Articles tagged with Food Production
Researchers from CIIDIR-Oaxaca Amphibian Ecology Laboratory studied the consumption of tadpoles in stone soup, revealing its significance as an indicator of water health and the species' vulnerability to overfishing. The study highlights the importance of accurately documenting human interaction with amphibians.
A new analysis by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research suggests that substituting 20% of meat from cattle with microbial protein could halve deforestation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Microbial protein can be produced in fermentation tanks, reducing pressure on land and methane emissions.
Researchers trained a robot chef to taste food at various stages of the chewing process, mimicking human flavor perception. The 'taste as you go' approach significantly improved the robot's ability to assess saltiness, producing better-tasting dishes.
A new cocoa processing method called moist incubation has been found to produce a fruitier and more flowery-tasting dark chocolate compared to traditional fermentation. The method involves rehydrating dried, unfermented cocoa nibs in an acidic solution and heating them for 72 hours before re-drying.
The UN Convention to Combat Desertification's Global Land Outlook 2 report warns that up to 40% of the planet's land is degraded, threatening half of humanity and roughly 1/2 of world GDP. The report offers hundreds of practical ways to restore land and ecosystem health.
A survey of 441 Germans found that environmental concerns do not drive demand for meat substitutes, but rather attitudes towards animal welfare and health. Manufacturers are advised to highlight the ecological advantages and healthier composition of their products.
Researchers identified cyclolinopeptides, particularly a methionine sulfoxide-containing class 4 peptide, as the primary cause of linseed oil's bitter off-flavor. Breeding or technical measures may help optimize flavor quality by reducing these peptides' content.
A team of researchers has made a large collection of coffee samples' NMR data freely available to assess the variety under which coffee is sold. The dataset can be interactively explored using software called NMRium-browser, allowing users to visualize the molecular structure of coffee beans from different origins.
A comprehensive review of scientific literature on sodium reduction strategies in food production identifies five main approaches: salt reduction, salt replacers, flavor modification, physical modification, and functional modification. These methods can help food companies reduce sodium content while maintaining palatability.
A Stanford University team developed a solar-powered technology to improve the quality and quantity of dried agricultural produce, increasing incomes for smallholder farmers in India. The equipment boosted prices by 14-22% compared to traditional open-air sun drying methods.
A multistate outbreak in 10 European countries linked to chocolate products has been linked to monophasic Salmonella Typhimurium, primarily affecting young children. The outbreak strain demonstrated a multidrug-resistant profile, highlighting the importance of including uncommon AMR profiles in early international communications.
Vertical farming enables crops to be grown in vertically stacked layers, conserving land and allowing for multiple harvests per year. This method can significantly reduce water requirements and chemical crop protection, while increasing yields through optimal growth conditions and technologies.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield have identified a unique bacterial phosphatase, PafA, that can efficiently release phosphate from its organic forms. This discovery has potential to help reduce the consumption of phosphate chemical fertilisers and promote sustainable agriculture.
New research suggests that plant-based meat alternatives have grown in market share but are not replacing traditional meat, instead serving as an add-on. The study found that consumers buy both plant-based and animal products, with plant-based meats accounting for only 0.4% of total fresh meat expenditures.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in controlling bacterial nitrogen fixation by cereals, enabling them to produce their own ammonia fertiliser. This development has the potential to reduce reliance on industrially produced ammonia-based fertilisers and mitigate environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
A new study by University of Warwick researchers finds that the adoption of cereal crops is the key factor in the emergence of complex hierarchies and states. Contrary to conventional theory, high land productivity does not lead to the development of tax-levying states.
A new study published in Ambio highlights the potential for tropical forests to provide food security in the face of a nuclear winter. Researchers identified 33 wild, edible plants and insects that could be cultivated or foraged in post-nuclear war conditions. These findings offer a new perspective on global food security and resilience.
A team of researchers collaborated with small farmers in Egypt to identify the most nutritious and climate-adapted pumpkin varieties. The study found significant variation in nutritional value among different samples, allowing for accurate identification using genetic analysis.
Researchers develop a method to leaven pizza dough without yeast by dissolving gas into the dough at high pressure. The team fine-tuned the pressure release rate through rheological analysis to create ideal rise, resulting in light and airy pizzas.
Scientists at NTU Singapore have developed a method to produce and extract oils from a type of common microalgae, which are edible and have superior properties as those found in palm oil. The newly discovered method would serve as a healthier and greener alternative to palm oil.
A new study examines the effects of socioeconomic drivers on food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research highlights the importance of cash assistance in reducing food insecurity, particularly for households with female and/or less-educated heads, and those experiencing income loss due to the pandemic.
A study published in The Lancet Planetary Health warns that heat stress on cattle could lead to financial losses of $15-40 billion annually by the end of the century. This would particularly affect producers in tropical regions, including South America, Asia, and Africa.
Researchers at the University of Seville conducted a study on deficit irrigation for Sunchocola tomatoes, finding no significant changes in commercial quality but increased carotenoids and phenolic compounds. The results have significant nutritional importance and potential for global irrigation water savings.
A recent data-driven study by Emory University researchers highlights the struggles of US farmers to make a living, even with government subsidies. The study creates a free online data hub to track farmer livelihoods and suggests that federal subsidies need to be reimagined to support innovation and adaptation in agriculture.
Scientists in Saudi Arabia developed a solar-driven system that uses hydrogel to condense water from air while generating electricity. The system successfully grew spinach in a hot climate, producing over 2 liters of water and 1,519 watt-hours of electricity.
A study of UK baby food products found an average of 9 promotional claims per product, with many implying indirect health benefits. This 'healthy halo effect' may be confusing for parents and contributes to a free-for-all in terms of regulation.
A recent study found that farms using regenerative agriculture have healthier crops with higher levels of minerals, vitamins, and phytochemicals. The research suggests that the key lies in the biology of the soil, where microbes and fungi play a crucial role in boosting beneficial compounds.
Researchers warn of substantial risks associated with AI in agriculture, including cyber-attacks and environmental degradation. They suggest involving ecologists in technology design to avoid scenarios like overuse of fertilisers and soil erosion.
Researchers at RIKEN CSRS have developed a non-transgenic method to modify plant genes using a bioactive molecule spray, which can be used to improve crop yield and resistance to pests. The technique has shown promising results in improving economically desirable quality traits in crops.
Researchers have created an environmentally friendly packaging material from apple waste, offering a potential alternative to plastic. The new material is made from apple pomace and has improved water resistance thanks to the incorporation of polymers and compounds.
A new study finds that European diets must change to reduce climate impact, with feeding livestock low-opportunity-cost biomass offering a 31% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The EAT-Lancet diet, which recommends reducing animal-source foods like red meat, is at odds with circular food systems that prioritize land use efficiency.
Researchers have designed a tiny and flat antenna for receiving and transmitting terahertz signals, enabling the miniaturization of THz devices. The new design integrates the antenna with the system, eliminating the need for bulky silicon lenses and reducing optical power required.
Scientists have engineered baker's yeast to produce D-lysergic acid, a medication used to treat neuro-cognitive diseases. This sustainable method could potentially produce up to five tons of DLA annually, reducing the environmental impact of industrial drug production.
A new report identifies ten key facts about global land use and details opportunities for a more sustainable and equitable approach. The study emphasizes the importance of considering trade-offs and acknowledging the rights of marginalized groups in policymaking.
Researchers at the University of Göttingen found that virtual farm tours using virtual reality glasses and tablets can improve transparency in pig farming. Participants appreciated the comfortable and entertaining information intake, but suggested that additional explanations be provided to support virtual farm tours.
Researchers found that machine learning models can help predict village food insecurity outcomes in Sub-Saharan African countries. The models incorporate publicly available data on weather, geography, and food prices to capture a wide variety of factors that can influence food insecurity. Key takeaways include the need for interpretabl...
Researchers at Harvard SEAS developed a new way to simulate tens of thousands of bubbles in foamy flows. This allows for predictive simulations in scales ranging from microfluidics to crashing waves, opening up possibilities for industrial applications such as food production and drug development.
A recent study from Ohio State University found that labeling identical products as 'new and improved' resulted in higher overall liking ratings compared to those labeled as 'consumer complaint.' The researchers suggest that this negative bias has a bigger impact on consumer perception than positive labels.
Mariculture has the potential to deliver high-protein foodstuffs with a significantly reduced carbon footprint compared to terrestrial products. The authors suggest various ways to improve mariculture's sustainability, including supply chain improvements and cofarming practices that can lead to net reductions in CO2 emissions.
Britain's urban areas have sufficient green space to support a large-scale 'grow your own' movement, meeting dietary needs and reducing reliance on imports. The study estimates that converted urban spaces could produce up to eight times the current UK fruit and vegetable output.
A new study reveals that GMO labeling significantly affects consumer behavior, reducing demand for GM foods and influencing willingness to pay. The research finds that mandatory presence-focused labeling has a stronger impact than voluntary absence labeling, making consumers more sensitive to the GMO attribute and price information.
A study by Tulane University found that swapping just one serving of beef per day for a more planet-friendly alternative can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 48% and water-use impacts by 30%. This simple change could collectively make a substantial difference in reducing the carbon footprint of US diets.
Researchers at Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA) have developed a protective cover for fruits and vegetables based on renewable raw materials. The cellulose coating extends the shelf life of bananas by more than a week, significantly reducing food waste.
A new study finds that farmers should be seen as partners in research and development to achieve climate and sustainability goals. Novel funding models, such as joint agenda setting and blended finance, are also needed to support transformative projects in the agricultural sector.
Public health experts urge stronger warnings on ultra-processed foods due to their high salt, sugar, and saturated fats content. The authors suggest building a public brand around the term 'ultra-processed' to increase awareness of the product's harms.
A team of scientists from NTU Singapore has developed a plant-based emulsifier that is rich in protein and antioxidants, allowing it to replace eggs or dairy in food staples. The emulsifier is made by fermenting brewers' spent grain and can help cut down on food waste, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
A study by Göttingen University found that training methods combining farmer-to-farmer learning with educational videos significantly increased the use of productive practices among smallholder farmers in Ethiopia. This approach also promoted informal information transfer and improved adoption of complex technologies.
Research found that cacao agroforestry systems support unique bird species in tropical dry forests, while bats are more abundant in these areas than in nearby forests. This suggests that cacao farms can serve as biodiversity-friendly oases, providing food and refuge for birds and bats.
Researchers from SUTD developed a simple method to perform direct ink writing 3D printing of okara without using food thickeners. This innovation enables the creation of snacks with controlled texture and boosts food supply sustainability and waste reduction.
Researchers from The Ohio State University developed a novel method to supplement cow milk with vegetable protein using readily available dairy processing equipment. This innovation combines the benefits of casein micelles with pea protein to create functional, multisourced dairy products that can help bolster declining fluid milk sale...
A citizen science project found urban growers in Brighton and Hove harvested 1kg of insect-pollinated fruit and vegetables per metre squared, comparable to conventional farming. Urban farming benefits biodiversity and human health while offering sustainable and productive alternatives.
A new study projects that farmed seafood supply will drop by 16% globally by 2090 if no action is taken to mitigate climate change. The industry is vulnerable to the effects of climate change, and some regions could see a decline in mariculture production by up to 90%.
Black soldier fly larvae thrive in dense groups when given the right amount of airflow, reducing the risk of overheating. The research, published in Frontiers in Physics, aims to make these protein-rich insects more readily available as recyclers of food waste, which totals 1.3 billion tons per year.
A recent study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research found that climate change has contributed to a four-fold increase in crop pest and disease occurrence in China since the 1970s. The researchers attributed this rise to warmer night temperatures, which can foster an increased chance for pests and diseases.
A large population study from Lund University found that a sustainable diet is associated with lower risks of premature death. The EAT-Lancet diet, which emphasizes whole grains, vegetables, and pulses, was linked to a 25% lower risk of total mortality and specific causes like cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Researchers investigated how providing information about alternative feedstuffs impacts consumer preferences. They found that consumers are more likely to prefer insect-based feed due to sustainability claims. The study emphasizes the importance of labelling and transparency for the acceptance of these alternatives.
A blind taste test by University of Copenhagen researchers shows Danes prefer conventional and organic farmed smoked salmon over wild-caught. The study reveals that people's expectations about a product affect their overall taste experience.
A recent study found that adopting a reduced meat diet can significantly improve human health, animal welfare, and the environment. The researchers compared different diets, including a Mediterranean diet with more fish and seafood, and a vegan diet, to a reference diet based on German Nutrition Society recommendations.
The article examines how the pandemic affected the protein sector's food supply chains, discussing lessons learned from the experience. The authors highlight the importance of building food supply chain resilience through improved efficiency and technology adoption, but warn that larger firms may pose a threat to smaller local systems.
Integrating food production and biodiversity conservation in spatial planning can minimize trade-offs between nature and people. The study found that joint planning processes for rural development and biodiversity conservation are more ecologically effective and socioeconomically feasible than separate strategies. By dedicating at leas...