Articles tagged with Food Security
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 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.
A new study by Stanford University researchers found that coal-fired power stations drag down annual wheat and rice yields by 10% or more due to NO2 emissions. Eliminating these emissions could boost rice output by $420 million per year and wheat output by $400 million per year.
Researchers found that a machine learning predictive model leveraging EHR data outperformed screening surveys in identifying patients with health-related social needs. The models demonstrated biases, particularly towards White, non-Hispanic patients.
A study published in the American Economic Journal found that India's Public Distribution System (PDS) reduces malnutrition rates by 8.2% and increases household expenditure by 12.4%, with benefits extending beyond just calories to income, health, and human capital.
A £2 million project, led by Anglia Ruskin University, is working to identify vulnerabilities in the UK's food system and prioritize areas for improvement. The project will analyze potential pathways leading to civil unrest and work with stakeholders to build resilience and address early-stage problems.
A new study by the University of Surrey found that warmer temperatures and certain weather conditions are associated with an increase in Salmonella cases. The research, which considered data from England, Wales, and the Netherlands, suggests that climate change is playing a significant role in the spread of this foodborne illness.
A recent discovery in the Amazon reveals a unique drainage and irrigation system that enabled the Casarabe society to produce maize throughout the year. This innovation allowed for at least two harvests of maize per year, ensuring a stable food supply.
A cohort study found that women experiencing food insecurity during pregnancy are at a higher risk of perinatal complications. Individuals who received food assistance showed no significant increase in risks, suggesting that access to nutrition support can mitigate these complications.
A survey of over 800 Afghans found that nearly nine in ten face diminished quality of life due to psychosocial stress, while three-quarters experience food insecurity and over seven in ten have poor healthcare access. The study highlights the impact of the Taliban's takeover on daily life.
A four-year study on eating disorders in older Hispanic women, funded by the NIH, aims to reduce multimorbidity and pioneer scalable interventions. Researchers will assess the impact of binge eating disorders on mental and physical health.
The Consumer Food Insights Report finds a 9.5% out-of-stock rate for foods in 2024, down from 12.3% in 2023 and 19.3% in 2022. Consumers are motivated to improve their health through diet changes, with two-thirds of those making resolutions doing so for health reasons.
Scientists discover unique hornworts with natural CO2-concentrating mechanism, optimizing photosynthesis and potentially revolutionizing agriculture. The discovery could lead to increased crop yields and improved food security, making it a promising direction for sustainable agriculture.
A team from the University of Cambridge has developed a model to predict desert locust swarms, enabling national agencies to respond quickly. The model uses weather forecast data and computational models to forecast locust swarm movements both short and long-term.
A new USC Dornsife study reveals that 25% of L.A. County households struggle with food insecurity, with Asian communities disproportionately impacted. The study also highlights significantly higher rates of nutrition insecurity, which affects 29% of residents.
A new study from the University of Georgia found that long COVID-19 is making it harder for people to pay their bills, buy groceries, and keep utilities on. Individuals with lower incomes are disproportionately affected by food insecurity and inability to pay bills due to the condition.
A team from the University of Illinois has engineered a potato crop that can thrive in elevated temperatures, resulting in a 30% increase in tuber mass under heatwave conditions. This adaptation aims to improve food security for families dependent on potatoes, which are often affected by changing climate conditions.
Expanding wild-harvested meat donation programs could provide a sustainable source of healthy protein to those in need while mitigating ecosystem damage. Such programs already have a substantial impact, with 48 US programs providing over 10 million meals annually.
A new study calls for the integration of climate resilience into every aspect of the UN SDGs to secure a sustainable future. The researchers propose five key recommendations, including aligning the Paris Agreement's climate objectives with the SDGs and empowering local communities to develop climate-focused policies.
A survey of Oregon's Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries found that housing and food insecurity rose sharply during the pandemic, despite a significant increase in spending. The study suggests that addressing social needs during healthcare visits can improve health outcomes and reduce costs for taxpayers.
A new study finds that access to safe, legal abortion is associated with higher college graduation rates, better financial stability, and lower poverty levels among women. Women who had an abortion were more likely to experience economic mobility compared to those who became teen parents.
Researchers found that widespread adoption of cement paths, disinfection stations, and production strategies can net significant benefits for each dollar invested. The disease could annihilate global banana production, but simple measures are already effective in slowing its spread.
A new chromosome-scale reference genome of grass pea has been published, improving on earlier draft assemblies and offering potential for climate-smart agriculture. The updated genome allows for improved breeding and gene editing to develop varieties with improved agronomic characteristics or low toxin content.
A new type of prototype water harvester uses temperature-sensitive materials to pull more water out of the atmosphere in 30 minutes on average than an alternative dehumidifier system using only half the energy. The device is also portable, making it suitable for regions where access to clean drinking water is limited.
A new report highlights the need for clearer policies to address unpaid meal charges, which can lead to practices like lunch shaming. The study found significant disparities and gaps in communication across US school districts, with notable similarities in North Carolina's policies.
The new Hispanic Thrifty Food Plan (H-TFP) is a cost-neutral alternative to the USDA's Thrifty Food Plan, respecting traditional Hispanic eating patterns while adhering to established nutritional guidelines. The H-TFP aims to preserve cultural food preferences while promoting healthy eating at the same cost.
Plant roots use a silent molecular 'language' to direct fungi to attach, providing phosphates. Researchers discovered that strigolactone activates fungal genes associated with phosphate metabolism, leading to new strategies for cultivating hardier crops and combatting disease-causing fungi.
A new CABI-led research study reveals low access to plant health services in South Sudan, hindering agricultural productivity. The findings highlight the need for strengthening government-led initiatives, service accessibility, and inclusivity in plant health systems to address climate change-induced pests.
Researchers at the University of Bath will investigate the micro politics of famine in South Sudan and Somalia using £1.25 million ERC funding. The team aims to deliver a new theory on famine politics, prioritizing community perspectives and social realities.
A case study of a 65-year-old woman with scurvy highlights the need to consider vitamin C deficiency in patients with restrictive eating patterns and limited social support. Vitamin C deficiency is more common than expected, especially among those with low socioeconomic status or substance use disorders.
A new study by Harvard researchers found that food insufficiency increased after pandemic-era SNAP emergency allotments expired, leading to greater use of food pantries and difficulty paying household expenses. Black SNAP participants reported higher anxiety symptoms than white participants.
A new study found that sexual and gender minority adults in the US experience multiple social risk factors, including life dissatisfaction, social isolation, and stress. This highlights the need for policies advancing health and socioeconomic well-being of these groups.
Research shows that poverty and inadequate food supply drive poaching in East African national parks. The study found that alleviating food insecurity and poverty are key to building cooperation between parks and local villages. By addressing these needs, conservation efforts can be more effective.
Researchers used cutting-edge molecular biology tools and GPS tracking data to determine the dietary habits of different animal species in Yellowstone. They found that feeding behaviors depend on body size, with smaller species diversifying their diets in summer and larger animals competing for resources in winter.
A new scientific statement emphasizes the role of social determinants, such as immigration status, socioeconomic position, and access to healthcare, in shaping cardiovascular health among Asian American adults. The statement identifies future research directions to advance health equity and reduce disparities in these communities.
A new NIH-funded study found that children who experienced food insecurity during early childhood or whose mothers experienced it during pregnancy had a higher BMI and increased chance of developing obesity. Researchers explored how neighborhood food access affected child body mass index and obesity over time.
A new study reveals that inpatient food insecurity among caregivers during pediatric hospitalizations is associated with longer hospital admissions and increased odds of readmission. Caregivers experiencing food insecurity were found to have a 2.4 day longer length of stay and 1.8 times higher odds of readmission within 30 days.
A nationwide multi-cohort study found that residence in low-income-low-food-access neighborhoods during pregnancy or early childhood significantly raises the risk of obesity and severe obesity from childhood to adolescence. The study underscores the importance of early-life neighborhood environments in shaping child health outcomes.
New research using satellite technology tracks the movement of albatrosses and petrels, finding that they use sea ice-affected parts of the ocean for feeding and scavenging. The study suggests that Antarctica's shrinking sea ice could force seabirds to travel further or alter their food patterns, affecting ecosystems.
A recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior examines the connection between food insecurity and gestational diabetes risk among young American Indian and Alaska Native females. The research highlights how targeted risk reduction methods could significantly improve diabetes health outcomes for this popula...
Two studies highlight elevated blood pressure prevalence among 8-19 year-olds in the US, with social determinants impacting health outcomes. Addressing these factors through targeted public health strategies is essential to improve outcomes and prevent long-term heart disease.
The Eat Local WNY initiative, funded by the US Department of Agriculture, aims to create a thriving community through investment in local food, businesses, and people. The project encourages shoppers to purchase at least 10% of their food from local producers, promoting fair wages for farmers, better stewardship of farmlands, and fresh...
A new study found significant intake inadequacies for nearly all evaluated micronutrients, with iodine and vitamin E deficiencies being the most prevalent. The researchers estimated inadequate intakes were higher for women than men in some countries, highlighting a need for targeted dietary interventions.
A new study demonstrates a cost-effective method for producing cultivated meat, addressing scalability and cost challenges. The continuous manufacturing process enables daily biomass harvests and reduces costs by up to $6.20 per pound, aligning with organic chicken prices.
A recent study by Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT found that women's empowerment is associated with improved child nutrition, health, and education. The research shows that empowered women contribute to fewer underweight and wasted children, as well as improved household dietary diversity.
A cohort study found that expanded child tax credit (ECTC) enacted substantially lowers food insecurity, whereas ECTC expiration significantly raises it. The monthly payment structure and lack of earnings requirements may play a crucial role in preventing food insecurity.
A systematic review found that universal free school meals were associated with increased meal participation and no significant improvements in attendance. The study also noted a decrease in obesity prevalence and suspension rates, although the evidence for these findings was moderate to low certainty.
A study by University of Surrey researchers highlights the importance of public bodies investing in local food systems to create healthier communities. Community cafes and pantries have been shown to empower volunteers and promote knowledge sharing about food, while grant funding and council support can unlock new projects.
Research published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that meals from community cafés had significantly higher diet quality than meals not eaten at the café, measured by the Healthy Eating Index. This improvement was particularly pronounced for individuals with very low food security. The study suggests that commu...
A study by Virginia Tech researchers found that mothers' mental health suffers when their families lack food resources, especially if they are the ones going without food. The study highlights the need for strategies to help moms or caregivers manage their mental health during times of food insecurity.
A comprehensive study reveals that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are increasingly added to US pesticide products, contaminating waterways and posing potential threats to human health. The study found that pesticides containing PFAS are widely used in staple foods, flea treatments for pets, and insect-killing sprays.
A research team led by Clemson University Professor Shahid Mukhtar aims to identify natural biological solutions through the microbiome to help soybeans survive extreme heat and drought. The study will focus on the cellular level, soil microbiomes, and plant responses to environmental stresses.
Households in Liberia that participated in forest-based activities reduced their food scarcity by 84 percent. The research also found that forests can capture carbon and advance sustainability goals for low- and middle-income countries, reducing hunger and improving well-being.