Search results for “Pesticides”

Native Gray Ants Play Positive Role In Valley Peach Orchards

Researchers found that native gray ants are the most important predator of peach twig borer larvae in peaches and nectarines. Native gray ant populations were not affected by orchard floor management practices, but cultural practices like cover cropping or disking may benefit them by reducing southern fire ant numbers.

SourceUniversity of California - Division of Agriculture & Natural Resources·JournalCalifornia Agriculture·DateDec 22, 1998

Possible Breast Carcinogen Found In Human Milk

Aromatic amines, used in industrial processes, have been detected in human milk, raising concerns about breast cancer risk and infant exposure. The study's findings suggest that breast ductal epithelial cells are also exposed to these substances, highlighting the need for further investigation.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical Research in Toxicology·DateDec 16, 1998

You Could Even Say It Glows

Researchers at the University of Maryland have developed a new method to detect chemical weapons by reacting with specific phosphate esters. The system uses molecules that selectively detect even small amounts of lethal phosphate esters, reducing false positives from benign chemicals like pesticides.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 1, 1998

Study Of Raindrop Energy To Aid Fight Against Crop Diseases

A sensor measuring raindrop energy may soon warn farmers of potential crop disease outbreaks. Early results show that the sensor can explain how rain spreads fungal spores causing some crop diseases.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPhytopathology·DateNov 30, 1998

Gulf War Troop Exposure To Pesticides To Be Studied By Virginia Tech Researchers

Researchers at Virginia Tech will study the potential connection between pesticide exposure during the Persian Gulf War and an increased risk of developing Parkinson's Disease. The three-year project aims to investigate neurochemical changes in mice exposed to insecticides, which could provide insights into the disease.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateNov 10, 1998

Geographic Information Systems Help Jamaica Cut Pesticide Use

Researchers from Virginia Tech are training Jamaican agricultural personnel to use GIS in integrated pest management, reducing pesticide use and environmental harm. The system helps analyze spatial patterns of variables relevant to solving pest management problems.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateOct 30, 1998

Aquaculture: Not An Easy Answer To Overfishing

A new report reveals that shrimp and salmon aquaculture may be depleting fisheries, disrupting coastal ecosystems, and polluting the ocean due to unsustainable practices. Improved practices, such as reducing fish feed requirements and minimizing pollution, are needed to make these industries more sustainable.

SourceOregon State University·JournalScience·DateOct 29, 1998

French Researchers Breed Flightless Ladybirds As Pest-Killers

Researchers have developed a method to breed flightless Asian ladybirds that can control pests on crops like cucumbers and melons. The new biological pest-control strategy has shown promising results in reducing pesticide use, but further field trials are needed to assess its efficiency.

SourceNew Scientist·JournalThe New Scientist·DateSep 23, 1998

Putting Doesn't Pollute, Research Finds

New research by Purdue University finds that fungicides on golf courses do not contaminate surface water or groundwater when used according to manufacturer's guidelines. In fact, most of the fungicide remains on the grass leaf blade and is degraded internally.

SourcePurdue University·DateAug 26, 1998

Advances In Analyzing Environmental Endocrine Disruptors And Their Effects On Health, Environment

Scientists will present research on the effects of environmental endocrine disruptors on human health and the environment. Studies have found links between pesticides, PCBs, and amphibian decline, as well as potential impacts on fetal development and cancer risk.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 26, 1998

Gene-Toxin Link May Shed Light On Cause Of Parkinson's Disease

Researchers discovered a gene-toxin link that may increase the risk of dementia in Parkinson's patients. The study found that exposure to pesticides and a defective gene called CYP 2D6 29B+ increased the likelihood of developing dementia, particularly among those with Parkinson's disease with dementia (PD+D).

SourceOhio State University·JournalNeuroepidemiology·DateJul 31, 1998

Scientists At UNC-CH Find Aberdeen Pesticide Exposure, But Few Symptoms

A study by UNC-CH scientists found elevated DDE levels in Aberdeen residents' blood, but no major clinical effects were observed. Younger residents showed a two-to-three-fold increased risk of herpes zoster, indicating immune system suppression.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·DateJun 25, 1998

Sentinels Of The Sea

Scientists have discovered a species of glowing bacteria that can detect pollutants in the deep sea. When exposed to various toxic substances, Photobacterium phosphoreum HE-1a glows up to 50% less brightly, triggering an alarm call that alerts nearby sensors to take action.

SourceNew Scientist·JournalThe New Scientist·DateJun 3, 1998

Conference Brief: Balancing Risks And Benefits Of Pesticides On Foods

Pesticide residues on food raise concerns, but some pesticides can increase safety by reducing naturally occurring toxins. Carl Winter suggests fine-tuning regulations to reflect relative benefits and risks presented by a pesticide.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateMar 31, 1998

Insect Taste Buds Target Of Control Method

Researchers at Penn State aim to protect crops by targeting insect taste buds, which are a direct connection between the central nervous system and the outside. By identifying chemicals that stimulate or suppress feeding behavior, scientists hope to develop more effective control methods for corn rootworm pests.

SourcePenn State·DateMar 30, 1998

The Cutting Edge Of Global Change In Europe: Policy

A European Union policy overhaul aims to reduce pollution and maintain biodiversity, but scientists struggle to design management strategies for a successful transition. Researchers are exploring the use of diverse plant and soil mixtures to facilitate re-colonization and re-establish natural communities.

SourceGlobal Change and Terrestrial Ecosystems Project (GCTE)·DateMar 11, 1998

Phase Out Planned For One Of Top Five U.S. Pesticides, Plant Doctors Respond

Plant pathologists are developing new management practices for disease control, including the use of ecologically-based strategies and biological control organisms. The phase-out of methyl bromide is expected to have a significant impact on American agriculture, prompting research into alternative pest control tools.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPlant Disease·DateFeb 17, 1998

Plants Thrive With Insect-Induced Immune Responses

Researchers confirm that plants have an adaptive immune-like response to insect damage, increasing seed production by 60% and resisting pests. The study used wild radish as a model plant and found that triggering this response enhanced plant fitness, providing a potential alternative to chemical pesticides.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScience·DateFeb 13, 1998

Research Finds Alligator Problems Also Evident In Less Polluted Lakes

Researchers have discovered reproductive and hormonal problems in alligators from Lake Okeechobee, similar to those found in the highly polluted Lake Apopka. The study suggests that environmental toxicants can affect thyroid function and growth in animals.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateFeb 9, 1998

Research Aims At Nation's First 'Smart' Ground Water Regulations

A unique strategy aims to use computer-examined variables and prescribe chemical regulations for specific areas to benefit the environment and agriculture. The nation's first 'smart' environmental regulations for ground water contamination by agricultural runoff are being created as part of Indiana's pesticide management plan.

SourcePurdue University·DateJan 22, 1998

Careful Honeybee Breeding Combats Tracheal Mite Pests

A study at Ohio State University shows that selective breeding helps honeybees develop resistance to tracheal mites, reducing the need for insecticides. Beekeepers can maintain healthy hives without relying on chemicals by selecting and breeding mite-resistant bees.

SourceOhio State University·DateJan 20, 1998

Scientists "Mine" Data To Analyze Gulf War Illness

Researchers use exploratory analysis of CCEP database to identify smaller groups with common health conditions based on shared exposure to risk factors. The study found no large group affected by a syndrome, but identified specific characteristics that may be related to Gulf War Syndrome.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·DateJan 7, 1998

Estrogen Linked To Sperm Count, Male Fertility

Research reveals estrogen regulates fluid reabsorption in efferent ductules, essential for sperm maturation and normal fertility. The study found high concentrations of estrogen receptors in the male reproductive tract.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateDec 3, 1997

Eating Lake Ontario Fish Linked To Shorter Menstrual Cycles; Consumption May Delay Pregnancy

Researchers found a small association between eating Lake Ontario fish and shortened menstrual cycles, with an average reduction of 1.1 days. The study also reported a statistically insignificant delay in the time it took women to become pregnant.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateDec 2, 1997

In Minnesota, Wisconsin, New York, Vermont And Parts Of Canada: Why Are The Frogs Malformed? -- Parasites, Pesticides And/Or UV?

Researchers investigate three possible causes: chemicals from agricultural fields, increased UV radiation due to ozone depletion, and parasitic invasions. Preliminary research suggests water from affected ponds and nearby wells may also cause malformations in embryos of Xenopus laevis frogs.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·DateNov 18, 1997

Too Much Fertilizer Ineffective, Data From Historic Farm Plots Indicate

Historic farm plots show that over-fertilizing can actually decrease crop yields and make production unstable. Long rotations and sustainable farming practices are more effective in increasing organic matter and nutrients to the soil.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateOct 31, 1997

Pharmaceuticals Manufactured In Insect Larvae

Researchers have discovered a way to harness valuable proteins from nearly dead insect pests, producing high-quality pharmaceuticals in a more cost-effective manner. The HeRD system enables the mass production of these proteins, paving the way for the development of novel vaccine treatments and alternative pesticides.

SourceCornell University·JournalEntomophaga·DateSep 25, 1997

National Science Foundation Awards $900,000 To UB Center To Study Chemical Sensitivities, Airborne Contagions

The University at Buffalo Center for Biosurfaces has received a $900,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to investigate the effects of airborne contaminants on human cardiovascular and respiratory health. Researchers aim to develop new materials that are non-toxic and do not cause adverse reactions in humans.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·DateSep 19, 1997

Electrically Based Technologies Heat Up The Cleanup Market

Two electrically based technologies, Six-Phase Soil Heating and In Situ Corona, are being commercialized for rapid and effective cleanup of contaminated soils. These methods utilize electrical current to heat the soil, removing contaminants through steam stripping or destruction by ionizing plasma.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateSep 10, 1997

Researcher Calls For More Careful Use Of Biological Controls

A new study highlights the risks of biological control gone wrong, as a widely released weevil has attacked five native thistle species. The Eurasian weevil, introduced to the US in 1968, has damaged native plants' seed production by 86% and expanded its distribution.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScience·DateAug 21, 1997

Study Focuses On How Plants Help Toxic Pollutants Travel Around The World

A UB researcher is conducting a four-year study on how temperature, humidity, and ultraviolet light impact the transport of persistent organic pollutants through the atmosphere. The project aims to understand how plants contribute to the global distribution of toxic chemicals.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·DateAug 5, 1997

Natural Shelters on Leaves House Plant Bodyguards

Researchers at UC Davis discovered that plants with simulated leaf domatia attract beneficial insects, reducing spider mite populations and increasing cotton yield by 30%. This mutually beneficial relationship offers a natural biological control strategy to pesticides.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateJun 5, 1997

New Data Shows How Humus Handles Pollution

Research by Penn State scientists has shown that humus can bind up to 40-50% of applied chemicals, including pesticides and other pollutants, rendering them unavailable to plants or groundwater. This natural process is beneficial as bound chemicals are stable and do not leach into the environment.

SourcePenn State·DateApr 13, 1997

Satellites And Sensors To Be Used For Better Control Of Crop Pests

The University of Illinois is using satellites and sensors to monitor crop yields, soil moisture, and pest infestations. This technology aims to improve agricultural efficiency while reducing chemical runoff and soil erosion, benefiting the environment.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateApr 3, 1997

Professor Designs Program To Reduce Incidence Of Skin Cancer Among Agricultural Workers

Agricultural workers in Georgia are now being educated about skin cancer risks through a new program, thanks to $1.15 million in funding from the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. The program includes sun block, hats with built-in neck protection, and educational materials targeted at farmers' families.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·DateMar 10, 1997

Teaching Old Watchdogs New Tricks

A US chemist, Cliff Meloan, has developed a comprehensive training manual to help Central American food inspectors detect pesticide residues using advanced analytical methods. The manual, published in 1996, covers procedures for handling raw and processed foods, identifying chemical compounds, and quality control and assurance.

SourceKansas State University·DateSep 20, 1996

Natural Pest Control Shows Economic Promise For Citrus Industry

Researchers discover a new parasitic wasp that attacks caterpillars harming citrus trees, offering an alternative to chemical pesticides. The discovery has economic potential for the US orange juice industry.

SourceUniversity of Wyoming·DateSep 9, 1996

Salvage Gene Is At The Root Of Many Mutations

A team of researchers has found that most DNA mutations in yeast are caused by the activity of an enzyme called REV1. The enzyme helps cells evade quality control and can produce mutations when repairing damaged DNA, potentially leading to cancer.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·DateAug 23, 1996

Southern Pine Beetle Reaching Outbreak Levels In North Florida

The Southern Pine Beetle is the most aggressive and destructive of five bark beetles that feed on southern pines, causing $900 million in damage to U.S. pine forests from 1960 through 1990. Forest owners and homeowners need to take control measures if they spot the beetle, as it can be a costly pest.

SourceUniversity of Florida·DateJul 3, 1996

Dangerous Chemical Combination Presents Possible Scenario For Gulf War Illnesses

Researchers at Duke University found that harmless doses of DEET, permethrin, and pyridostigmine bromide become highly toxic when used together. This combination may explain the wide range of symptoms reported by an estimated 30,000 Gulf War veterans.

SourceDuke University·DateApr 29, 1996