Articles tagged with Food Production
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.
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.
A study by University of Hawaii researchers suggests that revitalizing Indigenous aquaculture systems, known as loko iʻa fishponds, can increase locally available seafood production. This revival has the potential to boost local food production and provide a sustainable solution to Hawaiʻi's seafood supply.
Researchers have discovered that rice bran-derived nanoparticles exhibit strong anticancer effects, selectively targeting cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. The nanoparticles reduced tumor growth and inhibited metastatic cell growth in mice models.
A new study reveals that disease-resistant fish exhibit lower viral loads and higher survival rates compared to susceptible counterparts. The results demonstrate the benefits of breeding resistant animals for sustainable food production and animal welfare.
A new scientific review published in Sustainable Production and Consumption explores how to accurately assess the carbon footprint of coffee farming. The study provides guidance on measuring green coffee's environmental impact, including identifying representative measurements and applying land use change modeling.
A Japanese research team analyzed oxygen and nitrogen stable isotope ratios in nitrate to differentiate between sake breweries. The study found a distinct N isotope signature across various types of sake within a single brewery, which could be used as a marker for authentication.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science discovered a simple method to increase Euglena gracilis carotenoid content ratio by exposing it to strong red-light irradiation in bonito stock. The approach has potential to enhance the nutritional profile and scalability of this edible microalga.
A Dartmouth-led study found that people in New England, particularly those who frequently consume seafood, face an increased risk of PFAS exposure. The researchers recommend setting safety standards to limit seafood consumption and highlight the need for more stringent public health guidelines.
Researchers developed a framework to ensure food safety by retaining vitamins and minerals. The study used bootstrapping to estimate kill ratios in low-moisture foods, allowing for more accurate risk assessments and potentially relaxed standards, while maintaining high levels of food safety.
Researchers evaluated different pig farming systems, finding that none performed well across all four areas: land use, greenhouse gas emissions, antibiotics use, and animal welfare. However, some individual farms did excel in all domains, highlighting the potential for trade-offs to be minimized.
A study by the University of Southampton found that market forces have provided good food price stability in developed countries, including the US, over the past half century. Despite increased variability in weather and harvests, the wheat market has remained competitive and relatively stable.
Kiruba Krishnaswamy's project aims to tackle hidden hunger by developing a circular, culturally appropriate food system model. The research focuses on micronutrients and community-based solutions to address malnutrition and obesity, with the ultimate goal of reducing chronic hunger.
The WVU Institute for Community and Rural Health is leading a five-year, $8.5 million cooperative agreement grant to support underserved farmers in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and North Carolina. The project aims to increase agricultural production, provide working capital, and create farm-to-institution markets.
A WVU study found that treating work like a game improves workers' productivity and engagement, but also increases stress levels. Gamification can boost completion times for repetitive tasks, but may push employees past their tolerance threshold, leading to frustration and physical demands.
A study published in Nature Food reveals that optimized phosphorus use can extend its stock for up to 531 years, reducing the demand by 3,000 kt annually. Currently, around 30-40% of farm soils have over-applications, mainly due to European and North American countries.
Researchers have developed a biodegradable chitosan-based composite film reinforced with lignin-rich nanofibers extracted from rice husks, reducing waste and promoting circular economy practices. The material showcases improved strength, durability, and unique properties like UV-blocking capabilities.
A free, weekly home delivery program of fresh fruits and vegetables improved participants' nutrition levels, physical activity levels, and cardiovascular disease risk factors. The 16-week program resulted in significant improvements in food insecurity, diet quality, and indicators of cardiovascular health.
A recent study by the University of Cambridge found that farmed salmon production leads to a loss of essential nutrients. Consuming one-third of current food-grade wild feed fish directly could maximize nutrients from the sea. This approach could help address global nutrient deficiencies and improve both diets and ocean sustainability.
A recent study highlights the importance of considering lamb's nutritional value when comparing its carbon footprint. The research found that lambs finished on grass diets had a lower carbon footprint per unit of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids content, making them a more sustainable option.
A 20-year analysis found that calcium and vitamin D supplements reduced cancer mortality by 7%, but increased cardiovascular disease mortality by 6% in postmenopausal women. The study suggested that cancer incidence depends on pre-supplementation status, while CVD mortality is higher among supplement users.
A team of researchers has successfully identified the odorants responsible for Muscaris grapes' characteristic lychee note, shedding light on its molecular secret. The study's findings provide a scientific basis for breeding innovative grape varieties with distinctive fruity aromas.
A new study published in The Plant Cell has identified a genetic element controlling cold-induced sweetening (CIS) in potatoes. CIS is a major production problem for the potato processing industry, causing undesirable dark brown-black color when potatoes are fried.
Researchers have discovered the gene responsible for producing a unique type of chlorophyll in marine algae. This breakthrough could lead to improved crop yields on less land, making it a key step towards achieving a more sustainable food supply. The study also demonstrated that a land plant can produce this specific type of chlorophyll.
A new study found that living close to pubs, bars, and fast-food restaurants is associated with a higher risk of heart failure. The study, which analyzed data from over 500,000 adults in the UK, also found that proximity and density of ready-to-eat food outlets were linked to an elevated risk of heart failure.
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have developed a new method to produce protein-rich, sustainable foods with improved texture. By inserting foreign genes into cyanobacteria, they can create fibrous strands resembling meat fibers, which could be used in plant-based products.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a coating that bolsters the safety of fresh produce and provides enhanced protection against bacteria and fungi. The coating combines wax with nano-encapsulated cinnamon-bark essential oil in protein carriers to enhance antibacterial properties.
Researchers found that individuals who engaged in home and wild food production (HWFP) activities exhibited improved food security 9-12 months later. Those who were newly food insecure during the pandemic seemed to be the best at recovering from food insecurity with HWFP.
The University of Missouri researchers are developing new technology to rapidly detect and mitigate salmonella and other foodborne pathogens throughout the entire poultry supply chain. The team aims to significantly reduce the risk of foodborne illness in people, with rapid results that can be produced in one hour or less.
A new study published in the Journal of Dairy Science explores the use of spent hemp biomass as a feed ingredient for lactating dairy cows. The research shows that hemp biomass is safe and does not negatively affect milk production or animal health, despite being less palatable due to its characteristic smell. The study suggests potent...
A new study shows that Africa's rice production can be increased by employing improved agronomic practices such as soil nutrition, weed control, and water management. This can help meet projected demand of 150 million tons by 2050 without increasing imports or land conversion.
Researchers at Imperial College London created a novel molecular toolkit to enhance compound production in yeast communities. The toolkit allowed them to split the resveratrol production pathway, resulting in enhanced production and more stable partnerships between yeast strains.
Researchers in Italy cultivate four species of microgreens with bespoke nutritional profiles, providing a blueprint for soilless cultivation of nutritionally enriched plants. The study successfully produces microgreens with up to 14 times higher iodine content and 45% reduced potassium levels, catering to specific dietary requirements.
Researchers have engineered bovine muscle stem cells to produce their own fibroblast growth factor, reducing the cost of production for cultivated meat. This innovation could lead to more affordable and accessible cultured meat products in the near future.
A Colorado State University study quantifies greenhouse gas emissions from US irrigation pumping, highlighting the significant impact of groundwater pumping and location on emissions. The research estimates that electric pumps can play a key role in decarbonizing irrigation systems as the electrical grid becomes cleaner.
A new database of 928 weed species provides a unique insight into the history of agriculture and its ability to adapt to changing conditions. The data reveals trends in arable agriculture over time and how farming practices have varied in different environments, offering potential solutions for modern-day food production.
A new study reveals a surprising trend in global fishing industries: the decline of catch per fisher since the 1990s, despite increasing numbers of fishermen. This decrease has significant implications for food production efficiency, marine ecosystems, and fishing communities.
Researchers identify five key properties of global systems that generate polycrises and hamper crisis mitigation. They recommend a global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote renewable energy sources to address the growing interconnections between world problems.
A study published on Nature Food highlights the potential of using by-products in animal diets to save land and water resources. The research suggests that substituting energy-intensive crops with agricultural by-products could reduce competition for natural resources and improve food security.
Researchers at Stockholm University have successfully studied the surface of iron and ruthenium catalysts during ammonia production, shedding light on the reaction mechanism. The findings open up possibilities for developing more efficient materials, which could contribute to a green transition in the chemical industry.
The project aims to develop a successful harvest system by identifying suitable cultivars, optimizing production practices, and modifying the harvest system to minimize damage to onion bulbs. The goal is to improve profitability and market share for short-day onions in the southern US onion harvest system.
A major research study argues that diversifying away from maize and switching to crops like cassava, millet, and sorghum will improve nutrition security in sub-Saharan Africa. The study highlights the need for policymakers to prioritize nutritional quality in agricultural policy.
Recent studies in JDS Communications have found that paired housing can build behavior skills, shape calf personalities, and set up animals for success in the herd. Early socialization has been shown to boost competitive skills, increase time drinking from a bottle, and make calves bolder towards novel objects and unfamiliar calves.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a method to remove low-concentration methane from air using UV light and chlorine. The technique has shown promise in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from livestock housing, biogas production plants, and wastewater treatment plants.
The ILSI 2024 Annual Meeting will feature scientific presentations, professional development, and networking opportunities focused on innovations for safe, nutritious, and sustainable food manufacturing systems. Press registration is now available for media outlets covering the event.
A research team from the University of Waterloo developed an AI tool called PlasticNet to identify microplastics with unprecedented speed and accuracy. This system enables researchers to rapidly analyze large numbers of particles, reducing the time and error associated with manual identification, and providing quality information for i...
Researchers at ITMO University improved the nutritional value and taste of plant-based milks by using pre-freezing and ultrasound treatment methods. These methods boosted the extraction of beneficial microelements like iron, potassium, and zinc, as well as polyphenols, resulting in improved antioxidant activity.
A study published in Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture proposes a framework to characterise the unique properties of cacao beans in the Buenaventura region. The research highlights the benefits of establishing Denominations of Origin for cacao, including higher market prices, cultural preservation, and sustainable practices.
A recent study from the University of Copenhagen found that consumers rate vertically farmed greens similarly to organic ones. The study debunked consumer prejudices about vertically grown produce, showing that it can be just as healthy and natural.
Researchers found that cultivating Euglena in tomato juice resulted in high cell densities and tightly packed chloroplasts, outperforming other beverages. The nutrient composition of tomato juice is suitable for Euglena growth, offering a promising solution to the shortage of animal protein and potential health benefits.
A new analysis by Aalto University reveals that industrial agriculture is highly sensitive to shocks in agricultural inputs such as synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. The study models the impacts of these shocks on crop yields and food availability globally, identifying high-risk areas for the greatest yield losses.
Researchers at UNSW Sydney have developed a method to produce ammonia without high temperatures, pressures, and infrastructure. The new technique enhances energy efficiency and makes environmentally friendly ammonia economically feasible.
A six-month produce prescription program improved hemoglobin A1c levels, indicating better blood sugar control. Participants also showed improved food security and nutrition security.
The National Science Foundation has awarded $1.6 million to Emory University researchers to develop predictive models for farmers to adapt to climate change in Georgia, Iowa and Ohio. The project aims to create a public online tool to explore possible futures of agriculture at regional and state levels.
Researchers identified two fungus strains, Cyberlindnera jadinii and Kluyveromyces lactis, with potential probiotic effects on gut inflammation. These strains may offer a new way to develop probiotics and treat inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
A new study finds that consumers are willing to pay more for pork with improved animal welfare, but not necessarily a lower carbon footprint. The majority of respondents prioritize animal welfare over climate considerations.
Scientists at UC Davis have developed a method for high-yield and high-purity production of allulose through precise fermentation. The new approach has a more than 99% theoretical yield with minimal processing, making it efficient and economically feasible for commercial production.
Researchers discovered a novel insecticidal protein in ferns that protects major crop plants from pests and is naturally produced by plants. The protein has features in common with known Bt proteins used extensively in agriculture for insect control.
A study projects 2.7 million square kilometers of wilderness becoming newly suitable for agriculture over the next 40 years, threatening precious areas of biodiversity and cultural value. The research emphasizes the need to cut emissions and use farmland more efficiently to meet growing global demands.
Researchers have pinpointed the emergence of muddy flavors in farmed fish by measuring the concentration of geosmin and other compounds. The study highlights the importance of water quality management to prevent the production of off-flavor compounds, which can impact aquaculture industry revenue and sustainability.