Articles tagged with Food Production
Researchers propose a method called electro-agriculture that can produce food without sunlight, reducing the need for agricultural fields by 94%. The method uses a solar-powered chemical reaction to convert CO2 into acetate, which is then used by genetically engineered plants to produce energy and carbon.
Researchers at WVU have developed microwave technology to recover propylene from polypropylene waste, which can be reused in new plastics or products. The process uses precise control and lower temperatures than traditional methods, offering energy efficiency and reduced emissions.
Researchers developed UAV-based hyperspectral imaging to accurately assess maize recovery after lodging. The method provides detailed information on canopy height and physiological activity, enabling farmers to make data-driven decisions.
New research reveals indoor vertical gardens consume excessive energy, particularly from artificial lighting and ventilation systems. Improving design and energy management can significantly reduce consumption.
Scientists at Umeå University discovered how Listeria bacteria transport calcium differently from human cells, helping it survive in harsh conditions. The findings have led to the development of new strategies for combating bacterial infections and ensuring food safety.
The study reveals the genes that enable plants to make DMSP, allowing them to thrive in salty and drought conditions. This breakthrough could improve agricultural productivity in nitrogen-poor soils, making crops more sustainable in the face of global climate change.
A study found increased antioxidant content and activity in Japanese apricot pickles made with salted red perilla leaves. The phenolic compounds' release was highest before digestion, but a significant increase occurred between 60 minutes and 120 minutes of small intestinal digestion.
Researchers have developed a biotechnology system that converts CO2 into protein and vitamin B9 using renewable energy. The system uses microbes to produce these essential nutrients, with the potential to address global challenges such as environmental conservation, food security, and public health.
Plant stem cells play a vital role in growth and development, controlling cell division and differentiation. Researchers have discovered a transcription factor gene called HVA that controls cell division in vascular stem cells, leading to an increase in the number of vascular bundles and overall stem cell activity.
Researchers at Cornell University found that integrating AI into environmental control systems can reduce energy consumption in indoor agriculture by up to 25%. By optimizing lighting and climate regulation, AI helps create an energy-efficient solution for optimal plant growth, carbon dioxide levels, and ventilation requirements.
Dr. Abdoulaye Djire, a Texas A&M chemical engineer, has received the Army Research Office Early Career Award for his research on electrochemical ammonia production. His project aims to develop more efficient and environmentally friendly methods for producing ammonia using 2D nanostructured nitride MXenes.
Research finds that climate change can promote Salmonella survival and internalization in romaine lettuce, making it a significant food safety issue. Climate change is predicted to increase humid periods, enhancing the ability of Salmonella to grow rapidly in lettuce.
A new study found that climate change is shifting the regions suitable for growing crops, putting pressure on timber production. As the land needed for producing vital resources becomes scarce, researchers warn of a looming issue that could lead to increased competition and conflict between agriculture and forestry.
A new study published in Nature Communications Earth and Environment suggests that greater education about sustainable agriculture is needed to support farmers. The research aims to clear up confusion between 'organic' and 'regenerative' farming, highlighting the importance of valuing quality and sustainability over cost.
Researchers have developed catalysts that achieve high ammonia Faradaic efficiency and yield rate, transforming nitrate into valuable ammonia. The study's findings provide insights into structural changes on spinel cobalt oxides, enabling more efficient and sustainable industrial processes.
New research finds women make up 50% of post-harvest fisheries and aquaculture workforce, yet often remain invisible, unpaid or underpaid. The study calls for policy changes to address social justice dimensions of technology development.
The study utilizes near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and machine learning to provide quick, accurate, and cost-effective product analysis. The researchers created a global model for corn kernel analysis, which can predict moisture and protein content with high accuracy across different locations.
A new study demonstrates a cost-effective method for producing cultivated meat, addressing scalability and cost challenges. The continuous manufacturing process enables daily biomass harvests and reduces costs by up to $6.20 per pound, aligning with organic chicken prices.
New research compares four methods for extracting edible insect protein, finding that alkali extraction boosts protein content while enzyme treatment improves nutritional value. Additionally, salt-assisted extraction reveals anti-inflammatory effects and anti-diabetic properties.
The Illinois researchers developed a new index called the Circularity Index (CI), which measures circularity on a scale from 0 to 1. It includes eight categories: take, make, distribute, use, dispose, recover, remake, and reuse. The CI can be used to evaluate strategies and impacts in bioeconomic systems.
Researchers identify accessory genes linked to nitric oxide production that contribute to Foc TR4's virulence, offering potential treatments and strategies to slow its spread. Monocropping is also identified as a key factor in the disease's success, highlighting the importance of crop diversity.
Researchers found the US can meet its entire seafood demand through domestic production, but current exports and imports limit self-reliance. Increasing consumption of lesser-exported species like herring and anchovy could strengthen the domestic supply and contribute to a more sustainable food system.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University have created a proof-of-concept for a unique aquaponics system that grows fish and vegetables together, producing more produce while using less energy than traditional systems. The closed-loop system recycles fish waste through anaerobic digestion, reducing waste production and carbon emissions.
A Rice-built reactor system can convert nitrates into green ammonia and purified water, decarbonizing ammonia production and treating nitrate-contaminated water. The innovative three-chamber system uses recyclable ions to improve reaction efficiency and eliminates the need for high concentrations of supporting electrolytes.
French PDO cheese producers harbor a staggering array of microbial life in their dairy products, with over 820 bacterial species identified in the cheeses and nearly 1,230 in the milk sources. Regional artisanship plays a significant role in shaping these microbial assemblages.
A study in São Paulo state found that peer-to-peer certified organic farms had an average of 58.8 organic items, while conventionally certified farms had only 22.2. This greater diversity includes native and medicinal species, contributing to a more sustainable and biodiverse organic farming system.
Researchers have identified the human odorant receptor for geosmin, a compound responsible for the distinct 'earthy' to 'musty' odor found in soil, plants, and certain foods. The discovery could aid in developing novel detection systems to monitor food quality and water purity.
A study published in Future Foods found that German consumers are willing to try and buy cheese produced through precision fermentation. Emphasizing high product quality and environmental benefits increases acceptance, while concerns about traditional agriculture reduce willingness to purchase.
A recent survey conducted by University of Massachusetts Amherst found that consumers prefer glass packaging for orange juice due to its perceived sustainability, but surprisingly, it is actually among the least sustainable options. The study ranked cartons as the most sustainable followed by plastic, aluminum, and then glass.
A study by Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology found that local food harvesting is more economically-efficient and less carbon-intensive than industrial food production in the Canadian Arctic. Replacing locally-harvested foods with market substitutes would cost over $3 million per year and emit over 1,000 tonnes of CO2-e...
Researchers investigated the effects of initial microbiota on microbial succession during eggplant fermentation, finding two distinct patterns of LAB dominance. They also identified Lactiplantibacillus plantarum as a primary contributor to lactic acid production and nutrient content.
Researchers from SWPS University found that assigning individual characteristics to farm animals can change children's attitudes towards eating meat. In studies involving preschoolers aged 5-6, those who were given a name and unique habits showed increased desire to befriend the animal and decreased willingness to eat its meat.
A new study suggests that using special fertilizers and crushed basalt rocks can reduce agricultural nitrous oxide emissions without harming the ozone layer. The research found a 25% reduction in N2O emissions, aligning with efforts to reach net-zero emissions while supporting increased food production.
The team created stable microbial therapeutics using synthetic extremophiles, maintaining potency and function over time despite extreme temperatures and harsh manufacturing processes. These formulations have potential applications in healthcare, agriculture, and space exploration.
The US food system is dominated by industrial agriculture, which perpetuates global challenges like food insecurity and biodiversity loss. Agroecology offers a solution, prioritizing ecological and social sustainability without sacrificing one for the other.
Researchers isolated three bacterial strains that produce amylase enzymes from sugar factory waste, showing great potential for production. The optimal conditions for amylase production were found to be 37°C and pH 7.0, leading to increased enzyme activity.
A new study reveals that LGBTQ+ farmers are over three times more likely to experience depression and suicidal intent compared to the general population. The research also found that queer farmers face specific challenges, including concerns about identity validation and access to mental health resources.
Researchers used modern technology to estimate the number of rock gardens on Easter Island and food production, revealing that the island couldn't sustain a large population. The study's findings contradict the long-held notion of an ecological catastrophe and instead suggest a more sustainable approach to agriculture.
Researchers have devised an algorithm to rationally engineer enzymes for improved performance, taking into account evolutionary history. The new method successfully introduced up to 84 mutations over a sequence of 280, resulting in improved activity and stability at higher temperatures.
A study found that smallholder farmers in Tanzania used more fertilizer and had higher crop yields after an intervention, but the benefits did not last. The researchers attribute the lack of long-term adoption to liquidity constraints and structural factors such as fertilizer availability.
A study of almost 400,000 live births found that paternal use of metformin monotherapy was not significantly associated with major congenital malformations. However, researchers noted that fathers prescribed metformin had higher rates of cardiovascular and metabolic conditions, which could affect reproductive health.
A study by Dartmouth College finds that regenerative agriculture's impact on farmers extends beyond financial gain, influencing their relationships and quality of life. By adopting practices like reduced tillage and cover cropping, farmers experience reduced dependence on agrochemicals and improved soil fertility.
Researchers uncovered evidence of ancient Mongolian cuisine using protein analysis on Bronze Age cauldrons. The study revealed that nomads collected animal blood for sausage production and fermented yak milk, providing insights into the traditions and diet of Bronze Age nomads.
The Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at NC State aims to create biomanufacturing hubs for dietary proteins that are healthy, tasty, and affordable. The center will research, develop, and commercialize new technologies to support sustainable food production and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Lynne McLandsborough's research offers a solution to the sticky sanitation issue in peanut butter and chocolate industries, improving food safety and reducing bacterial illness outbreaks. Her patent-pending method uses a water-in-oil emulsion to kill 99.9999% of Salmonella bacteria.
A new study found that removing hedgerows and field margins decreases the diversity and abundance of arthropods, which can lead to reduced natural pest control. The research suggests that using flowering plants in field margins and implementing agri-environmental measures can be effective ways to increase farmland biodiversity.
A new study found that biodegradable teabags made from polylactic acid (PLA) can take years to break down in soil and cause harm to earthworms. The research highlights the need for clear disposal information on product packaging, as many manufacturers are not providing accurate guidance.
While some European countries like Denmark, Finland, and Spain show positive attitudes towards alternative protein food, others such as Italy have lower acceptance rates. Additionally, young Polish consumers are less likely to adopt novel foods compared to Danish and German consumers.
Researchers observe internal reproduction process of Arabidopsis plant, revealing mechanism behind female flower's selective attraction to a single male counterpart. The study also uncovers a repulsion signal that discourages additional pollen tubes from approaching.
Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a recipe for cocoa-fruit chocolate that boosts fibre content by 20% while reducing saturated fat by 30%. The new chocolate variant uses powdered sugar substitute made from the fruit's pulp, offering a healthier indulgence with improved nutritional profile.
Climate change has led to decreased pollen production from plants, resulting in less diversity among pollinators, which could significantly impact food production. The study, conducted in the Great Basin region, examines how shifts in flowering times and extreme weather events affect pollinator availability.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science have developed an enzyme that converts ferulic acid from plant waste into vanillin, a classic flavor compound. The engineered enzyme exhibits high conversion activity and affinities, making it suitable for large-scale commercial production.
A study by Macquarie University found 70% of shark meat sold in Australian markets was mislabelled, including threatened species. The research highlights the need for improved labelling standards and enforcement to support sustainable consumption.
Shifting excess nitrogen from rich countries to poor ones could increase crop production by 12%, with moderate/food insecure regions seeing significant gains in both fertilizer use and food output. Current levels of production could be maintained with only 53-68% of current nitrogen used through redistribution.
A study by researchers at the Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology has uncovered a molecular link between bitter taste receptors and gastric acid release. Bitter substances stimulate parietal cells to secrete protons, leading to acidic stomach conditions. The findings hold promise for innovative treatments of gastric diseases.
Researchers have discovered that ethylene production increases during specific stages of strawberry development, suggesting its role in fruit maturation. The study highlights the importance of advanced tools to investigate ethylene's roles and potentially enhance fruit quality and ripening techniques.
A UK survey found that only 13% of respondents would be willing to regularly consume insects, highlighting the need to overcome the 'disgust factor' for entomophagy to become mainstream. The study suggests that incorporating insect flours into processed foods may help reduce disgust and increase consumer acceptance.
Researchers used pea, carrot, and tomato plants to simulate Martian agriculture. Intercropping emerged as a promising method to optimize fresh food production in future colonies.
Anu has received a significant grant to support the development of its 100% compostable seedpods, which are used in its smart gardens. The company's technology enables fast and efficient growth of produce, reducing water usage by up to 90% compared to traditional gardening methods.
Four studies document the feasibility of microalgae-based and microbial wastewater treatment methods to remove nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. The methods show promise in reducing environmental harm while increasing midwestern seafood production and consumption.