Articles tagged with Food Security
Researchers examine the value of studying underutilized crops and identify specific genes that underpin their adaptive traits. The review advocates for extensive genome sequencing to breed favorable varieties with mainstream potential.
A study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health reveals that income loss during COVID-19 significantly increases menstrual product insecurity, with lower-income and less educated individuals most vulnerable. The pandemic's impact on menstruation management challenges underscores the need for health and social policy legi...
Scientists at NTU Singapore have developed a method to produce and extract oils from a type of common microalgae, which are edible and have superior properties as those found in palm oil. The newly discovered method would serve as a healthier and greener alternative to palm oil.
A new study examines the effects of socioeconomic drivers on food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research highlights the importance of cash assistance in reducing food insecurity, particularly for households with female and/or less-educated heads, and those experiencing income loss due to the pandemic.
A study by Penn State researchers found a direct causal relationship between deforestation and reduced fruit and vegetable consumption in rural Tanzania. The study showed that household vitamin A adequacy decreased over time due to deforestation, exacerbating micronutrient deficiencies.
The African BioGenome Project aims to sequence the genomes of Africa's endemic plants, animals, fungi, and protists. This will build resilience in breeding, sustainable food systems, and biodiversity conservation, aligning with the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
A new study suggests that relocating farmland could reduce global carbon emissions by 71% and increase biodiversity by 87%. The researchers mapped out optimal locations for major food crops, recommending areas in the US Midwest and sub-Saharan Africa to maximize yield and minimize environmental impact.
A recent data-driven study by Emory University researchers highlights the struggles of US farmers to make a living, even with government subsidies. The study creates a free online data hub to track farmer livelihoods and suggests that federal subsidies need to be reimagined to support innovation and adaptation in agriculture.
A survey study found that material hardships such as food insecurity and rent problems increased significantly during the pandemic. The study identified top priorities for spending stimulus checks among U.S. adults, highlighting the need for targeted support to address these challenges.
A recent field study examines the 2006 Abuja Declaration's effects on N fertilizer use, yield potential, and soil fertility. The study found that partial N balances exceeded optimal ranges, highlighting insufficient N input and elevated risk of soil depletion.
Researchers warn of substantial risks associated with AI in agriculture, including cyber-attacks and environmental degradation. They suggest involving ecologists in technology design to avoid scenarios like overuse of fertilisers and soil erosion.
A study by researchers at the University of Illinois found that oncology dietitians rarely ask cancer patients about food insecurity, despite awareness that many experience it. The dietitians' estimates of prevalence varied widely, and most did not use validated tools to screen for food insecurity.
The study analyzes the costs and effectiveness of climate change adaptation measures in agriculture, highlighting integration of different techniques as a key factor. Climate smart agriculture and conservation agriculture can provide benefits in terms of both adaptation and mitigation of climate change.
Researchers have designed a tiny and flat antenna for receiving and transmitting terahertz signals, enabling the miniaturization of THz devices. The new design integrates the antenna with the system, eliminating the need for bulky silicon lenses and reducing optical power required.
A new study found nearly 17% of cancer survivors experience moderate or increased housing insecurity, complicating disease management and healthcare navigation. Housing insecurity also correlates with lower household income, educational attainment, and being Black.
New research reveals that one in three US stroke survivors experience food insecurity, which can exacerbate cardiovascular disease and stroke risk. Healthcare professionals can play a crucial role in addressing food insecurity by engaging with patients and providing support or resources.
A recent study evaluated pet cages, running wheels, and hay racks sold in German retailers and found that many failed to meet animal welfare standards. The research highlights concerns about the quality of pet supplies sold in retail stores.
A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior reveals that unique strengths and facilitators within American Indian and Alaska Native communities can help reduce food insecurity. The study found that cultural values such as sharing and supporting one another can improve healthy food access for older adults.
Researchers found that machine learning models can help predict village food insecurity outcomes in Sub-Saharan African countries. The models incorporate publicly available data on weather, geography, and food prices to capture a wide variety of factors that can influence food insecurity. Key takeaways include the need for interpretabl...
Britain's urban areas have sufficient green space to support a large-scale 'grow your own' movement, meeting dietary needs and reducing reliance on imports. The study estimates that converted urban spaces could produce up to eight times the current UK fruit and vegetable output.
Researchers from the University of Illinois developed a system using hyperspectral sensors on planes to quickly and accurately detect nitrogen status in corn crops. The technology achieved up to 85% accuracy and has potential for use in satellites, enabling farmers to make informed decisions about nitrogen side-dressing.
A new study found that the advance Child Tax Credit (CTC) payments reduced food insufficiency among US households with children by 26 percent. The program, which provided extra $250-$300 per month to eligible families, also lifted 3.5 million children out of poverty.
A new study reveals that coral reef ecosystems support diverse small-scale fisheries, providing essential micronutrients vital to the health of millions in the tropics. Following bleaching events, reef fisheries can remain rich sources of these nutrients, even increasing their nutritional value for some minerals.
A unique study by UT Southwestern researchers found that food pantry clients experienced increased economic hardship, food insecurity, and psychological distress due to the pandemic. The study gathered narratives from individuals describing how the pandemic affected their daily lives and emotional well-being.
A field experiment in India found that a one-time capital boost improves the condition of the very poor even a decade later. The study, led by MIT researchers, showed positive effects on consumption, food security, income, and health for seven years after the start of the program and remained intact after 10 years.
Scientists have discovered a novel way to combine two species of grass-like plants using embryonic tissue from their seeds, offering disease resistance and stress tolerance. The breakthrough technique allows for the addition of beneficial traits to monocotyledonous crops without genetic modification or lengthy breeding programmes.
A team of scientists from NTU Singapore has developed a plant-based emulsifier that is rich in protein and antioxidants, allowing it to replace eggs or dairy in food staples. The emulsifier is made by fermenting brewers' spent grain and can help cut down on food waste, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
A study of 2,000 Canadian children found a strong association between childhood food insecurity and poorer mental health and social functioning at age 15. Researchers suggest that addressing food insecurity in childhood may have long-term benefits for adolescents' mental well-being.
Banana Blood disease has arrived in mainland Malaysia, spreading rapidly across the country and potentially threatening food security. The disease, first reported in Indonesia in 1905, has already devastated banana plantations in many parts of Southeast Asia.
A new study by Keck Medicine of USC found that food insecurity increases the risk of death among patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and advanced liver disease. The study, which analyzed data from over 34,000 individuals, suggests that eradicating food insecurity could eliminate up to 7% of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease d...
Researchers from SUTD developed a simple method to perform direct ink writing 3D printing of okara without using food thickeners. This innovation enables the creation of snacks with controlled texture and boosts food supply sustainability and waste reduction.
A recent study, published in JAMA Network Open, investigated the relationship between food insecurity and allostatic overload in older adults. Researchers found that food insecurity is associated with increased allostatic overload, which can have negative effects on health outcomes.
A new index ranks US states based on their support for successful aging across five domains: productivity, security, equity, cohesion, and well-being. The study found that no single domain drives the results, and state policies play a significant role in adapting to an aging population.
Researchers developed a framework to evaluate urbanization's impact on food and land use biodiversity. Urban areas can provide a range of approaches to increasing food diversity, including peri-urban agriculture and small farms. Strengthening food biodiversity among the urban poor can improve nutrition and security.
A new study has catalogued all possible genetic variations in over 3,000 chickpea plants to improve the crop's yield and resilience to climate change. The research proposes a breeding model using genomics-assisted breeding to enhance agriculturally valuable traits.
Two hundred ninety scientific researchers from 46 countries urge the World Trade Organization (WTO) to ban harmful fisheries subsidies that contribute to overcapacity and overfishing. The signatories cite research showing that such subsidies lead to unsustainable fishing practices, contravening UN Sustainable Development Goal 14.
The 'transforming irrigation in southern Africa' project empowers farmers with knowledge and tools to grow high-yielding crops while minimizing water usage. By providing basic field books to calculate costs and profits, farmers are conserving water and saving time.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine shows that participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) among older adults dually enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid is associated with fewer hospital visits and lower healthcare costs. Researchers used data from over 115,000 people aged 65+ in North Carolina to d...
A study by University of Cincinnati professor Michael J. Fry found that a single large warehouse would be the most cost-efficient approach for disaster relief supplies, but a single location is vulnerable to destruction. The research suggests cooperation between government and relief organizations can improve response effectiveness.
The emergency food management sector is ill-prepared for digital disaster management due to the lack of effective digital tools. A recent study found that existing digital strategies have not been proven effective or tested, leaving personnel with no guidance on potential best practices and the impact of digital tools.
A study found that Amazonian and Afrotropical communities consuming wild meat may spare up to 71 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide per year by replacing beef or poultry with wild meat. This could generate millions of dollars in carbon credit sales, but unsustainable hunting practices must be avoided.
Researchers have identified a key component of plants' light response, allowing them to regulate gene expression and control stem growth. By reducing PIF protein activity, they can slow down stem growth and promote leaf and seed production, leading to increased crop yields and improved food supply.
A new report by International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) suggests that accelerated adaptation can substantially reduce Egypt’s food production losses from climate change. Climate change-induced biophysical crop stress could lead to a 10% reduction in food crop yields by 2050, but investing in agricultural research and devel...
A new study suggests microgreens can be grown in small spaces indoors with minimal inputs, providing a reliable source of essential nutrients and antioxidants. Microgreens offer great potential as an efficient food-resilience resource for addressing malnutrition issues and nutrition-security inequality.
Food insecurity among migrants on the move is a pressing issue, with limited scientific literature documenting its prevalence and severity. A new study proposes a definition of migrants in active mobility and recommends interdisciplinary actions to inform policy and strategies guaranteeing access to food.
Pollinators contribute significantly to global food production, particularly for small-scale farmers who rely heavily on these services. The author emphasizes the need for increased support and research efforts to maintain biodiversity and improve crop yields.
The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened food insecurity, particularly among families with children, with nearly 18% of households reporting low or very low food security. NYU researchers are developing a technological solution to reduce food insecurity and waste, including a mobile app called Food2Share.
Researchers identified climate-resilient root, tuber and banana crop varieties with flexible planting dates to adapt to warmer and wetter conditions. Cassava, banana, and sweet potato are most adaptable, while potato growing areas are vulnerable.
A study by Penn State researchers found that regions exposed to both heavy earthquake shaking and abundant rainfall in Nepal are more likely to experience food insecurity. The findings suggest that climate change is exacerbating the impact of compound events, such as earthquakes and heavy rainfall, on agriculture and human health.
A global food panel could bring together scientists, governments and stakeholders to tackle food insecurity, climate change and health crises. However, its legitimacy and impact depend on ensuring diverse knowledge participation and inclusive governance.
A comprehensive review found that site-specific nutrient management (SSNM) increases yield by 12% and profitability by 15%, while saving 18 kg N/ha and reducing environmental risk. SSNM can detect and correct long-standing nutrient input inadequacies, improving outcomes.
Warming oceans are causing fish to struggle with both survival and adaptation, leading to potential extinction. The research found that warmer waters reduce the size of fish, making it harder for them to relocate to more suitable environments, and also limit their ability to evolve and cope with changing temperatures.
A University of Delaware study found that diversifying nutritional strategies is key to improving diets for India's smallholder farmers. The researchers suggest individual-level and community-level approaches, such as growing diverse crops or sharing produce at local markets.
Researchers from TUM discovered a toxin in the leafy vegetable Ebolo, which can cause liver damage. They successfully removed the toxin through breeding techniques, paving the way for safer consumption of this nutritious crop.
A new study from the Tata-Cornell Institute for Agriculture and Nutrition found that women's nutritional intake declined during the COVID-19 pandemic in India. The decline was particularly pronounced among underdeveloped regions, with significant decreases in food expenditures and consumption of micronutrient-rich foods.
AgTech NEXT 2021 explores intersections of agriculture, innovation, and climate change. The event features thought-provoking discussions on carbon markets, geospatial sciences, and food security.
A recent study in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that nearly one-third of emerging adults experienced food insecurity, with Black, Indigenous, and persons of color disproportionately affected. The study also revealed concerns about discrimination and safety barriers to accessing healthy food, emphasizing th...
A qualitative study found that community health workers are integral to identifying patients' social needs, with roles shifting from screener to implementer. However, social needs screening data is often not integrated into electronic health records or used for population health management, and sites face barriers to its implementation.
Researchers found that during the COVID-19 pandemic, food-insecure individuals made fewer grocery shopping trips due to concerns about contracting the virus, unlike food-secure individuals. However, they did not increase spending per trip, highlighting a serious issue in how different populations are impacted by the pandemic.
Researchers at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture are investigating consumer and retailer attitudes toward food loss and waste reduction programs. The study aims to provide recommendations for future voluntary food loss and waste reduction programs, which could help reduce US food waste by 50% by 2030.