Articles tagged with Global Food Security
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A Virginia Tech researcher is helping implement the Food is Medicine concept across the US. Her studies found that electronic medical record functionality, provider support, and leadership alignment are key factors for successful implementation of these programs. The research team developed an implementation checklist to support health...
A new study reveals that switching to environmentally friendly food alternatives can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from household groceries. The analysis found that making like-for-like product swaps within sub-categories of foods could lead to emission reductions of up to 26% or 71%.
Scientists at Boyce Thompson Institute have developed a method to enhance Rubisco production in maize, increasing carbon assimilation and boosting plant height. The transgenic plants also showed improved resilience to chilling stress, maintaining higher photosynthetic rates during cold exposure.
A new tool identifies toxic metals in mineral phosphate fertilizers worldwide, with higher levels found in US and Middle East fertilizers compared to China and India. Researchers use strontium isotopes to detect fertilizer impacts on soil and water resources.
A new food systems perspective study from the University of Washington shows that pork meat is a high-quality protein source, affordable, and associated with lower greenhouse gas emissions. The study highlights the importance of separating pork from other red meats in nutrition and epidemiology research.
SMART researchers develop a nanosensor that selectively detects salicylic acid in live plants, vital for stress response. The sensor combines sensors for H₂O₂ and salicylic acid, enabling simultaneous monitoring of plant hormones and aiding in early diagnoses to improve crop resilience.
Kiruba Krishnaswamy's project aims to tackle hidden hunger by developing a circular, culturally appropriate food system model. The research focuses on micronutrients and community-based solutions to address malnutrition and obesity, with the ultimate goal of reducing chronic hunger.
Researchers from NTU Singapore have created a method to extract over 80% of the available protein in grain leftovers from brewing beer, commonly known as brewers' spent grain. The extracted proteins could be used commercially to enrich human diets and cosmetic products, providing an eco-friendly alternative to conventional ingredients.
Island nations like New Zealand could reduce dependence on imported fuels by producing biofuel from locally grown crops like canola. This would ensure a supply for the country's bare minimum agricultural liquid fuel needs, even in the event of a major disruption.
Researchers at Hebrew University of Jerusalem introduced a non-invasive technique for evaluating chickpea water status, offering farmers a powerful tool to fine-tune irrigation schedules. The method amplifies both crop yields and water efficiency, resonating with global food security efforts.
A study published in Nature Food reveals that optimized phosphorus use can extend its stock for up to 531 years, reducing the demand by 3,000 kt annually. Currently, around 30-40% of farm soils have over-applications, mainly due to European and North American countries.
A new study from the US-Tanzania exchange program identifies knowledge gaps about micronutrient deficiencies in Tanzania and recommends education about zinc deficiency. The research also explores the effectiveness of biofortified foods in reducing micronutrient malnutrition, particularly among children.
A new study at McGill University suggests that international food assistance systems are not designed to eradicate hunger by 2030. The authors argue that a paradigm shift is needed in the existing systems, prioritizing a human-rights based approach over the dominant discourse on trade regimes.
A new study found that potassium deficiency is a significant threat to global food security, affecting 20% of agricultural soils worldwide. The researchers recommend six policies and practices to mitigate the issue, including better management of soil potassium and intergovernmental coordination.
Researchers found that households with high seafood consumption rely on home production, bartering, and social networks to acquire seafood. Market access is key, but promoting social networks through cooperatives or fisher groups could reinforce healthy seafood diets.
A recent study reveals that groundwater reserves around the world are being depleted at an unprecedented pace, with the water level in most aquifers falling drastically since 1980. The effects are particularly pronounced in arid regions, where agriculture and climate change exacerbate the crisis.
A study by researchers at the University of Sydney and Stockholm University found that centralized social networks can lead to a culture of homogeneity, where innovative voices are crowded out and traditionalist practices prevail. This can have significant consequences for the environment and global food security.
A study published on Nature Food highlights the potential of using by-products in animal diets to save land and water resources. The research suggests that substituting energy-intensive crops with agricultural by-products could reduce competition for natural resources and improve food security.
Research reveals that aquifer depletion can curb crop yields even when it appears saturated enough to continue meeting irrigation demands. As groundwater dwindles, agricultural losses escalate, especially for corn and soybean yields.
A new study proposes a framework for scaling up urban agriculture to leverage transformative food systems change, advance social-ecological resilience, and improve sustainability. The research highlights the potential benefits of urban agriculture, including decentralizing food supplies and mitigating environmental footprints.
Researchers at UH are expanding research knowledge and building a new curriculum for students to address climate change impacts on food crops. They aim to improve plant growth and build resistance against extreme weather events, such as droughts and heat waves.
Linköping University scientists create an electrically conductive substrate, eSoil, which enhances crop growth by up to 50% in just 15 days. This innovation enables efficient water and nutrient management, making it suitable for urban environments and areas with limited arable land.
The ILSI 2024 Annual Meeting will feature scientific presentations, professional development, and networking opportunities focused on innovations for safe, nutritious, and sustainable food manufacturing systems. Press registration is now available for media outlets covering the event.
A global study reveals that farmworkers in major crop regions are facing increasing exposure to extreme heat and humidity, which can impair their ability to function. The most affected crops are rice and maize, with nearly half of the world's rice cropland already experiencing extreme conditions during the planting and harvest seasons.
Researchers estimate that halving Europe's food loss and waste can save 51 million tonnes CO2 equivalents, 6% agricultural land use, and 7% water consumption. Monitoring and reporting of food loss and waste is crucial for policy intervention to prevent food loss and waste.
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.
A team from Princeton University and Microsoft Research developed a fast and accurate method to determine fruit quality using high-frequency wireless technology. This system promises to help reduce food waste by sorting good fruit from bad bunches and ripening fruits more efficiently, according to the new study.
A new system using satellite data improves crop area and yield estimates, providing critical information for food security and sustainability planning. The WorldCereal project offers a cloud-based platform with diverse operational models to cater to various user communities.
New research shows that food is the primary driver of the EU-27's outsized Ecological Footprint, exceeding regional biocapacity from 2004 to 2014. The study highlights the need for holistic policies across the food supply chain to advance towards the EU Green Deal and Farm to Fork strategy.
Millions of children worldwide suffer from malnutrition, leading to poor growth and increased risk of death. Researchers analyzed data on nearly 84,000 children under two years old and found that season of birth makes a difference in wasting patterns.
A new study suggests that substituting 50% of meat and dairy products with plant-based alternatives by 2050 can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture by 31%, save forests, and improve nutrition for millions of people. The study also found that restoring land spared from livestock production could contribute up to 25% of glob...
Replacing meat and milk with plant-based alternatives can significantly reduce agriculture's impact on the environment. By 2050, this shift could halve future declines in ecosystem integrity and contribute up to 25% of global land restoration needs. The study suggests that a 50% substitution scenario would substantially reduce environm...
Researchers from the University of South Australia have designed a self-sustaining solar-driven system that evaporates seawater to recycle it into freshwater, growing crops without human involvement. The vertical floating sea farm has several advantages over other designs, including low energy consumption and high food production.
A new study from the University of Surrey found that artificial methods for growing lettuce produce twice the amount of the crop as traditional field-based methods. This leads to increased yields with CEA systems producing double the yields compared to field-based agriculture, and up to 300% faster production rates in summer periods.
Researchers at McGill University have developed a potato super pangenome, capturing the genetic diversity of nearly 300 varieties and their wild relatives. This extensive collection aims to identify key genetic traits for breeding more resilient, nutritious and disease-free potatoes.
Scientists at Nanyang Technological University have developed a sustainable method to produce lactic acid using discarded jackfruit seeds. The new process is cheaper and more efficient, reducing waste and environmental impact while addressing rising production costs.
Researchers at KAIST have developed microbial cell factories that can produce a variety of food and cosmetic compounds, including natural pigments, flavors, and functional compounds. These eco-friendly alternatives can help address global food shortages and environmental concerns.
Researchers at UC Irvine and CU Boulder found that curbing food spoilage increases the amount of produce in markets, leading to lower costs. This results in cheaper food that encourages consumers to buy and eat more, offsetting some environmental benefits.
Researchers identified structural chokepoints in US agri-food supply chains to enhance resilience and security, critical for global food systems. The study's findings may inform policies aimed at bolstering the nation's ability to respond to threats.
Researchers at KAUST have isolated a desert microbial strain that enhances drought resilience in Arabidopsis and alfalfa, promoting water use efficiency without affecting crop yields. The microbes modify epigenetic status of drought stress genes and actively change plant root architecture.
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 found melatonin reduces chilling injury symptoms and membrane leakage in cold-stored fruits and vegetables, maintaining freshness. Melatonin is a safe alternative to hazardous chemical treatments without adverse effects on consumer health.
Research suggests that involving women more in agricultural decision-making can lead to a wider variety of crops being grown, improving nutritional value and environmental benefits. This finding supports the importance of women's empowerment in improving global food supply and protecting low-income farming communities.
A recent study in the Journal of Dairy Science found that dairy milk is a crucial source of essential nutrients like protein, riboflavin, vitamin B12, and phosphorus. The analysis revealed that 35% of global calcium consumption comes from milk, highlighting its unique contribution to human nutrition.
A new study found that the global food system is responsible for a third of man-made greenhouse gas emissions, with beef and dairy consumption being the largest contributors. The study suggests that adopting a more plant-based diet could help reduce emissions and mitigate climate change.
A recent study by the Complexity Science Hub reveals interdependencies in the global food supply chain, uncovering profound indirect effects of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on product availability worldwide. The study found that indirect effects often exceeded direct effects, with losses up to 85% in maize and 89% in edible oils.
Research suggests that seaweed farming could be a game-changer for addressing food insecurity globally. By reducing the need for land, freshwater, and chemical fertilizers, seaweed cultivation can lead to higher incomes for farmers in coastal regions of Africa and Southeast Asia. As demand for nutrient-rich seaweed products grows world...
A new study from Tufts University predicts a significant increase in extreme temperatures affecting wheat yields in the US and China. The research warns of potentially disastrous consequences for global food supplies if crops are impacted by heat stress, which can occur at temperatures above 27.8°C.
Experts warn that fungal disease in crops could lead to unprecedented challenges in food production, causing losses equivalent to enough food for millions of people. The increasing prevalence of fungal infections is due to rising temperatures and the development of resistance to antifungals.
A climate-resilient bean genome unveiled potential to boost food security in drought-prone regions through improved genetic diversity and productivity. The sequencing of the hyacinth bean provides opportunities for targeted breeding to reduce anti-nutritional properties and increase its cultivation.
Researchers at TUM have successfully developed a method to produce the essential amino acid L-alanine from CO2 using synthetic enzymes and green methanol. This process requires significantly less space than traditional methods and can be powered by renewable energy sources, making it an important step towards more sustainable agriculture.
Lutz Grossman aims to create a protein-rich food source using hydrogenotrophic bacteria, which require no agricultural inputs. His goal is to produce a sustainable alternative to traditional protein sources, addressing global food security concerns.
According to the study, 50 countries' climate plans predict 12 gigatons of CO2 emissions annually by 2050, which must be removed from the atmosphere. The researchers emphasize the need for rapid reductions here and now, as relying solely on technology and nature restoration may not be sufficient to meet this goal.
The Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences has been awarded a $9.9 million grant by the Bezos Earth Fund to develop low-cost virtual fencing technology that can benefit farmers, animals, and the environment. The project aims to improve existing virtual fencing technology and combine it with animal-monitoring system...
Research explores the complex relationship between droughts, food security, and conflict in Central America. The study finds that decreases in water availability play a major role in conflict insurgences, while stable conditions of peace are more influenced by favorable socio-economic conditions.
The latest issue of PLOS Biology features a special collection on biology-based solutions to reduce plastic pollution, carbon dioxide emissions, and produce food or energy more sustainably. Insect enzymes may degrade plastic waste, while photosynthetic algae can capture CO2 produced by industrial applications.
Researchers found that seed systems are often disrupted by conflict, social inequality, and poor policies. Emerging initiatives like participatory plant breeding help farmers secure food supplies by developing crop varieties tailored to their needs.
A global approach has been developed to survey the vast collections of world's largest natural history museums, estimated to hold over 1.1 billion objects. The initiative aims to inform responses to today's interlocking crises by providing a collective strategy for future conservation and sustainability efforts.
A new study suggests that climate change could lead to increased pesticide toxicity on bee populations and their pollination services. Environmental temperature can influence the degree to which pesticides affect bees' behavior, with certain temperatures causing a 'tipping point' in their ability to tolerate pesticide exposure.
University of Ottawa researchers Ezgi Pulatsu and Chibuike Udenigwe identified crucial factors impacting the print quality and shape complexity of edible materials produced by additive manufacturing. By optimizing these features, food quality can be improved, control increased, and printing speed enhanced.