A new study by Mass General Brigham researchers shows that a longer duration Food Is Medicine program associated with improved adult cardiometabolic health. Participants who received weekly plant-based grocery packages for 2.7 years showed dose-dependent reductions in diastolic blood pressure, body weight, and BMI.
A new review of research from across sub-Saharan Africa found that food insecurity is linked to depression, suicide attempts, HIV vulnerabilities, and poorer sexual and reproductive health outcomes among adolescent mothers. The study suggests that addressing hunger may also help reduce depression and other mental health burdens.
A new AI tool, Tessera, has been developed to map smallholder crops in Senegal with high accuracy, providing essential data for food security planning. The technology, trained on satellite images, outperformed existing methods and can be used to guide support decisions, helping vulnerable populations.
Mississippi State University is being recognized as a leading expert in antimicrobial resistance and aquaculture biosecurity by the Food and Agriculture Organization. The university's work in this area will continue to support global efforts to promote responsible antimicrobial use and strengthen aquatic food systems.
Researchers developed a graph-based pan-genome for cultivated peanut and used it to breed a higher-yielding dwarf peanut line. The resulting line, LuAi-1, is roughly half the height of the parent variety but yielded around 20% more in field trials.
A comprehensive review maps the RNA regulatory landscape in plants, detailing the biological functions and regulatory mechanisms of diverse plant RNAs. The review highlights the latest research breakthroughs in hot areas such as non-coding RNAs, RNA epigenetic regulation, and RNA chemical modifications.
A new study published in PNAS finds that countries with high resilience can break the link between shocks and food insecurity, despite being more severely affected by disasters. The study highlights the importance of government effectiveness, diverse food systems, and human capabilities in reducing the risks of crises.
A new study projects significant disparities in access to food, water, and energy by 2050, with lower-income groups facing significant challenges. The study finds that in some regions, lower-income people could spend up to 50% of their income on food, while higher-income groups spend only 5%.
A recent study by King Abdullah University of Science & Technology found that aquatic invertebrates like oysters and mussels are a significant source of essential nutrients. The research reveals that current global production of these invertebrates can meet the nutritional needs of over five billion people, providing a crucial contribu...
Researchers have identified genetic hotspots and real-world adoption gaps in developing green and efficient maize varieties. These varieties have been shown to increase global yields by 10.1% and improve nitrogen utilization efficiency by 16.7%, while reducing reactive nitrogen losses by 26.6%. However, realizing the full potential of ...
Researchers have mapped the complete neural wiring behind taste in an animal, tracing taste signals from sensory neurons to motor neurons that drive feeding. The study reveals neural pathways that could explain how taste triggers anticipatory insulin release before a single calorie is absorbed.
Teachers in the Anchorage School District observed increased student hunger and stress, junk food consumption, and reduced focus after the universal free school meal program ended in 2022. The study, published in Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, found that teachers perceived no benefits to the program's termination.
A study by Texas A&M University researchers found that poor housing, high crime, and underfunded schools play a bigger role in limiting access to healthy food in historically redlined neighborhoods. The study suggests that policy changes and community engagement are needed to improve food security in these areas.
A new study reveals that climate change can lead to a significant increase in wheat prices, with severe water scarcity being a key driver. The researchers found that wheat prices are more closely linked to water scarcity than other crops, and that compound drought events are expected to become more common in a warmer climate.
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...
SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 8, 2026
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 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.
SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeContent analysis·DateMar 5, 2026
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.
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.