Famines
Articles tagged with Famines
Plant hormone therapy could improve global food security
Researchers at Colorado State University have found a way to boost plant growth while maintaining its immune system through hormone treatment, showing promise for increasing food production. The approach involves genetically manipulating phytohormone interactions to restore cell division and increase disease resistance.
Global measure underestimates the severity of food insecurity
A new study reveals that global measures of food insecurity, such as the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification System, tend to understate the severity of hunger crises. The researchers found that up to 66.2 million people, or one in five, may be going uncounted due to conflicting data and conservative assessments.
Volcanic eruptions set off a chain of events that brought the Black Death to Europe
Researchers found a link between mid-14th-century volcanic activity and the start of the Black Death, which killed millions across Europe. The study suggests that climate-driven trade changes carried the deadly bacterium Yersinia pestis, leading to widespread devastation.
Study points to South America – not Mexico – as birthplace of Irish potato famine pathogen
Researchers at North Carolina State University suggest that the Irish potato famine pathogen, Phytophthora infestans, originated in the South American Andes Mountains. The study compared genetic material from P. infestans with those of close relative pathogens and found distinct differences between the two.
You are what you eat…and so are your grandkids? Study links poor diet to multi-generational health issues
A study from Tulane University found that a low-protein diet in one generation can lead to lower birthweights and smaller kidneys in offspring across multiple generations. The findings suggest that food scarcity or malnutrition may result in decades of adverse health outcomes.
Major £1.25 million funding award for project investigating the politics of famine
Researchers at the University of Bath will investigate the micro politics of famine in South Sudan and Somalia using £1.25 million ERC funding. The team aims to deliver a new theory on famine politics, prioritizing community perspectives and social realities.
Type 2 diabetes cases more than doubled seven decades after exposure to famine
A study found that individuals exposed to famine in early gestation had a two-fold likelihood of developing Type 2 diabetes, with extreme variations in intensity across provinces. The research highlights the importance of policies aimed at preventing events like the Holodomor from happening again.
Cutting a few calories won’t hurt your workout
A new study by UC Riverside demonstrates that calorie restriction does not significantly reduce voluntary exercise in mice. Researchers found that mice continued to run at similar levels regardless of the amount of food they ate, challenging the long-held belief that dieting drains workout energy. The study's findings have implications...
The long-lasting impact of war on global diabetes prevalence
A new study by the Complexity Science Hub estimates that the ongoing war in Ukraine could lead to up to 180,000 additional cases of type 2 diabetes worldwide due to supply chain disruptions and food shortages. Malnutrition during early pregnancy is also linked to increased risk of developing diabetes later in life.
Disaster plant pathology: solutions to combat agricultural threats from disasters
The impacts of natural disasters on plant health can be devastating, with the potential for direct effects from disasters like pathogen or vector dispersal. Human-driven disasters also create conditions favorable to the spread of plant pathogens, leading to crop loss and disease spread.
Study analyzes potato-pathogen ‘arms race’ after Irish famine
Researchers analyzed historic potato leaves to understand the evolution of the potato-pathogen 'arms race' that led to the Irish potato famine. The study found that the pathogen has remained relatively stable over time, with some genes remaining unchanged despite human intervention.
Moms and caregivers facing family food insecurity need help with more than just food
A study by Virginia Tech researchers found that mothers' mental health suffers when their families lack food resources, especially if they are the ones going without food. The study highlights the need for strategies to help moms or caregivers manage their mental health during times of food insecurity.
Using written records – and tweets – as a roadmap for plant disease spread
A study using historic and modern writing reveals more information about the effects and spread of Phytophthora infestans, a plant pathogen that caused the 1840s Irish potato famine. Researchers tracked the disease's spread across the US and Canada, finding it affected multiple states and provinces between 1843-45.
Malnutrition early in life sets stage for poor growth and death
Millions of children worldwide suffer from malnutrition, leading to poor growth and increased risk of death. Researchers analyzed data on nearly 84,000 children under two years old and found that season of birth makes a difference in wasting patterns.
Infants less than one year old most impacted by famine of the Dutch Hunger Winter with highest mortality rate
A new study found that infants less than one year old experienced the highest absolute and relative mortality during the Dutch Hunger Winter Famine. Diseases of the digestive system showed a tenfold mortality increase, with most deaths from enteritis, diarrhea, and intestinal ulcers.
Children and adolescents of the 1959-61 Chinese famine: Survivors face increased risk of non-communicable diseases 50 years later, with those exposed in utero or under age 2 at double the risk
Researchers found that children and adolescents exposed to the 1959-61 Chinese famine in utero or under age 2 are at double the risk of developing non-communicable diseases. The study, published in PLOS Global Public Health, examined the long-term health effects of early exposure to famine on later life.
Malnutrition during pregnancy increases diabetes incidence
Researchers at the Complexity Science Hub found a significant link between malnutrition during pregnancy and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. The study analyzed data from over 3.5 million people in Austria and found that men born during severe famine periods had a 78% higher incidence rate of new diabetes cases.
Leading plant science journal publishes a special issue on key discoveries in plant pathology
The American Phytopathological Society published a special issue on key discoveries in plant pathology, highlighting groundbreaking findings over the past 50 years. These discoveries have significantly impacted plant health, food security, and food safety worldwide.
Soaring fertilizer prices could see millions more undernourished
A study suggests that high fertiliser prices could lead to an additional 100 million people being undernourished, with up to one million deaths annually. The war in Ukraine has disrupted food exports, but energy and fertiliser price spikes are the primary drivers of food price rises.
Food insufficiency following discontinuation of child tax credit among lower-income households
A significant increase in household food insufficiency was observed among lower-income households following the discontinuation of child tax credit payments. The lowest-income households experienced the greatest increase, highlighting the vulnerability of these families to changes in government support.
Flooding significantly impacts food security, new study finds
A new study reveals that flooding can have both detrimental and beneficial effects on food security in Africa. Over 12% of those experiencing food insecurity had their status affected by flooding, with impacts varying by time period and regional scale.
Long-term impacts of famine include health and socioeconomic challenges
Researchers studied survivors of WWII's Dutch Hunger Winter to identify long-term consequences of famine on health and socioeconomic attainment. Malnutrition in utero caused severe physical consequences, while exposure during childhood and adolescence led to negative socioeconomic impacts, especially for males.
Infectious disease and famine: how COVID-19 increases the risk of malnutrition, and vice versa, in a vicious cycle
The COVID-19 pandemic is linked to increased malnutrition risk, as reduced access to food and healthcare worsens nutritional deficiencies. In turn, malnutrition amplifies the spread of infectious diseases, creating a vicious cycle that threatens global health.
Changes to animal feed could supply food for one billion people
Researchers at Aalto University suggest using crop residues and by-products in livestock and aquaculture production to free up human-usable material. This could increase the global food supply by up to 13% without increasing resource use or requiring major dietary changes.
Risk of volcano catastrophe ‘a roll of the dice’, say experts
Researchers from the University of Cambridge's CSER highlight the need for improved surveillance and public education to mitigate the impact of volcanic eruptions. The risk of a magnitude seven explosion in the next 100 years is one-in-six, with potential consequences including abrupt climate change and collapse of civilizations.
Nuclear war would cause a global famine and kill billions, Rutgers-led study finds
A Rutgers-led study estimates that a full-scale US-Russia nuclear war would cause global crop production to decline by up to 90% and lead to widespread starvation. This could result in over 5 billion people dying of hunger, with severe disruptions in global food markets.
Famine and disease drove the evolution of lactose tolerance in Europe
A new study finds that famine and disease, not increased milk consumption, led to the evolution of lactose tolerance in European populations. Prehistoric people consumed milk extensively, but it wasn't until around 1,000 BC that the genetic trait for lactase persistence became common.
Remote Ireland community survived a millennium of environmental change
A remote Irish community endured a millennium of climate change and ecological shifts without significant disruption, thanks to its adaptable social practices. The study, published in PLOS ONE, analyzed peat core data to infer environmental and human occupation changes over 1,000 years.
Why do locusts form destructive swarms?
Researchers at Tel Aviv University found that a specific type of bacteria, Weissella, becomes dominant in the gut microbiomes of locusts when they form swarms. This change may provide the bacteria with an evolutionary advantage, allowing them to spread and infect more locusts.
No longer just ‘famine food’ and the ‘fish of death’
Limpets played a significant role in global culture, medicine, and innovation, with uses dating back tens of thousands of years. They have contributed to the evolution of human brain development and feature in many place names and traditions.
African Sahelian farmers diversify crops to adapt to climate change
Farmers in the African Sahel have developed crop diversity strategies to cope with high seasonal variability and rising temperatures caused by climate change. By alternating long and short-cycle crop varieties, such as sorghum and pearl millet, they maintain food security despite changing environmental conditions.
Jet stream changes could amplify weather extremes by 2060s
Research suggests that climate-caused disruptions to the jet stream's position and intensity could lead to severe weather-related consequences. The study's findings imply that continued warming could cause significant deviations from the norm, rendering the jet stream drastically different within a matter of decades.
Warfare, not climate, is driving resurgent hunger in Africa, says study
A new study published in Nature Food found that long-running wars are the primary driver of rising hunger in Africa, displacing people, raising food prices, and blocking aid. Droughts have played a smaller role in exacerbating food insecurity, with their impact remaining steady or even decreasing over time.
Irish potato famine pathogen stoked outbreaks on six continents
Researchers found that a specific strain of Phytophthora infestans, known as FAM-1, was responsible for the Irish potato famine and spread to six continents. The pathogen caused massive outbreaks in Europe, leading to widespread starvation and migration.
Prenatal exposure to famine heightens risk for later being overweight
A study published in the International Journal of Obesity found that men prenatally exposed to the Dutch famine of 1944-45 were 30% more likely to be overweight with a BMI of 25 or over at age 19. The researchers speculate that changes in DNA methylation may contribute to this increased risk.
Great Chinese Famine and tuberculosis risk
A study found that prenatal and early-life exposure to the Great Chinese Famine significantly increases the risk of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) in adulthood across two generations. Over 12,000 active PTB cases were attributed to famine exposure between 2005 and 2018 in Sichuan Province.
'Selfish and loveless' society in Uganda really is not
A Baylor University study led by Cathryn Townsend challenges the long-held notion that the Ik ethnic group in Uganda is selfish and loveless. The research found that sharing and cooperation are integral to Ik culture, with a strong emphasis on supernatural punishment for those who do not share.
Free trade can prevent hunger caused by climate change
International trade can compensate for regional food shortages and reduce hunger due to climate change. Eliminating protectionist measures and barriers to trade can relieve these differences.
Eruption of Alaska's Okmok volcano linked to period of extreme cold in ancient Rome
A team of scientists and historians found evidence connecting an ancient period of extreme cold in Rome with a massive eruption of Alaska's Okmok volcano in 43 BCE. The study used ice core samples to link the eruption to the caldera-forming event, which had significant impacts on climate and history.
Volcanic eruption's effects on Roman Republic
A massive volcanic eruption in 43 BCE, linked to the Okmok volcano in Alaska, may have contributed to the unusual climate events that coincided with the fall of the Roman Republic. The eruption produced two years of prolonged cooling and increased precipitation, likely exacerbating crop failures, famine, and disease.
Even a limited India-Pakistan nuclear war would bring global famine, says study
A new study suggests that even a limited India-Pakistan nuclear war would cause unprecedented planet-wide food shortages and probable starvation lasting more than a decade. Crops would be hardest hit in the northern breadbasket regions, but southerly regions would suffer much more hunger due to global trade disruptions.
In ancient Scottish tree rings, a cautionary tale on climate, politics and survival
A study of ancient Scottish tree rings reveals that a devastating famine in the 1690s was caused by faraway volcanic eruptions and exacerbated by Scotland's political isolation from England. The researchers argue that nations should stick together to be stronger in the face of climate change.
Teeth offer vital clues about diet during the Great Irish Famine
Research on dental calculus reveals a monotonous potato-based diet for the poor, supplemented by eggs and wheat when available. The study of 42 people's remains found evidence of corn, oats, and milk foodstuffs, shedding new light on the Great Famine's social disaster.
Food consumption during Great Irish Famine
A study of 42 skeletons from the Kilkenny Union Workhouse identified corn and milk as primary sources of starch and protein in the victims' diets. This research provides insight into historical diet patterns and offers new methods for analyzing skeletal remains to reconstruct past nutritional habits.
Nuclear winter would threaten nearly everyone on Earth
A Rutgers-led study confirms extreme impacts from US vs. Russia nuclear war, predicting a global temperature drop of over 15 degrees Fahrenheit and a 90% reduction in growing seasons.
Chinese famine and the Type 2 diabetes epidemic: Challenges of connecting the dots
New research examines the link between Chinese famine and Type 2 diabetes, finding little evidence for an association. The study suggests that existing studies had limitations in design and control groups, which may have led to inaccurate conclusions.
Irish Famine victims' heavy smoking led to dental decay, new research reveals
Researchers discovered that 80% of adult remains showed evidence of tooth decay and over half were missing teeth. The study found pipe smoking marks on many of the skeletons, suggesting that smoking was a major contributing factor to poor oral health in this population.
WSU Vancouver climate scientist sees stage set for reprise of worst known drought, famine
A WSU climate scientist analyzed The Great Drought of 1875-78, leading to the Global Famine that killed 50 million people. Climate conditions characterized as more severe than before could be replicated with global warming.
Rethinking the fight as surge of malaria deaths in conflict zones threatens to upend progress
Researchers present studies on community health workers using mini-malaria clinics and new bednets, finding high treatment success rates. Alternative solutions, such as insecticide-treated housing and blankets, are also being explored to fight malaria in conflict zones.
Forecasting the 'whether' with computer modeling
University of Pittsburgh researchers are developing computer models to predict world events such as famine in South Sudan and refugee displacement. The models will analyze complex socioeconomic and geopolitical dynamics, incorporating both numerical and textual data.
Geese reduce metabolic rate to cope with winter
A new study found that geese reduce their metabolic rate to cope with winter by lowering their heart rate and body temperature. By doing so, they can conserve energy in the harsh cold conditions.
Prenatal famine drives DNA methylation and adult health six decades later
A study published in Science Advances found that prenatal famine exposure leads to changes in DNA methylation, which can influence adult body mass index and triglycerides levels. The researchers discovered that these epigenetic changes are similar to those seen in the general population.
Women survive crises better than men
Researchers found that women are more likely to survive crises like famines and epidemics due to biological factors, not behavioral differences. Newborn girls are particularly hardy, outliving newborn boys by up to 50%.
Early-life exposure to famine increases risk of dyslipidemia in women, but not men
Research found that early-life exposure to severe famine as a fetus or infant significantly increases the chance of having dyslipidemia in adulthood. The association was true for women but not men, suggesting cultural differences may play a role. Severe maternal under-nutrition during pregnancy could also contribute to the increased risk.
Chinese famine data show no long-term health effects except for schizophrenia
A systematic re-analysis of Chinese famine studies found no increases in diabetes, high blood pressure, and other chronic conditions among famine births, except for schizophrenia. The findings highlight an unrecognized flaw in common famine reports and suggest better indicators of famine exposure are needed.
Is it time for a dedicated tax to fund the NHS?
The BMJ publishes a debate article on whether a dedicated tax is needed to fund the NHS, with proponents arguing it would reflect public wishes and provide welcome certainty. Critics, however, believe a hypothecated tax would not protect funding from economic uncertainty and that simpler solutions exist.
Study provides evidence on movement of potato famine pathogen
A study by NC State researchers analyzed 183 phytophthora infestans samples from across the globe to track the pathogen's movement. FAM-1 lineage was found in US, Europe, and Colombia, suggesting a South American origin. The pathogen has caused massive disease outbreaks worldwide, with billions spent annually on control measures.
Famine alters metabolism for successive generations
A study of over 3,000 families affected by mid-20th Century China's widespread starvation found that prenatal famine exposure was associated with significantly higher odds of hyperglycemia and type 2 diabetes in both the mother and her children. The risk persisted even when only one parent had been exposed to famine.
Yo-yo dieting might cause extra weight gain
Repeated dieting can cause weight gain as the brain interprets diets as short famines and urges people to store more fat for future shortages. This phenomenon, known as yo-yo dieting, may explain why people struggle to keep weight off after trying low-calorie diets.