Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Changing temperatures increase pesticide risk to bees

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.

SourceImperial College London·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2023

Researchers get to the “bottom” of how beetles use their butts to stay hydrated

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.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 21, 2023

Small, convenient mosquito repellent device passes test to protect military personnel

A new, portable mosquito repellent device has been tested successfully in a four-week semi-field study, showing effectiveness in preventing multiple species of mosquitos from entering the testing site. The device uses transfluthrin as a spatial repellent and eliminates the need for applying topical repellents or insecticides.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalCurrent Research in Parasitology and Vector-Borne Diseases·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2023

Six-year study finds streams contaminated with pesticides from illegal cannabis grows in Northern California

A six-year study confirms stream contamination with pesticides from trespass cannabis cultivation sites in Northern California, threatening local aquatic species and freshwater resources. The study's findings highlight the need for proactive approaches to mitigate the impacts of these sites on downstream waterways and habitats.

SourceIntegral Ecology Research Center·JournalWater Quality Research Journal·TypeObservational study·DateNov 17, 2022

How do mushrooms become magic?

Scientists are conducting a first-of-its-kind study to investigate the origin of psychedelic compounds in fungi, including psilocybin found in 'magic mushrooms'. The research aims to understand the evolution of these compounds and their potential applications in medicine and conservation.

Strawberries were smaller when bees ingested pesticides

A new study from Lund University found that solitary bees ingesting the pesticide clothianidin resulted in slower bees and smaller strawberries. The research team also discovered that the substance impaired the bees' ability to pollinate strawberry flowers, highlighting the complex effects of pesticides on bee behavior.

SourceLund University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 15, 2022

Study examines current state regulations, public health risks of growing medicinal and recreational marijuana market

A new study urges regulators to take a closer look at the health and safety risks of the growing medicinal and recreational cannabis market. The research team found that many pesticides in cannabis cultivation were highly unlikely to be used, but still detected, highlighting the need for stricter regulations.

SourceArizona State University·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 14, 2022

No to the re-approval of glyphosate – Large aerial dispersal confirmed

A German study reveals that glyphosate and dozens of other pesticides are spreading through the air for miles into national parks and cities. The analysis was published in a peer-reviewed journal and shows that agricultural toxins like glyphosate are classified as probably carcinogenic to humans by the World Health Organisation.

SourceBündnis für eine enkeltaugliche Landwirtschaft e. V.·JournalEnvironmental Sciences Europe·TypeObservational study·DateOct 14, 2021

Study shows common insecticide is harmful in any amount

A recent UC Riverside study reveals that neonicotinoids, commonly used in commercial plant nurseries, are deadly to bees regardless of watering levels. The research found a 90% decrease in bee reproduction with both high and low irrigation levels, highlighting the need for alternative management practices to reduce harm to pollinators.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 2, 2021

Lethal house lures reduce incidence of malaria in children

Researchers found that installing window screening and insecticide-laced screens under eaves can significantly reduce clinical malaria incidence among children. The intervention, called In2Care EaveTube, was effective in areas with highly resistant mosquitoes, with a 38% overall reduction in malaria incidence.

SourcePenn State·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 25, 2021

The ecology of crop pests

Research by Ashley Larsen and Frederik Noack found that less diverse croplands lead to greater variability in pesticide use, while more diverse landscapes reduce pesticide application. The study suggests strategies for increasing food production while minimizing environmental impact.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Sustainability·DateNov 9, 2020

In pursuit of alternative pesticides

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.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateOct 21, 2020

The mystery of the less deadly mosquito nets

Research reveals insecticide-treated mosquito nets, crucial in global malaria fight, have lost significant protection effectiveness. Long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs), credited with saving millions lives since 2000, are now only killing 40% of mosquitoes they come into contact with.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 28, 2020

Treatments tested for invasive pest on allium crops

A Cornell University-led team of researchers found that traditional chemical insecticides work best against the invasive Allium leafminer on allium crops. Synthetic insecticides like dinotefuran and cyantraniliprole reduced damage by up to 89% and eradicated the insect in some cases.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Economic Entomology·DateJul 1, 2020

A step closer to eradicating malaria

Strategies treating households near recent malaria cases with anti-malarial drugs and insecticides significantly reduce malaria in low-transmission settings. Researchers found that reactive focal mass drug administration (rfMDA) and reactive focal vector control (RAVC), used separately or together, can cut new cases by up to 75%.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 29, 2020