Articles tagged with Food Security
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.
Food insecurity is associated with increased caregiver stress and household instability in rural families. The study highlights the negative impact of food insecurity on child mental health, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to support vulnerable populations.
Research with rats found that maternal diet lacking protein during pregnancy and lactation can compromise reproductive health of male offspring. Changes in epididymis structure and function lead to impairments in motility, viability, and sperm concentration.
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.
Researchers developed a sustainable solution to help tackle honeybee decline by creating an engineered food supplement. The new feed, designed to provide essential compounds found in plant pollen, significantly enhances colony reproduction.
A new study found that long-term biochar application can sustainably boost crop yields by 10.8% and cut greenhouse gas emissions like methane and nitrous oxide by 13.5% and 21.4%. Biochar's benefits on soil health and carbon sequestration are also significant, with increased soil organic carbon content by 52.5%.
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.
University of Houston researchers are developing an AI-powered dashboard for Florida food pantries, aiming to streamline stakeholder collaboration and distribute resources to families in need. The tool will enable emergency coordinators to respond quickly to spikes in demand, prioritizing the needs of vulnerable populations.
Key findings include halting food waste by 75% and restoring half of degraded lands by 2050; the authors recommend shifting agricultural subsidies towards sustainable smallholder farms and implementing land-based taxes or tariffs to reward sustainable low-impact farming.
A recent study in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior defines key skills needed to advance community-level nutrition and public health efforts. The framework addresses the unique demands of systems-level public health work, covering areas such as community capacity building, strategic planning, and partnership development.
A study published in Contemporary Economic Policy found that delaying the disbursement of food assistance payments can reduce robbery incidents by 0.03 per 100,000 population. The researchers estimate a potential crime reduction benefit of $2.7 million annually in the United States.
A fungal pathogen is causing cassava witches' broom disease to spread rapidly in Brazil and French Guiana, impacting food security and livelihoods. Researchers are racing against time to understand the extent of the threat and find a way to treat or prevent the disease.
Research published in PLOS Mental Health found that food insecurity causes rapidly emerging negative effects on mental health, with deteriorations occurring when food security worsened and improvements when it improved. The study suggests that eliminating periodic food insecurity could reduce the number of people with clinically concer...
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.
New research claims adding lime to agricultural soils can remove CO2 from the atmosphere, rather than cause emissions. The study, based on over 100 years of data, shows that the addition of acidity is the main driver for CO2 emissions from soils.
Preliminary research suggests that climate change can lead to a reduction in nutritional quality in food crops, with potential devastating consequences for human health. The study found that elevated CO2 levels and hotter temperatures can exacerbate this decline, particularly affecting essential proteins, minerals, and antioxidants.
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.
A survey of over 2,200 US adults found that majority incorrectly believe plant-based diets are more expensive, with baby boomers being the most likely to think so. A diet centered on whole, minimally processed plant foods can be affordable and nourishing.
A new study developed a powerful method for detecting simultaneous nitrogen and water deficiencies in field-grown sesame using deep learning and multiple data sources. The integration of hyperspectral, thermal, and RGB imaging enabled identification of combined nutrient and water-related deficiencies.
Research from Stanford University estimates that climate change will reduce global crop yields by 24% by 2100, even after accounting for economic development and adaptation by farmers. The study finds that regions in the US, Canada, China, and Russia will be among the hardest hit, while others may benefit.
Surgical patients in the US are at a significant risk of experiencing food insecurity, according to a recent study published in JAMA Surgery. The research highlights the need for interventions such as food insecurity screening to improve food access and overall health outcomes for this vulnerable population.
A new study found that gut microbiome composition is associated with cognitive impairment in adults, and that food insecurity may jointly influence brain function. Adults with lower microbial diversity and specific imbalances in gut bacteria were more likely to experience cognitive impairment.
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...
A new study reveals that combining AI technology with international partnerships is key to addressing growing food contamination challenges. The researchers identify six key drivers of current and future food safety risks, including demographic changes, economic factors, and environmental conditions.
A long-term Northwestern Medicine study found that participating in SNAP significantly mitigates the risk of heart disease and cardiovascular health disparities in children. The study tracked over 1,000 children born between 1998 and 2000 and found that food insecurity at ages 3-5 was linked to worse heart health at age 22.
The latest focus issue of Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions explores the molecular, cellular, and genomic details of cereal crop diseases, highlighting key research on plant-pathogen interactions. Groundbreaking work has advanced the field, offering new insights into disease resistance and management strategies.
Researchers have discovered a way to enhance wheat plants' sugar signalling ability, increasing yields by up to 12%. The new technology uses a Trehalose 6-phosphate pre-signalling molecule to activate the pathway for starch synthesis, leading to increased photosynthesis and grain filling.
A new clinical study found that a universal community resource program reduced acute care for children of food-insecure families, saving thousands of dollars in healthcare expenditures. The program, called CommunityRx-Hunger, required only 50 staff hours and delivered benefits to both food-secure and food-insecure caregivers.
A recent study suggests that aquaculture in the Amazon can be a more sustainable alternative to livestock farming, producing 10 times less greenhouse gases and using 20-100 times less land. This could help achieve food security in the region while minimizing environmental impact.
At NUTRITION 2025, experts will share the latest research on how genetics impact nutrition, the importance of early childhood feeding, and innovative strategies for managing obesity and promoting healthy aging. Researchers will also explore the role of diet in cancer prevention and control.
Imperial scientists launched a miniature laboratory into Earth orbit to engineer microbes that can produce food, pharmaceuticals, fuel, and bioplastics in microgravity. This partnership aims to create environmentally friendly and affordable non-animal foods, reducing the cost of space travel.
A recent study in Ghana highlights key factors influencing maternal nutrition and infant feeding practices, revealing food insecurity and economic constraints as significant challenges. The study emphasizes the importance of creating tailored nutrition education programs that address the specific needs of young mothers.
A New Zealand study found that three-quarters of long-term vegans met daily total protein requirements, but only half met daily lysine and leucine requirements. Legumes and pulses were key contributors to overall protein and lysine intake.
A global study found that countries consuming more plant-based proteins have longer adult life expectancies, while high animal-based protein intake is linked to lower infant mortality rates.
A researcher at East Tennessee State University is working on a potentially groundbreaking study to increase the vitamin content in seeds. The goal is to craft tools that can activate genes responsible for producing essential vitamins like provitamin A and folate, addressing global micronutrient deficiencies.
A new report reveals that Indonesia's small farmers can increase productivity and market access through technology-driven innovations. The report outlines ten best practices for agritech startups and wider ecosystems to enable and shape the country's rural startup ecosystem.
A new poverty metric assesses global well-being by incorporating the cost of a healthy diet, revealing significant regional differences and shifting the focus from sub-Saharan Africa to South Asia. The study highlights the long-term health consequences of malnutrition and calls for a revised approach to resource allocation.
A simulation model predicts that medically tailored meals designed for patients with diet-sensitive conditions can improve health outcomes and save healthcare costs nationwide. The program is estimated to avert over 3.5 million hospitalizations annually and could transform care for vulnerable patients across the US.
Researchers identified key constructs shaping diet and health outcomes, including access to healthy foods, social dynamics, and coping mechanisms. The study highlights the importance of addressing barriers such as affordability, accessibility, and chronic stress to promote nutrition security and health outcomes.
A pooled cross-sectional study found a positive correlation between state minimum wage hikes and improved food security rates among at-risk households. Policymakers can use these findings to set wages that reduce food insecurity burden on U.S. children and families.
Research reveals housing instability, parental mental health, and social isolation are major drivers of child food insecurity. Long-term health consequences also arise from vulnerable households.
The BfR conference discusses the role of microorganisms in food production, focusing on both beneficial and pathogenic properties. The event explores topics such as E. coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and the importance of food microbiology in ensuring public health.
A new study found that 85% of Universal Credit recipients experience food insecurity, with many going whole days without food or consuming limited diets lacking essential nutrients. The loss of a £20 weekly uplift added during COVID exacerbated the issue, leading to increased reliance on food banks.
Scientists at UC Riverside discovered a way to exploit parasitic plant hormones to induce
A new UK report suggests extending the existing sugar tax to cover all types of foods and introducing a salt levy to tackle obesity and environmental issues. The proposed regulations aim to transform public health and deliver nationwide benefits.
A prospective cohort study found a significant association between food insecurity and incident cardiovascular disease in both Black and White US individuals. Food insecurity was also shown to be an important social deprivation measure for assessing CVD risk, highlighting its potential as a key factor in clinical assessment.
A new Northwestern Medicine study reveals that young adults experiencing food insecurity have a 41% greater risk of developing heart disease in midlife. Food insecurity affects one in eight households in the US, and addressing it early may help reduce the burden of heart disease later.
The USPSTF has concluded that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for food insecurity on health outcomes. Nearly one-third of households with incomes below the federal poverty threshold experience food insecurity, highlighting a significant public health concern.
The study categorizes CROP-AP models into four key types, highlighting five major applications in agricultural productivity simulation. Future research priorities focus on strengthening model validation and simulating multi-scale interactions to support sustainable global food production.
Elevated fluoride concentrations have been shown to impair cognitive abilities in children, particularly verbal reasoning skills and sensory processing. The study suggests that even low levels of exposure can have significant effects, highlighting the need for further research on fluoride health risks.
Scientists at CSHL and global collaborators have sequenced complete genomes for the Solanum genus, including tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplants. The study reveals the importance of understanding paralog genes in predicting genome editing outcomes.
A North Carolina state-run pilot program helped Medicaid recipients address food insecurity, housing instability, and other social needs, resulting in reduced spending over time. The program showed an average monthly savings of $85 per beneficiary after approximately 8 months of enrollment.
A recent study found that COVID-19 pandemic increased SNAP benefits reduced racial and ethnic disparities in food insecurity. However, non-SNAP participants experienced no decline in food insecurity, highlighting persistent gaps in nutrition support for this vulnerable population.
Differences in coinsurance rates associated with racial and ethnic disparities in out-of-pocket spending for maternity care. Changes to health plan benefit design could improve equity in maternal healthcare access and outcomes.
A study published in the Journal of Food Composition and Analysis reveals most US infant formulas contain primarily added sugars, rather than naturally occurring lactose. This contradicts medical recommendations for babies under 2 years old, who require a diet closest to human breast milk.
The Grubhub Community Fund has awarded the American Heart Association a $2 million grant to support food security, technology innovation, and economic resiliency in New York City and Chicago. The funds will be allocated to up to 12 organizations and entrepreneurs focused on improving health equity and expanding access to capital.
The Washington State Food Security Survey shows that food insecurity is widespread in the state, with rising grocery prices and expiring pandemic-era assistance programs exacerbating economic pressures. Key findings include higher rates of food insecurity among households with children and those earning $75,000–$150,000.
A comprehensive global study reveals pesticides are a major contributor to the biodiversity crisis, affecting over 800 species of plants, animals, fungi, and microbes. The research highlights the need for policies and practices to reduce pesticide use, including regenerative agriculture and Integrated Pest Management.
Farmers in African mountains report alarming changes in local weather patterns, leading to reduced crop yields and food insecurity. The study highlights the need for tailored adaptation strategies that consider environmental, social, and political dynamics of each region.
The Kraft Center for Community Health at Mass General Brigham is awarding the Kraft Prize to recognize transformative organizations or innovations making a measurable impact on community health. The $100,000 prize includes travel accommodations and support from Mass General Brigham's Innovation MESH Network.