Bats play a crucial role in reducing pesticide use and crop damage, with estimates suggesting their value to agriculture is roughly $22.9 billion annually. However, widespread bat population declines due to diseases like White-Nose Syndrome and wind turbine collisions threaten this ecological balance.
A collaborative EUREKA project developed an integrated pest management system, reducing rice waste by over 95% through sustainable technologies. The system uses electronic insect traps, aeration, and modified atmosphere to protect rice during storage, improving quality and food security.
Researchers discovered a strong link between the use of pesticides rotenone and paraquat and an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The study found that people who used these pesticides developed the disease around 2.5 times more often than non-users.
A new gene-spreading system has been proposed to control mosquito populations without pesticides. The system involves spreading disease-resisting genes in mosquito populations, rendering them infertile or killing females that mate with transgenic males.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University developed an IQ test to evaluate bacteria's 'social intelligence,' revealing high scores for certain strains. This breakthrough could lead to new antibiotics, powerful pesticides for agriculture, and better understanding of bacterial behavior.
A recent study on bedbugs has identified potential genes associated with pesticide resistance, shedding light on the mechanisms behind their increasing resilience to insecticides. The research may lead to the development of novel control methods that are more effective against these troublesome insects.
The Estero de Domingo Rubio wetland is polluted with heavy metals and pesticides, affecting its water quality and ecosystem. The study highlights the need for greater control over agrochemicals and industrial waste to prevent contamination.
Scientists at Virginia Tech have identified a critical step in juvenile hormone signaling, which could lead to more targeted mosquito controls. The discovery of a protein partner for the juvenile hormone receptor has significant implications for understanding insect development and reproductive maturation.
A new technology using tiny protozoa to detect toxins in water sources may provide unprecedented assessment of the world's water supplies. The Swimming Behavioral Spectrophotometer (SBS) can detect chemicals, pesticides, and biological warfare agents with near-instant feedback.
A study of 614 vineyard workers in South West France found a link between long-term pesticide exposure and declining cognitive abilities, including lower scores on memory and recall tests. The researchers suggest that higher risks of dementia may be associated with pesticide exposure.
Researchers found that tobacco bio-oil, produced through pyrolysis, is effective against various insect pests and microorganisms. The oil killed all tested Colorado potato beetles and blocked growth of bacteria and fungi.
A study published in PLoS Medicine found that agricultural pesticide poisoning is the single most common means of suicide worldwide, with significant variation in case fatality rates among different pesticides. The authors argue that basing regulation on human toxicity, rather than animal data, could help reduce suicides and improve pu...
Biopolymers are considered more eco-friendly due to biodegradability and low toxicity, but farming and energy-intensive chemical processing make them less environmentally friendly to produce. Traditional plastics can be cleaner to produce, according to a study in Environmental Science & Technology.
Researchers at the University of Illinois St. Charles Horticulture Research Center are developing new wine grape varieties that can grow in cooler climates with reduced disease resistance. The goal is to create a good wine grape that requires less use of pesticides, improving profits for the Illinois wine industry.
Scientists from Oregon State University and the European Union outline six regulatory issues for nanoparticles in pesticides, including disclosure and testing methods. The researchers aim to design safer nanoparticles that maximize benefits while preventing risks.
A fungus-based biological control agent, Beauveria bassiana, is enhanced with a sunscreen made from soybean oil and ferulic acid to protect its spores from sunlight. The 'soyscreen' successfully protects the spores for 28 weeks, improving its effectiveness in wiping out insect pests.
Researchers create 'soyscreen' oil to protect fungal spores from sunlight, expanding use of fungus as insecticide alternative. The substance successfully protects spores for 28 weeks without harming them.
A new study by University of California, Berkeley researchers found that prenatal organophosphate pesticide exposure is significantly linked to attention problems at age 5, with stronger effects among boys. Children's symptoms of attention disorders are harder to recognize in toddlers, and diagnoses often occur after entering school.
Kansas State University researchers have successfully used gene-silencing nanoparticles to kill mosquito larvae and make them more susceptible to pesticides. This technology has the potential to revolutionize insect control, targeting specific pest species while being environmentally friendly.
Robert Cook investigates how pollutants like pesticides affect soil, water supplies, animals, and people. His research focuses on the role of humic matter in dispersing pollutants through soil.
Using television and radio to tell stories about sustainable rice farming has helped Asian farmers better conserve biodiversity. Dr. K.L. Heong's research found that building biodiversity into rice paddies can prevent pest outbreaks, reducing the need for pesticides.
Two studies confirm widespread pollution in national parks across the Western United States, with pesticides being a major concern. The research found high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) near industrial sites, posing health risks to humans and wildlife.
A University of Guelph study found that organic pesticides can be less effective and more environmentally damaging than conventional pesticides. The research compared the effectiveness and impact of six pesticides on soybean crops, with organic products requiring higher doses to control aphid populations.
A study found that genetic mutations and pesticide exposure interact to increase men's risk for Parkinson's disease. Individuals with two variant alleles of the ABCB1 gene who were exposed to organochlorine insecticides had a stronger association with Parkinson's disease.
A three-year study found wild birds opt for conventional food due to its higher protein content, challenging the notion that organic food is preferred. The study's findings suggest that consumers may be misled about the nutritional benefits of organic food.
A three-year study by Newcastle University found wild garden birds prefer conventional seed to organically-grown seed due to its higher protein content. The study suggests that the nutritional benefits of organic food may not always be true, particularly for birds and mammals during winter when protein is essential.
A recent study published in Pediatrics found a connection between exposure to organophosphate pesticides and symptoms of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children. The research, which focused on 1,139 children from the general U.S. population, measured pesticide levels in their urine and found that exposure to common ...
The gypsy moth continues to spread across the US, resistant to effective pesticides. Despite decades of pesticide use, the insect remains a threat to forests and urban landscapes.
Researchers identified four alternative turfgrass species—bentgrasses and fescues—as promising for use on low-input fairways. These cool-season grasses can survive under conditions of little or no supplemental irrigation, high traffic, and reduced fertility.
Researchers found strong correlation between colder weather, low rainfall, and higher prostate cancer rates in the US. The study suggests that persistent organic pollutants may be to blame, with cold weather slowing their degradation.
Researchers found that environmental chemicals form a complex cocktail, leading to greater toxicity than individual chemicals. The EU recommends implementing guidelines for managing the chemical cocktail effect to assess risks to humans and the environment.
A study found that household pesticide labels fail to provide clear maximum safe use guidelines, allowing consumers to overuse products like para-dichlorobenzene. This can lead to increased exposure to indoor air pollutants, posing health risks to family members and pets.
Pyrethroids, widely used home pesticides, found in California rivers and sewage treatment outflow, posing threat to fish food supply and aquatic life. Researchers warn of potential toxicity to resident organisms in streams.
The study provides new insights into pest control and genetics by sequencing the genomes of three parasitoid wasp species. The findings suggest that harnessing the full potential of parasitoid wasps could be a more effective alternative to chemical pesticides.
Scientists developed a rapid, eco-friendly pesticide test using paper-based strips that change color shades depending on pesticide levels. The test accurately identifies minute pesticide amounts in minutes, making it suitable for developing countries or remote areas without access to expensive testing equipment.
Exposure to common pesticides limits wild salmon growth and size; improving water quality conditions could potentially increase the rate of recovery
Scientists developed a fast and affordable paper-based test strip that can detect minute amounts of pesticides in food and beverages. The test, which produces results in under 5 minutes, has the potential to improve pesticide testing in developing countries.
A recent study in China found that people with higher levels of pesticide exposure are more likely to have suicidal thoughts. The study suggests a potential causal link between pesticide exposure and increased risk of suicidal ideation in rural areas.
A new study finds that glacial melting is releasing persistent organic pollutants into lakes, despite decreased use of these compounds in products. The pollutants were deposited earlier and preserved over decades, with the flow increasing sharply since the late 1990s.
Scientists in China have discovered that a natural plant hormone can help plants eliminate residues of certain pesticides, including chloropyrifos. The substance significantly reduces toxicity and residues in the plants, making it a promising, environmentally friendly solution.
A study published in International Journal of Andrology reveals a significant difference in environmental chemicals found in breast milk between Denmark and Finland. High levels of EDCs were associated with male reproductive problems, including testicular cancer, in Denmark, while Finland had lower exposure levels.
Researchers at Iowa State University are exploring a new method of controlling soybean aphids without using chemical pesticides. They aim to genetically modify soybeans to produce a toxin that is lethal to aphids but harmless to mammals.
A new study found that occupational pesticide exposure is associated with an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The study, published in Archives of Neurology, investigated the link between pesticide use and parkinsonism, and found that certain pesticides more than doubled the risk of the disease.
Researchers found that applying a natural plant hormone can help eliminate pesticide residues from crops, reducing environmental exposure to pesticides. The study suggests using brassinosteroids as an environmentally friendly alternative to minimize pesticide risks.
Researchers evaluated three growing methods, finding that advanced matted-row system and cold-climate plasticulture systems have less negative effects on natural resources than conventional matted row system. The AMR and CCP systems also showed lower pesticide levels and nutrient runoff compared to CMR.
Researchers have developed a tool to estimate the harmful effect of pesticides on rivers and water quality, using biomonitoring data. The SPEAR calculator uses species- and family-level information to provide immediate assessments of pollution levels.
A new study reveals that homes in California are a significant source of water pollution, with pollutants such as pesticides and fertilizers contaminating rivers and lakes. The study estimates that current models may underestimate the amount of pollution contributed by homes by up to 50%.
New study reveals the potential of plant essential oils as insecticides, offering a safer and more environmentally friendly option for organic farmers. Researchers have identified several spices, including rosemary, thyme, and clove, that can be used to control agricultural pests.
Researchers discovered that insect circadian rhythms affect pesticide susceptibility, with defenses strongest during mid-day and weakest around dawn or dusk. This knowledge may lead to improved pest control strategies and reduced pesticide use.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center found a higher level of common household pesticides in the urine of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), a type of childhood cancer. The study suggests an association between pesticide exposure and development of childhood ALL, but researchers caution that it does not pro...
The US EPA has awarded a grant to investigate how food allergies are initiated, with potential breakthroughs in predicting allergic reactions to genetically engineered foods. The study aims to identify key immune factors leading to food allergies, affecting approximately 3 million children in the US.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found people with Parkinson's disease have significantly higher blood levels of a particular pesticide than healthy individuals. The study may provide the basis for a beta-HCH blood test to identify those at risk for developing the disease.
A clinical trial in Sri Lanka found no significant improvement in survival rates among patients treated with the WHO-recommended antidote pralidoxime, suggesting it may be harmful. Further trials are needed to explore the risks and benefits of oximes and dosing regimens.
Researchers found that levels of paraoxonase 1 enzyme activity remained low in some individuals through age 7, contradicting the assumption that children approach adult levels by age 2. The study recommends re-evaluating EPA standards for acceptable pesticide exposure levels.
Research by Sabrina McCormick links everyday products to breast cancer, citing industrial pollution and agricultural pesticides as contributing factors. Experts urge policymakers to ban cancer-causing chemicals in everyday products, promoting prevention over a cure.
A study of 678 pesticide users found a double risk of developing MGUS compared to the general population. The research suggests exposure to certain pesticides increases the risk of this abnormal blood condition, which requires lifelong monitoring as it can lead to multiple myeloma.
A new study found a significant association between pesticide exposure and Parkinson's disease in French farm workers, especially those using organochlorine insecticides. The study suggests that environmental risk factors like professional pesticide exposure may contribute to neurodegeneration.
A study found high concentrations of pollutants in marine mammals' brains, including pesticides like DDTs and PCBs, as well as brominated flame retardants. The results have significant implications for the health of marine mammals, particularly their hearing and cognitive development.
Researchers used the MACRO model to simulate the transport of three PPCPs and a strongly sorbing dye, finding that non-equilibrium sorption in macropores significantly impacted solute transport. The updated version of the model showed better fits to measured data, but limitations were found in accounting for all relevant processes.
Researchers found a 75% increased risk of Parkinson's disease among Central Valley residents exposed to maneb and paraquat between 1974 and 1999. Earlier exposure, particularly in childhood or adolescence, significantly increased the risk, especially for those diagnosed at age 60 or younger.