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Drought-resilient plant holds promise for future food production, study finds

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...

SourceColorado State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2025

AI and partnerships are vital to tackling food contamination - study

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.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 20, 2025

SNAP shields kids from future heart disease risks, long-term study finds

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateMay 14, 2025

Grains of truth: New focus issue explores how pathogens and pests of cereal crops undermine global food security

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.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·DateMay 7, 2025
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Sugar signalling applications could boost wheat yields by up to 12%

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.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateApr 29, 2025

Community resources help food-insecure kids make fewer ER visits

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.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 28, 2025

Meeting preview: Hot topics at NUTRITION 2025

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.

SourceAmerican Society for Nutrition·DateApr 22, 2025
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

First microbes blast off testing production of food for space travel

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.

SourceImperial College London·DateApr 22, 2025

Ghanaian pregnant adolescents and adolescent mothers face significant nutritional challenges impacting their and their infants’ health

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.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeSurvey·DateApr 17, 2025
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

ETSU scientist tackles global vitamin deficiency

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.

SourceEast Tennessee State University·DateApr 14, 2025

Enabling Indonesia’s small farmers to embrace innovation

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.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·TypeSurvey·DateApr 9, 2025

Global poverty and the cost of a healthy diet

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.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalFood Policy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 8, 2025
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Medically tailored meal programs could yield significant health care savings across 49 US states

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.

SourceTufts University·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 7, 2025

Nutrition security beyond food access: Understanding the impact of environmental and psychosocial factors on diet quality

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.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 31, 2025

Good and bad bacteria: What microorganisms can do in our food

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.

SourceBfR Federal Institute for Risk Assessment·DateMar 25, 2025
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Study shows almost all people claiming Universal Credit struggle to afford to eat properly

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.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalEuropean Journal of Nutrition·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 24, 2025

Tax sugar and salt in food to improve health - report

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.

SourceUniversity of Reading·DateMar 17, 2025
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Food insecurity today, heart disease tomorrow?

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateMar 12, 2025

Advances in regional-scale crop growth and associated process models

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.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 11, 2025

USPSTF statement on screening for food insecurity

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMar 11, 2025

Fluoride in drinking water is associated with impaired childhood cognition

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.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeObservational study·DateMar 7, 2025

NC Healthy Opportunities Program helped reduce Medicaid costs

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.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 5, 2025
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

CSHL and global collaborators map Solanum pan-genome

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.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature·DateMar 5, 2025
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

New funding to support food security, economic resiliency

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.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateFeb 19, 2025

Comprehensive global study shows pesticides are major contributor to biodiversity crisis

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.

SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 13, 2025

Climate change in African mountains has much more impact than we thought

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.

SourceNorwegian University of Life Sciences·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 6, 2025
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Coal emissions cost India millions in crop damages

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.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 4, 2025

Researchers link India’s food program to better health and stronger incomes

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalAmerican Economic Journal Applied Economics·DateJan 31, 2025
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

New £2 million project to save UK from food shortages

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.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·DateJan 30, 2025

Weather change linked to increased risk of Salmonella outbreaks

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.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalJournal of Infection·DateJan 29, 2025

Nine in ten Afghans struggle with diminished quality of life

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Mental Health·TypeSurvey·DateJan 16, 2025
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Tiny plants reveal big potential for boosting crop efficiency

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.

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalNature Plants·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 2025

Early warning tool will help control huge locust swarms

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.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateDec 19, 2024
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Long COVID-19 is costing Americans money

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.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalHealth Services Research·DateDec 5, 2024

Climate-ready crop

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.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 4, 2024

Transformation of UN SDGs only way forward for sustainable development

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.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·Journalnpj Climate Action·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 26, 2024

Pandemic raised food, housing insecurity in Oregon despite surge in spending

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.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateNov 25, 2024
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Abortion and women’s future socioeconomic attainment

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.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 11, 2024

Stalling a disease that could annihilate banana production is a high-return investment in Colombia

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.

SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 8, 2024

A new piece in the grass pea puzzle - updated genome sequence published

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.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalScientific Data·DateOct 31, 2024

A simpler, more efficient device for harvesting water from the air

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.

SourceOhio State University·JournalTechnologies·DateOct 23, 2024