Articles tagged with Global Food Security
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.
Researchers have shed light on the molecular mechanisms allowing beetles to absorb water rectally, a property enabling them to survive in extremely dry environments. This knowledge could be used to develop more targeted and eco-friendly methods to combat beetle species that destroy food production.
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.
A study found that increased availability of fruit and vegetables results in lower levels of raised blood pressure nationwide. Many countries, particularly low-income nations, face limited access to fruits and vegetables, increasing the risk of higher blood pressure.
The war in Ukraine may trigger a new global land race, threatening rural livelihoods and the environment. Large-scale land acquisitions could exacerbate conditions of water scarcity and land degradation, prompting concerns about policy implications and long-lasting effects on rural development.
A North Carolina State University study shows that yam seeds wrapped in a biodegradable paper made from banana fibers and cardboard grow larger and more abundantly than those without the paper. The 'wrap-and-plant' method also reduces post-harvest loss by minimizing nematode pest effects.
A systematic review of 32 studies involving 63,000 participants from 16 countries found that disordered eating affects approximately 22% of children and adolescents globally. The study highlights the need for public health strategies to prevent eating disorders, particularly among girls and those with increasing body mass index.
A new study published in Biogeosciences suggests that agricultural soil erosion may actually create an organic carbon sink, rather than a source. The researchers argue that the 'geomorphic OC pump' transfers organic carbon from the atmosphere to upland soils, which can be stored in sedimentary environments.
Researchers used AgRenSeq genomic discovery method to identify two genes protecting experimental wheat plants against wheat blast. The study highlights the power of heritage wheat varieties and wild grass relatives in providing disease-fighting diversity.
Carbon emissions from fertilizers could be reduced by as much as 80% by 2050, according to researchers at the University of Cambridge. The study found that two-thirds of emissions occur after application, highlighting the need for efficient fertilizer use and innovative solutions to mitigate emissions.
Expanding seaweed farming could reduce demand for terrestrial crops and greenhouse gas emissions by up to 2.6 billion tonnes per year. The study identified millions of available hectares of ocean suitable for farming, with the Indonesian EEZ showing great potential.
A survey of 1,034 people found that most believe insects can be a sustainable source of protein in the future. Key factors improving acceptance include preparation methods and information on insect potential as a food source.
Researchers developed a flexible genetic hacking system to convert split gene drives into full gene drives, enabling safe testing and potential real-world applications. The new system revealed surprising fitness costs of full drive systems, with slower-than-predicted spread rates in cage experiments.
A new study published in Current Biology elucidates 230 years of Caribbean history, identifying eight major genetic lineages of breadfruit and their connections to Oceania. The research highlights the crop's potential as a sustainable and climate-resilient option for food security and sovereignty.
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.
Researchers at ETH Zurich investigate carbon-neutral production of nitrogen fertiliser, finding a transition is possible and may increase food security. However, alternative methods have advantages and disadvantages, with the key to success likely being a combination of approaches.
Researchers at UMass Amherst calculated pre-agricultural soil erosion rates in the Midwest, finding them to be 0.04 mm per year, significantly lower than the USDA's current limit of 1 mm per year. Modern agriculture has accelerated erosion rates, threatening topsoil and global food security.
A new study by the University of Illinois found that temperature in the place of origin has a significant negative impact on export of agricultural goods, while temperature in the destination has little effect. The researchers also identified precipitation as a more nuanced factor in trade.
Researchers have developed perennial rice that allows farmers to plant once and harvest up to eight times, reducing labor and costs. The crop provides significant environmental benefits, including improved soil quality and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
The Lancet Countdown report highlights the compounding effects of fossil fuel dependence on climate change, leading to severe health impacts worldwide. The report emphasizes the need for immediate action to shift to clean energy and energy efficiency to mitigate these harms.
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.
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.
A new database quantifying cropland phosphorus budgets around the world helps identify nutrient management gaps in different regions. The study provides valuable insights into phosphorus management challenges and opportunities in various countries, shedding light on how to improve global phosphorus use efficiency.
The University of Exeter team identified a 'master regulator' that controls the formation of invasive hyphae in the fungus Zymoseptoria tritici. This discovery provides a crucial target for developing new control strategies against Septoria tritici blotch, a destructive fungal disease affecting wheat yields worldwide.
Food security experts propose 32 threats and 50 research questions to bolster food security in extreme events. Better maps, farm-level interventions and system transformation are identified as key areas for improvement.
A study by the University of Exeter and Greenpeace Research Laboratories reveals that synthetic nitrogen fertilisers contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. The researchers estimate that the supply chain for these fertilisers is responsible for emitting the equivalent of 1.13 gigatonnes of CO₂ in 2018.
Researchers found that poor infrastructures, low awareness, and unstable funding hinder efforts to implement global guidelines for antimicrobial resistance. The study highlights the need for tailored interventions responsive to local needs.
Researchers at Aalto University suggest using crop residues and by-products in livestock and aquaculture production to free up human-usable material. This could increase the global food supply by up to 13% without increasing resource use or requiring major dietary changes.
A recent study by IIASA and Fudan University warns that relying too much on biomass-based carbon removal technologies could exacerbate global warming and reduce crop yields, leading to food shortages. The simulation results show that delayed mitigation and BECCS deployment could increase global warming from 1.7°C to 3.7°C by 2200.
New research warns that climate change is putting the availability of biomass fuels and technologies at risk, as temperatures rise and crop yields decrease. The study highlights the need for urgent action to reduce fossil fuels in favour of bioenergy and other renewables to avoid severe food shortages and accelerated climate change.
Seed system-oriented interventions have shown positive impacts on food security, household resilience, dietary quality, and nutrition status. The review highlights the importance of seed system research for improving diets and nutrition in vulnerable populations.
A projected shortage of sulfuric acid could stifle green technology advancement and threaten global food security. Researchers estimate a shortfall in annual supply between 100-320 million tonnes by 2040, depending on decarbonisation pace. Developing low-cost methods to extract elemental sulfur is crucial to mitigate the crisis.
Researchers analyzed the impact of continental free trade and agricultural development on Africa's food security. They found that combining both approaches can improve trade balances, reduce hunger, and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
A recent study found that microplastics in agricultural soils can cause a decrease in germination rate and changes to seed production, which could have negative consequences for food production. The presence of microplastics also alters soil characteristics such as its structure and microbial communities.
Researchers identified a previously unidentified major shift in atmospheric flows from the North Atlantic as a result of a weakening jet stream. This shift has led to incorrect climate predictions for spring rainfall over northeast China, which is vital for the country's food security and the world's ability to feed itself.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge's CSER highlight the need for improved surveillance and public education to mitigate the impact of volcanic eruptions. The risk of a magnitude seven explosion in the next 100 years is one-in-six, with potential consequences including abrupt climate change and collapse of civilizations.
The project empowers Indigenous youth to create films about locally available foods and other concerns, raising awareness of nutritional deficiencies and gender discriminatory norms. The initiative aims to improve dietary diversity and promote transformative change through self-expression and participation.
A Singapore-based research team has created a systematic engineering approach for optimizing the production of 3D printed food inks with alternative proteins. The method uses Response Surface Methodology to minimize time and resources, resulting in visually appealing, flavorful, and nutritionally adequate foods enhanced with sustainabl...
Researchers, led by TUM's Senthold Asseng, are exploring ways to close the genetic yield gap of 51% in wheat to meet increasing global demand. Utilizing advanced breeding techniques and interdisciplinary approaches combining genetics, soil, and climate science can lead to richer harvests.
A research team uncovered the secret of powdery mildew's success by comparing genetic compositions of 172 strains from 13 countries on five continents. The pathogen was introduced to new regions through human migration and trade, undergoing hybridization with local species to form better-adapted hybrids.
Researchers warn that climate change poses a significant threat to global food supply and stability, potentially triggering famine, conflicts, and new disease outbreaks. The study proposes a research agenda to explore worst-case scenarios, including 'warm wars' and ecosystem collapse, highlighting the need for urgent action.
A study published in Ecology Letters found that pollinators stabilize crop yields, reducing variation by 32%, which can help mitigate supply issues and market shocks. This finding highlights the importance of preserving pollinators for global food security.
A new study by the University of Colorado Boulder warns that increased demand for water, heat waves, droughts, income inequality, and political instability will threaten global food security in the next 20 years. The report emphasizes the need for increased collaboration between researchers to build more resilient 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.
New research reveals that specific proteins in plant cells explain why plant defenses falter under high temperatures, leaving them susceptible to infections. Scientists have also discovered a way to reverse this effect by constantly activating the CBP60g master switch gene, which bolsters plant defenses without stunting growth.
A new study highlights how global wheat trade affects food security, showing that a disruption in a few key countries can have far-reaching impacts. The research emphasizes the need for regionalized food systems to counter shortfalls and perturbations in the larger globalized food system.
A new biodegradable food packaging system reduces microbial contamination and extends shelf life, reducing waste and foodborne illness. The system uses pullulan-based fibers with natural antimicrobial agents, demonstrating a significant reduction in contamination and an increase in avocado shelf life.
Scientists have developed artificial photosynthesis to produce food in the dark, bypassing sunlight's need. This technology converts CO2, electricity, and water into acetate, a key component of vinegar, boosting food production's conversion efficiency up to 18 times.
A global study found that retail food prices for diverse food groups increased in tandem with COVID-19 case counts across the globe. The cost of groceries rose significantly above pre-pandemic levels, especially in countries with higher case counts.
Global mismanagement of phosphorus is causing twin crises, with skyrocketing fertilizer prices and pollution damaging biodiversity. The '50, 50, 50' goal aims to reduce global phosphorus pollution by 50% and increase recycling by 50%, while adopting more efficient use in agriculture.
A recent study reveals that climate change has driven shifts in European grain production, with Eastern Europe taking on a greater role. The shift is attributed to technological advancements and global climate change, which have increased crop yields in the region.
A new study suggests that a transformative shift in the global food system, focusing on efficiency and reducing animal products, could significantly decrease emissions. However, such changes might lead to increased food prices, affecting vulnerable populations.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield have identified a unique bacterial phosphatase, PafA, that can efficiently release phosphate from its organic forms. This discovery has potential to help reduce the consumption of phosphate chemical fertilisers and promote sustainable agriculture.
Vertical farming enables crops to be grown in vertically stacked layers, conserving land and allowing for multiple harvests per year. This method can significantly reduce water requirements and chemical crop protection, while increasing yields through optimal growth conditions and technologies.
A team of researchers collaborated with small farmers in Egypt to identify the most nutritious and climate-adapted pumpkin varieties. The study found significant variation in nutritional value among different samples, allowing for accurate identification using genetic analysis.