Scientists developed a new population model, APODEMUS, to predict pesticide effects on animal populations. The model simulates complex agricultural landscapes and foraging scenarios, tracking energy conversion and exposure to pesticides.
Researchers found that rice stink bugs acquire beneficial symbiotic bacteria from soil and that high soil pH suppresses acquisition. The study reveals that mildly acidic soils facilitate the establishment of symbiosis, providing a potential tool for environmentally sustainable pest control strategies.
European researchers warn that EU Commission's draft legislation on pesticides weakens key safeguards, increasing risks to biodiversity and human health. The proposed reforms could lead to indefinite approval of active substances without periodic reassessment.
Researchers at Georgia Tech found that sulfoxaflor disrupts bee reproduction and gene expression, leading to reduced reproductive output. The study sheds light on the molecular effects of pesticides on bees and highlights a pressing challenge in agriculture.
A study published in PLOS Global Public Health reveals a significant regulatory inconsistency in the management of products associated with fatal self-harm, including firearms, pesticides, and alcohol. The authors argue that a more consistent approach is needed to prevent suicide by treating known harmful products as the problem, rathe...
A study monitored the eggs of 14 bird species over a decade to characterize their exposure to environmental pollutants. The analysis detected contaminants derived from DDT and other pesticides, which impact species reproduction and ecosystem health.
A Simon Fraser University study found over 200 contaminants in juvenile Chinook salmon in the Lower Fraser River estuary, including priority contaminants like pharmaceuticals and pesticides. This exposure adds stress to already vulnerable fish populations.
Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a water-based pesticide formulation that outperforms conventional methods in delivering agricultural pesticides. The new solution uses nanostructured cellulose nanocrystals to stabilize pesticide droplets without chemicals or solvents.
Bionema Group Ltd, a Swansea University spin-out, has received the second King's Award for Enterprise: Sustainable Development. The company develops biological pest control and sustainable agriculture technologies, providing environmentally sustainable alternatives to synthetic pesticides.
The study reveals how pollinators support food production and diets, highlighting the risks of biodiversity loss for human health. Simple steps like planting wildflowers or using fewer pesticides can help boost pollinator numbers, strengthening both nature and people's wellbeing.
A recent study found an association between early-onset colorectal cancer and exposure to certain pesticides, particularly picloram. However, experts warn that further investigations are needed to confirm causality and establish a biological mechanism.
Researchers developed a natural, biodegradable wash that removed up to 96% of pesticide residue from fruit and slowed browning and moisture loss. The coating also showed antimicrobial effects and added nutritional value.
A study published in Nature Health reveals a strong link between pesticide exposure and the risk of developing certain cancers. The research shows that pesticide exposure increases the risk of cancer by 150% in areas with high levels of pollution, and highlights early biological effects before cancer develops.
A new University of Arizona study found that exposure to certain pesticides before pregnancy is associated with lower Apgar scores, a measure of newborn health. The study suggests that pesticides can affect the next generation, highlighting the importance of regulating pesticide use to improve maternal and child health.
Researchers found that some pesticides can infiltrate and move with groundwater, bypassing riparian buffers in karst watersheds. This study highlights the need to consider transport pathways to mitigate pesticide pollution, particularly in areas with high groundwater flow.
Southwest Research Institute expands manufacturing capabilities to produce safer antidotes to organophosphorus nerve agents and pesticides. The new technique avoids cancer-causing compounds during synthesis of oxime antidotes, supporting kilogram-scale manufacturing for domestic supply and reducing supply chain risks.
The study finds that pesticide toxicity is increasing globally, with a small number of highly toxic chemicals dominating the risks. The majority of pesticide use and harm are attributed to fruits and vegetables, corn, soybeans, cereals, and rice.
A new study reveals that current pesticide use trends fall short of the 50% reduction target by 2030, threatening global biodiversity. The research team analyzed global pesticide data and found significant increases in applied toxicity, driven by higher amounts applied and growing toxicity of active ingredients.
Urbanization may be shaping the spotted lanternfly's spread into new environments by allowing them to adapt to heat, pollution, and pesticides. The insects' genetic diversity is lower in the US compared to China, but they are still adapting to local climate conditions.
A recent study by RIKEN researchers analyzed the effects of pesticides and fertilizers on mandarin oranges in real-world farms across Japan. The findings showed that reducing chemical pesticides led to more fruit diseases, while also enhancing soil microbial diversity and improving carbon content. This trade-off highlights the need for...
A Europe-wide study reveals that pesticides have substantial effects on beneficial soil organisms, including mycorrhizal fungi and nematodes. The contamination has a major impact on soil biodiversity, highlighting the need to adapt current pesticide assessments and regulations.
A team of McGill researchers has found a range of unexpected chemical contaminants in human milk samples from Canada and South Africa. The chemicals include pesticides, antimicrobials, and additives used in plastics and personal-care products. Despite these findings, breast milk remains ideal for infants due to its nutrient content and...
A new University of Stirling study shows that using insects like parasitic wasps to control agricultural pests is safer and more environmentally friendly than using chemical pesticides. Despite some whiteflies developing genetic resistance, the study found that survivors have low reproductive success, limiting widespread resistance.
A large-scale laboratory screening identified 168 chemicals toxic to human-made gut bacteria. Washing fruit and veggies before consumption may help avoid exposure to these pollutants. Researchers developed a machine learning model to predict chemical harm, emphasizing the need for safer industrial practices.
Researchers have found a correlation between exposure to widely used pesticides and lower sperm quality in male rodents. The review of 21 studies indicates that neonicotinoid pesticides may disrupt hormones and damage testicular tissue, leading to potential harm to human reproductive health.
A new policy brief argues that current EU regulations fail to account for the risks of chemical mixtures, which can exceed safe levels even below individual substance limits. Scientists propose integrating a Mixture Allocation Factor into the REACH Regulation to regulate mixtures and improve protection of human health and the environment.
A review of 21 experimental studies suggests that exposure to neonicotinoid pesticides can lower sperm quality and disrupt hormones in males. The studies found that these insecticides, commonly used in farming, can be absorbed into soil, water, and plants, leading to potential harm to human reproductive health.
A new material called NBC900 demonstrates a high capacity for capturing imidacloprid from water, outperforming existing adsorbents. Nitrogen groups incorporated into the biochar act as electron donors, facilitating strong interactions with pesticide molecules.
A team developed a bioinspired prussian blue/PNIPAM nanohybrid with spatiotemporally decoupled release characteristics, combining rapid and sustained release modes. The PAPP nanopesticides exhibited strong insecticidal activity while reducing harm to crops and non-target organisms.
Researchers have developed a novel pesticide delivery system using Liquid Marbles (LMs) that can enhance droplet deposition on plant surfaces. The LMs, coated with biodegradable hydrophobic particles, follow a unique mode of deposition that increases wettability and reduces waste, up to 50%.
A new study reveals that modern agriculture is threatening biodiversity in European protected areas, but traditional low-intensity farming methods can help preserve habitats and species. The findings highlight the urgent need to strengthen agricultural regulations inside protected areas to achieve EU biodiversity conservation goals.
Researchers have developed biochar-supported microbial systems to tackle persistent organic pollutants, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and pesticides. These integrated strategies have achieved impressive results, breaking down pollutants in industrial wastewater, agricultural soils, and domestic environments.
Researchers engineered a new strain of Metarhizium fungus that mimics flower scents to attract and kill mosquitoes. The floral-scented fungus is harmless to humans and breaks down naturally, making it a promising alternative to chemical pesticides.
A study found that honey bees collect similar pollen diversity regardless of surrounding agricultural land use, but with low pesticide levels. The results suggest that bees may thrive in intensively farmed landscapes by flying greater distances to find food.
A new study explores how combining biochar with rhizoremediation can greatly enhance soil restoration by breaking down pollutants. Biochar creates a thriving environment where plants and microbes work together to clean the soil naturally, supporting ecosystem restoration.
Researchers at Sophia University have discovered 14 compounds secreted by slime molds that repel root-knot nematodes and protect plant roots. The mixture of these organic compounds showed a strong synergistic effect, demonstrating potential for use in non-toxic crop protection.
Researchers identify pesticide toxicity as a major concern, while PFAS accumulation poses long-term environmental risks. The study advocates for reducing the number of chemicals produced and used to ensure regulatory control over their impact on humans and the environment.
Scientists developed a novel single-atom copper pesticide that maximizes copper utilization while minimizing environmental impact. The new Cu1/CaCO3 pesticide achieves high disease control efficacy and reduces copper soil residue by 20-fold.
A new study by Environmental Working Group found that consuming certain fruits and vegetables can increase pesticide levels in people's bodies. The study suggests that everyday food choices can drive significant pesticide exposure and highlights the need for safer food systems.
A growing body of research links environmental pollutants to worsened health and shorter life spans in childhood cancer survivors. The study found that only 25% of pediatric oncology providers felt comfortable discussing environmental pollutant impacts with patients.
Researchers at Stanford University tracked the evolution of fruit fly populations in response to pesticide exposure, finding that resistance alleles persist through a mechanism known as 'dominance reversal.' This process allows alleles to function as either dominant or recessive depending on environmental conditions, maintaining geneti...
A federally funded study found children with leukemia who were exposed to pesticides during their mother's pregnancy had a higher risk of death. The study, published in Cancers, examined over 800 children and showed pesticide exposure increased child mortality by up to 60%.
Researchers are exploring how fluorescent OLED materials can detect pesticide residue and herbicides in food production, addressing concerns in Brazil. The project aims to develop sensors that respond with light when interacting with pesticides, enabling early detection and reducing contamination.
A team of researchers found that co-cultivating common bean plants with fragrant bush basil increases the expression of a key gene in plant defense mechanisms, reducing egg-laying activity of agricultural pests. This natural pest control method uses VOCs emitted by bush basil to attract beneficial insects and trigger plant defenses.
Research suggests that nine commonly used pesticides in viticulture have significantly underestimated environmental impact, with half-lives exceeding two days and potential for long-range transport.
A study in mice found that pesticide exposure changes specific gut bacteria growth patterns and nutrient processing, hinting at a probiotic approach to preventing health effects. The research identified certain microbes that can degrade pesticides and may lead to therapeutic strategies.
Researchers develop innovative technology to control black rot disease in cauliflower, achieving high precision and reducing pesticide use by 72.5%. The system uses spectral sensors, machine learning models, and intelligent spraying, successfully identifying and treating diseased plants while avoiding mis-spraying of healthy ones.
A new study reveals how nanoparticles can interfere with photosynthesis in plants, reducing their ability to convert sunlight into food. The research team found that nanoparticles undergo changes in pH and pick up lipid coatings from plant membranes, boosting their binding to RuBisCO and impairing its function.
Fungicides used in agriculture linked to rising resistance to antifungal medical treatments, experts call for a 'One Health' approach to combat pathogens. The use of pesticides in plants may increase fungal resistance to treatments in humans and animals.
Gene editing technologies could enable climate-resilient crops, higher yields, and reduced fertilizers and pesticides. Researchers advocate allowing gene editing in organic farming to support the EU's goal of 25% organic agriculture by 2030.
A new study from Michigan State University found that planting too much genetically modified corn designed to fight off the corn rootworm can cause more harm than good. The study estimates that reducing the Bt planting rate could save farmers $99 million in one-year benefits and $1.98 billion in lifetime benefits.
Changes to a pest's diet could delay the evolution of resistance to biopesticides, according to University of Stirling scientists. The study found that altering the crop a pest eats has a greater impact on resistance than switching pesticide types.
A new study finds that nano-encapsulated pesticides have dramatically lower environmental risks than conventional formulations, reducing freshwater ecotoxicity impact scores by up to five orders of magnitude. This breakthrough highlights the importance of life-cycle assessments in developing safer agrochemicals.
A new report identifies emerging threats to pollinators, including war zones, microplastic particles, and light pollution. The top 12 threats are outlined, along with steps to protect pollinators, such as transitioning to electric vehicles and creating flower-rich habitats within solar parks.
A University of Helsinki study shows that pesticides can negatively affect non-target species living in agricultural environments. The effects vary greatly depending on the substance tested, with one fungicide increasing mortality rates and reducing reproductive success in butterflies.
A study found that even sublethal doses of insecticides like imidacloprid can reduce successful mating in bumble bees and alter their chemical signaling, affecting sperm viability and lipid storage.
Researchers develop AI-based monitoring system to link pesticide exposure to honeybee pollen-foraging behavior and overall colony health. The study confirms previous findings that neonicotinoid pesticides affect honeybee colony dynamics.