Articles tagged with Food Security
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New research from the University of Sheffield reveals genetically modifying rice to reduce stomata can make it more salt-resistant and survive in environments with high salt levels. This adaptation could help tackle food insecurity caused by climate change.
A recent study by Wake Forest University School of Medicine found that families experiencing food insecurity have significantly higher health care expenditures. The research analyzed data from the 2016 and 2017 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey and found an annual difference of about $2,456 between food-secure and food-insecure families.
The NSF Convergence Accelerator program invests $11M in solutions for vulnerable communities, with UMBC's Lauren Clay awarded $624K to develop the Food Index for Resilience. This index will measure food system functioning in communities and support disaster response and recovery.
A study suggests that high fertiliser prices could lead to an additional 100 million people being undernourished, with up to one million deaths annually. The war in Ukraine has disrupted food exports, but energy and fertiliser price spikes are the primary drivers of food price rises.
A recent study by University College London reveals that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated mental health issues and food insecurity among individuals living with obesity. Nearly half of participants reported worsening mental health, while nearly a third experienced severe depression. Food insecurity also increased significantly, wi...
A UCR-led analysis recommends culturally sensitive mental health screenings for schools, focusing on identifying social determinants of health and strengths. These screenings can help schools build resilience, address needs like food insecurity, and combat disproportionate referrals for special education or exclusionary discipline.
A team of scientists from Michigan State University conducted a study to track the supply and demand of fish in sub-Saharan Africa, revealing surprising gaps in traditional analysis. The research found that smaller fish species like usipa were more widely available than larger species like chambo, but policies were prioritizing the lat...
A new study by Bournemouth University found that young adults in the UK are willing to change their diet for environmental reasons, but many are unclear about what changes to make. The research highlights the need for greater awareness and knowledge about sustainable diets and their impact on the environment.
A new index reveals North England neighborhoods with the highest risk of food insecurity, particularly in urban areas such as Wirral and Blackpool. The map can help local authorities target support to households most at risk during the cost of living crisis.
Purdue University professor Klein Ileleji's startup JUA Technologies International aims to improve crop drying methods using a high-efficiency, smart solar dehydrator. The grant will support product-design improvements and manufacturing, enabling small growers to add value to their crops and increase income.
Research at Aston University found a significant link between childhood deprivation and impulsive behavior, leading to addictions and unhealthy choices later in life. The study showed that children from deprived areas had a higher discount rate, indicating a preference for immediate gratification.
A new study reveals that adopting high-yielding dairy cattle breeds and improving feed can help Tanzania increase milk production while reducing planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions and alleviating poverty. The research found that better feed can increase milk yield by up to 179% and improve the country's climate commitments.
Researchers developed disease-resistant maize genotypes for smallholder farmers, increasing safe yields and reducing aflatoxin contamination. The findings offer a promising strategy to protect food security in Sub-Saharan Africa.
A new study finds that seafood farming's growth rate has already peaked in 1996 and is now declining, requiring rebuilding of wild fish stocks to meet future demand. Without this approach, relying solely on aquaculture could lead to a global seafood shortage by 2030.
Stanford researchers found that dams could store over 50% of water needed for crop irrigation, but emphasize alternatives like small dams and recharged groundwater systems as more environmentally friendly options. The study aims to increase food security without depleting water stocks or harming nature.
Researchers have discovered a high-antioxidant ingredient in passion fruit peels that can preserve fresh fruits and cuts in an edible coating, reducing spoilage and plastic packaging. The microencapsulated powders are stable, non-hygroscopic, and suitable for industrial applications.
Researchers estimate food pantry services contribute up to $28 billion nationwide, with households spending $40-$60 per trip and $600-$1,000 per year. The study provides valuable insights into the economic value of food pantries, highlighting their importance in addressing food insecurity.
A study published in the American Journal of Agricultural Economics estimates that access to food pantries provides a value of $600-$1,000 per client household annually. The collective value of food pantry access among pantry client households may be between $19 billion and $28 billion dollars annually.
Research found that air pollution from diesel exhaust and ozone significantly reduces the reproductive success of parasitic wasps controlling aphids on oilseed rape plants. The pollutants alter plant chemistry, attracting a specific wasp species more successfully.
A Stanford-led study found that cover cropping in the US Corn Belt leads to yield losses of 5.5% for corn and 3.5% for soybeans, despite its potential climate benefits. The practice's environmental impacts are complex, with reduced runoff and soil erosion but also increased water usage.
A new study by Cornell University researchers found that changing the wording on expiration dates could help reduce food waste. The study suggests that certain labels, such as "use by" or "best if used by," may lead to more food being discarded than others.
A CABI-led study proposes seven key steps to strengthen Burundi's plant health system, aiming to enhance food security and tap into valuable export markets. The research found inadequate skills and capacity in diagnosing crop pests, hindering agricultural productivity.
A study in Brazil found that reducing childhood poverty could prevent up to 22.5% of future criminal convictions. The researchers analyzed 22 risk factors and interviewed over 1,900 children twice, finding that poverty was the only modifiable factor significantly associated with crime.
Climate change is exacerbating health crises among migrant workers in the US agriculture sector, with extreme heat and chemical exposure posing significant risks. The Lancet report highlights the unequal burdens of climate change, particularly on vulnerable populations.
A new study found that living in a community with easy access to grocery stores and affordable, healthy food is associated with lower heart failure death rates. The research analyzed data from nearly 3,000 counties in the US and found that food insecurity is linked to increased rates of death from heart failure.
A new study found that offshore mussel farms can increase species abundance, including Atlantic horse mackerel and European lobster, on degraded seabed habitats. The research suggests that this practice could have wider environmental benefits, supporting the national and international Blue Growth agenda.
A new study found that the expiration of monthly Child Tax Credit payments led to a 25% increase in food insufficiency among US households with children. The loss of cash relief benefits disproportionately impacted Black, Latino, Indigenous, and immigrant families, exacerbating racial and economic inequities.
Researchers have made a surprising discovery that liquid smoke can enhance plant defense against pests and diseases, leading to new farming practices. The study found that sunflowers grown in soil treated with liquid smoke had larger, thicker, and greener leaves and appeared less prone to pests and disease.
The editorial urges wealthy nations to step up support for Africa and vulnerable countries in addressing past, present, and future impacts of climate change. The climate crisis has destroyed a fifth of the GDP of the most vulnerable countries.
Research found that native predatory fish like jacks and barracuda feed on Australian mullet, an invasive species introduced to Oahu waters. This shift in diet helps control the invasive mullet population, which competes with native fish for resources.
Researchers predict that reduced Ukrainian grain exports due to the war will lead to increased food insecurity and higher carbon dioxide emissions. The study estimates a potential increase in global agricultural land use of 16.3-45 million acres, driving up carbon emissions by 527-1.6 billion metric tons.
Researchers identified 257 rhizoplane microbial biomarkers associated with six key agronomic traits, revealing a complex association between millet genotype, root microbiome, and crop growth. The study provides insights into precision agriculture based on genotype-dependent microbial effects in foxtail millet.
A new study found that caregivers, particularly women, experience higher odds of health-related vulnerabilities such as food insecurity and financial strain. Caregivers must balance their own lives with those of their dependents, finding ways to care for themselves while dedicating time to caring for loved ones.
The University of Illinois has received a $30 million investment from USAID to develop soybean value chains across Sub-Saharan Africa. The project aims to remove last-mile obstacles to technology adoption, including seed, productivity-improvement, and credit issues.
A recent study found that 38% of people with cardiovascular disease were food insecure in 2017-2018, more than doubling from two decades earlier. Food insecurity exacerbates existing racial and ethnic health disparities and can lead to increased risk for cardiometabolic risk factors.
A recent poll found that rising food prices have a disproportionate impact on the diets of older adults, especially those in lower-income households and with fair or poor physical or mental health. The study also shows that these groups are more likely to experience food insecurity and eat less healthy diets due to increased food costs.
The African Plant Nutrition Institute, Fertilizer Canada, and OCP Africa have signed a MoU to collaborate on agriculture development programmes that target sub-Saharan rural farmers. The planned interventions will see an improvement in food-security and livelihoods for smallholder farmers through joint programming, shared learning, and...
A new study found that women experiencing food insecurity report more symptoms of food addiction, such as compulsive eating and withdrawal symptoms. Participants in food-insecure households had significantly more food-addiction symptoms than those in food-secure households.
A new study predicts that the disruption of crop production in Ukraine due to the Russian invasion will lead to increased global carbon emissions and food prices. However, other countries are stepping up their production to compensate for the loss, which may alleviate food insecurity but with significant environmental impacts.
Researchers found associations between financial hardship, food insecurity, housing instability, and transportation difficulties with increased mortality risk among adults with new cancer diagnosis. The study highlights the importance of addressing social determinants of health for improving patient outcomes.
A study found that many people with health insurance still struggle with medical debt, which can lead to evictions, foreclosures, and food insecurity. The analysis of survey data suggests a significant association between medical debt and worsening social determinants of health.
A new study published in The Crop Journal has identified the gl9 gene variant as a key factor in increasing grain size and reducing chalkiness in rice. By introducing this allele into elite rice varieties, scientists have improved grain length, width, and weight, leading to enhanced appearance quality and yield.
The study found that pandemic federal programs, including grab-and-go school meals and the Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) program, reached over 30 million children and provided nearly 1.5 billion meals in 2020. The programs helped low-income families access nutritious food during a critical time when schools were closed due to COVID-19.
A new study led by NYU researchers found that women with disabilities are nearly twice as likely to rate their diet as poor and experience food insecurity. Women with disabilities were also less likely to be the main person in their households responsible for meal planning, preparing, and food shopping.
A quality improvement project at a hospital found that asking patients about food insecurity is feasible and effective. The process, which included two simple questions, identified 6% of patients as needing assistance with food resources, resulting in reduced healthcare costs and improved patient health outcomes.
Researchers found that in almost two-thirds of cases, agricultural diversity had a positive effect on food security. However, the relationship was mixed or showed no effect in about one-third of cases. The study highlights the importance of preserving agrobiodiversity to ensure food systems can adapt to climate change and other stresses.
Climate change affects European agriculture in distinct ways across regions, with southern Europe experiencing the highest number of initiatives and adaptations. Northern Europe expects a longer growing season, while central and southern Europe struggle with drought and erratic rainfall.
A new study identified five socio-economic and health risk profiles among mothers of young children that may lead to food insecurity. The study found that these risk profiles can help pediatricians identify families at risk for food insecurity, who may be reluctant to disclose their struggles due to fear of child removal.
Researchers found that participants who received cooking education showed improvements in eating more vegetables, fewer carbohydrates, and lower A1C levels. The study also highlighted the importance of addressing food insecurity in diabetes management.
New University of Sydney research models the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events on Australia's food systems, finding potential job losses, nutrient availability declines, and localized food price increases. The study highlights the need for climate preparedness and mitigation strategies to protect vulnerable populations.
A study found that winter storms in north-west India are 31% more frequent and 45% more intense during positive NAO phases, leading to increased moisture and precipitation in the western Himalayas. This could impact crop yields and water security in states like Jammu and Kashmir.
Researchers at Stockholm University have developed a novel value chain to produce textile fibers and biofuel from fast-growing poplars. This sustainable approach enables the conversion of marginal land from cotton to food production, minimizing water consumption and supporting global food security.
A new Northwestern University study reveals that climate change will have little effect on breadfruit cultivation, making it a promising crop for areas with high food insecurity. The starchy tree fruit is resilient to predicted climate change and can thrive in areas with high levels of humidity.
A CABI-led study reveals a multi-channel information campaign significantly increases maize yields for smallholder farmers in Eastern Rwanda by up to 34%. The research also found that the approach benefits farmers in the region, improving their ability to manage fall armyworm pests.
Researchers found that adjusting sowing dates for wheat in eastern India can increase production by 69% while maintaining rice productivity. The study provides new recommendations for rice sowing dates and cultivar types to accommodate earlier wheat planting.
A new study from Penn State and Northwestern University finds that avoiding tap water is associated with a 20-30% increase in food insecurity among Americans. Tap water avoidance can divert funds meant for nutritious food, leading to higher reliance on prepackaged and restaurant food.
A new study from Northwestern University finds that exposure to food stamp work requirements significantly increases mental health care use for depression and anxiety. The policy's negative effects are more pronounced among women, who experience a 26% increase in depression visits and a 12% increase in anxiety visits.
Scientists have identified a key gene that can improve wheat grain yield by increasing the number of spikelets per spike. The discovery provides a promising solution to address the food security crisis and could lead to significant improvements in wheat yields.
The UK's reliance on imports for micronutrients poses a challenge due to Brexit and shifting dietary preferences. Researchers warn of the need for policy changes to ensure nutrient security through domestic production and sustainable food systems.
A team of researchers has identified a single nucleotide mutation that confers resistance to cassava mosaic disease, which causes significant yield losses worldwide. This discovery has implications for improving cassava yields and sustaining farmer income, and could also shed light on disease-resistance in other major crops.