Articles tagged with Food Security
Researchers identify novel genes and networks underlying senescence in maize, a complex trait affected by internal and external factors. Understanding the triggers for senescence in crops like maize can lead to altering plants that can benefit a hungry world, slowing down senescence to keep the plant green longer.
A Duke University study found that worm offspring of mothers who experienced nutrient stress during pregnancy were better equipped to handle starvation later on. This is due to changes in insulin signaling transmitted via eggs, which helped the larvae develop normally and avoid reproductive abnormalities.
A collaborative study by Connecticut researchers shows that food insecurity is linked to insulin resistance and the development of type 2 diabetes in Latinos. The study found that households with food-insecure individuals had higher levels of inflammation, stress hormones, and insulin resistance compared to those who were food secure.
Food insecurity affects 11% of young adults and is linked to a higher prevalence of migraine. The study suggests that clinicians screen for food insecurity among people with migraine, as it may exacerbate symptoms.
A new Iowa State University study reveals that combining Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) improves food security by at least 2 percentage points.
A study of college students in Southern Appalachia found that food insecurity prevalence is significantly higher than the national average, with 30.5% of students experiencing it, compared to 12% nationally.
Researchers discovered how plant cells shield themselves from excessive reactive oxygen molecules that can cause cellular damage. By diverting these reactivity into other processes, plants minimize self-inflicted harm, which could help scientists engineer crops with improved yields.
The introduction of Nutrition North Canada led to a significant increase in food insecurity, affecting 46% of households in 2014 compared to 33% in 2010. Despite the program's focus on nutritious foods, high prices and other factors contributed to worsening food access issues in Nunavut communities.
A study by IIASA researchers and colleagues finds that stringent climate policies could negatively impact food security, threatening 130-280 million people with hunger in 2050. However, smart and inclusive policy designs can mitigate these risks at a modest cost of 0-0.46% GDP.
Researchers studied bushmeat markets in Lao PDR to understand the risks of disease transmission. High contact rates between consumers and bushmeat were found, highlighting the need for integrative approaches to conservation, public health, and rural development.
Families with young children who experienced a reduction or cutoff in SNAP benefits showed increased food insecurity and reported poor health. Those whose benefits were reduced experienced more negative outcomes, including housing instability and compromised child and caregiver health.
Researchers measured farmland nectar supplies throughout the year, revealing hungry gaps when food supply is not meeting pollinator demand. Early spring and late summer are periods of great nectar deficit on UK farmland.
A study suggests that the proportion of UK adults on low incomes who face hunger has almost doubled since 2004, with those who are unemployed or disabled being most vulnerable. Nearly one-third of adults with children under 16 were food insecure in 2016.
A new study reveals discrepancies in food insecurity estimates among college students, emphasizing the importance of accurate measurement to address hunger. Researchers found varying prevalence rates depending on survey protocols, suggesting that traditional methods may not capture the full scope of food insecurity on campus.
A new study found that food insecurity at home, particularly during early childhood and adolescence, hampers learning abilities in Indian adolescents. The research team analyzed test scores and found that 47% of children experienced household food insecurity, leading to lower scores in reading, vocabulary, maths, and English.
Genome editing enables crop development with resistance to pests, diseases, drought, and heat, reducing losses and chemical pesticide sprays. However, regulatory hurdles in Europe may hinder the adoption of these technologies, posing a risk to developing countries.
Researchers found a way to exploit Striga's Achilles' heel by using artificial plant hormones called strigolactones. The treatment reduces Striga plants by over half, making it a game-changer for farmers in sub-Saharan Africa where the weed threatens up to 40% of staple crops.
A recent US study by UTSA researchers links food insecurity and living in a food desert to an increased risk of obesity. The study found that women are more likely to experience obesity due to food insecurity, while Black and Hispanic households face higher risks.
A study at the University of Copenhagen found that 8% of Danish households experience food insecurity, affecting their quality of life and psychological well-being. The researchers found a correlation between financial pressure and unhealthy diet, low psychological well-being, and lower quality of life.
Childhood malnutrition remained stable in Nepal's hardest hit areas despite the devastating 2015 earthquake. Household food insecurity decreased significantly, with child wasting rates declining by nearly half.
Researchers found vast network of interconnected termite mounds in northeastern Brazil, covering area similar to Great Britain, with soil excavated over 10 cubic kilometers. The mounds are up to 4,000 years old and were formed by a single termite species that accessed dead leaves safely.
A new study found that pregnant women with opioid use disorder who experience food insecurity are more likely to have their infants treated for severe neonatal abstinence syndrome. The study suggests that screening for food insecurity could be a way to reduce NAS severity and improve infant and mother outcomes.
The world's population is expected to be larger, heavier and eat more by 2050 due to population growth and changes in eating habits. According to researchers, an average adult today requires 6.1% more energy than in 1975, leading to increased food demand.
Severe droughts in the Caribbean, exacerbated by climate change, threaten 2 million people's access to food and freshwater. The region has experienced a drying trend since 1950, with recent droughts pushing 1 million people into food shortages.
A special issue of the Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development explores local governments' engagement in food system planning. Key findings include varying levels of government involvement and the need for measuring progress or failure to identify successes and jettison failed policies.
Researchers found that people from lower classes describe food as a means of survival, while those in the middle class use language to obscure their struggles. In contrast, those in the upper class view food as a networking tool, rarely considering its physical necessity.
A recent study presented at the American Heart Association's Joint Hypertension Scientific Sessions found that children with food insecurity are more likely to have high blood pressure. The researchers analyzed data from over 7,000 children and found that nearly one-fifth had food insecurity, while more than 12% had high blood pressure.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that household food insecurity is strongly associated with increased mortality rates in adults. The study analyzed data from Ontario, Canada and found that more severe levels of food insecurity were linked to a higher risk of mortality.
The new HEI-2015 evaluates diet quality based on 13 components reflecting aspects of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. It demonstrates reasonable variation across population subgroups and reflects many dimensions of dietary guidance, suggesting its potential as a tool to understand the influence of total diet quality.
The university's School of Medicine has received a $936,000 grant to develop strategies for more equitable food systems in Cleveland. The project aims to sequence and integrate efforts like supermarket expansion, social marketing campaigns, and emergency food assistance programs to achieve maximum community benefit.
A group of international researchers calls for a comprehensive transformation of food systems to meet the Sustainable Development Goals and Paris Agreement on climate. The proposed four-pillar strategy prioritizes nutritious food access, sustainable agriculture, climate change mitigation, and rural renaissance.
A proposed four-pillar strategy aims to drastically change consumption patterns, ensuring agricultural production and supply chains play a greater role in sustainable development. The transformation hinges on renewing food system governance, prioritizing human development, food security, and rational resource management.
A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that food insecurity has a greater impact on behavior problems and poor cognitive outcomes in vulnerable children, particularly those born to single mothers living in urban neighborhoods.
A new study found that nearly three-quarters of adults on probation in Rhode Island experience food insecurity, with almost half having very low food security. The prevalence is substantially higher than the statewide average, highlighting a critical need for targeted interventions and policies to mitigate health disparities.
The construction of hydroelectric dams on the Mekong River poses significant risks to fish migration, livelihoods, and regional food security in Cambodia. The Tonle Sap Lake's unique hydrological system is strongly influenced by the Asian monsoon, which could be disrupted by changes in water levels and flows.
A new study suggests climate change could raise food insecurity risk in many countries due to weather extremes, with the worst impact expected in South and East Asia. At 2°C global warming, most developing countries will face increased vulnerability to food insecurity.
A study by Ron Milo and colleagues reveals that plant-based diets offer a significant reduction in food loss and an increase in food production. Replacing animal-based products with plant-based alternatives could produce up to 20-fold more protein per acre, enough to feed approximately 350 million additional people.
A study by Montana State University researchers found lower fruit and vegetable desirability in more rural areas of Montana, affecting daily food choices. This can lead to long-term health implications due to the quality of available fruits and vegetables.
Researchers at University of Toronto found that women with food insecurity are less able to sustain breastfeeding than those who are food-secure. By the age of two months, half of the food-insecure women had stopped breastfeeding exclusively, compared to most food-secure women who continued for four months or longer.
A Canadian study found that mothers living in households with food insecurity are less likely to breastfeed their infants exclusively for six months. The research, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, highlights the negative impact of food insecurity on breastfeeding duration.
A team of climatologists at UC Santa Barbara's Climate Hazards Group has developed skillful predictions for droughts and famines, helping to mitigate their effects on severe food insecurity. Their work, in collaboration with various organizations, aims to make the world more food secure by anticipating climate extremes.
A study found that food insecurity occurs in 9.2% of older adults, with higher rates among women, people without a spouse, and those with certain health conditions. The researchers highlight the need for combined methods to identify food insecurity and connect older adults with community-based resources.
A new study by University at Buffalo social work researcher Elizabeth Bowen found that food assistance programs often fail to provide reliable access to nutritious food for homeless young adults. The research highlights the need for policy changes, such as revising SNAP eligibility guidelines and providing more flexible support structu...
A food insecurity screening at pediatrician's offices was found to be effective but struggled with referrals due to fear of Child Protective Services and complicated processes. The study recommends better communication and connecting families with immediate resources to alleviate social stigma and improve outcomes.
The study highlights the importance of considering access to wood fuels when formulating policies to deal with food insecurity in sub-Saharan Africa. Researchers suggest expanding sustainable biomass production and consumption, including agroforestry practices to ease the burden on women, who collect most firewood.
A new study from Ohio State University found that nearly a third of households in Columbus struggled with food insecurity, exceeding previous estimates. The research highlighted disparities in access to healthful foods, particularly in low-income and racially diverse neighborhoods.
A study led by Temple University and the University of Houston aims to boost academic performance and persistence in college among low-income students through a food scholarship program. The program, which provides direct access to food, has shown promise in improving student outcomes and closing the gap on college completion rates.
A new study from the University of Illinois reveals that people who are juggling bills and using financial coping strategies may be at risk for food insecurity. The researchers used data from the Hunger in America 2014 survey to show that these strategies can help identify individuals who are very food insecure or at risk.
The European Union has approved the renewal of glyphosate for five years, recognizing its importance in maintaining food production and affordability. However, experts emphasize the need to balance this decision with reducing pesticide use and finding alternative weed control methods.
A new study suggests that understanding rainfall patterns is key to effectively addressing food insecurity among smallholder farms in Africa and Asia. Financial supports, such as cash or loans, were more frequently correlated with improved food security for drier farms, while agricultural inputs and practices were more effective for we...
A new study estimates that between 0.9% and 1.3% of UK adults used emergency food banks in 2013-2015, equating to approximately 850,000 people annually. Repeat visits indicate that distributing emergency food is not a long-term solution to food poverty.
A study models the effects of removing farmed animals from the US agricultural system on food production and greenhouse gas emissions. Removing animals resulted in increased food availability, but also led to nutrient deficiencies and reduced GHG emissions by 28%. The removal of animals had unintended consequences on the food supply
The USDA has announced grants to support integrated pest management (IPM) projects, aiming to increase production and ensure food security. These projects focus on developing safer, more effective pest management approaches for various crops, including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and nursery crops.
The partnership aims to improve food security crops with enhanced native traits, disease resistance, nutritional value, and biotic stress resilience. Gene editing is being employed to increase understanding of crop plants and deliver benefits to African farmers.
A new study suggests that Palau's reefs can be better maintained by shifting seafood consumption to open water fish. The health of reefs is critical for local communities' culture, food security and livelihoods. Researchers recommend a 70% reduction in reef fish consumption to mitigate climate change impacts.
According to a recent report, 8.1% of seniors in the US are food insecure, with some states experiencing significantly higher rates. The top 10 states for senior food insecurity rates include those in the South and Northeast, highlighting regional disparities in access to nutritious food.
A new study predicts that six planned dams in the Amazon river system could reduce sediments and nutrients by 69% and 51%, respectively, threatening regional food security. The construction of these dams could have catastrophic effects on the entire Amazon River basin and its wildlife.
A recent study finds that nearly one in five two-year college students live in food-insecure households, with 21% experiencing food insecurity. The study suggests that extending the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to these students could help alleviate hunger and improve outcomes.
A recent study by the University of Illinois reveals that food insecurity exists in rural areas, and Feeding America's food banks are effectively reaching these communities. Despite the presence of food assistance programs, the social and economic conditions in rural areas have not improved significantly.
A Dartmouth study reveals that Big Food companies have little control over the farmers who supply their raw materials, despite ambitious goals to reduce emissions and environmental degradation. The companies' reliance on commodity trading companies for staple ingredients further limits their knowledge and influence.