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.
A collaborative study by Connecticut researchers shows that food insecurity is linked to insulin resistance and the development of type 2 diabetes in Latinos. The study found that households with food-insecure individuals had higher levels of inflammation, stress hormones, and insulin resistance compared to those who were food secure.
Researchers have identified specific bacterial species in the human infant gut that protect against food allergies. Administering these microbes as a therapeutic can prevent food allergies from happening and even reverse existing ones in mice, offering a new approach to treating this common condition.
A Finnish study finds that food neophobia, a fear of new foods, is associated with poorer dietary quality and increased risk of chronic diseases. Food neophobia was linked to lower intakes of fibre, protein, and monounsaturated fatty acids, and higher intakes of saturated fat and salt.
A new Iowa State University study reveals that combining Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) improves food security by at least 2 percentage points.
A study of nearly 800,000 NYC schoolchildren found that Black, Hispanic, and Asian students live closer to unhealthy food outlets than White students. The researchers used precise home and school address data to calculate distance to each student's closest food outlet.
A study published at the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition's annual meeting found a significant correlation between advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in junk food and food allergy in children. Researchers observed higher levels of AGEs in children with food allergies compared to those with ...
A recent study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that people's existing knowledge about genetically modified food is a significant determining factor of their attitudes towards it. Learning the underlying science leads to more positive attitudes, a greater willingness to eat them, and a lowered perception of GM...
A new study found that Latino and black households have a greater negative environmental impact per dollar spent on food due to their purchasing patterns. They tend to buy more environmentally intensive foods like grains and protein, and spend more money overall.
Researchers propose lab-grown insect meat as a solution to environmental concerns, combining benefits of insect farming, GM livestock and plant-based meat substitutes. The technology requires fewer resources and less energy-intensive control, with potential for mass food production and scalable cost-effectiveness.
A recent study by the University of the Basque Country highlights the importance of standardizing thickeners for people with dysphagia. The research found significant gaps in current guidelines, leading to concerns over food safety and swallowing difficulties.
A study of college students in Southern Appalachia found that food insecurity prevalence is significantly higher than the national average, with 30.5% of students experiencing it, compared to 12% nationally.
Female Egyptian fruit bats form bonds with male producers and exchange mating for nourishment. The study found that females give birth to pups of the males they most often scrounge food from, supporting the hypothesis that females trade mating for food.
In a study on Egyptian fruit bats, researchers found that females consistently take food from male peers and eventually mate with them. The findings support the 'food-for-sex' hypothesis in this species.
The introduction of Nutrition North Canada led to a significant increase in food insecurity, affecting 46% of households in 2014 compared to 33% in 2010. Despite the program's focus on nutritious foods, high prices and other factors contributed to worsening food access issues in Nunavut communities.
A study of restaurant staff in Germany found low levels of food allergy knowledge and negative attitudes toward serving customers with food allergies. Factors such as education level, management status, and restaurant size influenced staff attitudes towards food allergies.
A new study reveals discrepancies in food insecurity estimates among college students, emphasizing the importance of accurate measurement to address hunger. Researchers found varying prevalence rates depending on survey protocols, suggesting that traditional methods may not capture the full scope of food insecurity on campus.
Researchers found that reframing how students view food-marketing campaigns can spur adolescents to make healthier dietary choices for an extended period. Teenage boys reduced their daily purchases of unhealthy drinks and snacks in the school cafeteria by 31 percent, while girls' purchases remained similar.
A new study found that food insecurity at home, particularly during early childhood and adolescence, hampers learning abilities in Indian adolescents. The research team analyzed test scores and found that 47% of children experienced household food insecurity, leading to lower scores in reading, vocabulary, maths, and English.
A new study from the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity found that meal kits and recipe tastings in a food pantry increased the selection of whole grains and leafy greens by three times. The study also showed a spillover effect, where clients selected additional healthier options when meal kits were available.
A recent study published in BioScience analyzed international food trade data from 1986 to 2010 to assess its impact on equitable access to food. The researchers found that trade plays a significant role in distributing food more equitably across the planet.
Research led by Dr. Karen A. Robbins found that mothers whose infants had suspected food allergies reported breastfeeding them for significantly longer periods, with an average of 45.8 weeks compared to 32 weeks for those without concerns. This suggests a potential link between breastfeeding duration and the development of allergies.
The proliferation of genetically modified seeds in India has led to 'choice overload,' where farmers struggle to make decisions due to a vast array of options. Farmers prioritize community expectations and social status over yield, driven by the desire to be successful and modern.
A new survey found widespread confusion among US consumers regarding food date labels, leading to unnecessary discards and increased waste. The study suggests that clear and consistent labeling is crucial to reduce food safety risks.
A recent survey by Michigan State University found that the oldest Americans are most focused on reducing food waste, with 88% of all respondents taking steps to reduce it. Among those who make efforts, 71% try not to purchase excess food and 71% often consume food before it spoils.
A recent study found that about half of US consumers have positive attitudes towards genetically modified food, while nearly 14% have negative perceptions. The survey also revealed that demographics such as age and education level play a role in shaping opinions on GM science.
A study published in Nature Sustainability identified 226 food production shocks across 134 nations over a 53-year period. The research found that extreme weather events and geopolitical factors are major drivers of these shocks, posing a growing danger to global food production.
A genetically modified virus injection into tumor has effectively treated almost 40 percent of patients with metastatic melanoma. The treatment, talimogene laherparepvec (TVEC), stimulates the immune system to attack cancer cells, leading to a complete local response rate of 39 percent in stage IIIB disease.
A new computer program, EnABLe, simulates the most likely locations of Listeria monocytogenes in processing facilities to inform pathogen testing. The model has potential for application to other microbes and environments, including hospital-acquired infections and fruit and vegetable processing plants.
A recent US study by UTSA researchers links food insecurity and living in a food desert to an increased risk of obesity. The study found that women are more likely to experience obesity due to food insecurity, while Black and Hispanic households face higher risks.
A new report finds that food companies spend 8 out of 10 dollars on unhealthy snacks and fast food ads targeting Black and Hispanic youth. The study analyzed 32 major food companies' advertising to children and teens in 2017, revealing a lack of healthy product promotion.
A study published in Nature Human Behaviour found that people who strongly oppose genetically modified foods often believe they know more about the topic than they actually do. Despite a scientific consensus on GM food safety and nutritional benefits, many opponents think they are knowledgeable on the subject.
Researchers developed nanosized LiFePO4 modified electrodes for biochemical analysis, detecting rutin and hemoglobin with high sensitivity. The electrodes achieved detection limits of 8.0 nmol L-1 for rutin and 0.068 mmol L-1 for trichloroacetic acid reduction.
A study at the University of Copenhagen found that 8% of Danish households experience food insecurity, affecting their quality of life and psychological well-being. The researchers found a correlation between financial pressure and unhealthy diet, low psychological well-being, and lower quality of life.
A study of over 40,000 adults found that one in 10 has a confirmed food allergy, while nearly half develop an allergy as an adult. Nearly 1 in 5 adults believe they have a food allergy despite inconsistent symptoms.
Researchers have genetically modified a common houseplant to remove chloroform and benzene from the air, two hazardous compounds linked to cancer. The modified pothos ivy plants express a protein that converts these pollutants into harmless molecules, which can support plant growth.
A study found that pregnant women who have a family history of food allergies are more likely to avoid certain foods, such as nuts and eggs. However, this avoidance does not necessarily prevent food allergies in their infants, but rather increases the risk of problems with food at 4 months old.
New research found that ghrelin hormone makes people associate food odours with reward, leading to increased eating and obesity risk. Ghrelin also reduces response time and increases pleasantness of food images
A survey of 2,537 US adults found that roughly half believe the average person faces a serious health risk from food additives over their lifetime. Similarly, about half think genetically modified foods are worse for one's health. Women and those with low science knowledge tend to express more concern about these issues.
According to the latest national food allergy prevalence survey, nearly 8% of US children (about 5.6 million) have food allergies, with 42% reporting at least one lifetime ED visit for a life-threatening reaction. However, only 40% of these children have a current prescription for an epinephrine auto-injector.
A special issue of the Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development explores local governments' engagement in food system planning. Key findings include varying levels of government involvement and the need for measuring progress or failure to identify successes and jettison failed policies.
Scientists have successfully modified arsenene with chloromethylene groups, improving its semiconducting properties. The modified material exhibits strong luminescence and electronic properties, making it attractive for optoelectronic applications.
Scientists at the University of Konstanz have gained detailed structural insights into DNA polymerases interacting with modified substrates. This knowledge can be used to advance genome sequencing and other areas of molecular biology-based diagnostics.
Researchers found that people from lower classes describe food as a means of survival, while those in the middle class use language to obscure their struggles. In contrast, those in the upper class view food as a networking tool, rarely considering its physical necessity.
A new study from the University of Copenhagen found that children have different food serving preferences based on their age and gender. Younger girls prefer separate servings, while boys of the same age do not care about presentation style. The research also shows that older children prefer mixed or combined ingredients in their meals.
A study of 200 Irish adults found that many struggle to understand food labels, particularly men and those at risk for cardiovascular disease. The survey revealed gaps in consumers' use and interpretation of nutritional information, highlighting the need for improved public education and enhanced labeling.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that household food insecurity is strongly associated with increased mortality rates in adults. The study analyzed data from Ontario, Canada and found that more severe levels of food insecurity were linked to a higher risk of mortality.
A study found that young adults, particularly college students, are high food wasters due to a lack of learned food management behaviors. The study's findings suggest that environmental factors, such as access to refrigerators and cooking facilities, also play a role in their behavior.
Researchers at NTU Singapore have discovered a natural plant-based food preservative using flavonoids, showing strong anti-microbial and anti-oxidant properties. The organic preservative effectively kept meat and fruit juice samples fresh for two days without refrigeration.
A study found similar trends in streamflow in natural and human-modified watersheds, indicating climate-induced changes. Streamflow decreased in the southern US and increased in northeastern states and Canadian prairies.
A groundbreaking study by Oregon State University demonstrates the potential for genetically modified forest trees to prevent new seedlings from establishing. Researchers successfully engineered containment traits that limit the spread of genetically modified or exotic poplar trees, mitigating societal concerns over gene flow.
A group of 12 University of Michigan faculty members propose a new analytical framework for studying the global food system, focusing on ecology, equity, culture, and human health. This shift in focus is needed to address the unsustainable nature of current approaches to solving the global food crisis.
Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine and University of Minnesota have developed a new CAR-T immunotherapy using natural killer cells engineered from human induced pluripotent stem cells. These cells demonstrated heightened activity against ovarian cancer with less toxicity, offering potential advantages ...
A genetically modified poliovirus therapy developed at Duke Cancer Institute has shown significantly improved long-term survival for patients with recurrent glioblastoma, with a three-year survival rate of 21 percent. The therapy preferentially targets tumor cells and ignites a targeted immune response.
A recent study by Professor Jesper Lassen found no correlation between public reservations about genetically modified foods and parliamentary debate. Politicians focus on benefits and risks, ignoring the moral and ethical dimensions that concern citizens most.
A new study found that nearly three-quarters of adults on probation in Rhode Island experience food insecurity, with almost half having very low food security. The prevalence is substantially higher than the statewide average, highlighting a critical need for targeted interventions and policies to mitigate health disparities.