existing tools. The new image bank accounts for visual characteristics and appeal ratings, producing more scientifically accurate results.
The Kunming Manifesto proposes pathways to unlock agrobiodiversity's benefits, addressing food waste, environmental externalities, and social inequalities. Experts emphasize the need for a paradigm-bending power shift toward Indigenous and local communities to ensure agrobiodiversity thrives.
A new study found that fostering lasting habits of frugality is more effective in reducing household food waste than short-term interventions or nudges. Long-standing tendencies to conserve resources were the strongest predictor of food-saving behavior.
Researchers developed modified ilmenite oxygen carriers that improve hydrogen yields and redox reaction efficiency in chemical looping systems. The new carriers enable simultaneous hydrogen production, carbon dioxide capture, and power generation, paving the way for scalable, carbon-neutral energy systems.
Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a novel method using modified M13 bacteria to deliver targeted gene therapies for genetic disorders. This approach shows promise as a cost-effective alternative to current methods, which can be expensive and trigger toxic side effects.
A team of Cornell University food scientists has developed a natural blue food dye made from algae protein that can replace synthetic emulsifiers and exhibit vibrant colors. The researchers used a denaturant to reorganize the algae protein into smaller components, creating a more stable form that can be integrated into food formulations.
A modified version of the DASH diet has been shown to lower glucose levels and improve blood glucose control in adults with type 2 diabetes. The DASH4D diet, which is similar to the original DASH diet but lower in carbohydrates and higher in unsaturated fats, helped participants with type 2 diabetes control their glucose levels.
Researchers have mapped the microbiome of agri-food systems, revealing how diverse and balanced microbes keep our food safe, nutritious, and sustainable. The map highlights areas where targeted interventions such as probiotics and biofertilizers can improve food quality and reduce antibiotic use.
A recent study found that behavioral flexibility is related to foraging breadth, not social or habitat use behaviors, in great-tailed grackles rapidly expanding their geographic range. The researchers discovered that flexible individuals switched between different food types more often in the wild.
Research published in PLOS Mental Health found that food insecurity causes rapidly emerging negative effects on mental health, with deteriorations occurring when food security worsened and improvements when it improved. The study suggests that eliminating periodic food insecurity could reduce the number of people with clinically concer...
Researchers have deciphered a key mechanism for RNA therapeutics, explaining why certain modified RNAs evade the innate immune response. Pseudouridine modifications can avoid detection by pattern recognition receptors, such as TLR7 and TLR8, through impaired endolysosomal processing.
A novel codon expansion strategy enables precise incorporation of non-canonical amino acids into proteins in mammalian systems. The approach utilizes post-transcriptionally modified RNA codons within targeted transcripts to encode ncAAs, offering new opportunities for protein engineering and functional studies.
A new research article analyzes 103 scientific studies on microplastics and nanoplastics from food packaging, revealing that normal use of FCAs is a source of MNPs in food. The study highlights the need for harmonized testing and reporting framework to inform policy decisions.
The collaboration aims to enhance global capabilities in food safety risk assessment through the application of AI, digital modelling, and other innovations. The project will leverage expertise from NTU Singapore, WHO, and partners to develop robust methodologies for assessing novel food systems.
Australians waste 7.6 million tonnes of food annually, with poor label design and inconsistent packaging being key reasons for this problem. Clearer date labels and storage advice could drastically reduce edible food waste.
A new study highlights the presence of synthetic chemicals in food packaging and processing, increasing health risks from ultra-processed foods. The research emphasizes the need for safer food systems, better testing methods, and policy reforms to address this growing public health issue.
A new analysis of 100 top TikTok videos about food noise found that half reference the use of medications, mainly anti-obesity drugs, to manage constant thoughts about food and eating. The study highlights the potential risks of misinformation on social media platforms like TikTok.
Researchers successfully achieved triplet-triplet annihilation up-conversion of cationic iridium(III) complexes using organically modified hectorite in a green solvent. The efficiency of TTA-UC was enhanced in colloidal clay systems, demonstrating the utility of clay minerals for energy up-conversion.