A researcher at Tokyo University of Science discovered a menthol-like compound that enhances plant defense against pests. The compound, valine menthyl ester (ment-Val), can be used as an alternative to chemical pesticides and has shown promise in reducing pest damage to various crops.
A new study found that exposure to organophosphate pesticides may increase susceptibility to COVID-19 infection by triggering an inflammatory response. The research suggests that people with metabolic diseases or cancer may be particularly at risk due to increased ACE2 receptor expression on the surface of airway cells.
Researchers are investigating how carnivorous plant genes can help crops defend themselves from pathogens and insects, reducing reliance on pesticides and fertilizers. The team plans to test transgenic crop plants with protein-based pest deterrents and nutrient-enhancing traits.
A comprehensive systematic review of epidemiological research found a link between certain endocrine-disrupting chemicals and increased breast cancer risk. For example, DDT, PCBs, and PFOA were associated with higher breast cancer incidence in some studies, while phytoestrogens like genistein showed potential protective effects.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered a better way to target and eliminate beetles using eco-friendly methods. The study found that beetles regulate their kidney function in a unique way, which can be exploited to disrupt their fluid balance without harming other insects.
Researchers found that chronic dietary exposure to RNAi pesticides enhances their efficacy in controlling pests, allowing for lower concentrations to be used for effective control. This breakthrough has implications for optimizing dsRNA spray approaches and developing genetically engineered crops with built-in pest control.
New study finds toxicity of commonly used pesticides to nontarget species, including aquatic invertebrates and pollinators, has increased considerably. The use of highly toxic pyrethroid and neonicotinoid pesticides is linked to these impacts.
A recent study by the University of Sydney found that 64% of the world's arable land is at risk of pesticide pollution. The research highlights concerns about human health and environmental impacts associated with widespread agricultural pesticide use, particularly in regions like Asia and Europe.
A new study found correlations between increased autistic-like behaviors in pre-school aged children and gestational exposure to environmental toxicants like metals, pesticides, and phthalates. Higher maternal concentrations of cadmium, lead, and some phthalates were associated with increased autistic-like behaviors.
CABI-led Plantwise plant clinics help farmers adopt safer alternatives to pesticides, including judicious use of pesticides within Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plans. Farmers who visit plant clinics are more likely to wear protective clothing while working with pesticides, indicating a shift towards more sustainable practices.
Researchers at University of British Columbia discovered a simple polymer additive can cut agricultural pollution in half by improving fertilizer stickiness. The study found that combining fertilizers with a miniscule amount of polyethylene oxide nearly eliminated environmental loss, reducing percentage from 30 to just five.
Researchers identified pesticide residues at 100 Swiss farms, including all organic fields, with beneficial microbes' abundance negatively impacted by their occurrence. Organic farming strategies avoid synthetic substances, yet pesticides can persist in the soil.
Researchers detected pesticides in 38% of mussel and clam samples, with some containing herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides. The study's findings have implications for developing more sustainable forestry practices to reduce harm to aquatic life.
Researchers have identified 73 different receptors in the antennae of the Eurasian spruce bark beetle, enabling characterization of its pheromone response. This discovery could lead to more effective and environmentally friendly pesticides and bark beetle traps.
A recent study found that a diverse population of fungi, including Hyalorbilia, are likely killing cyst nematodes, leading to a natural decline in pesticide use. This decrease in pesticide application has resulted in increased broccoli yields and reduced environmental impact.
A recent CABI study has updated the list of potential biopesticide active ingredients for managing fall armyworm in Africa, with 41 products now registered across 30 countries. The review highlights the efficacy of eight additional biological control agents, including Aspergillus oryzae and thyme oil.
Research finds that flowers provide essential nectar and pollen for predatory insects, helping them survive up to 8 times longer. This can significantly reduce the need for agricultural pesticides, improving crop production while supporting biodiversity.
Research by University of Bristol scientists shows neonicotinoid insecticides disrupt bees' and flies' ability to get a good night's sleep, affecting daily behavioral rhythms. The pesticides also impair memory and circadian behavior in these insects, leading to potential decline in pollinator populations.
Researchers developed an in vitro and computational model-based approach to identify chemicals affecting male reproductive health without animal tests. The method predicts exposure of fetuses to harmful substances, showing promising results compared to traditional animal tests.
Researchers discovered that mosquitoes carrying Wolbachia bacteria are less susceptible to widely used pesticides. The study found that the bacterial species naturally infecting mosquitoes makes them resistant to three types of pesticide, potentially reducing their use and environmental impact.
Excessive use of pharmaceuticals and pesticides in industrial meat production facilities affects water quality and air pollution. Aerial transport of agrochemicals from feed yards contributes to environmental degradation, posing risks to humans and wildlife.
A bio-pesticide made from safflower and cottonseed oils has been found to work against two-spotted spider mites by preventing their embryo from rotating within its eggshell for hatching. This allows the pesticide to spare the mites' natural predators, making it a promising eco-friendly solution for farmers and gardeners.
A new study by ARS and UofA scientists found that genetically engineered cotton and sterile pink bollworm moths synergistically suppressed the pest. This collaboration among farmers, scientists, and industry resulted in a 90% reduction of pink bollworm population and saved US cotton farmers $192 million from 2014 to 2019.
A study by University of Vermont researchers reveals that Colorado potato beetles develop resistance to pesticides through epigenetic changes, which can be passed on to descendants across at least two generations. These changes allow the beetles to rapidly adapt to new pesticides without requiring genetic mutations.
A recent study found that pesticides in contact with plastic mulch can lead to delayed degradation, contaminating the soil and potentially harming the ecosystem. The use of biodegradable plastics was shown to have a higher percentage of pesticide sorption, leading to concerns about soil contamination.
A simple technique developed by researchers at the University of Waterloo can now effectively detect pyrethroids in honey, a common pesticide hazard for bees. The extraction method, using solid phase microextraction (SPME), makes it possible to measure safe levels and identify locations with high pesticide use.
Researchers found widespread contamination of English rivers with neurotoxic pesticides fipronil and imidacloprid, exceeding accepted safe limits. The use of pet flea products is a likely source of the contamination, posing a high risk to aquatic ecosystems.
Research found that species-rich plant communities reduce herbivore impacts, supporting natural predators and providing less nutritious food for herbivores. This leads to increased plant biomass per square meter and lower damage from arthropod herbivores.
Researchers developed a method to analyze glyphosate and AMPA in oat-based food samples, detecting glyphosate in all 13 samples and AMPA in three. The results show that glyphosate levels were well below the EPA tolerance limit, but AMPA levels were lower.
Scientists are developing safer alternatives to chlorpyrifos, a widely used insecticide linked to human health problems and environmental damage. Researchers are testing biodegradable hydrogel beads, targeted soil treatments, and root-based applications to minimize exposure in agricultural workers.
A new study found that pesticide exposure and limited forage reduced blue orchard bee reproduction by 57%, with females producing fewer offspring. The research highlights the importance of considering multiple stressors on bee populations in agricultural systems.
A new disease affecting maize has been discovered by researchers at the University of Göttingen, caused by an aggressive strain of the fungus Trichoderma. This discovery raises concerns about the potential risks of using organic plant protection products in agriculture.
Researchers found that butylparaben, used in cosmetics, has endocrine disrupting effects on humans. The study proposes using the existing EU guidance document with modifications to identify endocrine disrupting effects of a broader spectrum of chemicals.
A study of 61,751 pregnant women found that frequent indoor insecticide use increased neonatal hyperbilirubinemia requiring phototherapy by 1.21 times, while frequent spray or lotion-type repellent use decreased it by 0.70 times. Asian mothers are twice as likely to exhibit jaundice than Caucasians and blacks.
Scientists at the Universities of Bath and Sussex have developed a new system that slowly releases ant pheromones to attract pests to an insecticide bait. This innovative approach aims to reduce pesticide spraying and minimize environmental damage.
Research found occupational exposures to pollutants, including burning wood and vehicle exhaust, were associated with abnormal heart function and structure. Long-term exposure to these pollutants may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, especially among low-income occupations.
Research from Southern Cross University found that imidacloprid, a common agricultural pesticide, can impact the feeding behavior of prawns, leading to nutritional deficiency and reduced flesh quality. Sydney rock oysters are also vulnerable to imidacloprid exposure.
A new study from the University of Illinois reveals a significant decline in US bird biodiversity related to neonicotinoid use, particularly affecting grassland birds. The research found a 2.2% decline in grassland bird populations for every 100 kg increase in neonicotinoid usage per county.
Researchers found 28 pesticides linked to mammary gland tumors, but EPA acknowledged only nine, highlighting the need for updated guidelines. The study also identified endocrine disruptors that can trigger breast cancer development.
Researchers developed two approaches to control plant proteins related to hydrophobic pollutant transport. A pesticide that suppresses MLP gene expression reduced hydrophobic pollutant accumulation, while an MLP-binding pesticide inhibited binding to pollutants. This breakthrough enables safer crop production on contaminated soil.
A set of reviews concludes that hundreds of studies link widespread health issues including infertility, diabetes, and impaired brain development to hormone disruptors in pesticides, flame retardants, and certain plastics.
Researchers developed the APIStrip tool to sample contaminants in honeybee colonies without disrupting their normal routine. The method uses a polystyrene strip with Tenax to detect up to 442 kinds of pesticides, including residues from beekeepers' treatments and plant protection products.
Research at UC Berkeley reveals pesticides can boost schistosome parasite transmission by affecting snail survival, aquatic predators and algae composition. This increases disease burden in areas with high agricultural agrochemical use, posing a significant threat to public health.
Research has found that nearly all water samples from 15 waterways discharging into the Great Barrier Reef lagoon contained pesticide mixtures, with up to 20 pesticides present in some samples. The study emphasizes the need for improved pesticide management practices among land managers and farmers to reduce losses to waterways.
Researchers correlated poisoned red kites with local extinction and declining breeding populations in Spain between 1994-2014. Wildlife poisoning from pesticides and lead ammunition may contribute to species declines across the country.
A new CABI-led study suggests that governments should reallocate subsidies to encourage the use of lower-risk control options like biopesticides. The research also emphasizes the importance of enforcing pesticide regulations and mass media campaigns to inform farmers about recommended pesticides and sustainable management options.
The study found that exposure to Transform and Sivanto pesticides shortens honeybee lifespan and causes physiological stress. Researchers suggest that more information be put on the labels of these products and further studies be conducted on sublethal effects of chronic exposure.
A study found 64 pesticide residues in milkweed, contaminating the main food source for monarch butterflies in the west. Pesticides were present at levels harmful to monarchs and other insects, raising concerns for the already critically small western monarch population.
Researchers used silicone dog tags as passive environmental samplers to collect data on everyday chemical exposures in dogs and their owners. They found significant correlations between exposure levels for owners and pets, as well as similarities in urinary biomarkers.
New video technique reveals altered nursing behaviour and retarded larval development in neonicotinoid-treated honey bees. This affects their social interactions and increases the risk of parasite infestation, such as Varroa mite.
A new review links dozens of environmental chemicals to changes in the gut microbiome, associated with health challenges such as reproductive defects, Type 2 diabetes, and poor immune function. Exposure to bisphenols and phthalates has been linked to altered hormone metabolism and microbial shifts.
Research at NYU Langone Health found a link between elevated blood levels of toxic chemicals and an increased risk for celiac disease in young people. Young females were eight times more likely to become gluten intolerant, while males were twice as likely with fire-retardant exposure.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health found detectable levels of DDT and other banned organochlorine pesticides in the blood of over 60% of Detroit-area black women. The chemicals were linked to tobacco, alcohol, and water consumption, posing hormonal and metabolic issues.
A recent study by the University of Göttingen suggests that new plant breeding technologies, such as genetic engineering and gene editing, can help increase food production whilst being more environmentally friendly. This approach has been evaluated over 50 years of research from around the world.
A new study by UC Davis finds that California cannabis safety testing costs growers around 10% of the average wholesale price, mainly due to rejected product disposal. Higher testing costs translate into higher prices for the licensed market, posing a risk to unlicensed alternatives.
A global group of scientists warns of the accelerating rate of insect extinction, which could have severe consequences for the environment. The team highlights practical steps individuals can take to help conserve insects, such as reducing lawn mowing frequency, avoiding pesticides, and supporting conservation organizations.
Consumer awareness and information type significantly impact pollinator-friendly plant purchases. A study found that positive information from trusted sources increases willingness to buy, while neutral or negative info has little effect. Trusted sources include universities, major media outlets, and government agencies.
The study found that farmers know less about pesticides applied to their seeds than those applied in other ways, due to seed treatments being exempt from labeling requirements. This lack of knowledge can lead to overuse of pesticides, harming the environment and farmers' health. The researchers recommend improved labelling of pesticide...
Researchers found that pesticide-contaminated freshwater bodies support larger snail populations, which can increase the risk of schistosomiasis. The study suggests reducing pesticide use near waterways and improving sewage systems as key measures to mitigate the disease.
A study found that threshold-based insect management strategies, including conventional and organic pesticides, resulted in greater economic returns for small-scale tomato producers. Organic thresholds did not affect yields but had higher costs due to increased pesticide applications.