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.
A recent study published in Pediatrics found that Hispanic/Latino youths experiencing food insecurity have poorer HDL-C levels, greater fasting glucose and triglycerides, and a higher risk of metabolic syndrome. The study highlights the need for nutrition policies to address food insecurity among this population.
A study by KIT and international partners found that protecting 30-50% of the terrestrial land surface could lead to increased agricultural production, higher food prices, and reduced food consumption, resulting in a higher risk of diet-related diseases. Poorer countries would be disproportionately affected.
A new study warns that co-occurring droughts could place an unprecedented strain on the global agricultural system, threatening water security and exacerbating food insecurity. The researchers' analysis shows a ninefold increase in agricultural and human population exposure to severe co-occurring droughts by the late-21st century.
The Feed the Future Insect-Resistant Eggplant Partnership will accelerate the application of biotechnology to enhance food and nutritional security in Bangladesh and the Philippines. The project aims to reduce pesticide use and improve farmers' livelihoods through the development of locally adapted eggplant varieties.
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 study analyzing McDonald's social media marketing across 15 countries found that the company prioritizes children in lower-middle-income countries with more posts and child-friendly content. This may exacerbate existing healthcare issues in these vulnerable populations.
A recent study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research found that climate change has contributed to a four-fold increase in crop pest and disease occurrence in China since the 1970s. The researchers attributed this rise to warmer night temperatures, which can foster an increased chance for pests and diseases.
The article examines how the pandemic affected the protein sector's food supply chains, discussing lessons learned from the experience. The authors highlight the importance of building food supply chain resilience through improved efficiency and technology adoption, but warn that larger firms may pose a threat to smaller local systems.
A NASA/PIK study found that new climate conditions will push crop yields outside of their normal range in more regions, particularly in breadbasket areas. This could lead to severe losses for farmers unless they adapt quickly by changing planting dates or using different crop varieties.
A team of scientists found that technology adoption as a water-saving method for improving irrigation efficiency is ineffective and can worsen water scarcity. The study suggests that modern irrigation technologies may only achieve a 10-20% saving under ideal conditions.
A study by IIASA researchers and Chinese colleagues highlights the need for sustainable food production in China to avoid environmental destruction. The global impact of China's increasing food demand is expected to be substantial, with significant challenges facing trading partners, particularly those involved in livestock products.
A new study found that prior financial circumstances had the biggest bearing on food insecurity among young families in Peru. The Peruvian government's Bonos payments did not improve food security for those who received them compared to others in similar situations.
Researchers at Dartmouth College have identified proteins PYE and ILR3 that help protect plants from damage during iron deficiency. These proteins enable the plant to optimize its light protection mechanisms, allowing it to continue photosynthesizing without suffering tissue damage.
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.
A new Rutgers study suggests that food companies use the terms "cell-based" or "cell-cultured" when labeling seafood products made from fish cells. The study found that both terms meet FDA regulations and help consumers understand the production process, while also recognizing potential allergens.
Researchers developed a 'site-specific' strategy to improve cereal yields in Nepalese smallholder farms, outperforming traditional generalized approaches. The Nutrient Expert system uses machine learning to identify crop-specific nutrient requirements, optimizing yield and resource efficiency.
A new IIASA-led study assesses future global food security projections, finding food demand will increase by 35-56% over 2010-2050, mainly due to population growth. To prevent environmental impacts, policymakers must develop long-term measures, including stimulating inclusive growth.
Plant diseases can spread globally without borders, threatening food security. Researchers call for a One Health approach to safeguard staple crops from pandemic outbreaks.
Global plant disease outbreaks are increasing, threatening global food supply, due to climate change and increased trade. Researchers call for improved detection systems, surveillance, and modeling to prevent disease outbreaks.
Plant diseases can spread rapidly across borders and oceans, threatening global food security. Researchers call for integrated surveillance, detection systems, and predictive modeling to prevent future outbreaks.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge suggest integrating novel food production systems into traditional approaches to improve food security. The most promising systems include microalgae photo-bioreactors and insect breeding greenhouses, which can provide healthy and risk-resilient diets.
A comprehensive statistical analysis of 65 countries found that household income is a more significant predictor of food insecurity than agricultural land resources or production. Increasing citizens' capacity for consumption through measures like job creation can improve food security.
A recent study finds that trade restrictions and stockpiling by key countries could lead to global price spikes and severe shortages. The researchers modeled scenarios showing that restricting exports by just three key exporters of each crop would increase wheat prices by 70% and maize and rice by 40% and 60%, respectively.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Notre Dame found that large-scale land acquisitions intended to boost food security had little to no benefit, instead threatening local food security in some areas. The study analyzed satellite imagery, agricultural surveys, and household dietary datasets across four continents between...
The article highlights the potential of fish as a solution to global malnutrition and hunger. Scientists argue that viewing fish as more than just a natural resource can help alleviate poverty and improve nutrition, especially for vulnerable communities. The authors suggest four pillars for action: improving metrics, promoting nutritio...
A new study published in Nature Food investigated how to ensure the food supply chain functions under environmental disruptions, highlighting key areas for future research. The researchers identified the need to understand the shape of a supply chain, evaluate simultaneous shocks, and quantify substitutions within supply chains.
A nationwide ban on industrial trans-fatty acids in Australia's food supply could prevent around 2,000 deaths and 10,000 heart attacks over the first ten years, and up to 42,000 deaths from heart disease over a lifetime. The estimated cost of implementing this legislative measure was A$22 million during the first ten years.
A decline in public plant breeding programs is threatening food security in the US, with a 21.4% reduction in full-time employee time over five years. The programs' focus on disease tolerance, production, and drought resistance will be lost if funding does not increase.
A study reveals snow droughts globally increased in duration and intensity from the first half to the second half of 1980-2018. Changes are attributed to a combination of natural and human-induced factors, including Arctic warming.
The COVID-19 pandemic's economic fallout has caused widespread income loss, particularly among the world's most poverty-stricken populations. Disruptions to agricultural supply chains have placed further strain on the global food system.
The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting all four pillars of food security, including availability, access, utilization, and stability, according to a new article. Income declines are putting food access at risk, particularly for the extreme poor, who spend 70% of their income on food.
A global pandemic has exposed the vulnerabilities of the interconnected food system, with supply chain disruptions leading to food shortages and price spikes. A systems approach is needed to address the challenges of a globally complex food system, incorporating systemic risk and opportunities into food-related policies.
A team of Penn State professors has received a $3 million grant to investigate food resilience in the face of catastrophic global events. The researchers aim to develop strategies for emergency food production, including the use of alternative crops, soilless growing systems, and long-term storage methods.
Research highlights the growing threat of fungal crop diseases, outstripping bacterial and viral diseases in severity and scale. The University of Exeter consortium has merged expertise to emphasize the need for new fungicides and robust agricultural systems to address this challenge.
A limited nuclear war could lead to severe losses in agricultural production and disrupt global trade, causing a food system shock unprecedented in documented history. The study found that major breadbasket regions would cut exports, leaving countries worldwide short of supplies.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that consumers may be wasting more than twice as much food as commonly believed, and that affluent consumers waste more food. The researchers used a human metabolism model to quantify the relationship between food waste and consumer affluence.
Research found that South Korea, China, and Taiwan have experienced significant changes in food supply, with increased animal source foods and sugar contributing to obesity issues. In contrast, many Western countries have seen declines in animal source foods and sugar, accompanied by increases in vegetable availability.
The study identifies 5 distinct world regions with varying levels of food sovereignty, diet quality, food security, and environmental sustainability. It reveals significant regional disparities and agri-food debt imbalances between countries.
The researchers highlight the urgent need for investment in research infrastructure to provide reliable data on population health, nutrition, and agricultural practices. An international body is proposed to address pressing nutritional and agricultural issues and prepare policy decisions.
A new study by University of Göttingen found that supermarkets contribute to reducing child undernutrition in Kenya. The research revealed a positive correlation between supermarket purchases and improved child growth and height.
The study highlights significant gaps in knowledge about underassessed foods, which represent more than half of animal production and over 25% of total food globally. The researchers argue that a more complete global food assessment is necessary to develop sensitive and versatile local solutions to environmental and food security issues.
A new study highlights the importance of transparent phosphorus reporting in addressing social, political, and environmental issues related to food production. The findings emphasize the need for harmonized terminologies, accurate estimations, and reduction of losses throughout the supply chain.
A global surveillance system (GSS) is proposed to strengthen and interconnect crop biosecurity systems, reducing food lost to pests by up to 70% by 2050. The system would prioritize six major crops and tap into cutting-edge technology for rapid disease diagnostics.
A recent breakthrough in plant growth has increased crop yields by 40% by creating a shortcut for a glitch that plagues most food crops. This technology, part of the Realizing Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency (RIPE) project, aims to improve photosynthesis and boost worldwide food productivity.
A new study by the University of Leeds found a positive association between fruit and vegetable consumption and self-reported mental well-being in the UK population. Consuming an extra portion of fruits and vegetables daily could have a significant impact on mental health, equivalent to 8 extra days of walking.