Food Security
Articles tagged with Food Security
Novel wheat hybrids increase resistance to major fungal disease by up to 70%
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...
Nature loss brings catastrophic risks – new report
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.
Researchers create tool to help hunger-relief groups deliver food more efficiently
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.
More people are eating wild meat across Central Africa, raising urgency for sustainable wildlife management
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.
First gap-free peanut genomes reveal genes behind bigger seeds and better oils
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.
Towards smarter agriculture: Durable nanofilm electrodes for monitoring leaf health
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.
Food fortification prevents 7 billion nutrient gaps annually — but could triple its impact
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.
Scientists identify new fusarium species behind wheat disease outbreak in Ethiopia
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.
Frontiers in Science Deep Dive webinar series: Trace levels of foodborne pathogens do not always translate to health risk, says study
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.
Trace levels of food pathogen do not always translate to health risk, says study
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.
Racial disparities in food insecurity for high- and low-income households
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.
Digital transformation of food retail is reshaping food access for consumers
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.
Study confirms food fortification is highly cost-effective in fighting hidden hunger across 63 countries
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.
Rice gene discovery could cut fertiliser use while protecting yields
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.
Applied Microbiology International launches new report on improving soil health in the UK
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.
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.
Food insecurity impacts employees’ productivity
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 Universitat Jaume I will contribute to food security with new biodegradable alternatives to current agricultural plastic products
Rising CO₂ and warming jointly limit phosphorus availability in rice soils
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.
How food shortages reprogram the immune system’s response to infection
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.
Experts show how major UK food crisis might occur
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.
How a fridge could unlock modern dairy cattle breeding in the developing world
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.
New Danish WHO Collaborating Centre to evaluate the health impacts of foods and dietary patterns
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.
Experts advocate reformulating health systems in the Amazon in light of climate change
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.
Chungnam National University study finds climate adaptation can ease migration pressures in Africa
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.
World enters “era of global water bankruptcy”; UN scientists formally define new post-crisis reality for billions
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...
Researchers uncover conserved "switch" for crop drought resistance
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.
Food insecurity and adverse social conditions tied to increased risk of long COVID in children
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.
Allowing coral reef fish stocks recover could feed millions
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.
Food insecurity, burnout, and social isolation among resident and fellow physicians
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.
From labs to local tables: How research Is helping fight food insecurity
The Binghamton University Food Justice Working Group developed the Broome County Food Access Plan, enhancing nutrition resources and community education. The group also created a story map illustrating food insecurity in Broome County.
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.
Supplemental nutrition assistance program policies and food insecurity
A cross-sectional study found that state-level SNAP policies associated with higher program enrollment also lowered county-level food insecurity rates. The study suggests that these policies may help address rising food insecurity rates.
School feeding programs lead to modest but meaningful results
A new Cochrane review found that free or subsidized school meals slightly improve math achievement and enrolment rates in low- and middle-income countries. School feeding programs also likely contribute to small gains in physical growth indicators, but evidence from high-income countries is limited.
Study reveals key psychological barriers to game meat consumption in Japan
A new study analyzed consumer psychology to understand why game meat remains widely rejected in Japan despite its ecological benefits. The research found that Food Neophobia is a dominant psychological barrier, negatively influencing consumers' intentions primarily due to association with poor quality.
A retail approach nudges healthier choices in food relief
A University of Adelaide study found that promotional cues, product placement, and pricing interventions can empower people experiencing food insecurity to select more nutritious foods. The intervention led to an increase in turnover of healthy options and a decline in discretionary snacks.
New study reveals how China can cut nitrogen pollution while safeguarding national food security
A new study reveals that China's nationwide nitrogen management could reduce fertilizer use by over one third, improving air and water quality without compromising crop yields. Implementing a three-step strategy to increase manure recycling, balance fertilizer applications with environmental sources, and adopt integrated soil and crop ...
2025 Tata Transformation Prize recognizes three Indian scientists driving global solutions for people and the planet
The 2025 Tata Transformation Prize recognizes Padubidri V. Shivaprasad's epigenetic engineering for climate-resilient rice, Balasubramanian Gopal's sustainable bio-manufacturing platform using E. coli bacteria, and Ambarish Ghosh's cancer-targeting magnetic nanorobots.
Severe floods threaten global rice yields, study finds
Global rice yields have suffered significantly due to severe flooding, with losses of approximately 4.3% per year between 1980 and 2015. The study highlights the need for adoption of flood-resistant rice varieties in vulnerable regions to avert future losses.
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.
Opening the door to affordable lab-grown beef, cow cells defy aging
Researchers at Hebrew University of Jerusalem unlock natural pathway to immortalize cow cells, overcoming major barrier to affordable cultivated beef. The study reveals bovine cells can spontaneously renew themselves indefinitely without genetic modification.
Widely cited stat on global water and food security ‘hearsay’ and fragile for policymaking
A new study reveals that widely cited statistics on global water and food security are based on weak evidence and poorly connected to current data. The findings suggest that irrigation's role in global food and water security is highly ambiguous, ranging from 18% to 50%, and its share of global freshwater withdrawals is uncertain.
How to feed the next ten billion? Rethinking and re-engineering wheat inflorescence architecture to unlock yield potential
Researchers propose a multi-pronged strategy to boost grain number in wheat by unlocking branched varieties, maintaining meristem activity, improving floret fertility, and enhancing nutrient transport. A multi-omics approach integrating genomics, metabolomics, and phenomics will be used to re-engineer wheat inflorescence architecture a...
Food stamp expansion in 2021 reduced odds of needy US kids going hungry
The 15% expansion of food stamp payments during the COVID-19 pandemic reduced child food insufficiency among SNAP participants compared to eligible non-participants. In Hispanic-American households, odds were 39% lower, while in large households (6+ people), they were 33% lower.
New climate dataset warns both rich and poorest nations will see sharp drop in crop yields
A new climate dataset warns of a sharp drop in crop yields globally, with the poorest nations facing the greatest risks. The dataset projects that every additional degree Celsius of warming will drag down global food production by 4.4%, impacting millions at risk of hunger.
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.
Study finds food security resources for refugees resettling in Australia are accurate but too difficult to read
A recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that most informational materials meant to assist refugees in Australia are written above the recommended reading level. The study evaluated 184 government and community-developed resources, finding nearly all were accurate but 96% too difficult for refug...
Rainfall tipping point predicts drought risk for crops
A study by Stanford University researchers reveals that regions relying more on land-sourced moisture, such as the US Midwest and southern Africa, face greater drought risk and crop yield losses when rainfall falters. The study identifies a critical threshold beyond which crops become far more likely to suffer water stress.
Landscapes for biodiversity, food, climate and more
Researchers evaluate ways to redesign land use and nature conservation using integrated approaches to meet ecological, social, and economic goals. Multifunctional landscapes can promote biodiversity, food production, climate regulation, and human well-being.
World’s leading medical journal details the climate emergency
The Lancet Countdown report reveals that the world is facing unprecedented levels of health threats due to climate change, with millions of lives lost unnecessarily. The report calls for urgent action to limit future harm by prioritizing human health in policy decisions.
Innovative biochar research to boost circular economy: Join live talk by Prof. Salah Jellali on October 29
Prof. Salah Jellali will present his pioneering work on nutrient-enriched biochar, a sustainable solution transforming agricultural residues into powerful eco-fertilizers. His innovation leverages wastewater and mineral waste streams to create high-performance soil enhancers improving crop yields while closing resource loops.
It’s not just diet: where a child lives also raises type 2 diabetes risk
A recent study published in Pediatric Research highlights the impact of neighborhood environments on childhood type 2 diabetes risk. The research found associations between library presence, neighborhood walkability, and caregiver health, suggesting that social and environmental factors play a significant role in T2D development.
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.
New data challenge could reimagine future food and nutrition facts
The American Heart Association's Periodic Table of Food Initiative data visualization challenge aims to translate complex biomolecular information into actionable insights. Participants will create compelling visualizations that reflect nutritional quality, molecular diversity, sustainability impact, or cultural relevance.
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...
New wheat diversity discovery could provide an urgently-needed solution to global food security
Researchers have discovered new layers of hidden genetic diversity in wheat, which could help improve crop resilience and adaptability. The study used RNA analysis and de novo annotation to reveal previously unknown gene expression patterns, providing valuable insights for plant breeding programs.
Study assesses livestock vulnerability to climate change
The study projects an average increase of up to 68% in respiratory rate for animals in the North compared to those in the South. Small ruminants will be more impacted by climate change, with dairy farming in the South being the most vulnerable to heat stress.
Reducing the carbon footprint of our plates: A European perspective
A groundbreaking European study by Dr. Mohammad Fazle Rabbi evaluates the EU's food system and identifies key pathways for reduction in carbon emissions. The research highlights systemic inefficiencies, regional disparities, and improvements in circular economy practices that can contribute to emission reductions.
School provision of universal free meals and blood pressure outcomes among youths
School participation in universal free meals was associated with a net reduction in blood pressure outcomes among youths, according to a cohort study. The findings contribute to growing evidence that such programs may improve child health.