Articles tagged with Food Security
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.
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.
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 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.
A nationwide study found that states with more generous SNAP policies had fewer children involved in Child Protective Services and sent to foster care. The study showed a 5% increase in SNAP beneficiaries reduced CPS and foster care caseloads between 7.6% and 14.3%.
Researchers discovered that stressed plants produce salicylic acid, a protective hormone, to counteract stress caused by climate change. This discovery could help plants survive increasing stress and ultimately protect the food supply.
A cross-sectional study found significant differences between estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and directly measured GFR (mGFR), highlighting the importance of considering uncertainty in eGFR calculations. Researchers suggest renaming eGFR as a population average GFR to improve accuracy.
Research funded by UKRI Global Challenges Research Fund reveals agroecological practices like agroforestry improve farmers' financial savings, land area, and household assets. Adopting such practices can also enhance food security and wellbeing for smallholder farmers in rural Tanzania.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) says inadequate access to nutritious food negatively impacts the health of many Americans, exacerbating social factors and leading to various health issues. The ACP recommends strengthening the nation's food insecurity response and empowering physicians to address social drivers of health.
A new study highlights the main constraints to pumpkin and watermelon production in Uganda, including pests, diseases, and drought. The research provides recommendations for improving yields and increasing farmers' income, such as training on integrated pest management and establishing certified seed systems.
A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that campus food pantries can positively affect students' physical health, mental health, and lead to improvements in sleep. Researchers surveyed 1,855 students at 10 University of California campuses before and after visiting a food pantry.
A significant number of children who do not meet the eligibility criteria for Free School Meals are experiencing hunger and anxiety. Researchers call for widening the criteria to include more children in need.
A study of over 800,000 people found that young, non-Hispanic Black males and middle-aged Black females were at the highest risk of food insecurity. Households with more children and those with lower education and income also experienced increased food insecurity.
A new study found that water insecurity is strongly linked to food insecurity, particularly in low and middle-income countries. The research suggests that improving access to water could be key to addressing food insecurity, as water scarcity affects cooking, hygiene, and farming.
Researchers investigated how COVID-19 affected breastfeeding practices, finding some mothers experienced improved bonding with their babies during stay-at-home orders. Food insecurity was linked to higher diabetes distress among adults with pre-diabetes or diabetes. The studies also found that technology access was crucial for older ad...
Researchers found that zinc ion serves as a master-regulator of various processes in sperm to facilitate fertilization. Zinc helps maintain sperm in the non-capacitated state, preventing premature capacitation during artificial insemination.
The American Society for Nutrition presents the latest findings on ultra-processed foods, genetic influence on eating habits, and diet quality. Research highlights the risks of ultra-processed foods, the potential impact of genetics on food preferences, and the importance of healthy diets for preventing chronic diseases.
A new Stanford University-led study reveals that reducing nitrogen oxides emissions by half can improve crop yields by up to 25% in certain regions. The analysis used satellite images to map NOx levels and their impact on agriculture, providing valuable insights into the effects of air pollution on food production.
A new study finds that climate change will make the U.S. Corn Belt unsuitable for cultivating corn by 2100, highlighting the need for significant agricultural adaptations, diversification and a shift towards more sustainable farming practices.
Researchers at Princeton and Northwestern universities developed a computational model of the pyrenoid, identifying key features needed for enhanced carbon fixation in plants. The study suggests that engineering a pyrenoid-like ability could improve crop growth rates and mitigate food insecurity.
A new study suggests that a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help reduce symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. The research, which analyzed data from 134 kids with ADHD symptoms, found that those who consumed more fruits and veggies showed less severe symptoms of inattention.
The American Heart Association published a new statement outlining policy solutions to promote equity in access to nutritious foods throughout the lifespan. The statement encourages policies that ensure nutrition security for all people across their lifespan.
A Washington State University study found that young adults at risk of food insecurity had a higher incidence of diabetes 10 years later. The study analyzed data from nearly 4,000 people and found that those who experienced food insecurity risk were more likely to develop diabetes in middle adulthood.
The Mekong delta, Southeast Asia's most productive agricultural region and home to 17 million people, is at risk of disappearing by the end of the century due to subsidence. Sediment loss from upstream dams and poor water management exacerbates the issue, threatening food security and livelihoods.
A large-scale Canadian study found that shielding children from food insecurity only reduces the risk of mood disorders in youth, but has no significant impact on anxiety disorders or overall mental health. The study also suggests that adults' mental health is improved when they can shield their children from food insecurity.
A study found that B12 deficiency is widespread among young children in low-income countries, leading to poor motor development and anaemia. Daily B12 supplements are crucial for brain development, but food relief programs often fail to provide sufficient amounts.
A new study by Weill Cornell Medicine investigators found that adult vaccination rates and social determinants of health impacted children's mental health during the pandemic. Stress surrounding the pandemic decreased in children after vaccinations were rolled out for adults in December 2020.
A survey found that individuals experiencing food insecurity were twice as likely to delay or forego medical care due to cost concerns. Food insecurity disproportionately affected racial and ethnic minority groups, low-income individuals, and those who lost their jobs or income.
A study found that mothers in a 19th century Dutch village had low rates of breastfeeding, likely due to their busy work schedules and easy access to cow's milk. Researchers analyzed the remains of 277 individuals and found little evidence of breastfeeding, surprising given the community's cultural associations with breastfeeding.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in controlling bacterial nitrogen fixation by cereals, enabling them to produce their own ammonia fertiliser. This development has the potential to reduce reliance on industrially produced ammonia-based fertilisers and mitigate environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
A new study found a significant association between adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures and intimate partner violence among women in informal settlements in Uganda. Women who remained adherent to measures were 3.87 times more likely to experience IPV, highlighting the need for integrated violence prevention strategies.
A University of Illinois review examines how food deserts, poor diet, and racial disparities affect bile acids, gut microbes, and cancer incidence. The study suggests that Western diets contribute to the development of colorectal cancer, particularly among Black Americans.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on smallholder farmers in the developing world, with up to 80% reporting reduced food purchases and 50% suffering income loss. The study highlights the need for policymakers to balance disease containment measures with the food security needs of rural populations.