Researchers have created a test called MACRO that can flag about 97% of known commercialized modifications, making it easier for policymakers to monitor genetically modified (GM) foods. The new method combines two well-known genetic methods and can be easily expanded to include future GM crops.
The field trial with genetically modified poplar trees demonstrates that lignin modification can improve sugar conversion and increase ethanol production. The results also show mixed suppression of the lignin biosynthesis in the trees, leading to variable coloration and growth rates.
A study by Aalto University found that global food availability has increased in recent decades, especially in regions like the Middle East and Latin America. However, food self-sufficiency remains low, with many countries relying heavily on imports to meet their food needs, putting pressure on natural resources.
Several major cities have been mapped for their food security and self-provisioning, revealing varying degrees of dependence on national and global markets. Cities like Tokyo and Canberra struggle to feed themselves due to population growth and climate change, while Copenhagen's stable population has increased its local production.
Breastfeeding and introducing solid foods between 17-24 weeks of age can help develop a stronger immune system against food allergies. This approach is supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics and European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology recommendations.
Researchers suggest that specific parts of food can be safe for consumption in individuals with food allergies, and substitutes can be eaten safely. For example, someone with an egg allergy may be able to tolerate egg yolk but not the whites.
Researchers recommend accelerated radiotherapy as standard treatment for un-resected non-small cell lung cancer patients not receiving concurrent chemo-radiotherapy, citing its efficiency over current practice. However, cost-effectiveness of different modified schemes remains uncertain and requires further research.
Research reveals a significant relationship between chronic illness and household food insecurity, with adults experiencing more severe food insecurity as their health problems increase. The study suggests that managing chronic illnesses imposes additional financial burdens, limiting individuals' ability to afford food.
Research published in PLOS ONE found that fast-food marketing aimed at children emphasizes giveaways and movie tie-ins more frequently than ads targeted at adults. The study also highlights the importance of aligning advertising to children with health promotion efforts to address concerns about obesity.
Researchers at Michigan State University found that genetic background affects the outcomes of interactions between genetic mutations about 75 percent of the time. This discovery has huge implications for understanding how genes interact with each other, and may help explain why some people respond differently to treatments.
Research shows that sight, smell, and consumption of healthy food can help dieters reduce their food intake. Healthy foods associated with diets like salads and fruits remind dieters of their weight loss goals.
Michigan State University will lead a new Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Food Security Policy to improve food policy in developing countries. The lab, partnering with universities and private sector stakeholders, aims to increase agricultural productivity, dietary diversity, and resilience to climate change.
Researchers engineered dendritic cells to recognize protein fragments from cancer-specific antigens, eliciting an immune response that led to partial and complete clinical responses in patients with active disease. The study suggests a promising approach for enhancing immune recognition of melanoma cells.
Hispanic preschoolers and adolescents viewed a high number of food and beverage ads on TV, with fast-food promotions prevalent on Spanish-language channels. The study highlights the need for continued monitoring of food marketing to Hispanic youth due to their higher obesity rates.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Michigan found that parents with heavy TV viewing are more likely to feed their children junk food. Food-secure families' preschoolers have a distorted view of healthy food, and this link is very strong among these households.
Small-scale farming households in India experienced improved calorie consumption and dietary quality after adopting genetically modified (GM) cotton. The technology enabled these households to afford more and better food, reducing food insecurity by 15-20%. GM crops may be an important component of a broader food security strategy.
A new study found that injection drug users living with HIV/AIDS who were food insecure at the start of life-prolonging antiretroviral therapy were twice as likely to die compared to those who were food secure. Researchers also found that hunger was not a primary cause of mortality in this population.
A PLOS ONE study has confirmed that Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) technology is suitable for routine analysis of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food, feed, and seeds. The study found that ddPCR is more accurate and reliable than real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) for quantifying GMOs, especially at low levels.
A novel thermo-sensitive injectable hydrogel engineered with gene modified bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs) successfully repairs articular cartilage defects in rabbits. The study demonstrates the potential of tissue engineering combined with gene therapy for managing defective articular cartilage.
Scientists have developed a new method to create genetically modified mice that accelerates the process by four months, using TALEN enzymes. This technique allows for the efficient production of mouse models for diseases like dementia, reducing the need for numerous test animals.
The report outlines key challenges facing UK food imports, such as declining self-sufficiency, food fraud, and reducing food waste. Scientists and experts emphasized the need for a better functioning supply chain, social science perspective, and understanding global diets to address these issues.
Researchers have found a virus that can adapt to hosts with modified nuclear genetic codes, contrary to the long-held assumption that such changes prevent new viral infections. The discovery provides evidence of co-evolution between viruses and hosts with altered genetic codes.
Researchers developed a genetically modified protein that reverses vitiligo in mice and shows similar effects on human skin tissue samples. The modified protein, called mutant HSP70i, supplants normal HSP70i, thereby reversing the autoimmune response that causes vitiligo.
A food science expert argues that genetically modified foods pose no special risks to consumers or the environment. The overregulation of GM crops wastes resources and diverts attention from real food safety issues.
Modified Nutrition Facts labels can improve accuracy in measuring calories and nutrient content, especially for products with two servings per container. Dual-column and single-large serving formats showed significant improvements in consumers' ability to assess nutrition information.
Researchers at the University of Jyväskylä Nanoscience Center used computational modeling to understand how redox chemistry affects the binding of gold particles on modified calcium oxide surfaces. They found that the energy released during a redox reaction correlates with the ability of the dopant metal atom to donate an electron.
Researchers at SMU are analyzing social networks and isolation's role in fighting hunger in North Texas. The study aims to understand the causes of food insecurity beyond household economic resources.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry found that food insecurity is strongly associated with adolescent mental disorders. The study examined 6,483 adolescents aged 13-17 years and found that a one standard deviation increase in food insecurity was linked to a 14% increased odds ...
Research at CARB has shown that plants use protein receptors to detect modified Nod factors, leading to root nodule development and nitrogen production. Legumes employ a sophisticated detection system to distinguish between pathogenic and beneficial microorganisms.
The USDA has awarded $4.8 million to 23 community-based organizations across the US to establish sustainable local food projects and improve access to affordable, healthy food for low-income residents. These grants aim to promote comprehensive strategies addressing local food, farm, and nutrition issues.
Researchers at Aalto University estimate that halving food losses globally could provide enough food for an additional 1 billion people, saving 614 kilocalories per person daily. This reduction would require efficient use of resources such as clean water and fertilizers.
Researchers found that VEGF-modified bone marrow stem cells sustain pancreatic recovery in a laboratory mouse model of insulin-dependent diabetes. The study provides new insights into mechanisms involved in regeneration of insulin-producing cells and offers evidence for using diabetic patients' own bone marrow as a source of treatment.
A new clinical trial at Loyola Medicine uses a genetically engineered immune system to fight melanoma. The treatment involves removing killer T cells from a patient and modifying them to recognize tumor cells as abnormal.
Researchers have developed semi-dwarf trees through genetic modification, which can improve wood production, biomass production, branching, water-use efficiency, and root structure. The modified trees can also be more resistant to drought stress and better sequester carbon.
Providing energy-dense food supplements to malnourished children has limited effect on reducing wasting, but increases height and hemoglobin levels. A cluster-randomized controlled trial found that adding Ready-to-Use Supplementary Food to a general food distribution had little impact on acute undernutrition.
A new study found that 70% of reported cases receive a physician's diagnosis for their child's food allergy, but only 1 in 5 receives an oral food challenge test. Lower-income and minority households are more likely to have undiagnosed food allergies, with 32% not receiving diagnostic testing.
Scientists at Uppsala University have successfully cloned a T-cell receptor that binds to an antigen associated with both prostate and breast cancers. This breakthrough enables genetically modified T cells to specifically kill these cancer cells, offering hope for new treatment possibilities.
A new study from Brigham Young University found that moderate-to-vigorous exercise in the morning can decrease a person's motivation for food. The research measured neural activity in women while they viewed food images before and after exercise, revealing a lower attentional response to food pictures after the workout.
Researchers found that enzyme-modified coconut oil strongly inhibited the growth of Streptococcus bacteria, a major cause of tooth decay. The study suggests that incorporating this natural compound into dental hygiene products could be a promising approach to combating microbial infection.
A nationwide survey of food policy councils reveals that many are focusing on procurement and access, but face barriers such as lack of time and funding. The study, funded by the Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future, highlights key findings on the role of food policy councils in improving local food systems.
Researchers have genetically engineered a type of house plant to be long-lived and produce flowers without pollen. The modified plants also exhibit improved growth characteristics, such as increased branching and leaf density. This breakthrough is great news for gardeners who want to enjoy their plants for longer periods.
A study by UCSF researchers found that HIV-infected individuals living in San Francisco's urban poor are more likely to visit emergency rooms and have hospital stays if they lack access to sufficient quality and quantity of food. The study found that nearly half of the participants were classified as food insecure.
Scientists emphasize collaboration between industry, academics and regulators to substantiate product claims with scientific evidence. The FDA is seeking reliable data on modified risk tobacco products to create regulatory science and protect public health.
Researchers found that abnormal proteins and antibodies in blood levels increase according to disease severity. High antibody levels are associated with higher risk of kidney failure and premature death.
A York University study reveals that Canadians often incorrectly estimate their daily food intake based on Canada's Food Guide servings. Researchers found that people tend to think they need to consume more calories than recommended to meet the guide's guidelines, leading to potential overeating and unhealthy habits.
Modified human stem cells helped enhance the activity of an enzyme called telomerase, which elongates telomere length. This technique increased telomere length and activity, as well as increasing cardiac stem cell proliferation, vital steps in combating heart failure.
Deer hinds in dominant positions select nutrient-rich foods, outperforming subordinates with lower-quality options. The study demonstrates preferential access to high-energy food sources, improving body condition and milk production.
Researchers have developed genetically modified bacteria that can prevent mosquitoes from transmitting malaria by killing the parasite. The modified bacteria were found to be 98% effective in reducing the malaria parasite burden in mosquitoes, with an 84% decrease in mosquito prevalence.
Research in rats and humans found that multiple pieces of food elicit greater satiation than a single piece, with increased portion sizes leading to increased intake. Cutting food into smaller pieces can make it more satiating, benefiting dieters seeking portion control.
A study by Dr. Natalie Loxton found that individuals with high reward sensitivity experience increased pleasure and urge to eat after watching TV commercials featuring junk food. This suggests a link between reward sensitivity and overeating, particularly in response to appetitive cues.
A study published by the American Heart Association found that consuming fast food even once a week increases the risk of dying from coronary heart disease by 20 percent. Eating fast food two or more times a week also boosts the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by 27 percent, especially among younger and better-educated individuals.
Raj Patel argues that understanding hunger and malnutrition requires examining systems and institutions holding power over food. Food sovereignty is advocated as a means to achieve food security and eradicate undernourishment, prioritizing women's rights and community control.
A new study found that modified bariatric surgery can resolve or improve Type 2 diabetes in obese and diabetic patients, regardless of body mass index (BMI). The procedure showed high success rates in reducing blood sugar levels and eliminating insulin needs.
Researchers developed a gluten-free pasta product from green banana flour, which tasters found more acceptable than regular whole wheat pasta. The product has less fat and is cheaper to produce, making it a potential option for patients with celiac disease.
A six-food elimination diet significantly improves symptoms in adult patients with eosinophilic esophagitis, reducing inflammation and improving digestion. The study identified specific food triggers that cause symptoms like heartburn and difficulty swallowing.
A new series by PLOS Medicine examines the role of the multinational food industry in shaping global health policies. Guest editors Marion Nestle and David Stuckler argue that public health professionals must recognize Big Food's influence and take action to expose and regulate its interests.
A new study maps the international agro-food trade network, showing its high complexity and potential for rapid spread of contaminants. The researchers predict significant delays in identifying outbreak sources, calling for an interdisciplinary approach to improve food safety regulation.
A recent study by Norwich BioScience Institutes reveals that the complex worldwide food-transport network generates 'hotspots' vulnerable to making outbreak tracing difficult. Countries with high import and export volumes are identified as key nodes in the network.
Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center have successfully transplanted gene-modified blood stem cells into brain cancer patients to protect their bone marrow against chemotherapy's toxic effects. The study showed that two patients survived longer than predicted, with one remaining alive for over three years.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania report that genetically modified T cells remain healthy up to 11 years after initial therapy in a decade-long study of HIV patients. The approach provides a framework for gene therapy as a powerful weapon in treating HIV, cancer, and other diseases.