Solving world hunger with science

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In summary, scientists say that engineering the DNA of a common plant to have all the nutrients and vitimens is a way to solve world hunger and malnutrition. Some success has been achieved in the lab, but practical application is still in its early stages. There are many political and economic reasons why the world is still hungry, but technology is making progress on this problem.
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I really don't remember were I heard this but it was about solving world hunger and malnutrition by engineering the DNA of a common plant to have all the nutrients and vitimens. So did they ever manage to do this or was it all just a bunch of bolony.
 
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  • #2
Corn and rice come to mind.
My understanding is some sucess with both in the lab.
Don't know about practical application as in actually growing it in a field somewhere.
 
  • #3
We don't need genetically engineered plants to feed everyone. We already have enough agricultural capacity to give every person on the planet more than 5,000 Calories per day. Unfortunately, we use a great deal of that land for making grain for cattle, energetically an extremely wasteful process.

We also have all sorts of political and economic pressures, some virtually unsolvable, which leave certain parts of the world in hunger.

- Warren
 
  • #4
Most of the folks who work in the area agree with Warren - the idea that there is not enough food is wrong. Politics and violence play a huge part in causing deprivation.

I'm not so sure about feeding animals. 40% of temperate arable lands are grasslands. For many of those lands the most economic use of those lands is grazing, not cropping. Especially in areas with fragile soils, low rainfall, or more extreme climates - for example as you move near the sub-arctic, or into shortgrass prairie.

For example see this -
http://aes.missouri.edu/fsrc/research/afgc95km.stm
 
  • #5
In countries like Australia grazing is the only productive use of arid areas, if you plow them to plant crops the whole lot will just blow away.

The developed countries already produce more than enough food to feed the whole world. The reasons that so many people go hungry are all political or economic. We can afford to give food to the poorest people in the world but to do so will mean military action to keep the greedy powerful from taking it all - remember Somalia?
 
  • #6
I just read an interesting article at the BBC's website that I think is at least peripherally relevant.

"http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/4793455.stm" [Broken]"
 
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What is world hunger and how does it affect people?

World hunger is a state in which individuals, communities, and nations do not have enough food to meet their basic nutritional needs. This can lead to malnutrition, starvation, and other health issues. World hunger disproportionately affects developing countries, where poverty, conflict, and climate change are major contributing factors.

How can science help solve world hunger?

Science plays a crucial role in finding solutions to world hunger. Through advancements in agriculture, biotechnology, and nutrition research, scientists are able to develop more efficient and sustainable methods of food production, improve crop yields, and create fortified foods to combat malnutrition. Additionally, science can help identify and address the root causes of hunger, such as poverty and food waste.

What are some current scientific initiatives aimed at solving world hunger?

There are several ongoing scientific initiatives focused on addressing world hunger. These include developing drought-resistant crops, creating genetically modified organisms with higher nutritional value, and utilizing precision agriculture techniques to optimize crop growth. Scientists are also working on sustainable farming practices, such as vertical farming and aquaponics, to increase food production in areas with limited land and resources.

What challenges do scientists face in solving world hunger?

While science has made significant progress in addressing world hunger, there are still many challenges to overcome. These include limited funding for research, political and social barriers, and ethical concerns surrounding genetically modified foods. Additionally, climate change and natural disasters can greatly impact food production, making it difficult for scientists to find long-term solutions.

What can individuals do to support the efforts of solving world hunger through science?

Individuals can play a crucial role in supporting the efforts of solving world hunger through science. This can include raising awareness about the issue, supporting organizations that work towards ending hunger, and making sustainable choices in their own food consumption. Additionally, individuals can advocate for policies that promote sustainable and equitable food systems, and support scientific research through donations and volunteering.

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