Articles tagged with Food Security
Research shows a link between dollar store food quality and higher rates of obesity, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. Traditional grocery store access is associated with better health metrics, according to a new study published in BMC Public Health.
A study of behavior-related digital dieting apps found that photo-informed expert feedback increased app use and improved meal recording, while photo-based peer observation reduced engagement and did not affect food choices. The findings provide practical guidance for designing effective digital health apps.
A new study from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem found that tomato plants can optimize water use during a specific 'golden hour' when sunlight is strong but heat and dry air are minimal. This discovery could give plant breeders a powerful tool to develop crops that can thrive in increasingly unpredictable climate conditions.
A multiprogram enrollment application can conserve valuable time and resources by enabling people to apply to several public benefit programs at once. States can simplify applications by shortening them, incorporating autopopulated responses, and updating systems to identify complex cases.
Researchers at Tufts University have developed a new approach to understanding famines as complex systems that evolve over time. This approach considers multiple interacting factors, including conflict, drought, and economic shocks, and aims to improve famine prevention and response.
A study by Mass General Brigham researchers found that preeclampsia, preterm birth, gestational diabetes, and other adverse outcomes were associated with greater social needs, such as inadequate food, employment, and education among Black and Latina women. Integrating social needs assessment into postpartum care could improve long-term...
A new study from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem examines Israel's philanthropic food-aid network, highlighting gaps in data and disparities in distribution. The researchers found significant limitations in evaluating the effectiveness, efficiency, and equity of charitable aid systems.
Industrial-scale illegal fishing accounts for 8-15% of global marine wild capture, with impacts unevenly distributed globally. Eliminating harmful subsidies and strengthening enforcement are key to addressing the issue.
A review of 30 years of biochar research reveals its potential to improve soil health, support crops, and mitigate climate change. Biochar can enhance soil pH, porosity, water availability, nutrient retention, root development, and microbial activity.
A new study warns that ambitious climate pledges may lead to a 12.8% reduction in global cropland by 2100, compromising food security. The impact could be unevenly distributed, with countries in the Global South and South America facing significant losses.
A new study reveals soaring infant formula milk prices are causing financial strain, anxiety, guilt, and isolation among UK parents. The research found nearly every parent surveyed reported damage to their mental health, with some feeling regret over having a baby due to the high cost of formula.
The partnership aims to respond quickly to crises while building resilience for the future. CIMMYT and WFP will collaborate to help countries respond to food crises, restore agricultural production, and strengthen farming systems.
Researchers have discovered that plant hormone auxin regulates organ formation by oppositely affecting gibberellin activity, creating a two-step communication system between the two hormones. This mechanism allows plants to carefully alternate between growth and expansion, enabling them to build complex organs with remarkable precision.
A novel cross-modal fusion framework integrates low-altitude drone RSI with ground robot LiDAR-inertial measurement unit (IMU) odometry to create accurate digital models of orchards. The system achieved localization accuracy on the order of a few centimeters, demonstrating robustness to seasonal variations and long-term drift.
A randomized controlled trial found that medically tailored grocery deliveries improved blood sugar control among adults living with type 2 diabetes who have public health insurance. The study also showed benefits for food-related outcomes, filling an evidence gap in the integration of food-based interventions into routine diabetes care.
A team at TUM has developed a process to produce crucial amino acids from carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and renewable energy. The approach converts solar energy into electricity, generating hydrogen that is then converted into methanol and eventually into amino acids.
According to a new report, climate change has led to moderate or severe food insecurity for 2.7 million people across 26 SIDS, with heatwave days and droughts contributing to the issue. The study highlights the impact of climate change on vulnerable countries and strengthens evidence for a binding 1.5°C target.
A joint research team from Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology and the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa has cultivated Japanese rice varieties on Kauaʻi using an upland cultivation method. The results showed that strong solar radiation and warm temperatures boosted yield, quality, and grain appearance.
Colorado State University researchers propose strategies to immobilize toxic metals and prevent plant uptake in rice grains, protecting food security and public health. The approach aims to reduce arsenic, cadmium, and mercury contamination in rice paddies using nanomaterials and chemical reactions.
A study by Wake Forest University School of Medicine found nearly one in five caregivers reported experiencing food insecurity during their child's hospital stay. Children whose caregivers faced food insecurity stayed in the hospital about a third longer on average, with higher rates of readmission within 30 days.
Research shows online grocery shopping and incentive programs can increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables for low-income SNAP families. The study found that families with young children or transportation challenges were more likely to purchase produce online.
A new study found that global rice production nearly doubled between the 1960s and 2010s due to increased irrigation and nutrient inputs. Climate change reduced rice production by an estimated 7% between 2006 and 2015, but elevated atmospheric CO2 levels contributed to improved water-use efficiency and enhanced photosynthesis.
Research by Lancaster University and the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur found that vulnerable families coped with food insecurity by limiting food diversity, taking loans, and temporarily withdrawing children from school. The study highlights the importance of local social networks and government support in mitigating crisis.
Researchers uncover how a previously uncharacterized transporter protein controls magnesium transport in rice, leading to improved grain development, nutritional quality, and cooked texture. The study reveals that magnesium transport is closely linked to crop productivity and sensory traits.
A recent study in the Journal of Nutrition Education & Behavior found that geographic differences account for most of the variation in the cost of the USDA's Thrifty Food Plan, with regions like the Northeast and major metropolitan areas like New York having higher costs. The study highlights the importance of considering regional pric...
New research links food insecurity to altered gut microbiomes in children, with potential implications for child health and development. The study found higher levels of certain bacteria, such as Sutterella, in children from food-insecure households.
A new study by the American Cancer Society finds that nearly five million Americans live in food deserts, where grocery stores are scarce. The number of food swamps, areas with mostly restaurants and fast-food locations, has increased nationwide.
A new Oxford study models the impact of compound shocks on global grain supplies, highlighting countries with diverse suppliers and flexible trade networks as more resilient. The analysis suggests that producing all food domestically is unfeasible for many countries, leaving them exposed to global food crises.
A study found that universal free school meals can decrease out-of-school suspensions by 10% in elementary schools and 6% in middle and high schools. This impact was more pronounced in schools with fewer eligible students before implementing the policies.
A natural extract from Pseudozyma aphidis fungus boosts production and improves quality of crops like tomatoes and melons. The approach provides a sustainable alternative to traditional agricultural inputs, supporting global food security without environmental harm.
Researchers have identified a novel genetic locus in the common agricultural weed Elymus repens that provides significant resistance to Fusarium Head Blight, a destructive fungal disease threatening global food security. The novel Fhb.Er-1StL locus has been successfully transferred into wheat, reducing diseased plant spikelets by up to...
A study in Nature reveals a sharp increase in wild meat consumption across Central Africa, driven by urban populations. The total annual biomass of wild meat consumed has increased from 0.73 million tonnes in 2000 to 1.10 million tonnes in 2022.
A new report highlights the catastrophic risks of nature loss on food systems, economies and societies. Chronic pressures like soil degradation and water scarcity are already reducing crop yields and increasing food prices.
A new optimization framework helps food banks deliver food more efficiently by accounting for variables such as food availability and household demand. The tool has been incorporated into an app that can also be used by businesses to address delivery logistics challenges.
Researchers have produced complete genome sequences for six peanut varieties, identifying two candidate genes linked to oil content and seed size. These findings provide a comprehensive blueprint for future peanut breeding and improvement strategies.
Researchers developed durable nanofilm electrodes for long-term measurement of bioelectric potentials in plants, paving the way for more resilient agriculture. These electrodes can detect stress in crops early, enabling timely warnings and improving yields.
A new study finds that large-scale food fortification programs currently prevent around 7 billion cases of micronutrient inadequacies worldwide each year, costing just 18 cents per person. Improving and expanding these programs could triple their impact to prevent 25 billion cases annually.
Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a destructive wheat disease that can reduce yields and contaminate grain with toxins. New research in Plant Disease identified several emerging fungal pathogens, including a previously undescribed species, responsible for the severe outbreak in Ethiopia.
A study by Frontiers in Science argues that ultra-sensitive food safety tests may drive food waste and unavailability, but not always translate to health risk. The researchers propose a more balanced approach that considers trade-offs between food safety, sustainability, and nutritional health.
A new study suggests that ultra-sensitive food safety tests may drive food waste and unavailability without significant public health benefits. The researchers propose using more flexible risk-based approaches to align food safety policies with sustainability goals.
A cross-sectional study documents persistent racial disparities in food insecurity over 23 years, with smaller disparities among SNAP-participating households. The study highlights the need for targeted policies to address food insecurity and its intersectional effects.
A comprehensive systematic review found that large-scale food fortification is a highly cost-effective intervention for reducing global malnutrition, with benefits far outweighing costs. The study analyzed 56 studies from 63 countries and found that fortification programs deliver substantial health benefits relative to costs.
A recent study in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior highlights the impact of digital transformation on food access, emphasizing opportunities for innovative interventions and policy approaches to promote health equity.
Researchers have identified a master regulator in plants that balances root and shoot growth when nutrients are limited, leading to yield increases of up to 24% in rice plants. This breakthrough could ultimately improve global crop yields while reducing dependence on synthetic fertilisers.
The report highlights the need for an agreed definition of healthy soil, scalable biological indicators, and collaborative transitions to sustainable land management practices. It emphasizes the importance of building trust and aligning diverse priorities among all soil stakeholders.
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.
A recent study by the American Psychological Association found that food insecurity negatively affects employees' anxiety, work engagement, and task performance. Employers can improve job outcomes by offering free or discounted food through various programs.
The INSOIL project develops three families of fully bio-based plastic products for agriculture, reducing microplastic release by 5,820 tonnes and agrochemical use by 4,000 tonnes. These products aim to contribute to more sustainable agricultural production and support European reduction targets.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine discovered that food shortages trigger a coordinated system to uphold immune function while conserving energy. Calorie-restricted mice fought off infection using very little glucose, thanks to glucocorticoids, which reorganized immune cells and their energy usage.
A decade-long study reveals that combined effects of rising atmospheric CO₂ and warming reduce phosphorus availability in rice-upland crop rotation systems. Warming plays a dominant role in redirecting phosphorus into less accessible soil pools.
A new report by Anglia Ruskin University and the University of York identifies key weaknesses in the UK's food system and recommends interventions to prevent disruptions from escalating into a crisis. The study suggests increasing energy security, diversifying food value chains, and promoting varied diets to reduce risks.
A $1.8 million grant will fund the development of refrigerated semen storage, eliminating liquid nitrogen needs for dairy farming in developing countries. This technology is expected to increase milk production and improve farmers' incomes, addressing food insecurity.
Researchers propose redesigning health systems in the Brazilian Amazon to account for climate change, extreme weather events, and food insecurity. They suggest integrating traditional knowledge and care practices adapted to local communities' specific needs.
The new centre will support the WHO in estimating disease burden from foodborne diseases and developing integrated risk-benefit approaches, combining nutrition, microbiological risks, and chemical contamination. The centre will contribute scientific expertise to achieve healthy, safe, and sustainable dietary patterns worldwide.
A study by Chungnam National University finds that climate adaptation can significantly reduce migration from drought and armed conflict in Africa. Countries with stronger adaptive capacity experience lower migration levels during crisis conditions, highlighting the importance of policies addressing environmental and security threats.
The United Nations University reports that many regions are living beyond their hydrological means, with critical water systems already bankrupt. The study defines 'water bankruptcy' as persistent over-withdrawal from surface and groundwater relative to renewable inflows and safe levels of depletion. This has resulted in a growing list...
Knocking out the OsDT5 gene boosts drought resistance in rice, corn, and wheat, as well as the bryophyte Physcomitrium patens. The study provides a unified mechanistic framework for drought adaptation in terrestrial plants.
A multi-center observational study found that households facing food insecurity and challenges like low social support had a significantly higher risk of long COVID. Healthy diets may protect against the risk, highlighting the need for addressing adverse social factors in disease prevention.
Rebuilding coral reef fisheries can help fight global hunger and improve nutrition by increasing sustainable fish yields by nearly 50%. Countries with higher malnutrition indexes can benefit most from recovered reef fish stocks, which could provide enough servings for several million people annually.
A study found that nearly 1 in 7 graduate medical education trainees experience food insecurity, which is associated with higher levels of burnout and social isolation. Academic institutions can address this issue by implementing systemic solutions to support resident well-being.