Against the backdrop of continuous global population growth and changes in dietary structures, aquaculture has emerged as one of the fastest-growing food production sectors. However, as its scale expands, concerns about its environmental impacts, particularly greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, have grown. Have you ever wondered how much GHG is emitted during the production of the fish, shrimp, and shellfish on your plate? Where do these emissions come from, and how can they be reduced?

Eggs and poultry provide important sources of protein globally, driving a major industry with large economic impacts. Challenges to hatchery operations include embryo mortality, fertility, sex determination, and eggshell characteristics. These features have a substantial impact on production, but they are difficult and time-consuming to estimate. A University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign research team has conducted multiple studies using near infrared (NIR) and hyperspectral imagery (HSI) to evaluate chicken eggs, potentially leading to more efficient, safe, and humane production methods. They discuss their findings in a series of publications.

Climate extremes are adversely affecting cacao production. A recent study by Hasanuddin University highlights the potential of multistrata shade structures in addressing these challenges. Researchers show how a mix of shade trees—such as coconut, banana, and Gliricidia sepium—can help cacao plants grow better and become more resilient. These trees can improve soil fertility and help cacao plants cope with environmental variability—offering a pathway toward more resilient and sustainable smallholder agriculture.

How food is shared inside ant colonies has long been invisible in real time. Researchers in Japan have now used a highly sensitive radioactive imaging technique to watch food move from ant to ant, minute by minute. The method reveals unexpected patterns in how resources spread through a group and could help scientists detect early warning signs of stress or imbalance in insect societies, crucial to ecosystems and agriculture.