Articles tagged with Insecticides
A new University of Arizona study found that exposure to certain pesticides before pregnancy is associated with lower Apgar scores, a measure of newborn health. The study suggests that pesticides can affect the next generation, highlighting the importance of regulating pesticide use to improve maternal and child health.
Researchers have developed a new test that uses microbes to determine the age of termite droppings, allowing for rapid on-site infestation assessments. The study found that the amount of DNA from E. coli bacteria in the pellets decreases significantly over time, with a nearly 190-fold drop by the 12-month mark.
Researchers analyzed pollinators and fish for changes in behavior after exposure to plant protection products. Exposure to insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides altered nectar processing in honeybees and brood care behavior in zebrafish.
A collaborative research team analyzed historical museum specimens of the Asian honeybee, revealing a significant decline in genetic diversity and a potential link to pesticide use. The study suggests that pesticide exposure may be driving rapid evolutionary changes in the species.
A new study by Environmental Working Group found that consuming certain fruits and vegetables can increase pesticide levels in people's bodies. The study suggests that everyday food choices can drive significant pesticide exposure and highlights the need for safer food systems.
Bionema's innovative bio-based pellets use Loline alkaloids to deliver a safe, sustainable solution for controlling slugs and snails in crops. The project is expected to generate £50 million in the UK and £100 million globally by 2035.
A new class of insecticide, called spatial emanators, provides protection for up to a year against mosquitoes that spread malaria, as well as dengue, West Nile, yellow fever, and Zika. The breakthrough offers lasting protection in areas where malaria is prevalent and can be used day and night without heating or electricity.
Researchers found that cyantraniliprole and spinosad seed treatments in snap bean performed as well or better than standard neonicotinoid, while five alternative seed treatments proved effective for sweet corn. However, some alternatives had inconsistent results for dry beans.
A national study found children aged 2-4 years in the US are exposed to a wide range of hazardous chemicals, including phthalates and pesticides, which can interfere with hormone development and immune function. The research emphasizes the need for expanded biomonitoring and stronger regulations to protect children from harmful exposures.
Australian scientists developed a new method to evaluate the risks posed by toxicants like insecticides in waterways. The Temporal Response Surface (TRS) approach integrates exposure duration into ecosystem protection guidelines, providing a more accurate assessment of delayed and time-cumulative aquatic ecosystem risk.
A recent study published in Science found that only a small fraction of potentially environmentally relevant chemicals are monitored. The researchers analyzed large datasets to assess the environmental risks of highly toxic chemicals, highlighting the limitations of current chemical monitoring.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have identified a naturally occurring compound secreted by donkeys that effectively repels adult Ixodes scapularis ticks, the primary tick species responsible for spreading Lyme disease. The compound, (E)-2-octenal, shows promise as a natural alternative to DEET-based repellents.
A potent combination of antimalarial compounds blocks parasite transmission in mosquitoes while circumventing insecticide resistance. The new strategy retains activity even after a year and efficiently kills parasites even when applied to the female mosquito up to four days in advance of infection.
A study published in the Journal of Medical Entomology found a gene mutation in bed bugs that may contribute to their resistance to insecticides. The researchers, led by Warren Booth, discovered the mutation in 134 unique populations of bed bugs collected from North America between 2008-22.
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.
A study found DDT residues in trout from Canadian lakes, with levels up to ten times the recommended safe limit. The persistence of these residues poses a risk to wildlife that consumes the fish.
Researchers have identified novel mosquito repellents with high success rates from natural sources, including food and flavoring materials. The team's machine learning-based cheminformatics approach also pinpointed pyrethroid analogs up to 100 times more effective than existing industry standards.
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 at Chalmers University of Technology found that biochar significantly reduces DDT uptake by earthworms in contaminated soil, halving the toxin's presence. This method could enable farming on land deemed unusable due to environmental risks.
A research team led by Hidemasa Bono mapped the genomes of susceptible and resistant bed bug strains, revealing new insights into the development of pyrethroid resistance. The study identified 729 resistance-specific mutations in protein-coding genes related to DNA damage response, cell cycle regulation, and lysosome functions.
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 by the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources found high concentrations of neonicotinoids in some ground and surface water sources, including natural springs. This contamination can affect drinking water quality and organisms in streams fed by those springs.
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.
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 new study found that consumer-grade insecticide sprays have little to no effect on eliminating German cockroach infestations. The residues of these products did not kill more than 20% of the cockroaches, with some taking up to five days to die.
A new study reviewing the academic literature on indoor pest control reveals that successful mosquito treatments have unintended consequences, including the return of household pests like bed bugs and flies. This has led to community distrust and abandonment of these treatments, contributing to rising rates of malaria.
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.
A new study found that neonicotinoid-treated seeds led to an 8% drop in butterfly species diversity, with the pesticide also affecting monarch butterfly populations. The research calls for publicly available data on pesticide use to understand the causes of butterfly decline.
Mithila Jugulam has been appointed Co-Editor-in-Chief of Pest Management Science, bringing expertise in weed physiology and molecular biology. She aims to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation, while maintaining the journal's commitment to scientific rigor and editorial integrity.
Researchers at the University of California - Riverside have discovered a highly effective and nontoxic way to kill western drywood termites using a pleasant-smelling chemical called pinene. The method involves releasing the scent of pinene, which attracts termites and guides them to a spot where insecticide is injected into wood.
A new study found that removing hedgerows and field margins decreases the diversity and abundance of arthropods, which can lead to reduced natural pest control. The research suggests that using flowering plants in field margins and implementing agri-environmental measures can be effective ways to increase farmland biodiversity.
A new compound found in fruit fly testes has the potential to control insect populations by suppressing their ability to reproduce. The enzyme, which is also present in other organisms, can lead to an overload of bromotyrosine that severely inhibits spermatogenesis.
A study found that households with traditional dirt floors and animals indoors have higher human flea populations, increasing disease risk. Upgrading flooring to concrete or board can help reduce flea infestations and improve quality of life.
Researchers developed molecular probes that react to the unique pH environment of certain mosquito larvae, which could be used to create highly specific insecticides. These probes bind to proteins in the gut and can be detected using fluorescence, minimizing side effects.
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.
Researchers found that insecticide paint effectively killed mosquitoes for up to a year in Cabo Verde, with good acceptance from the population. The VESTA formulation met WHO efficiency threshold requirements, making it a promising strategy for preventing vector-borne diseases.
Wild stingless bee colonies in the Colombian Andes develop tolerance to the insecticide abamectin, which is derived from cattle medication ivermectin. Despite high concentrations of abamectin being lethal to bees, tolerant colonies grow at similar rates as non-tolerant ones
A new study finds that red-colored agricultural nets are more effective at deterring onion thrips than traditional black or white nets. The use of red nets resulted in a 25-50% reduction in insecticide applications, making them a promising solution for sustainable agriculture.
Researchers have documented insecticide resistance in field-collected populations of bluegreen aphids, a worldwide pest of pulses and legume crops. The study highlights the need for new strategies to manage this pervasive pest, as conventional insecticides are no longer effective.
Researchers found that pesticide-adjuvant combinations used in almond orchards can interfere with honey bee communication. The study suggests that these chemicals can alter the antennal responses to brood and alarm pheromones, potentially disrupting colony function.
A fungus-based biopesticide is less lethal to mammals than synthetic insecticides but can wipe out colonies of wasps that benefit plants by feeding on pests and performing pollination. The study found that infected wasps are not detected by nestmates, potentially threatening the survival of these species.
A new European study confirms pesticides harm bumblebees, contradicting current regulations. The research, published in Nature, shows that pesticide use reduces colony production and queen numbers, highlighting the need for more effective pollinator protection.
A new study from the University of Oxford found that bumblebees cannot taste pesticides in nectar, even at lethal concentrations. Bees rely on taste to avoid contaminated nectar, which poses a significant threat to their survival.
A comprehensive systematic review of 25 studies over nearly 50 years reveals consistent evidence of associations between insecticide exposure and lower sperm concentration in adult men. The findings warrant concern, particularly given observed downward trends in semen quality.
A study by Cornell University found pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides in managed honeybee hives in New York, posing a risk to bee health and the environment. The chemicals, including acaricides and neonics, were detected in nearly all samples, highlighting the need for better protection of pollinators.
Researchers found that blueberries infected with Colletotrichum fioriniae emit odors repelling spotted-wing drosophila. By recreating this aroma, farmers can trick flies into perceiving healthy fruit as infected, reducing the need for insecticides.
The study reveals that different bee species may be exposed to pesticides differently, complicating assessments of pesticide risk. Neonicotinoid detection increased with wild plant presence in bumble bee pollen, highlighting the need for further investigation.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that dual active ingredient insecticide-treated nets are effective in preventing malaria. The study showed that these nets can control the spread of the disease when traditional pyrethroid-based nets become less effective due to resistance.
A systematic review by the University of Adelaide found combining pyrethroid insecticide with chlorfenapyr improves its effectiveness in treating malaria-preventing mosquito nets. The WHO has updated its guidelines to include these new recommendations.
Scientists have identified several bioactive compounds in aloe vera peels that deter insects from feasting on crops. These compounds could lead to the development of an environmentally friendly alternative for disposing of agricultural waste and creating additional revenue streams for aloe vera producers.
A new study reveals that mosquitoes use a specific receptor in their ears to modulate their hearing, which is crucial for reproduction and mating. This discovery could lead to the development of novel insecticides or mating disruptors to control mosquito populations and reduce human disease.
The widespread use of insecticides for malaria control has unintended consequences, including the development of resistance in other disease-carrying arthropods. This can lead to the spread of overlooked and dangerous tropical diseases. Understanding the behavior and insecticide susceptibility status of these organisms is crucial to pr...
A study found that targeting the bottom 12.3% of wall surfaces can kill over 85% of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, a vector for serious diseases like dengue and Zika. This approach could make indoor residual spraying cheaper and easier for individual householders to undertake.
A study reveals high levels of insecticide resistance among Aedes aegypti populations in Dhaka, compromising mosquito control and increasing dengue burden. Researchers recommend non-insecticidal approaches, such as Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes, to effectively manage dengue vectors.
Researchers found that ahiflower oil supplementation can recover mitochondrial respiration rates in honey bees exposed to imidacloprid, a common neonicotinoid pesticide. This study suggests the potential for food supplements to decrease honey bee mortalities caused by pesticides.
Researchers found that biting midges responsible for transmitting the virus are active on warmest days throughout the winter, contrary to previous theories. The discovery suggests that bluetongue virus transmission is likely ongoing year-round, with potential economic impacts for cattle farming.
A UToledo-led study found early exposure to pyrethroids may increase the risk of autism and developmental disorders in mice. The researchers discovered behavioral changes, including hyperactivity and repetitive behaviors, which are similar to symptoms seen in human patients with neurodevelopmental disorders.
A new study suggests that climate change could lead to increased pesticide toxicity on bee populations and their pollination services. Environmental temperature can influence the degree to which pesticides affect bees' behavior, with certain temperatures causing a 'tipping point' in their ability to tolerate pesticide exposure.
Researchers have shed light on the molecular mechanisms allowing beetles to absorb water rectally, a property enabling them to survive in extremely dry environments. This knowledge could be used to develop more targeted and eco-friendly methods to combat beetle species that destroy food production.
Researchers developed new spiro-pyrazolo quinazoline derivatives with reduced bee toxicity without compromising insecticidal activity. The compounds showed promising results, including one compound with an LD50 value three to four orders of magnitude lower than fipronil.