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.
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.
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 developed a cell-based reporter assay that can quantify epigenetic changes induced by chemicals and potential carcinogens. The epi-TK assay detects gene silencing and activation, reflecting epigenetic changes associated with both gene expression and DNA methylation.
Researchers at Lund University found that hedgehogs collected from urban areas in Sweden contained high concentrations of lead, pesticides, and other pollutants. The study provides an environmental fingerprint of urban ecosystems, highlighting the need for increased monitoring and reduced use of synthetic materials.
A team of researchers at MIT has developed a system that makes pesticides stick to plant leaves, reducing waste and costs for farmers. The new technology, which involves coating droplets with an oily material, improves the 'stickiness' of the droplets by up to a hundredfold.
A research team at Tokyo University of Science has identified two new tetranins in spider mite saliva that reduce reproduction and increase defense responses in plants. The findings have potential for organic farming techniques and more resilient crops, contributing to sustainable agriculture and enhanced food safety.
Researchers demonstrate a new technique for encapsulating beneficial bacteria that can be stored and applied to plants to improve growth and protect against pests. The technique enables customized probiotics for plants, allowing farmers to use these bacteria in conjunction with agrochemicals.
A recent study reveals extensive pesticide contamination in the Upper Rhine Region, contaminating not only agricultural areas but also remote regions. The research found that pesticide mixtures spread far beyond fields, posing a risk to people's health and environment.
Researchers at Yale University have discovered a new method to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) into formate, a chemical compound used in preservatives and pesticides. The breakthrough could lead to the development of alternative fuels and sustainable products, addressing environmental concerns.
Researchers from Carnegie Mellon University and UC-Riverside developed a system to monitor and analyze beehive health using sensors and forecasting models. The Electronic Bee-Veterinarian (EBV) uses real-time temperature data to calculate the hive health factor, helping beekeepers take corrective actions before colony collapse.
Researchers developed a novel green pesticide formulation using modified carbon dots and calcium carbonate particles. The new formula enhances adhesion to leaves, resists degradation from sunlight, and releases the active ingredient gradually for sustained effectiveness.
A comprehensive global study reveals pesticides are a major contributor to the biodiversity crisis, affecting over 800 species of plants, animals, fungi, and microbes. The research highlights the need for policies and practices to reduce pesticide use, including regenerative agriculture and Integrated Pest Management.
Researchers uncover the genetic and metabolic intricacies of wild tomato species Solanum habrochaites to develop pest-resistant crops. The study reveals unique glandular trichomes storing anti-insect metabolites, offering a promising approach for reducing chemical pesticide dependency.
A new study shows distinct effects of neonicotinoid pesticide exposure in different bumble bee body parts, highlighting the need for more sensitive safety testing. The researchers found dramatic differences in gene activity across body tissues, affecting brain, legs, and kidney-like tissues in unique ways.
Researchers at Texas A&M University developed a non-toxic pesticide using neem seed extract and nanotechnology. The new formulation shows improved targeting ability and reduces environmental pollution by up to 80-90% of sprayed pesticides missing their target entirely.
A new biopesticide made from dead bacterial cells has shown promise in killing malaria-carrying mosquitoes and reducing disease transmission. The powder, which retains the bacterium's mosquitocidal properties, also inhibits malaria transmission at sub-lethal doses.
A new gene drive technology, known as e-Drive, has been developed to reverse insecticide resistance in pests by replacing mutant genes with native ones. The system is designed to spread and then disappear, leaving only a population of insects susceptible to pesticides.
A new study reveals that pesticides harm ground-nesting bee species, which are crucial pollinators of food crops. The research emphasizes the need for comprehensive reforms in pesticide regulations.
Researchers have identified 22 pesticides consistently linked to prostate cancer incidence across US counties, including 2,4-D. Four pesticides are also associated with increased prostate cancer mortality rates.
DRI is recruiting Fallon community members with private wells to participate in a study examining the prevalence of emerging contaminants, including pesticides, microplastics, and flame retardants. Participants will receive free water quality results and potentially be fitted with a water filtration system.
Researchers found that 57% of tested chemicals altered fruit fly larvae behavior significantly, even at non-lethal doses. Long-term survival was compromised in a dose-dependent manner, with a 60% drop in egg-laying rates observed among exposed mosquitoes and Painted Lady butterflies.
Exposure to widely used agrochemicals at sublethal concentrations disrupts insect behavior, physiology, and long-term ecological harm. This finding highlights the need for comprehensive pesticide assessments beyond lethality.
Induced resistance, a plant-based approach, prepares plants to fight pests and disease by activating their immune systems. This holistic strategy combines multiple methods for tailored protection, enhancing abilities beyond just one defense mechanism.
A recent study by Imperial College London has found that dogs swimming in contaminated ponds are releasing harmful levels of two pesticide medications. The chemicals, imidacloprid and fipronil, were used as flea and tick treatments for cats and dogs, posing a significant threat to aquatic life.
Researchers developed a new method to analyze interactions between neighboring plant individuals, identifying genes involved in associative resistance. Mixing different plant genotypes reduced herbivore damage by up to 24.8% compared to planting individual genotypes.
Researchers found that good nutrition enhances honey bee resilience against pesticide exposure and viral infections. Bees exposed to viruses experienced higher mortality on artificial pollen diets but fewer deaths when fed natural pollen and exposed to pesticides.
This study identifies Paenarthrobacter nitroguajacolicus as a potential biocontrol agent against cucumber corynespora leaf spot fungus, promoting cucumber growth and reducing disease severity. BJ-5 inhibited the germination of fungal spores and caused atrophy in budding tubes, with an inhibition efficacy rate of 63%.
A new study reveals that pesticide residue concerns are the most frequently cited source of food safety fears amongst consumers in Bangladesh, Ghana, Kenya, Pakistan and Uganda. Consumers who express concerns with pesticides are more likely to demand fruits and vegetables from specialist shops and avoid those from street hawkers.
A study published in Nature Sustainability has found an antidote to neonicotinoids, a class of pesticides killing bees. The treatment involves tiny ingestible microparticles that physically bind to the pesticide, leading to 30% higher survival rates and reduced symptoms in bumblebees.
Research found that combining neonicotinoids with fungicides significantly increased mortality of bee larvae, while also affecting adult honeybee survival rates and lifespan. The study suggests that solitary wild bees may be more vulnerable to pesticide effects due to their smaller colony size.
A recent Science study reveals that bat population decline led to a significant increase in pesticide use by farmers, resulting in more than 1,000 infant deaths. The study found a 31% rise in pesticide use and an 8% increase in infant mortality rate, highlighting the potential harm of pesticide misuse on human health.
Researchers analyzed water from over 100 wells in Denmark for trifluoroacetate, a persistent PFAS. Groundwater concentrations increased significantly since the 1960s, suggesting a link to changing atmospheric deposition and local pesticide application.
A new study by MLU and UG found that organic farming, flower strips, and semi-natural habitats improve bee health. Organic fields had the greatest impact, reducing parasite infestation and boosting colony growth.
A new study found that living near areas where pesticides were used during the first trimester of pregnancy or pre-conception increases the risk of stillbirths. Researchers linked pesticide use records to state birth certificate data and found specific chemicals, such as organophosphates and pyrethroids, to be associated with increased...
Researchers developed a high-tech imaging method to detect pesticide contamination at low levels using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The method was applied to fruits, revealing that current food safety practices may be insufficient.
Researchers identified a new enzyme XccOpgD in Xanthomonas that enhances pathogenicity, leading to potential anti-bacterial pesticides. The discovery offers sustainable solutions to global agricultural challenges and promotes environmental stewardship.
A recent study published in Frontiers found that pesticide use is associated with increased cancer risk, particularly for Non-Hodgkins lymphoma, leukemia, and bladder cancer. The researchers discovered a strong correlation between pesticide exposure and cancer incidence, rivalling the effects of smoking.
A comprehensive study reveals that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are increasingly added to US pesticide products, contaminating waterways and posing potential threats to human health. The study found that pesticides containing PFAS are widely used in staple foods, flea treatments for pets, and insect-killing sprays.
Frogs have been found to rapidly develop tolerance to pesticides through sublethal exposures, allowing them to survive in ecosystems where pesticides are commonly used. This rapid adaptation helps protect populations over generations.
Researchers have developed a more effective method of removing organic pesticides from drinking water using powdered activated carbon particles as small as 6 μm. This process achieves significant water treatment savings while ensuring the removal of toxic chemicals.
A recent study finds semi-natural habitats play a crucial role in conserving pollinator diversity, outpacing the impact of pesticide use. The research suggests that prioritizing habitat conservation can be more effective than reducing pesticide application in rice fields.
A study found that pesticides imidacloprid, pyraclostrobin, and glyphosate impair the mobility and immune system of Brazilian native stingless bees. Even if bees survive exposure to these pesticides, their immune systems are weakened, making them more prone to infections and increasing the risk of colony collapse.
Researchers highlight strategies for improving agriculture with nanotechnology, including targeted delivery of pesticides and herbicides, and digital twin simulations. These approaches aim to reduce environmental pollution and increase crop resilience.
Researchers at Colorado State University have developed a new approach to speed up the development of pharmaceuticals and pesticides. By deconstructing and reassembling common compounds known as heterocycles, scientists can rapidly change their characteristics without extensive synthesis.
A study at the University of Bonn found that organic barley developed specific gene variants less sensitive to nutrient deficit or water scarcity. Conventionally farmed barley became more genetically uniform over time, while organic barley remained heterogeneous.
A CABI-led study found that participation in Zambia's Farmer Input Subsidy Programme encourages synthetic pesticide use at the expense of sustainable practices. Farmers consider biopesticides as safer alternatives when they have tenure security and access to financial resources.
A new study found that genetic variants in lysosomal genes may contribute to the development of Parkinson's disease in individuals exposed to high levels of pesticides. The research suggests a potential gene-environment interaction, where minor changes in these genes can lead to increased disease risk under stress.
Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered a second parallel metabolic pathway for acylsugars in tomato roots, shedding light on the plant's defense mechanisms. The findings could lead to improved natural pesticides and a better understanding of the resilience of Solanaceae family plants.
A researcher will study how plants defend themselves against nematode infections, which could lead to novel drugs or antibiotics for humans and livestock. The project aims to increase food security in Africa and Asia by understanding the molecular mechanisms behind plant resistance.
A new study reveals that honey bees are exposed to an average of 23 stressors at once, creating 307 interactions that impact bee health. The researchers found that social media influencers – viruses and pesticides – have a significant impact on the architecture of the complex network.
The Yangtze River Basin faces severe water quality issues due to excessive fertilizer and pesticide use, as well as the inappropriate disposal of agricultural waste. The study highlights the need for balancing green agriculture with development to ensure food security and water quality.
A new hypothesis paper proposes that Parkinson's disease starts in either the brain's smell center or the body's intestinal tract, tied to environmental factors. The study suggests that exposure to pesticides, air pollution, and tainted food may predispose to the disease.
Researchers investigated golfers' potential risks from four common pesticides used on golf course turfgrass. They found that the HQ values from the golfers' exposure indicated little risk to the four pesticides used in this study, suggesting a low risk of adverse effects from exposure.
A study found that organic fields can help reduce pesticide use on surrounding organic fields by increasing pest control in those areas. Conversely, clustering organic fields together decreases overall pesticide use across both organic and conventional farms by mitigating spillover effects.