Research Keyword: Food security

Co-existence of potentially sustainable indigenous food systems and poor nutritional status in Ho indigenous community, India: an exploratory study

This study found that the Ho indigenous people of India have access to hundreds of nutritious traditional foods but still experience widespread malnutrition. Even though their indigenous foods are rich in essential minerals and vitamins, factors like unpredictable rainfall, shift to growing only rice instead of diverse crops, and the availability of cheap processed foods in markets prevent people from using these nutritious foods. The research highlights the need to support traditional food systems and farming practices to improve both health and environmental sustainability in indigenous communities.

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Research on Development and Challenges of Forest Food Resources from an Industrial Perspective—Alternative Protein Food Industry as an Example

This research examines how forests can provide alternative protein sources to help solve global hunger and food security issues. Scientists are developing new foods from insects, plants, fungi, and laboratory-grown meat, with markets growing rapidly and companies making significant investments. However, challenges remain including high production costs, consumer concerns about safety and taste, and varying regulations across countries that complicate bringing these products to market globally.

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Editorial: Unraveling pathogen-plant-microbiome interactions in horticultural crops through omics approaches

This editorial presents a collection of research on how diseases affect valuable crops like tomatoes, tea, and potatoes. Scientists used advanced genetic and molecular techniques to understand how pathogens infect plants and how the beneficial microbes around plant roots can help fight disease. The studies suggest that managing crop diseases sustainably requires understanding the complex interactions between pathogens, plants, and their microbial communities.

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Research on Development and Challenges of Forest Food Resources from an Industrial Perspective—Alternative Protein Food Industry as an Example

This research examines how forests can provide alternative protein sources including insects, plants, fungi, and lab-grown meat to help feed our growing global population. The market for these forest-based proteins is rapidly expanding, with insect protein reaching USD 3.2 billion in 2023 and plant-based alternatives growing even faster. However, challenges remain including high production costs, consumer skepticism, and varying regulations across countries that must be overcome for these innovations to reach mainstream markets.

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Novel chia (Salvia Hispanica L.) residue-based substrate formulations for oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) cultivation

Researchers discovered that leftover plant material from chia seed production can be used to grow oyster mushrooms with excellent nutritional value. When chia residues were combined with rice straw in the right proportions, they produced mushrooms with higher protein content, more beneficial compounds, and better yields than traditional growing methods. This finding helps solve two problems at once: it creates a valuable use for chia farming waste while producing highly nutritious mushrooms for human consumption.

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Folk taxonomy of wild mushrooms in communities of the indigenous groups Chatino, Chontal, and Chinantec in Oaxaca, Mexico

Indigenous communities in Mexico have developed sophisticated systems for naming and classifying wild mushrooms based on where they grow, what they look like, and cultural beliefs. This study documents how the Chatino, Chontal, and Chinantec peoples of Oaxaca name 32 different mushroom species using their own languages. Older community members know more indigenous mushroom names than younger people, showing that this traditional knowledge is gradually being replaced by Spanish terms. Understanding these traditional naming systems helps preserve cultural heritage and ensures communities can safely identify which mushrooms are safe to eat.

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Research on Development and Challenges of Forest Food Resources from an Industrial Perspective—Alternative Protein Food Industry as an Example

This research examines how forest resources can provide alternative proteins to address global food security challenges. Scientists reviewed innovations in edible insects, plant-based foods, fermented microbes, and lab-grown meat, finding promising potential but significant hurdles remaining in cost, consumer acceptance, and regulations. The study emphasizes that successful commercialization requires coordinated advances across technology, economics, culture, and policy rather than breakthroughs in any single area.

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Research on Development and Challenges of Forest Food Resources from an Industrial Perspective—Alternative Protein Food Industry as an Example

As the global population grows, we need new sources of protein to feed everyone sustainably. Scientists are developing four main types of alternative proteins from forests: edible insects, plants, microorganisms like mushrooms and yeast, and lab-grown meat. While these technologies show tremendous promise and are already appearing in stores, they still face challenges like high costs, safety concerns, and consumer hesitation. Solving these problems will require better research, clearer safety standards, and coordinated efforts across industries and governments.

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In Vitro Mycorrhization for Plant Propagation and Enhanced Resilience to Environmental Stress: A Review

Mycorrhizal fungi form beneficial partnerships with plant roots, significantly improving plant health and resilience to environmental stresses like drought and disease. Scientists can now grow these fungi in laboratory conditions alongside plant tissues to create enhanced plants that are stronger and more productive. This in vitro mycorrhization approach offers a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers and pesticides, potentially revolutionizing agriculture to better withstand climate change challenges while maintaining food security.

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Assessing lignocellulosic biomass as a source of emergency foods

After a major catastrophe that blocks sunlight and prevents crop growth, people could potentially survive by converting inedible plant material like leaves, grass, and wood into food. However, this biomass alone cannot provide all necessary nutrients—it has plenty of carbohydrates but lacks protein and fat. Combining biomass with edible insects and supplements could create a balanced diet to sustain families for extended periods.

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