The UMass Amherst Department of Food Science has been awarded a five-year grant to fund an experiential learning program for undergraduates. The FUEL Scholars program offers independent research opportunities, paid summer internships with industrial partners, and professional skills development.
A Cornell University study reveals that food safety training and planning can lead to increased sales and revenue for small-scale farmers. By investing in food safety practices, these farmers can tap into new markets and buyers, resulting in overall gains.
Researchers found that crowdsourced information gathered from mobile apps like Yelp can provide a more accurate real-time representation of food deserts in impoverished communities. The study suggests that the methods used by the USDA to identify areas with low access to healthy food are often outdated and narrow in scope.
A new sequencing technology will help scientists better understand the mechanisms of rare nucleotides thought to play an important role in the progression of some diseases. These modified nucleotides are crucial additions to the genetic code, but their detection is difficult and comes with high error rates.
A University of Central Florida researcher has developed a new test strip that can detect adulterated food with high accuracy, solving the problem of people paying more for their food than it's worth. The technology aims to replace current tests that are expensive, complicated or less effective, and is scheduled for completion in 2023.
A global pandemic has exposed the vulnerabilities of the interconnected food system, with supply chain disruptions leading to food shortages and price spikes. A systems approach is needed to address the challenges of a globally complex food system, incorporating systemic risk and opportunities into food-related policies.
Research by Cornell University found that electronic food vouchers, provided to Rohingya families through the United Nations' World Food Programme, allow for a greater range of nutritious foods. This led to improved height and weight gains among young children, as they were able to access more calorically and nutrient-dense foods.
A survey of Singaporeans found that those who dislike GM food tend to also reject nano-enabled food, highlighting the potential for a spillover effect in attitudes towards new technologies. The study's findings have implications for policymakers seeking to promote novel food technologies in Singapore.
A new analysis approach helps identify when and where to conduct food safety inspections, reducing waste and lost sales. The researchers found that food recalls are delayed by 1-2 months, peaking from mid-August through mid-September.
A new study by UMD researchers highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaborations in reducing global food waste due to date labeling. The study aims to clarify the science or lack thereof behind food date labels, with a focus on developing interventions to reduce behaviors that increase food waste.
A recent study analyzing Medicaid claims data found a lower prevalence of food allergy among enrolled children (0.6%) compared to previous estimates (7.6%). The research suggests potential under-diagnosis and highlights disparities in adequate management, particularly for racial and ethnic groups.
The study found that respondents from the South and mid-South reported above-average levels of food insecurity, while the Midwest and Northeast were lower. In the U.S., nearly half of all respondents report food insecurity in the wake of the pandemic.
A modified form of tubulin traps signaling molecules, reducing brain messaging in people with depression. Tubulin levels may provide a diagnostic marker and target for antidepressant treatment.
Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery about the function of actin, a crucial protein in cells, by uncovering its atomic-scale structure as it is modified. The research reveals that actin's modification plays a key role in regulating its ability to form filaments and interact with other proteins.
Researchers at UCI found that depriving colon cancer cells of glutamine causes them to adapt and become more invasive, but a modified version of the metabolite alpha-ketoglutarate inhibits key signaling pathways and curbs tumor growth
A new study found that only international trade has a net positive effect on global food systems sustainability, while population growth, urbanization, and lifestyle change have negative impacts. The study suggests that policymakers need better tools to measure and monitor food system dynamics to make them more sustainable.
Researchers propose that modified nucleobases could have facilitated the emergence of rudimentary self-replicating systems by stabilizing short RNA molecule structures and providing catalytic activity. This could have increased the breadth of available functions for short RNAs.
Researchers analyzed genetic and clinical data to find that high blood pressure and obesity significantly reduce lifespan, particularly in European ancestry populations. The study, published in Nature Medicine, identifies these traits as major contributors to reduced human lifespan.
A University of Utah Health study found that poor communications in 22 Utah communities hinder efforts to connect those in need with food resources. The researchers identified four clusters of communities: Food Secure, Food Insecure, Information Deserts, and Information Uncertain.
Researchers from Cornell and Mars Global Food Safety Center developed a method for whole-genome sequencing to determine salmonella serotypes in two hours. This improves the efficiency of food safety response to salmonella contamination incidents, which can occur in various foods.
Researchers at North Carolina State University attempted to measure how much pet cats supplement their diets with wild prey using isotopic analysis. However, they found that cat food manufacturers regularly change ingredient composition within the same flavors, preventing accurate identification of a cat's diet.
A pilot study found that the Spanish adaptation of the modified Story Memory Technique improved learning and life satisfaction in Mexicans with multiple sclerosis. The intervention, which teaches imagery and context to facilitate learning, may be an effective rehabilitative tool for Spanish-speaking populations with MS.
Researchers argue that current disjointed approaches may harm strategies to reduce food emissions and safeguard food from climate impacts. A comprehensive approach is needed to track emissions beyond the farm gate and understand how different components work together.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that consumers may be wasting more than twice as much food as commonly believed, and that affluent consumers waste more food. The researchers used a human metabolism model to quantify the relationship between food waste and consumer affluence.
A new single-cell prenatal blood test can identify genetic abnormalities in fetuses with high accuracy, improving the likelihood of detection. The test uses a modified droplet digital PCR assay that assesses DNA from live cells without cell fixation or whole-genome amplification.
A new protein-based method, STOP-CAR, switches off modified T cells on command, reducing toxicity and organ damage in cancer patients. This breakthrough could speed the clinical development of new CAR therapies.
A new cryopreservation technique has been developed to preserve genetically modified rat spermatozoa, which are difficult to store due to their large size and sensitivity to temperature changes. The method, tested on genetically modified rats, successfully produced over 300 offspring from a single male rat.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a poliovirus-based therapy that stimulates a natural immune attack on cancer cells in animal studies. The modified virus, called PVSRIPO, induces an immune response against mutated cancer cells found in diffuse midline glioma tumors, which are universally deadly in children.
A University of Georgia study evaluated environmental monitoring practices across the frozen food industry to identify effective methods for controlling Listeria monocytogenes. The research found that facilities were predominantly testing for Listeria spp., but there is a need for facilities to review their sampling strategy.
According to Penn State researchers, US households waste an estimated 31.9% of the food they acquire, with an aggregate value of $240 billion per year. This inefficiency has significant implications for health, food security, and climate change.
A new study suggests that rural communities in Vermont are already managing their food waste effectively through composting and feeding scraps to pets or livestock. While support for banning food waste is high, only a minority of residents are willing to pay for curbside compost pickup programs.
Adults with food insecurity are 10-37% more likely to die prematurely, on average 9 years earlier than their food-secure counterparts. Policies addressing food insecurity could reduce premature deaths.
Research collaboration discovers genetically modified poplar trees can grow and produce biomass without emitting harmful isoprene. The modification allows trees to adjust to climate stress through natural seasonal cycles, retaining their growth potential. This breakthrough could lead to more sustainable forest plantations.
Researchers genetically modified poplar trees to reduce negative impacts on air quality, finding they can grow as well as non-modified trees. The study suggests that these modifications may help improve biomass productivity and plant health without impairing growth.
Several studies investigate how social media shapes consumers' perceptions of food technologies, including GMOs, and the resulting disinformation. Researchers analyze online articles, social media engagement, and brain responses to infographics about food technologies, highlighting the need for effective communication campaigns.
A Yale University analysis found that online grocery delivery systems cover 90% of food deserts, increasing access to nutritious food for low-income communities. The study suggests that online shopping can reduce obesity and improve health outcomes by providing essential nutrients and promoting better eating habits.
A new global map assesses the sustainability of food systems, considering factors beyond productivity and nutrition. The study identifies knowledge gaps and provides a standardized framework for measuring food system sustainability.
Researchers developed a modified Mg metal anode via surface ion-exchange reaction, enabling stable electrochemical performance and reversible plating/stripping at high current densities. The artificial layer improves ion transport kinetics, reducing overpotential and increasing battery lifespan.
A recent study published in Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems reveals that chronic hunger affects nearly half of rural households in sub-Saharan Africa. The survey found that 39% experience severely unreliable access to food and 49% have inadequate diet diversity, putting them at risk for micronutrient deficiencies.
The tourism industry is facing significant challenges due to food waste, with globally estimated 1.3 billion tons of food lost or wasted each year. Food waste in tourist households has been neglected despite growing numbers of tourists and diverse travel experiences.
A Cornell University study found that non-GMO labeled produce experiences a significant boost in demand when accompanied by a GMO label on other products. The 'halo effect' suggests consumers perceive non-GMO labels as more trustworthy and desirable.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) addresses the right to food by providing targeted assistance to low-income households and expanding automatically in response to changes in need. SNAP achieves a right to food through its entitlement program, access to food nationwide, and respect for participants' dignity and autonomy.
Researchers aim to address sustainable food systems for a growing population by developing an optimal food system from an economic and resource-use perspective. The study will examine the role of trade in making resource use more efficient and providing safe and nutritious food.
A new study of over 10,000 Canadian households reveals a strong correlation between food insecurity and nonadherence to prescription drugs. Food insecure households are more likely to experience cost-related nonadherence, which can exacerbate health issues associated with food insecurity.
A study by Northwestern University found that sleep-deprived individuals are more likely to choose high-energy dense foods due to an imbalance in brain regions receiving food signals. The researchers suggest that paying attention to our nose's influence on food choices may help alleviate unhealthy snacking habits.
A new University of Otago study found that people have varying levels of knowledge about food energy and portion sizes. Inaccurate judgements about these factors can result in overeating and subsequent weight issues. To combat this, the researchers suggest providing more explicit and salient energy labels on food packages.
A recent study by UCSF researchers found that young adults with food insecurity are more likely to develop disorders associated with obesity and obstructive airway diseases like asthma. Chronic stress from food insecurity can lead to inflammation, insulin resistance and increased risk of mental health issues.
Food insecurity has serious consequences for health and wellbeing, including inadequate intake of key nutrients, depression, and poor physical and mental health. Experts propose strategies such as improving weekend access to nutritious foods during summer months and understanding the psychosocial effects of food insecurity on college s...
Researchers at UTHealth developed a two-year study focusing on north Pasadena, Texas, where food insecurity is high. The program provided food prescriptions for healthy food and nutrition education, resulting in 71.1% of participants redeeming their prescriptions and 94% reporting healthier eating habits.
Researchers have designed a new class of modified pantothenamides that stop malaria parasites from replicating in humans and preventing transmission to mosquitoes. These compounds are effective against malaria parasites resistant to currently available drugs.
A survey of 16,475 households found that raw pet food was a contaminant in only three households, with most common pathogens being Campylobacteria and Salmonella. Most households did not report any infections, with 99.6% reporting no pathogen transmission from raw food.
Research using stable isotopes shows that some mammals thrive on agricultural products in modified landscapes, while others rely on forest resources. Habitat loss from agriculture may pose conservation challenges, highlighting the need for sustainable land-use practices.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a new method for analyzing gas chromatographic data using deep learning, allowing for faster and more accurate results. This technology has the potential to improve food quality control, detect food fraud, and enhance patient care by analyzing blood samples.
A recent study found that nearly half of university and two-year college students in the US experience food insecurity, leading to academic struggles, mental health issues, and reduced career opportunities. Food insecure students often turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms or go without meals, exacerbating the problem.
A new study published in PLOS ONE examines the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and multiple food environments. The research found that a greater number of fast-food restaurants near commute routes is associated with higher BMI.
A UTA study reveals that urban sprawl increases the likelihood of a neighborhood becoming a food desert, which is defined as an area with limited access to healthy food options. More compact neighborhoods are likely to support a greater number of grocery stores and have healthier food options.
Researchers at the University of Illinois identified genetic signatures that distinguish male from female waterhemp and Palmer amaranth plants, a crucial step in developing genetic control. The discovery aims to introduce genetically modified male plants that would contain a gene drive to control the damaging weeds.
A team at Technical University of Munich has developed modified T cells using CRISPR-Cas9, which can recognize specific antigens without mixed receptors. These near-natural cells have the same structure but are capable of being genetically modified, making them suitable for cancer therapy and potential solutions to immunotherapy problems.
Researchers at the University of Lincoln's National Centre for Food Manufacturing have developed new methods to dehydrate fruit and vegetables, producing flours that can be used in bakery and snack products. This technology extends shelf life and reduces food waste.
Cornell University has received a $1.8 million grant from the USDA to develop active packaging materials that reduce preservatives in foods, minimizing food waste. Researchers will also explore cold processes for producing nutritious juices and beverages with reduced energy consumption.