Growing emphasis on self-reliance and trade barriers could impair the ability of people to consume healthy and sustainable diets around the world. Research teams from the University of Göttingen and the University of Edinburgh investigated the extent to which 186 countries can feed their own populations solely through domestic production. The study was published in the journal Nature Food.

A study published in the Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts presents a novel method to improve the anti-fibrillation and multifunctional properties of lyocell fabric through electrostatic adsorption and discontinuous membrane formation. This sustainable approach enhances fabric durability and dyeability without compromising mechanical properties.

Researchers from RISE PFI AS in Norway have successfully utilized Kraft lignin as a wet-strength agent in molded pulp materials, achieving significant improvements in both dry and wet strength. The study, published in the Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts, highlights the potential of lignin to replace plastic packaging while maintaining recyclability and biodegradability.

A review study (DOI: 10.15302/J-FASE-2024575) conducted by the research team led by Professor Jianbo Shen from China Agricultural University and published in Frontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering shows that as an important rhizosphere management strategy, localized fertilization has obvious advantages.

The research team led by Professor Gang Wang from China Agricultural University systematically summarized the synergistic effects of bio-based material amendments such as microbial inoculants, nanomaterials, and biochar in improving soil health and crop productivity through a review article. The relevant research has been published in the journal Frontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering (DOI: 10.15302/J-FASE-2024586).

Unprocessed rice kernels that are encased in an inedible hull must undergo milling to reveal the white rice grain. Proper milling can increase the amount of rice that makes it from the farm to the kitchen by decreasing the number of broken kernels, along with impacting nutritional and functional qualities, sensory attributes and cooking performance. Griffiths Atungulu, a professor and agricultural engineer with the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station and Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences, recently published a study with members of his rice processing research team that offers information to help optimize lab methods for rice milling.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) announced today that a research team from its School of Engineering has developed a groundbreaking computational model to study the movement of granular materials such as soils, sands and powders. By integrating the dynamic interactions among particles, air and water phases, this state-of-the-art system can accurately predict landslides, improve irrigation and oil extraction systems, and enhance food and drug production processes.