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How can countries prevent shocks and disasters from turning into food crises? Science points to Resilience

A new study published in PNAS finds that countries with high resilience can break the link between shocks and food insecurity, despite being more severely affected by disasters. The study highlights the importance of government effectiveness, diverse food systems, and human capabilities in reducing the risks of crises.

Most chemicals in food packaging lack data needed to protect consumers – scientists propose a way forward

Scientists from the Food Packaging Forum Foundation propose a novel approach to better protect consumer health by grouping chemicals in food packaging and prioritizing them for regulatory review or phase-out. The approach can help policymakers and manufacturers overcome data gaps and prevent regrettable substitutions.

SourceFood Packaging Forum Foundation·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 1, 2026

Why is climate action “easier said than done”? The key lies in the strong coupling between climate and society

Researchers argue that addressing climate change requires a new approach, one that considers the strong coupling between climate and society. The authors propose the 'Möbius-based Coupling Climate-Social System' framework, which identifies three principles: human-environment coupling, telecoupling, and strategic coupling.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 12, 2026

What gets published? Sweeping analysis shows prestige, topic and location matter most

A University of Colorado Boulder-led study analyzed over 110,000 manuscript submissions to top-tier scientific journals, revealing that prestige, topic, and location matter most in determining publication. The study found a significant disadvantage for authors based in China and those studying social sciences.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 15, 2026

PLOS responds to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) proposed rule

The proposed OMB rule change would fundamentally alter how federal research funding is allocated in the US, compromising research independence and restricting international collaboration. PLOS argues that costs linked to making research available should be assessed against public and economic value, rather than being unallowable.

SourcePLOS·DateJul 14, 2026

Simple digital check-ins improve outcomes for cancer patients, AFT study finds

A new study found that simple weekly electronic symptom check-ins with care teams significantly improves the quality of life for individuals undergoing treatment for advanced cancer. The benefits were notable among patient groups that historically faced barriers to care, including Black patients and those with less formal education.

SourceAlliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology·JournalJCO Oncology Practice·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 13, 2026

Carnegie Mellon-led research shows how behavioral science silently protects American consumers and patients

A new PNAS special feature showcases the critical role of behavioral and decision sciences in U.S. governance, highlighting how psychological and economic research protect public health, consumer rights, and finances across federal agencies. The research demonstrates how 'invisible' scientific frameworks streamline medical drug reviews...

SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 6, 2026

European survey reveals broad support for fertility care, embryo research and genome editing, alongside opportunities for greater public engagement

A new Europe-wide survey found broad public support for fertility treatment and reproductive research in the UK, Netherlands, Spain, and Italy. The study suggests that public understanding and opinion on these topics continue to develop, with areas where public views are not yet settled identified.

Not all green space is equal: New framework highlights overlooked ecological factors in nature prescribing

A new study by Swansea University introduces a One Health Sustainability Framework linking biodiversity, ecological condition, and environmental sustainability with wellbeing outcomes in nature prescribing. The framework highlights the need to understand what kinds of nature and how much are needed to support health in a sustainable way.

SourceSwansea University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 1, 2026

Global rice production nearly doubled despite climate change, driven largely by human management

A new study found that global rice production nearly doubled between the 1960s and 2010s due to increased irrigation and nutrient inputs. Climate change reduced rice production by an estimated 7% between 2006 and 2015, but elevated atmospheric CO2 levels contributed to improved water-use efficiency and enhanced photosynthesis.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 10, 2026

Alliance digital tool proves effective at keeping patients engaged in trials

A pilot study of the Participant Engagement Portal (PEP) tool shows that 84% of participants had a positive experience, with high usability and satisfaction rates. PEP facilitates two-way communication between patients and clinicians, allowing for self-reporting of social risk factors and future research opportunities.

SourceAlliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology·JournalJNCI Cancer Spectrum·TypeSurvey·DateJun 8, 2026

Wildfire emissions have reversed more than a decade of steady reductions in ozone

Research reveals a post-2015 increase in wildfire emissions has halted steady decreases in surface ozone trends in North America, leading to premature mortality and public health concerns. The study attributes an additional 318 deaths per year to wildfire-sourced ozone emissions, highlighting the need for stricter air quality standards.

Food and drink litter dominates global plastic pollution

A global study of marine litter has identified food and beverage plastics as the leading contributors to ocean pollution, with plastic packaging, caps, and bottles dominating shoreline debris worldwide. The research highlights the urgent need for reduced plastic production and more efficient waste management practices.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalOne Earth·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 20, 2026