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Evolution-proof insecticides may stall malaria forever

Researchers have discovered a new approach to controlling malaria by killing only older mosquitoes, reducing the selection for resistant insects. This method could lead to evolution-proof insecticides that never become obsolete, saving millions of dollars in development costs.

SourcePenn State·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 6, 2009

Minnesota Partnership targets aphids

Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have developed an insecticide that targets the soybean aphid, a pest ravaging Minnesota crops. The small molecule blocks acetylcholinesterase activity in aphids without inhibiting it in humans.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 3, 2009

Team finds key mechanism of DDT resistance in malarial mosquitoes

Researchers at the University of Illinois have identified a key detoxifying protein in Anopheles mosquitoes that metabolizes DDT, a synthetic insecticide used to control malaria-spreading mosquitoes. The protein CYP6Z1 belongs to a class of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases that play key roles in insect defenses against plant toxins.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 16, 2008

With annual deaths from malaria on the rise: Scientists ask 'where is all the money going?'

A new study questions the effectiveness of $220 million in malaria prevention efforts, citing a surge in annual mortality rates among teens and adults. The researchers call for addressing environmental factors contributing to malaria growth and developing more efficient control programs.

SourceAmerican Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateApr 11, 2008

Ayurvedic nightshade deadly for dengue mosquito

Research published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine suggests that the berries of Solanum villosum have potential for keeping mosquitoes at bay. The study found that S. villosum was particularly effective at eliminating Stegomyia aegypti larvae, which can spread diseases like dengue fever.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine·DateApr 2, 2008

Insecticide combo delivers knockout punch

A combination of an insect protein and Bt toxin kills crop pests more effectively than either ingredient alone, inhibiting growth rate and reducing resistance. Researchers found a synergistic effect increasing mortality rates by over 10 times.

SourcePenn State·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 11, 2008

Natural insecticide recreated in the lab

A team of researchers at the University of Cambridge has finally succeeded in synthesizing azadirachtin, a natural compound that stops predatory insects from feeding. The breakthrough uses a novel Claisen rearrangement and radical cyclization reaction to produce the complex molecule.

SourceWiley·DateAug 22, 2007

New study finds genetically engineered crops could play a role in sustainable agriculture

A new study published in Science analyzed the environmental impact of genetically modified (GM) crops and found that they can have benefits for sustainable agriculture. The research used data from field experiments worldwide and found that Bt-crops, which produce an insecticide internally, can reduce the need for chemical spraying.

Exposures to the insecticide chlorpyrifos in pregnancy adversely affect child development

A study published in Pediatrics found that prenatal exposure to chlorpyrifos, a common agricultural insecticide, was associated with poorer mental and motor development in children by age three. The study also revealed an increased risk of behavior problems among children exposed to higher levels of the insecticide.

Alzheimer's medication shows promise in treating nerve agent and pesticide poisoning

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that galantamine, an Alzheimer's medication, can effectively counteract the toxic effects of nerve agents and certain insecticides. The treatment was shown to protect the brain from organophosphorus compounds, even when administered after exposure.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 7, 2006

Biotech cotton provides same yield with fewer pesticides

A study by University of Arizona researchers found that biotech cotton produces similar yields to traditional cotton with fewer pesticides used. The study, which examined 81 commercial cotton fields in Arizona, revealed that growers using Bt cotton needed fewer applications of broad-spectrum insecticides.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 1, 2006

Household insecticides associated with increased risk of childhood leukaemia

Exposure to household insecticides and garden pesticides during childhood is associated with a higher risk of developing acute leukemia. The study found that mothers who used insecticides while pregnant or after birth nearly doubled their child's risk, while exposure to garden insecticides increased the risk by more than doubling.

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalOccupational and Environmental Medicine·DateJan 16, 2006

Popular insecticide detected in suburban stream beds

Researchers have detected pyrethroids, a common insecticide, in nearly all sediment samples from urban and suburban streams, posing a threat to aquatic ecosystems. The finding highlights the need for greater monitoring and consideration of the potential effects of residential use of pyrethroids on water systems.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateOct 26, 2005

Insecticide resistance: A constraint on evolutionary change

Research reveals that mosquitoes like Aedes aegypti are less likely to develop high levels of insecticide resistance due to a silent genetic mutation. The study found that only one base mutation is needed for some mosquito species, like Anopheles gambiae, but two adjacent mutations are required in others, including Aedes aegypti.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 26, 2004

Insights gained from molecular modeling may lead to better insecticides

Researchers used molecular modeling to study the detoxifying proteins of black swallowtail butterflies and corn earworms. The earworm's protein is more flexible, allowing it to bind to and detoxify six different plant defense chemicals and three common insecticides, making it a master of adapting to new pesticides and host plants.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 24, 2004