A new study published in Pharmacogenetics and Genomics found significant variability in pesticide susceptibility among Latina women and their newborns. The researchers used PON1 enzyme activity as a marker for pesticide resistance and discovered that genetic variants can significantly affect enzyme levels, particularly in children.
The Organic Center symposium highlights the impact of organic farming in reducing pesticide risks and enhancing food quality. Key findings include the effectiveness of organic farming in dramatically reducing pesticide risks to children, while regulatory actions have had limited success in addressing dietary exposures.
A study by Emory University researchers found that organic diets significantly reduce children's exposure to two common pesticides, malathion and chlorpyrifos. The study, which involved 23 elementary students aged 3-11, showed a dramatic and immediate protective effect against the pesticides until conventional diets were reintroduced.
A Dartmouth research study confirmed earlier findings that toxic metals like arsenic and lead remain in the top 10 inches of soil after pesticide use. The new study reveals these metals are now part of the fine silt and organic matter, increasing erosion risk to nearby waters.
Researchers found that combining pesticides disrupts frog development, causing delayed maturation, retarded growth, and increased susceptibility to infections. The study suggests that the interaction between pesticides and environmental factors may be a major contributor to amphibian decline.
Scientists have discovered male water fleas in a lab, revealing that pesticides can induce sex change and affect populations of fish and other organisms. The finding highlights the importance of considering non-target species in environmental monitoring and management.
Researchers have developed a product that blocks insect enzymes and delivers a dose of pesticide 4-5 hours later, proving almost 100% effective in trials. This technology reduces the amount of pesticide needed on fields, benefiting both Western and developing world farmers.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have discovered a green catalyst, Fe-TAML, that can efficiently destroy nitrophenol pollutants. The catalyst works with hydrogen peroxide and has shown promise in killing biological warfare agents, reducing fuel pollutants, and detoxifying pesticides.
A study of 2,593 cases found that school pesticide exposure led to acute illnesses in children (7.4 cases per million) and adults (27.3 cases per million). The majority of illnesses were associated with insecticides, with integrated pest management programs recommended to prevent such exposures.
A recent study found that genetically modified rice in China reduces pesticide use by 80% and increases crop yields by up to 9%. The research also indicates no significant impact on farmers' health. The study provides valuable information for developing countries considering genetically modified food crops.
Scientists have found that Pseudomonas bacteria can switch between two phases, improving their competitive advantage. The switches are caused by spontaneous gene mutations, enabling the bacteria to respond more quickly to changes.
A study by University of Pittsburgh researcher Rick Relyea found that Roundup is extremely lethal to amphibians, causing a 70 percent decline in biodiversity and an 86 percent decline in tadpole mass. The herbicide's surfactant was responsible for its toxic effects on amphibian populations.
Scientists have discovered a gene responsible for an insect's sense of smell, which is highly conserved across four different species, including pests that target crops and human health. This finding could lead to the development of new pesticides and disease-controlling insect repellents by targeting the insects' sense of smell.
Researchers have discovered that an ancient olfaction protein is shared by many insects, including fruit flies, medflies, and mosquitoes. This finding suggests a high degree of evolutionary conservation of the protein's function in detecting odors, which could be exploited for developing novel pest control methods.
Researchers have developed genetically modified plants that produce biological detergents to combat hydrophobic pollutants, including PCBs and dioxins. These 'green Mr. Clean' plants use enzymes to secrete detergents into the soil, making them effective in phytoremediation, a cost-effective alternative to traditional remediation methods.
Researchers have discovered the molecular structure of a glycolipid receptor to which Bt toxin binds, potentially leading to more effective pesticides and new treatments for parasitic infections. The study's findings could also help prevent insect resistance to Bt toxins.
A study published in NeuroToxicology reveals that polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and low levels of maneb, a fungicide, can disrupt dopamine neurons and oxidative stress responses in the brain. This research aims to better understand Parkinson's disease and develop therapies to prevent or slow its progression.
Researchers have developed coating technologies to improve the environmental persistence of biopesticides, increasing their resistance to UV radiation. This technology could make other biopesticides more effective as well.
Researchers found that chiral compounds, including organophosphates and synthetic pyrethroids, pose previously uncalculated toxic risks due to their biologically different behaviors. Using just the active isomer can achieve similar pest control with reduced chemical use and environmental benefits.
A new study from Newcastle University has led to the introduction of ten organic potato varieties, suitable for various national palates and cuisine, across Europe. The Blight-MOP project has successfully developed 'designer composts' to increase yields by up to 40% while introducing blight-resistant potatoes on supermarket shelves.
Researchers found that increasing one skill can significantly impact others, with some activities dropping and others increasing in levels. The primary function of the enzymes remained largely unchanged despite changes in other promiscuous traits.
The root-knot nematode causes more than half of $100 billion in annual crop and plant damage worldwide. Researchers will sequence its genome for a better understanding of its attack mechanisms.
Researchers found that mutated parkin genes combined with rotenone damage microtubules, disrupting dopamine transport and causing free radical release. This study may lead to novel therapies for Parkinson's disease by stabilizing microtubules against pesticide toxins.
Scientists have discovered a defense mechanism in certain plant species that were believed to be bred out of existence due to human selection. The study found that a specific enzyme and protein complex work together to defend against insect attacks, but their activity is suppressed in plants bred for desirable traits.
Researchers at Tufts University's Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy found that poor ubiquitin function contributes to eye diseases like cataracts. Adolescents who read nutrition labels often don't translate the information into healthier diets, with boys consuming more calories from fat.
Researchers are studying the genetic mutations that make mosquitoes resistant to pyrethroid pesticides, a key strategy for controlling diseases like St. Louis encephalitis and West Nile encephalitis in Texas urban areas. The study aims to develop new methods of mosquito control to prevent resistance.
Chronic exposure to pesticides like rotenone has been linked to Parkinson's disease pathology in monkeys. Exercise has shown potential in protecting against dopamine neuron loss and slowing disease progression in rats. Rotigotine, a new drug, may also offer neuroprotective properties.
A new technique targeting pesticide-resistant insects has shown effectiveness in trials against the cotton bollworm, silverleaf whitefly, and diamondback moth. The method uses micro-encapsulated formulations to deliver an enzyme inhibitor and a pesticide, providing a double-blow effect.
Scientists at Indiana University and the EPA will study the circulation of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) between the air and Great Lakes, aiming to inform new clean-up policies. Elevated PCB levels have led to fish consumption advisories for all five Great Lakes, with implications for human health.
Over 30 years of follow-up, Vietnam veterans experienced a 7% higher death rate from external causes, including motor vehicle collisions, suicides, and homicides. This excess mortality was limited to the first five years after discharge, but also included higher mortality rates from unintentional poisonings and drug-related deaths.
Researchers at UGA identified morning glory families tolerant to glyphosate, a noxious herbicide. The study suggests developing regional strategies for managing tolerance is crucial. Increased tolerance of morning glories to glyphosate could leave farmers without effective control, highlighting the need for new management strategies.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology found that aquatic plant duckweed sequesters persistent organic compounds in its tissue, removing contaminants from natural waters and engineered wetlands. The study's implications include updates to water monitoring regulations and wastewater treatment practices.
The research highlights the importance of natural organohalogens, which are found in various organisms, including plants, animals, and insects. These compounds have medicinal properties, such as treating cancer, bacterial infection, and HIV, and serve vital purposes like hormones, pheromones, repellents, and natural pesticides.
A recent study found that adding natural mycorrhizal fungi to synthetic fertilizers can significantly improve plant growth while reducing pesticide use and water consumption. Researchers at Texas A&M AgriLife Communications discovered this inexpensive additive makes better use of fertilizers, saving money and improving the environment.
A new study led by Duke University and NIST found a correlation between sea turtle health and high levels of toxic organic chemicals. The research team analyzed blood and fat samples from 48 juvenile turtles in North Carolina waters, discovering changes in immune function, liver damage, and protein regulation.
A study found that 28% of Central Valley sediment samples are toxic to amphipods and midge larvae due to pyrethroids. The pesticides were present in 68% of these sediments, posing a risk to freshwater organisms.
Researchers presented promising results of a long-term gene therapy trial in monkeys with Parkinson's disease, showing improved symptoms with reduced levodopa doses. Genetic studies identified a new risk factor for early symptom onset linked to the GST gene, emphasizing the importance of both environmental and genetic factors in PD dev...
A Purdue University research team has found a set of genes that may orchestrate insects' ability to fight the effects of pesticides. The study identified dozens of genes different in resistant fly lines compared to non-resistant wild-type flies, indicating that multiple genes are involved in metabolic resistance.
A new animal study suggests that antioxidant vitamins may increase the secretion of VLDL in liver cells, leading to higher levels of LDL cholesterol. The study found that vitamins hampered a process in the liver that prevents the production of harmful lipoproteins.
No-till farming reduces carbon emissions by retaining humus in the soil, preventing erosion and promoting healthy crop production. By adopting no-till practices, farmers can sequester up to 300 million tons of soil carbon annually, potentially delaying the need for fossil fuels.
Researchers at Purdue University have identified a method to identify chemical compounds that can be added to pesticides to overcome insect resistance. The approach, which was tested on fruit flies, shows promise for increasing the effectiveness of current pesticides and reducing the need for new ones.
Researchers have successfully engineered plant-dwelling bacteria to break down toxic pollutants, enabling plants to thrive in contaminated environments. The technique uses naturally occurring bacteria and natural gene-transfer methods, offering a promising solution for environmental cleanup.
A study published in The Lancet reveals that southern India has the world's highest rates of suicide among young people, particularly young women. The study found that suicide accounted for between half and three-quarters of deaths among young women, highlighting a need for urgent intervention.
The study reveals that nanoparticles are 30 times more efficient at promoting manganese oxidation than bulk material. This discovery challenges the long-held assumption that manganese oxidation requires bacteria, suggesting particle size may play a key role.
Researchers explore new natural pesticides derived from plants and microorganisms to combat parasitic weeds that destroy large areas of crops. Scientists are developing broad-spectrum herbicides with targeted resistance to useful crops.
Scientists at UC Davis create a novel fluorescent assay for detecting pesticides on a chip, utilizing lanthanide oxide nanoparticles as a reporter. The approach has the potential to improve pesticide detection in environmental testing and other fields.
Researchers measured blood levels of chlorpyrifos and diazinon in umbilical cords before and after the ban and found a significant reduction in birth weights and lengths in infants with high pesticide exposure. The study confirms developmental impact of insecticides on human health.
A study by Miriam Jacobs and colleagues has found significant increases in flame retardant levels in cod liver oil supplements over the past four years. This is a growing concern due to the potential for these chemicals to contaminate the environment and human health, particularly through consumption of contaminated fish oils.
Researchers used molecular modeling to study the detoxifying proteins of black swallowtail butterflies and corn earworms. The earworm's protein is more flexible, allowing it to bind to and detoxify six different plant defense chemicals and three common insecticides, making it a master of adapting to new pesticides and host plants.
Stanford University researchers use video cameras to capture daily activities of healthy children in various environments. By analyzing these recordings, they create detailed models of how children ingest or become exposed to substances like lead and pesticides. This approach allows for the collection of tens of thousands of data point...
University of Minnesota professors Terry Roe, Ronald Phillips, and G. Edward Schuh will discuss topics such as trade disputes, GMO crop plantings, and biosafety protocols at the symposium. The event aims to shed light on the impact of international trade policies on economic growth and institutional reform in less developed countries.
Agricultural ecologist David Pimentel warns of unimaginable malnutrition and human misery by 2054 if current trends continue. The world's growing population is putting pressure on resources like cropland, fresh water, and energy, threatening food production.
An anthropologist suggests a connection between decreasing energy use and declining fertility rates. The availability of energy affects economic activity, leading to a depressed economy which in turn causes a decline in fertility rate. This prediction is based on the link between petroleum consumption and economic conditions.
Researchers found that agricultural workers who thin orchards have detectable levels of pesticides in their house and vehicle dust, posing a risk to children. Children of thinners were more likely to have detectable pesticide metabolites in their urine, supporting the theory that workers track home pesticides on their clothing and shoes.
The lab recognized for FRAMES, a software system for understanding industrial impact on people and environment; a testing chamber that identifies hard-to-measure chemical emissions; and a test bed for developing fish-friendly designs for roadway culverts.
A study by Cornell University found that farm-raised salmon in Europe contained higher levels of organic contaminants than those from North America and South America. The analysis revealed 13 out of 14 organochlorine contaminants were present in farmed salmon, highlighting the need for safer farming practices.
Researchers found high concentrations of BDEs in peregrine falcon eggs, suggesting the deca formulation may not be harmless. The study's findings add to concerns about the safety of BDEs and their potential impact on wildlife.
Cardiff University scientists have developed a new method to identify the prey spiders eat by analyzing their stomach contents using DNA. This technique shows that money spiders prefer certain species of springtails, which could lead to better control of aphids and boost spider populations.
A 10-year study by Wake Forest researchers highlights the need for better safety measures to protect migrant farm workers and their families from pesticide exposure. Changes are needed in housing, hygiene procedures, and pesticide application to reduce health risks.
Scientists at Cornell University discovered a key player in plant immunity, the salicylic acid-binding protein 2 (SABP2) gene, which enables plants to fight off diseases by inducing programmed cell death. This finding offers new strategies for boosting natural defenses and reducing pesticide use.