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Year-round edamame: hydroponic LED plant factories redefine sustainable cultivation

Researchers at Hosei University developed a hydroponic cultivation system using LED lighting to produce high-quality edamame consistently throughout the year. The nutrient film technique (NFT) method resulted in higher yields, better nutritional value, and increased productivity compared to traditional open-field cultivation.

SourceHosei University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 12, 2025

Grocery store records reveal London food deserts

Researchers used Tesco Grocery 1.0 dataset to identify large clusters of food deserts in East and West London, where residents have limited access to affordable nutritious food. The study found correlations between sociodemographic factors and nutrient-deficient purchases in areas with higher income and car ownership.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Complex Systems·TypeObservational study·DateNov 6, 2025

U.K. food insecurity is associated with mental health conditions

A recent study published in PLOS One found that 7.8% of U.K. households experience food insecurity, with Black/African/Caribbean/Black British households facing higher rates. Food insecurity is also associated with longstanding mental health conditions, particularly among Asian/Asian British respondents.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeSurvey·DateOct 15, 2025

Feeding the future from the soil up

Researchers found that beneficial bacteria can enhance the levels of amino acid and antioxidant ergothioneine in spring wheat, potentially improving nutritional value. This approach could associate plants with benign microbes to increase protein content in staple crops.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateOct 15, 2025

Smartphone-powered AI predicts avocado ripeness

A new smartphone-based AI system accurately predicts avocado firmness and internal quality with high accuracy, enabling consumers to avoid overripe avocados. The technology has the potential to assess the ripeness and quality of other foods, reducing global food waste by 50% by 2030.

SourceOregon State University·JournalCurrent Research in Food Science·DateOct 13, 2025

Water first: Study urges prioritizing irrigation and water management over genetic drought tolerance

A new study argues that plants cannot survive without a minimum water supply, regardless of their genetic drought tolerance. Effective water management strategies, such as modern irrigation systems and soil mulching, have consistently stabilized or boosted yields, while genetic advances provide little protection once soil moisture fall...

Cambridge scientist uncovers cunning way to double the sales of the famous Greggs Vegan Sausage Roll – and in an open letter, shares the technique with key people at Greggs

A new strategy to increase low-emission food consumption has been found effective in controlled choice experiments with 3,000 participants. The 'nudge by proxy' approach highlights consumer motivations rather than environmental impacts, significantly outperforming traditional carbon footprint labelling.

Halting COVID-related SNAP benefits left families struggling to afford food, household expenses

A new study reveals that states ending emergency SNAP benefits during the pandemic led to increased difficulty affording food and household expenses, especially for households with children. This reduction in funding threatens the health and well-being of millions of families reliant on the program.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalPreventive Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateSep 22, 2025

When getting a job makes you go hungry

A new study published in PLOS One identifies unexpected 'danger zones' when the risk of going hungry is highest among Utah refugees, highlighting the need for timely interventions and improved information to reduce food insecurity. Researchers propose increasing access to gardens and empowering refugees with resources to thrive.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalPLOS One·TypeSurvey·DateSep 5, 2025

Bronx Program offering incentives to grocery shop online shows promise in increasing healthy purchases and reducing food insecurity

A new NYU study found that an online grocery shopping program increased household purchases of healthy foods and reduced food insecurity among low-income caregivers. The program provided incentives such as free delivery, text messages, and financial assistance to encourage participation.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2025

Study reveals benefits of traditional Himalayan crops

A study published in Science Advances reveals that traditional Himalayan crops like black peas are more ecologically resilient and have higher protein levels compared to commercial crops like green peas. The research highlights the nutritional profile of black peas, which are rich in protein, minerals, and fiber.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 15, 2025

Food preferences, stigma among reasons students don’t eat free school meals

A recent study by NYU researchers found that student preferences for home-cooked meals and fast food, as well as concerns about meal health, are significant barriers to student participation in free school meals. The study suggests that making healthy meals more appealing and accessible can help increase student participation.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of School Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 16, 2025

Pandemic-era child tax credit lowered anxiety and increased food security, stable housing among young children, but excluded many low-income, immigrant families

A new study found that the expanded child tax credit reduced anxiety and improved food security and housing stability among young children. However, it excluded many eligible low-income and immigrant families due to minimum income requirements.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateJul 2, 2025

Drought-resilient plant holds promise for future food production, study finds

Researchers at Colorado State University have demonstrated the reversal of embolism in a type of wild grass, which can recover from extended drought within 24 hours. This finding has significant implications for improving agricultural productivity and food security, as it could potentially be bred into crops to make them more resilient...

SourceColorado State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2025

Community-based participatory research study with Osage Nation emphasizes value of braiding cultural food values with nutrition education to promote healthy eating

A recent study in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior emphasizes the value of braiding cultural food values with nutrition education to promote healthy eating among the Osage Nation community. The study's findings highlight five key concepts crucial to healthy eating, including food accessibility, community food values, and...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeSurvey·DateMar 19, 2025

NTU Singapore scientists develop solar-powered method to convert sewage sludge into green hydrogen and animal feed

Scientists at NTU Singapore have developed a solar-powered method to transform sewage sludge into green hydrogen and single-cell protein, reducing environmental damage and creating renewable energy and sustainable food. The three-step process recovers 91.4% of organic carbon and converts 63% into single-cell protein without producing h...

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalNature Water·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 12, 2025

Research shows restricting flavored e-cigarettes cuts vaping rates but raises smoking rates for young adults

A recent study from the University of Missouri and Yale University found that restricting flavored e-cigarettes leads to a decrease in vaping among young adults. However, this restriction also increases traditional cigarette smoking among young adults compared to states without such restrictions.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 20, 2025

People prefer meat alternatives if they are significantly cheaper than real meat, study shows

A recent survey of 2,100 US customers found that the price of meat alternatives is the most decisive factor for their acceptance. When both options were priced the same, respondents often favored the animal product, but significantly cheaper alternatives made them more attractive.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 3, 2025

Using alternative protein sources: Improving the mouthfeel of plant-based foods with fava beans

Researchers at the Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology found that fava bean protein nanofibrils alter the activity of receptor genes and interact with cell membranes, influencing texture perception. The study aims to develop sensorially appealing plant-based foods with improved texture.

Scientists explore privilege and consequences of recreation for people and wildlife

The study found that uneven distribution of resources gives some individuals more access to play than others. Wildlife is a major draw for nature-based tourism, but human recreation has unintended consequences for biodiversity. To coexist with wildlife, it's essential to follow common-sense rules and minimize disturbance.

SourceColorado State University·JournalThe Journal of Wildlife Management·DateOct 23, 2024

Put your money where your mouth is to create healthier, greener food systems, Surrey expert urges governments

A study by University of Surrey researchers highlights the importance of public bodies investing in local food systems to create healthier communities. Community cafes and pantries have been shown to empower volunteers and promote knowledge sharing about food, while grant funding and council support can unlock new projects.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalCities·TypeCase study·DateAug 5, 2024

We're not eating Peppa! Preschoolers befriend farm animals

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.

SourceSWPS University·JournalAppetite·DateJul 15, 2024

6,000 years ago, men and women had equal access to resources

A study published in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports reveals that all members of a Neolithic agropastoral society in Switzerland, including non-locals, had equal access to food resources. The analysis of bone isotopes suggests that this egalitarian society was one of the oldest known in the western part of Switzerland.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science Reports·TypeNews article·DateJun 13, 2024

CHOP researchers develop easy-to-use screening tool to help improve family access to federal nutrition programs

A new screener tool helped families enroll in WIC and SNAP programs, leading to better health outcomes. The tool was successful in connecting 21 out of 56 families who requested benefits application support, highlighting its potential to improve access to nutrition resources.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2024