The European Union has approved the renewal of glyphosate for five years, recognizing its importance in maintaining food production and affordability. However, experts emphasize the need to balance this decision with reducing pesticide use and finding alternative weed control methods.
Scientists at Michigan State University have discovered a key to designing more selective pesticides that target pests without killing beneficial insects like bees. By understanding the molecular differences between mammals and insects, they hope to create new chemicals that spare bees while effectively controlling agricultural pests.
A new study found that pesticides significantly reduce bumblebees' ability to collect pollen and perform complex behaviors like buzz pollination. Chronic pesticide exposure interferes with bees' vibrations, leading to reduced pollen collection over time.
Researchers identified a wild yeast strain that inhibits three common grape molds more effectively than a pesticide. The study suggests using natural yeasts as an eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides in vineyards.
A Colorado State University team will research how a deadly citrus disease propagates and can be stopped, supported by a $1.2 million gift from Cutrale. The team aims to understand the spread of the disease and identify effective control methods.
Researchers found that a baking soda solution was the most effective at removing pesticide residues from organic Gala apples. After 12 and 15 minutes of washing, 80% of thiabendazole and 96% of phosmet were removed. The study suggests that this simple method could be an effective strategy for cleaning pesticides off produce.
Tandon researcher Jin Montclare develops phosphotriesterase (PTE) variants to neutralize toxic chemical agents, including VX and organophosphorus compounds. Her goal is to create stable, robust, and effective antidotes with improved therapeutic efficacy.
A global sampling of honey found 75% contaminated with neonicotinoid pesticides, a key factor in the global decline of pollinators, particularly bees. The study's findings suggest that chronic exposure to these pesticides may have detrimental effects on bee populations.
A review by UC Davis graduate students highlights the need for research on wildfire smoke's composition and its impact on human health. The study found that current scientific evidence is insufficient, and pesticides and fire-suppression chemicals used in California contribute to the toxic effects of wildfire smoke.
Researchers at UBC Okanagan campus have identified molecules in lavender that create antimicrobial and insecticidal compounds, providing a potential solution for controlling fungal growth and pests. This discovery could lead to the development of more environmentally friendly pesticides.
A team of researchers has successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of a hybrid process called photo-electro-Fenton (PEF) in removing low concentrations of atrazine and its by-products from surface water. The study showed that over 99% of atrazine was eliminated after just 15 minutes of treatment.
Researchers found that mothers who took recommended amounts of folic acid around conception had a significantly lower risk of developing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) even when exposed to household or agricultural pesticides. Folic acid intake was associated with reduced autism risk, but did not eliminate it.
The University of Missouri is developing immunizations against bovine anaplasmosis using extracts from tick tissues. The goal is to create sustainable methods to prevent the spread of tick-transmitted diseases.
A new study by UC Santa Barbara researchers found that mothers exposed to very high levels of pesticides during pregnancy experienced increased risk of adverse outcomes, including a 5-9% increase in birth weight and preterm births. The study analyzed data from over 500,000 single births between 1997 and 2011.
A recent study by researchers at UMass Amherst found that anabasine, a natural alkaloid, has deleterious effects on infected bees and exacerbates the negative effects of combined stressors on pollinator health. The compound was previously thought to have potential as a self-medicating agent against intestinal parasites in bumble bees.
The Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program uses a tiered testing strategy to assess the potential of pesticides and environmental contaminants on hormone systems. The finalized test method is a result of collaborative efforts between EPA scientists and Japanese colleagues.
Researchers found that wood frogs with pesticide tolerance are more susceptible to a deadly virus and a parasitic worm, while those far from agriculture have reduced susceptibility. This study highlights the complexity of pesticide-parasite interactions and the need to consider multiple stressors in environmental conservation.
Two studies in The Lancet and The Lancet Global Health journals found that secure storage has no impact on rates of self-poisoning or suicide, and that national bans are the most effective way to reduce pesticide-related suicides. Improved storage measures were not found to reduce self-poisoning rates.
A randomized trial in Sri Lanka found that secure storage of pesticides had no impact on rates of self-poisoning or suicide. A review of global policies concluded that bans are the most effective way to reduce pesticide-related suicides. Secure storage is not a sufficient solution to this public health problem.
Researchers from Kumamoto University developed a novel electrochemical sensing technique for detecting neurotoxic agents, including Nereistoxin, which showed high sensitivity and specificity. The method uses gold electrodes with adsorbed NRT layers, achieving detection limits of 1-25 micro-grams per milliliter of human serum.
Researchers found that even a tiny dose of pesticide can impair leaf beetles' ability to reproduce, with females developing malformations and offspring laying fewer eggs. The study's results may also be transferred to other insects, highlighting the need for long-term consideration in herbicide authorization.
Researchers are developing crops that use RNA interference to block protein translation in target pests, providing a subtle yet effective method of pest control. The technology has the potential to reduce or eliminate the need for chemical pesticides and address environmental and human toxicity concerns.
Researchers found that amphibian susceptibility to parasites varies with proximity to agriculture and evolutionary responses to pesticides. Wood frogs living closer to agriculture with high baseline tolerance had lower trematode loads, while those far from agriculture with inducible pesticide tolerance had higher viral loads.
A new study by York University researchers has found that exposure to field-realistic levels of neonicotinoids kills honeybee workers and queens earlier, reducing the overall health of the colony. The study also revealed that contaminated pollen comes from plants adjacent to treated crops, not directly from corn or soybeans.
A recent field study found that neonicotinoid pesticides reduce honeybee colony survival and overwintering success in two European countries. Exposure to treated crops also decreases reproductive success in wild bee species, highlighting the need for further research on mitigation strategies.
A recent study found that pyrethroid pesticides can persist in homes for up to a year, with 70% of one common ingredient still present in dust after a year. This persistence increases the risk of exposure for young children and household pets who spend more time on surfaces where the pesticides are present.
A team of researchers led by David Julian McClements aims to quantify the ability of food nanoemulsions to increase pesticide bioavailability, posing a risk to human health. The study will investigate how nanoemulsion composition and structure impact pesticide absorption in fruits and vegetables.
Researchers found that probiotics can improve immunity in fruit flies exposed to pesticides, a common model for studying honey bee effects. This mechanism could lead to improved survival rates for honey bees exposed to pesticide toxins, with potential benefits for agriculture and human health.
Biomedical engineers use biological nanoparticles, a plant virus, to deliver pesticide to root level of crops, reducing leaching and runoff, increasing efficacy and safety. The technology has potential for widespread use in agriculture to control parasitic nematodes, which cause significant crop failures worldwide.
Researchers found altered short-term neurological behaviors in Ecuadorian children exposed to flower pesticides during peak Mother's Day production. Children examined shortly after the harvest displayed lower performance on measures such as attention and self-control compared to those examined later. The study suggests that pesticide e...
A new method developed at MIT can selectively remove even tiny amounts of contamination from water using an electrochemical process. The approach addresses key limitations of conventional methods and is highly selective, making it a promising solution for environmental remediation and water purification systems.
The European Union has a relatively low level of biopesticide research due to complex regulations. This hinders the development and use of biological compounds as pesticides globally.
A new study by Colorado State University researchers demonstrates a method to quickly detect Zika virus in mosquito populations, informing decision-making on disease-prevention methods. The use of loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) allows for easy detection in human and mosquito samples from the US, Brazil, and Nicaragua.
Agricultural production improves hive health by providing adequate food resources and nectar yields, outweighing pesticide risks. Bees in agricultural areas had better colony thermoregulation and higher brood production than those in non-agricultural environments.
Researchers found that neonicotinoid pesticide thiamethoxam impairs honey bee flight ability, affecting their ability to collect food and pollinate crops. Long-term exposure can be fatal, while short-term exposure increases activity levels but decreases accuracy of flight.
A study by Cornell University found that pesticides pose a significant risk to honeybees, with over 60% of found pesticides attributed to non-sprayed orchards and surrounding farmland. The research analyzed the bees' food stores and revealed high levels of pesticide exposure in 17% of colonies.
Researchers detected neonicotinoid pesticides in drinking water in an agricultural area, highlighting concerns over their impact on human health. A new study found that a specific treatment method can effectively remove these substances from water.
Researchers found that timing strawberry blooms directly after neighboring apple blossoms results in higher yields due to increased pollinator activity. This strategy allows growers to capitalize on the services of pollinators without relying on external inputs like fertilizers and pesticides.
Research suggests that exposure to common pesticides like pyrethroids may cause boys to reach sexual maturity earlier. A study of Chinese boys found a strong association between increased levels of the pesticide metabolite 3-PBA and accelerated puberty, including higher levels of testosterone.
Research published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine found a doubling of ALS risk among men exposed to very low frequency electromagnetic fields at work. High levels of exposure were associated with nearly twice the likelihood of developing the disease.
Researchers developed a disposable glove with built-in electrochemical sensors to detect organophosphate nerve agents and pesticides. The sensor can be worn on the fingers, providing fast and accurate detection of deadly toxins.
Scientists at Lomonosov Moscow State University have developed nanozymes, which can degrade toxic organophosphorous compounds with high efficiency. The new technology uses an enzyme encapsulated in a biodegradable polymer coat, reducing immune responses and increasing storage stability.
The USDA is providing funding for research on new, environmentally friendly pesticides to replace the ozone-depleting chemical methyl bromide. The goal is to develop practical and safe alternatives for pest management in various industries.
A new study examines neonicotinoid pesticides' effect on wood frog development, finding slight delays that may not be detrimental. Additional studies are needed to investigate the indirect effects of these pesticides on amphibian populations.
The increasing use of synthetic chemicals is outpacing global environmental changes, with pesticides and pharmaceuticals posing significant threats to human and environmental health. Research on these chemicals has been neglected, despite their impact on ecosystems and the environment.
A widely used crop chemical, Sylgard 309, increases the susceptibility of honey bee larvae to a deadly virus, Black Queen Cell Virus. This finding suggests that exposure to organosilicone adjuvants negatively influences immunity in honey bee larvae, resulting in enhanced pathogenicity and mortality.
Researchers have developed a revolutionary new crop protection technique using gene-silencing technology and nanotechnology to protect plants against pests and diseases. The BioClay spray has been shown to give plants virus protection for at least 20 days following a single application.
The whitefly's genome has expanded families of detoxification genes and acquired 142 genes from bacteria or fungi that enable it to feed on diverse plants and evolve resistance to insecticides. This discovery will aid in the development of new control strategies using RNA interference to combat this global pest.
Researchers create single-step synthesis of cyclic depsipeptides in large sizes, up to 60 atoms, with controlled size distribution. The new process enables efficient production of bioactive molecules for various applications, including antibiotics and pesticides.
French researchers have discovered that Streptomyces bacteria can be used as an environmentally friendly alternative to pesticides. The bacteria promotes plant growth and controls pests in the soil. This study could lead to sustainable agricultural practices and reduce harm to human health and the environment.
A new study by UCL finds that treating bees with light therapy can counteract the harmful effects of neonicotinoid pesticides, significantly improving survival rates and mobility. The researchers used deep red light to improve mitochondrial function and ATP production, enabling bees to recover from pesticide exposure.
A study by Cornell University researchers suggests that certain weeds, like milkweed, can be beneficial to crops and the environment. By incorporating these weeds into agricultural systems, farmers may reduce their reliance on pesticides and herbicides, while also supporting biodiversity and pollinator health.
Annual exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals has a significant impact on the US healthcare system, causing over 2.3% of the country's GDP to be lost. The estimated disease burden from these chemicals is valued at $340 billion annually, with specific effects including neurological damage, infertility, and certain cancers.
A field study found pesticide exposure can impact bumblebee colonies, reducing queen and male production, which underpins colony success. The study provided a controlled method to assess long-term effects of pesticides on colony health.
Researchers at Clemson University are exploring unconventional methods of growing peaches organically using paper bags, which may improve yield and reduce reliance on pesticides. The project aims to provide an innovative strategy for organic peach growers in the southeastern US, increasing productivity and economic returns.
A study found that multiple pesticides within colonies closely correlate with colony death, including some 'bee-safe' fungicides. The researchers assessed 91 colonies and found that the number of different compounds was highly predictive of colony death.
The scientific community has established criteria for identifying endocrine disruptors, which will inform regulatory decisions on substances affecting human health. The principles focus on substance effects on the endocrine system and adverse health outcomes.
A new study from UMass Amherst finds that untreated lawns provide a rich diversity of flowers offering nectar and pollen to bees, boosting their populations. Researchers discovered 111 native bee species on lawns in suburban Springfield, Massachusetts.
Networking is crucial for spreading integrated pest management in agriculture. The article suggests three ways to improve networking: enhancing communication between research organizations, involving advisors in defining research projects, and structuring knowledge generation approaches. By following these recommendations, farmers can ...
Scientists at KU Leuven have developed a new cocktail of biological pesticides and synthetic predator cues that kills mosquitoes more efficiently and sustainably. The combination triggers a stress response in mosquitoes, impairing their immune system and reducing the spread of diseases.