Food security and nutrition

Crop rotation diversity can enhance agricultural sustainability and reduce climate-related risks, but adoption remains limited by economic and informational barriers. Analysis of 36,000 yield observations from long-term North American trials shows that while maize and soybean yields rise with rotation diversity, overall outcomes vary by site, with trade-offs from lower-yield crops but clear benefits under poor growing conditions
Global industrial meat production drives major social and ecological harms, yet policy debates often neglect the role of corporate power in sustaining these impacts. Through case studies, this study shows how industry concentration, government ties, weak regulation, and cultural norms enable externalized costs, and calls for systemic policies that confront meat industry power within the broader food system
Elsevier,

Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging, Volume 28, August 2024

This study examines the 6-year longitudinal associations between dietary patterns, intrinsic capacity (IC), and IC sub-domains in community-dwelling Korean older adults. The key findings are that in older men, the "variety of healthy foods and alcohols" dietary pattern was positively associated with changes in IC score, while in older women, the "variety of healthy foods" pattern was positively associated with changes in IC score, IC score group, and psychological domain.
The study evaluated the effects of a personalized dietary strategy based on individualized foods and digital tools on the overall health status and quality of life in older adults with overweight or obesity. The precision approach demonstrated significantly better outcomes compared to standard recommendations, including improvements in body weight, body composition, metabolic health, and quality of life.
This article examines the development of a Nature Farming (NF) system standard for poultry production in Brazil, aiming to better communicate the sustainability attributes of NF products throughout the supply chain. Through qualitative research with various stakeholders, the study highlights the unique environmental, economic, social, ethical, and health dimensions of NF poultry and proposes clearer labeling and certification standards. The findings suggest that establishing a dedicated NF standard can enhance product differentiation, improve consumer communication, and support sustainable supply chain management.
Elsevier,

Teaching and Teacher Education, Volume 142, May 2024

This case study of K-12 educators in British Columbia explores how teachers’ motivations influence their approaches to food systems education. Findings reveal a strong emphasis on helping students understand food’s role in sustainability and its links to environmental, economic, and social issues. The study highlights how educators’ intentions shape the practices they adopt in teaching about food systems.
Global food insecurity persists despite increased production, highlighting the need for sustainable solutions like "Smart Foods" such as buckwheat, which is nutrient-dense, climate-resilient, and rich in bioactive compounds. Leveraging buckwheat’s genetic potential and diverse applications can promote health benefits and help address future nutritional challenges.
In a bid to tackle the world’s growing demand for sustainable protein, South Korean scientists have successfully grown beef cells inside rice grains. The process involves enzyme-treating rice to support cell growth, then infusing it with bovine cells that develop into a pinkish, meat-like grain. Researchers say the hybrid food could offer a low-cost, low-emission alternative to traditional livestock farming — a potential breakthrough as nations grapple with climate pressures and food security challenges.
Diet has a large impact on greenhouse gases with those that consume more animal protein seen as generating higher emissions. This study examines Asian diet preferences and finds that most are unpersuaded to shift their diet, but self-enhancement framing can be helpful.
This cohort study found that decreasing the consumption of overall and healthful plant-based di was associated with a higher risk of total mortality, whereas decreasing the consumption of an unhealthful plant-based diet was associated with a lower risk of total mortality in older adults.

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