Articles tagged with Food Security
Research from the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that poor diet quality among adolescents is associated with cardiometabolic risk factors, including obesity and related diseases. The study suggests that promoting nutrition knowledge is necessary to prevent these health risks.
A new study found that women-led self-help groups in Odisha, India played a crucial role in maintaining food security during the COVID-19 lockdowns by procuring fresh produce from farmers and selling it to local markets. The groups also provided training and support to their members, enabling them to start their own businesses.
A Washington State University study found that WIC participants were less likely to use potentially unsafe infant feeding practices during the 2022 US infant formula shortage. They were also more likely to change formula brands or sources and adopt healthier feeding habits.
A recent study of 7,000 older US residents found that food insecurity was associated with a higher risk of dementia, as well as poorer memory function and accelerated memory decline. The researchers suggest that addressing food insecurity may have benefits for brain health.
Social determinants like food insecurity and housing issues were linked to lower likelihoods of receiving diabetic retinopathy screening. The study highlights the importance of addressing barriers to care for promoting health equity.
A new study from the University of Georgia found that approximately one in eight military families with children used a food bank or pantry to make ends meet. The odds of using these resources increased by 35% for each dependent child, highlighting the need for targeted support to alleviate financial stress among military families.
The study found that CACFP participation rates vary significantly across states, with lower-income areas having higher rates. Contributing factors for the program's underutilization include differences in state-level policies and outreach efforts.
A recent simulation study suggests that giant dinosaur carcasses could have been a key food source for Jurassic predators like Allosaurus. The researchers found that scavenging large carrion was more profitable than hunting, indicating that carnivores in such ecosystems might have evolved specialized traits to exploit these resources.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to increased prevalence of depression symptoms and PTSD across eight nations, with food insecurity and job loss being major contributing factors. Higher income was linked to higher depression symptoms, while lower income was associated with higher PTSD symptoms.
A team of animal scientists has developed a new breed of cow that can produce up to 20 times the milk of indigenous breeds, offering a potential game changer for subsistence farmers in Tanzania. The breeding process combines the heat and disease resistance of Gyrs with the milk-producing prowess of Holsteins and Jerseys.
The Perinatal LAW Project, a medical-legal partnership, helps pregnant and postpartum patients tackle unmet legal needs, such as housing and financial insecurity. By integrating lawyers into care teams, healthcare providers can better support patients' health-harming legal issues, leading to improved birth outcomes.
Researchers investigate delivery timing and fees influencing consumer food choices, aiming to develop methods for healthier purchases. The study's findings will inform future policy to support low-income households and improve nutrition security.
A clinic-based community program improved food security scores, healthy eating behaviors, and depression scores in a vulnerable, food-insecure population. The Geaux Get Healthy Clinical Program provided comprehensive education and access to resources, leveraging community partnerships.
A UMass Amherst study explores gender differences in HIV-related stigma and social support among people living with HIV experiencing food insecurity in the Dominican Republic. Women described outright rejection, violence, and disempowerment, while men's experiences were more subtle.
The SNEB position paper highlights the critical issue of food insecurity among college students, emphasizing the importance of systemic approaches and student advocacy. Research shows that food insecurity is associated with unhealthy dietary habits, less sleep, and higher odds of mental health issues.
A recent study found that households headed by single women of color in Brazil are four times more likely to experience food insecurity compared to those headed by married white men. The researchers argue that policies addressing gender equality, antiracism, and family considerations can help reduce poverty and hunger.
Researchers from the University of Tokyo have developed an AI-powered drone system that analyzes young plants to predict their expected growth characteristics. By identifying optimal harvest times, farmers can reduce waste and improve their income by up to 20.4%, while also benefiting consumers and the environment.
A recent US study has found that food insecurity significantly increases the risk of severe hypoglycaemia in adults with diabetes. The study, which analyzed data from over 1,000 participants, revealed that those experiencing food insecurity were nearly twice as likely to experience severe hypoglycaemic events.
A recent study published in Pediatric Obesity found that children from households with food insecurity experienced a significant increase in BMI, suggesting that food insecurity may hinder the effectiveness of pediatric obesity treatment. The researchers suggest that providers identify and address food insecurity in their patient popul...
A recent study by the University of Toronto has found a significant link between food insecurity and muscle dysmorphia symptoms among adolescent and young adult Canadians. The research revealed that individuals experiencing food insecurity were more likely to suffer from symptoms of muscle dysmorphia, including functional impairment an...
Research found that children in child care with onsite meals and snacks had better health outcomes, including lower rates of food insecurity and hospital admissions. Strengthening child care nutrition programs could benefit families and society as a whole through cost savings and improved health.
New research from Boston Medical Center's Grayken Center for Addiction found that municipalities offering wide-ranging social services to overdose survivors saw a 21% decrease in fatal overdoses. The study suggests connections to housing, food, employment, and transportation may be key to successful post-overdose outreach programs.
Researchers have found that sorghum bran packs a bigger nutritional punch than whole grain due to its high levels of calcium, magnesium, leucine, and valine. The climate-resilient grain holds its own against other top grains in terms of macro- and micronutrients.
A new study found that ozone substantially changes floral odour plumes, reducing honeybees' ability to recognise odours by up to 90%. This degradation affects pollinators' crucial role in the natural environment, with implications for food security and biodiversity.
Research shows that tobacco-owned food brands have selectively disseminated hyperpalatable foods, making them hard to resist. This study found that these foods are high in fat, sugar, sodium, or refined carbohydrates, leading to increased risk of obesity and related health consequences.
Researchers found a single gene cluster that determines whether fungus aids or hinders plant growth, offering potential for reducing food waste and increasing crop yields. The study highlights the complex relationships between fungi and their host plants, challenging traditional views of pathogenic and mutualistic traits.
A new study finds that warming temperatures may triple groundwater depletion rates in India under a business-as-usual scenario, with approximately 60% of the country's irrigated agriculture depending on the threatened groundwater. The study calls for policies to conserve groundwater and reduce energy subsidies.
A newly discovered fungus has been found to transform the toxic compound patulin into less harmful byproducts, offering potential solutions for controlling its presence in food products. The fungus, identified as Acremonium sp., was shown to degrade patulin into desoxypatulinic acid and other compounds, which are significantly less toxic.
A Tufts University study found that produce prescription programs associated with significant improvements in health outcomes, including halving food insecurity and lowering blood pressure. The programs provided free fruits and vegetables to low-income individuals with diet-related illnesses, resulting in clinically relevant outcomes.
A recent MU study found that health and healthcare organizations are increasingly offering basic social services, such as transportation, housing, food, and mental health support, to address disparities in health outcomes. The research team explored innovative solutions implemented by care coordinators and social services to help overc...
A new study from the University of Sheffield found that households growing their own food produce more than half of the vegetables and 20% of the fruit they consume annually, resulting in a 70% increase in recommended 5-a-day portions. Households also waste less, with only 0.12 portions thrown out daily.
A new study shows that a rule-based natural language processing tool successfully identified patients with unstable access to transportation, food insecurity, social isolation, financial problems, and signs of abuse or exploitation. The tool performed better than deep learning algorithms in identifying these social determinants of health.
A new study by Penn Medicine found that the discontinuation of pandemic-related SNAP benefits led to a significant increase in food insufficiency in the US. The study found that households affected by the benefit cuts experienced a 21% relative increase in both food insufficiency and food insufficiency among children, affecting over 2 ...
New research suggests that rising temperatures may offset the impact of increased precipitation on nitrogen runoff, which could lead to reduced aquatic pollution. The study found that warmer temperatures reduce evaporation, allowing more nitrogen to enter waterways, while also affecting microbial life in soil and sediment.
A UK-Sri Lankan research network aimed to develop research capacities among senior academic staff members from both countries. The training network investigated differences, overlaps, and synergies between Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) research communities.
A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that children and adolescents living in food-insecure households had a 55% higher frequency of physician visits for mental health reasons. The research also revealed a 74% higher prevalence of past-year acute care visits for mental or substance use disorders.
The director of Texas A&M's Institute for Advancing Health Through Agriculture calls for a responsive food system that prioritizes human health. The initiative aims to align precision nutrition, responsive agriculture, and social research to reduce diet-related chronic disease.
A new University of Colorado Boulder study finds that reducing food loss and waste could lead to increased access to affordable food worldwide, but at the cost of reduced environmental benefits. The study suggests that more food availability would result in lower prices, leading to changes in consumer behavior.
Researchers at West Virginia University are developing a hydrogen flexible boiler to decarbonize the food and beverage industry. The technology, proposed by Hailin Li, will supply thermal energy by burning clean fuel rather than traditional fossil fuels.
Research shows that households participating in both WIC and SNAP consume high amounts of sugar-sweetened beverages. Mothers with young children who rely on these programs drank SSBs 8.7 times/week, compared to 4.5 times/week for those not participating in either program.
A nationwide produce prescription program for patients with diabetes and food insecurity could prevent 296,000 cases of cardiovascular disease and gain 260,000 quality-adjusted life years. The program is estimated to save $39.6 billion in healthcare spending and $4.8 billion in lost productivity costs.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found a significant association between food insecurity and accelerated memory decline in middle to older-age individuals. The researchers suggest that exposure to food insecurity in older age may have long-term negative effects on cognitive function.
A new study reveals that nearly 40% of teen girls and young women have low iron levels, with higher rates among Black, Latina, low-income, or low-BMI individuals. The study recommends considering routine screening for iron levels in adolescents and young women to prevent life-limiting symptoms associated with iron-deficiency anemia.
A study published in JAMA Network Open reveals racial disparities in food insecurity among low-income households without Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) access. The research highlights the importance of improving SNAP access to address these disparities.
A new study finds that exposure to posthospitalization home-delivered meals is associated with lower 30-day rehospitalization and mortality rates. The study suggests that this service may help prevent hospital readmissions and improve patient outcomes.
The study found that COVID-19-era policy improvements in adult overall health and household nutrition resulted from the 2021 Child Tax Credit monthly payments. Cash transfers may effectively address adult health issues and enhance food security
The expanded Child Tax Credit led to significant improvements in adult health and nutrition, with eligible adults reporting better health outcomes and food security compared to ineligible adults. The study estimates that this policy may have benefited approximately 1.08 million adults and 684,000 households.
A new study by Mass General Brigham found an association between increasing receipt of plant-based food packages and decreased BMI in children. The research suggests that providing healthy foods can help prevent childhood obesity, especially among families dealing with food insecurity.
Children with parental cancer history face higher rates of unmet economic needs, including food security, housing affordability and transportation access. The study highlights the need for strategies to identify and support these vulnerable children.
New study finds that limiting human activity in parts of the ocean can enhance marine environment health and benefit nearby coastal communities. MPAs with strict fishing restrictions sustain fisheries and improve income and food security for nearby residents.
Researchers identified candidate genes and loci associated with aquaculture-relevant traits in tilapia, providing valuable insights to breed more resilient fish. The findings aim to guide selective breeding programmes and enhance the climate resilience of freshwater aquaculture.
A new study by researchers at the School District of Philadelphia found that building relationships between SNAP-Ed implementers and school staff was crucial for developing school staff motivation and capacity to implement programming. This approach can help schools most in need, which are often high-poverty schools with limited capacity.
Researchers have unlocked the large-scale genomic analysis of foxtail millet, an important cereal crop that has been grown for roughly 11,000 years. The study identified key genes and marker-panels for its evolution and improvement in different environments.
A new study by University of Utah Health finds that non-citizen individuals are more susceptible to food insecurity, even with similar income and education levels. The researchers suggest increasing awareness about safety net programs like SNAP can help reduce disparities in food insecurity between immigrants and US-born citizens.
The American Phytopathological Society published a special issue on key discoveries in plant pathology, highlighting groundbreaking findings over the past 50 years. These discoveries have significantly impacted plant health, food security, and food safety worldwide.
Researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have identified new genes that regulate the surge protector in plants, which can help increase photosynthesis efficiency and boost corn yields. The discovery could lead to breeding plants better equipped to capitalize on yield-boosting sunlight.
New research by Lancaster University and others finds that food poverty is a pressing matter to reproductive justice worldwide. Marginalized individuals face increased risks of both food insecurity and reproductive coercion and injustices.
The US has lost 57.6 billion tons of topsoil due to farming practices, but new research suggests no-till methods can drastically reduce erosion and extend fertility for centuries. No-till farming, currently practiced on 40% of Midwest cropland acres, can modelled to slow down soil loss.
A study of 12,000 medical students found that poor eating habits established during post-secondary studies can contribute to future health issues. The researchers call for universities to provide healthy, affordable food options to prevent long-term problems.
A new study reveals a higher prevalence of stunting and wasting among poor children, while overweight children live in richer homes. Researchers are calling for an integrated approach to tackle the 'double burden' of child malnutrition.