Articles tagged with Pesticides
Scientists developed a new population model, APODEMUS, to predict pesticide effects on animal populations. The model simulates complex agricultural landscapes and foraging scenarios, tracking energy conversion and exposure to pesticides.
Researchers aim to strengthen the fight against plant-parasitic nematodes by identifying weak points in their life cycle and developing gene-edited soybean varieties that prevent nematode exploitation. The goal is to maintain normal plant function while preventing nematode infection.
European researchers warn that EU Commission's draft legislation on pesticides weakens key safeguards, increasing risks to biodiversity and human health. The proposed reforms could lead to indefinite approval of active substances without periodic reassessment.
Researchers at Georgia Tech found that sulfoxaflor disrupts bee reproduction and gene expression, leading to reduced reproductive output. The study sheds light on the molecular effects of pesticides on bees and highlights a pressing challenge in agriculture.
Researchers have identified Prionus imbricornis, a longhorn beetle species, as the culprit behind attacks on North Carolina blueberry fields. The larvae of this emerging pest can grow up to five inches long and destroy roots, potentially killing trees.
A new policy brief from PollinERA project outlines a systems-based approach to managing cumulative pesticide impacts across European landscapes. The proposed regional budget system assigns ecological regions an annual toxic-unit budget linked to environmental carrying capacity.
Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a water-based pesticide formulation that outperforms conventional methods in delivering agricultural pesticides. The new solution uses nanostructured cellulose nanocrystals to stabilize pesticide droplets without chemicals or solvents.
Researchers developed a natural, biodegradable wash that removed up to 96% of pesticide residue from fruit and slowed browning and moisture loss. The coating also showed antimicrobial effects and added nutritional value.
The Chancellor’s Innovation Fund Awards support cutting-edge research and development projects across various fields. Faculty recipients will use the funding to refine their technologies, build prototypes, and assess market opportunities. The awards aim to bridge publicly funded academic research with private financing, fostering entre...
A study published in Nature Health reveals a strong link between pesticide exposure and the risk of developing certain cancers. The research shows that pesticide exposure increases the risk of cancer by 150% in areas with high levels of pollution, and highlights early biological effects before cancer develops.
Scientists have found evidence that glyphosate, a widely used weedkiller, can select for drug-resistant bacteria that can thrive in agricultural areas and then spread to hospitals. The study revealed that bacterial strains from hospital infections with extreme drug resistance showed high resistance to glyphosate and its byproducts.
Optical biosensors offer promising solutions for rapid, portable, and on-site pesticide detection. Key biorecognition elements such as enzymes, antibodies, aptamers, and molecularly imprinted polymers enable high-selectivity detection and minimize environmental impacts.
A global analysis of over 2,300 seawater samples reveals human-made chemicals make up a significant portion of organic matter in coastal oceans. Industrial chemicals, including plastics and consumer products, dominate the anthropogenic chemical signal, persisting even 20 kilometers offshore.
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 found that some pesticides can infiltrate and move with groundwater, bypassing riparian buffers in karst watersheds. This study highlights the need to consider transport pathways to mitigate pesticide pollution, particularly in areas with high groundwater flow.
Southwest Research Institute expands manufacturing capabilities to produce safer antidotes to organophosphorus nerve agents and pesticides. The new technique avoids cancer-causing compounds during synthesis of oxime antidotes, supporting kilogram-scale manufacturing for domestic supply and reducing supply chain risks.
Researchers at Colorado State University have found a way to boost plant growth while maintaining its immune system through hormone treatment, showing promise for increasing food production. The approach involves genetically manipulating phytohormone interactions to restore cell division and increase disease resistance.
A study published in the Journal of Apicultural Research found that combining a widely used mite-killing pesticide with an agent inhibiting its tolerance can effectively control varroa mites. The new treatment increases amitraz's killing power by 50% and shows promise for developing novel synergists to target these destructive mites.
A recent study analyzed seabird carcasses and blood from six species in Brazil, finding similar concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) among species with different diets. The researchers discovered that the great shearwater had the highest levels of PCBs and mirex, possibly due to its migratory routes and feeding habits.
A new study reveals that current pesticide use trends fall short of the 50% reduction target by 2030, threatening global biodiversity. The research team analyzed global pesticide data and found significant increases in applied toxicity, driven by higher amounts applied and growing toxicity of active ingredients.
New formulations of nanopesticides with natural ingredients have appeared in specialized literature, but there is no consensus on what constitutes a green pesticide. Researchers warn that terms such as 'sustainable' must be used correctly and that the natural components of these products do not eliminate environmental concerns.
A recent study by RIKEN researchers analyzed the effects of pesticides and fertilizers on mandarin oranges in real-world farms across Japan. The findings showed that reducing chemical pesticides led to more fruit diseases, while also enhancing soil microbial diversity and improving carbon content. This trade-off highlights the need for...
Research led by University of Notre Dame biologist Jason Rohr found that chronic exposure to the insecticide chlorpyrifos causes fish to age faster at the cellular level, leading to accelerated aging and reduced lifespan. The study suggests that low-level exposures can silently accumulate damage over time.
A recent study found that common flea and tick control medications used in dogs and cats can contaminate ecosystems with toxic chemicals. Isoxazoline antiparasitic drugs, used globally since 2013, may harm dung-feeding insects, including flies and butterflies, which are crucial for nutrient cycling and soil health.
A new UCLA study combines human and animal research to identify chlorpyrifos as a potential environmental cause of Parkinson's disease. Long-term residential exposure to the pesticide increases the risk of developing the condition by more than 2.5 times.
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.
A large-scale laboratory screening identified 168 chemicals toxic to human-made gut bacteria. Washing fruit and veggies before consumption may help avoid exposure to these pollutants. Researchers developed a machine learning model to predict chemical harm, emphasizing the need for safer industrial practices.
Researchers have found a correlation between exposure to widely used pesticides and lower sperm quality in male rodents. The review of 21 studies indicates that neonicotinoid pesticides may disrupt hormones and damage testicular tissue, leading to potential harm to human reproductive health.
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 review of 21 experimental studies suggests that exposure to neonicotinoid pesticides can lower sperm quality and disrupt hormones in males. The studies found that these insecticides, commonly used in farming, can be absorbed into soil, water, and plants, leading to potential harm to human reproductive health.
Researchers have developed a novel pesticide delivery system using Liquid Marbles (LMs) that can enhance droplet deposition on plant surfaces. The LMs, coated with biodegradable hydrophobic particles, follow a unique mode of deposition that increases wettability and reduces waste, up to 50%.
Scientists developed a novel single-atom copper pesticide that maximizes copper utilization while minimizing environmental impact. The new Cu1/CaCO3 pesticide achieves high disease control efficacy and reduces copper soil residue by 20-fold.
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 growing body of research links environmental pollutants to worsened health and shorter life spans in childhood cancer survivors. The study found that only 25% of pediatric oncology providers felt comfortable discussing environmental pollutant impacts with patients.
Researchers at Stanford University tracked the evolution of fruit fly populations in response to pesticide exposure, finding that resistance alleles persist through a mechanism known as 'dominance reversal.' This process allows alleles to function as either dominant or recessive depending on environmental conditions, maintaining geneti...
A federally funded study found children with leukemia who were exposed to pesticides during their mother's pregnancy had a higher risk of death. The study, published in Cancers, examined over 800 children and showed pesticide exposure increased child mortality by up to 60%.
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.
The EUFAWREADY project aims to address the challenge of fall armyworm in European agriculture by providing tools for early detection and effective management. The project will enhance the readiness of European stakeholders and minimize its economic, environmental, and social impacts.
Research suggests that nine commonly used pesticides in viticulture have significantly underestimated environmental impact, with half-lives exceeding two days and potential for long-range transport.
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.
Agroecological methods improve biodiversity, pollination, natural pest control, and crop yields, but new subsidies are needed to support farms' transition. The study found that incorporating nature-friendly practices increases benefits for nature and farmers, with higher soil carbon and overall increased crop yields.
A study in mice found that pesticide exposure changes specific gut bacteria growth patterns and nutrient processing, hinting at a probiotic approach to preventing health effects. The research identified certain microbes that can degrade pesticides and may lead to therapeutic strategies.
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 meta-analysis from the University of Copenhagen shows that flower strips with at least two sown species increase the number of natural enemies by an average of 70 percent. This is due to the diverse range of flowers attracting a broader range of beneficial insects, such as ladybirds and hoverflies.
A two-year study found that fluridone is effective in controlling Palmer pigweed in rice, but its use can cause injury to some cultivars. Rice farmers should apply the herbicide before the three-leaf stage and follow the label instructions to minimize risk.
A University of Helsinki study shows that pesticides can negatively affect non-target species living in agricultural environments. The effects vary greatly depending on the substance tested, with one fungicide increasing mortality rates and reducing reproductive success in butterflies.
Researchers develop AI-based monitoring system to link pesticide exposure to honeybee pollen-foraging behavior and overall colony health. The study confirms previous findings that neonicotinoid pesticides affect honeybee colony dynamics.
A new study confirms copper-based fungicides as a reliable solution for aerial stem rot in potatoes. The research found that copper fungicide treatments consistently slowed disease spread and improved yields over a 10-year period.
A study found 3,196 poisoning events in European raptors, with scavenging birds disproportionately affected by carbofuran and aldicarb. The most commonly poisoned species was the Eurasian Buzzard, highlighting the need for targeted conservation efforts.
Researchers at Lund University found that hedgehogs collected from urban areas in Sweden contained high concentrations of lead, pesticides, and other pollutants. The study provides an environmental fingerprint of urban ecosystems, highlighting the need for increased monitoring and reduced use of synthetic materials.
A research team at Tokyo University of Science has identified two new tetranins in spider mite saliva that reduce reproduction and increase defense responses in plants. The findings have potential for organic farming techniques and more resilient crops, contributing to sustainable agriculture and enhanced food safety.
Researchers demonstrate a new technique for encapsulating beneficial bacteria that can be stored and applied to plants to improve growth and protect against pests. The technique enables customized probiotics for plants, allowing farmers to use these bacteria in conjunction with agrochemicals.
A recent study reveals extensive pesticide contamination in the Upper Rhine Region, contaminating not only agricultural areas but also remote regions. The research found that pesticide mixtures spread far beyond fields, posing a risk to people's health and environment.
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 new study shows distinct effects of neonicotinoid pesticide exposure in different bumble bee body parts, highlighting the need for more sensitive safety testing. The researchers found dramatic differences in gene activity across body tissues, affecting brain, legs, and kidney-like tissues in unique ways.