Articles tagged with 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 will use decades-old data from blood and urine tests to measure pesticide and metal levels among participants, then match with MRI scans and cognitive tests to identify potential contributions to dementia risk. The study aims to understand environmental links to Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
Induced resistance, a plant-based approach, prepares plants to fight pests and disease by activating their immune systems. This holistic strategy combines multiple methods for tailored protection, enhancing abilities beyond just one defense mechanism.
Researchers developed a new method to analyze interactions between neighboring plant individuals, identifying genes involved in associative resistance. Mixing different plant genotypes reduced herbivore damage by up to 24.8% compared to planting individual genotypes.
A new study reveals that pesticide residue concerns are the most frequently cited source of food safety fears amongst consumers in Bangladesh, Ghana, Kenya, Pakistan and Uganda. Consumers who express concerns with pesticides are more likely to demand fruits and vegetables from specialist shops and avoid those from street hawkers.
A study published in Nature Sustainability has found an antidote to neonicotinoids, a class of pesticides killing bees. The treatment involves tiny ingestible microparticles that physically bind to the pesticide, leading to 30% higher survival rates and reduced symptoms in bumblebees.
A recent Science study reveals that bat population decline led to a significant increase in pesticide use by farmers, resulting in more than 1,000 infant deaths. The study found a 31% rise in pesticide use and an 8% increase in infant mortality rate, highlighting the potential harm of pesticide misuse on human health.
A recent study found that actively managed habitats can slow or reverse population declines in at-risk butterflies. Habitat management, such as prescribed burns and planting nectar plants, appeared to dampen the effect of climate change on butterfly timing.
A new study found a strong correlation between pesticide use and fewer wild bee sightings, suggesting a direct link between pesticide exposure and bee population declines. Alternative pest control strategies, such as integrated pest management, are essential for conserving these crucial pollinators.
A new study by MLU and UG found that organic farming, flower strips, and semi-natural habitats improve bee health. Organic fields had the greatest impact, reducing parasite infestation and boosting colony growth.
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.
Researchers developed a high-tech imaging method to detect pesticide contamination at low levels using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The method was applied to fruits, revealing that current food safety practices may be insufficient.
A new study found that living near areas where pesticides were used during the first trimester of pregnancy or pre-conception increases the risk of stillbirths. Researchers linked pesticide use records to state birth certificate data and found specific chemicals, such as organophosphates and pyrethroids, to be associated with increased...
A recent study published in Frontiers found that pesticide use is associated with increased cancer risk, particularly for Non-Hodgkins lymphoma, leukemia, and bladder cancer. The researchers discovered a strong correlation between pesticide exposure and cancer incidence, rivalling the effects of smoking.
A comprehensive study reveals that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are increasingly added to US pesticide products, contaminating waterways and posing potential threats to human health. The study found that pesticides containing PFAS are widely used in staple foods, flea treatments for pets, and insect-killing sprays.
Researchers have developed a more effective method of removing organic pesticides from drinking water using powdered activated carbon particles as small as 6 μm. This process achieves significant water treatment savings while ensuring the removal of toxic chemicals.
A recent study finds semi-natural habitats play a crucial role in conserving pollinator diversity, outpacing the impact of pesticide use. The research suggests that prioritizing habitat conservation can be more effective than reducing pesticide application in rice fields.
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.
A study found that pesticides imidacloprid, pyraclostrobin, and glyphosate impair the mobility and immune system of Brazilian native stingless bees. Even if bees survive exposure to these pesticides, their immune systems are weakened, making them more prone to infections and increasing the risk of colony collapse.
Researchers at Colorado State University have developed a new approach to speed up the development of pharmaceuticals and pesticides. By deconstructing and reassembling common compounds known as heterocycles, scientists can rapidly change their characteristics without extensive synthesis.
A CABI-led study found that participation in Zambia's Farmer Input Subsidy Programme encourages synthetic pesticide use at the expense of sustainable practices. Farmers consider biopesticides as safer alternatives when they have tenure security and access to financial resources.
A new study found that genetic variants in lysosomal genes may contribute to the development of Parkinson's disease in individuals exposed to high levels of pesticides. The research suggests a potential gene-environment interaction, where minor changes in these genes can lead to increased disease risk under stress.
A researcher will study how plants defend themselves against nematode infections, which could lead to novel drugs or antibiotics for humans and livestock. The project aims to increase food security in Africa and Asia by understanding the molecular mechanisms behind plant resistance.
A new study reveals that honey bees are exposed to an average of 23 stressors at once, creating 307 interactions that impact bee health. The researchers found that social media influencers – viruses and pesticides – have a significant impact on the architecture of the complex network.
Researchers found a significant association between storing chemicals in attached garages and increased ALS risk. The study suggests that volatile chemicals released into the living space may contribute to this link.
A new study by Johns Hopkins University reveals that California is the nation's greatest emitter of sulfuryl fluoride, a common pesticide. The majority of emissions come from structural fumigation in just a few counties, contributing to global warming.
Researchers from Tokyo University of Science found that rose essential oil increases the transcript levels of PIR1 and PIN2, key plant defense genes, in tomato plants. The study also showed that REO reduces leaf damage caused by pests and attracts beneficial predators to protect against herbivores.
Researchers at Oregon State University have identified a metal-organic framework that can completely remove and break down glyphosate, a widely used herbicide. The material, Sc-TBAPy, shows faster adsorption and photodegradation of glyphosate compared to other MOFs.
A new disinfection technology uses low-temperature plasma to sterilize nutrient solutions in hydroponic farming, reducing the need for chemical pesticides. This innovation promotes environmentally friendly crop cultivation and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
A recent study found that even extremely low levels of pesticide exposure can cause lasting behavioral changes in fish, extending to offspring never exposed firsthand. The impact also raises concerns for all vertebrates, including humans.
A new EWG study has found chlormequat, a little-known pesticide, in 77% of urine samples from people tested between 2017 and 2023. The chemical is linked to reproductive and developmental problems in animal studies, suggesting potential harm to humans. EWG calls for increased research and regulation on chlormequat.
A new study reveals that Agent Orange damages frontal lobe brain tissue in laboratory rats, causing molecular and biochemical abnormalities similar to early-stage Alzheimer's disease. This research has important implications for the long-term brain health of aging veterans and people exposed to biologically similar herbicides.
Research published in ACS Environmental Science & Technology Letters reveals that exposure to pesticide-treated seeds can adversely affect earthworms' health. Earthworms exposed to non-lethal amounts of insecticides and fungicides showed poor weight gain and mitochondrial DNA damage.
Two new EU-funded projects, PollinERA and WildPosh, will investigate the toxicological and ecological impacts of chemical pollution on terrestrial biodiversity and pollinators. The projects will improve risk assessment tools and characterise exposure routes to pesticides in four European regions.
Parents who received nutritional epigenetics education reduced ultra-processed food consumption and increased whole organic foods intake, leading to improved behavior and cognition in their children. The education intervention also reduced heavy metal exposures and dietary deficits that disrupt gene function.
Scientists at UC Riverside have discovered a tiny worm species that can control crop pests in warm, humid environments. The new Steinernema adamsi nematode is nearly invisible and can kill insects with a low dose, making it a potential alternative to pesticides.
Researchers have developed a novel approach to determine the age of mosquitoes, which could help improve pesticide strategies and reduce the spread of diseases like malaria. The method uses surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) to analyze biomolecules in mosquito water extract.
Scientists have discovered a way to predict breast cancer risk based on specific chemical traits, identifying over 900 chemicals that could contribute to the disease. These chemicals are commonly found in consumer products, food, and workplaces, and can alter hormones or damage DNA.
Research reveals that prolonged exposure to plantations during infancy triples the likelihood of infant mortality. Exposure to pesticides and agricultural chemicals may negatively affect infant development and lead to increased mortality rates.
Researchers have successfully engineered the plant microbiome to boost beneficial bacteria that protect plants from disease. This breakthrough could substantially reduce pesticide use and unlock opportunities to improve plant health.
A systematic testing approach for pesticides minimizes animal suffering while identifying potential harmful effects on brain cells. The four-phase test involves database research, laboratory experiments, animal species tests, and exposure to mice and rats.
A new study confirms that pesticides commonly used in farmland significantly harm bumblebees. Data from 106 sites across 8 European countries shows that bumblebees encounter multiple pesticides, resulting in fewer offspring and reduced colony performance.
A study by UNICAMP researchers found high concentrations of contaminants in the Piracicaba, Capivari and Jundiaí River Basin, including PFAS compounds, pesticides, and industrial chemicals. The study highlights the severity of pollution in the region, which supplies water for drinking, irrigation, and industry.
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 new analysis by Aalto University reveals that industrial agriculture is highly sensitive to shocks in agricultural inputs such as synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. The study models the impacts of these shocks on crop yields and food availability globally, identifying high-risk areas for the greatest yield losses.
A new study by Cornell University researchers found that higher cannabinoid concentrations in hemp leaves led to proportionately less damage from insect larvae. The study suggests the potential for developing pesticides from cannabinoid extracts, but such uses would be limited to non-edible plants.
A recent study published in ScienceDirect found hundreds of toxic chemicals in recycled plastic pellets from 13 countries. The findings highlight the risks associated with recycling plastics and the need to phase out harmful chemicals. The researchers urge policymakers to take action to limit hazardous chemicals in plastics.
Asian longhorned ticks, originating from East Asia, have been detected in Ohio, with over 1 million estimated in a single pasture. Researchers stress the need for early detection and targeted control measures to manage these persistent pests.
A large cross-sectional study of over 2,800 young men in Switzerland found an association between mobile phone use and lower sperm concentration. While no link was discovered to poor sperm motility or morphology, the results suggest that reduced semen quality may be linked to increased mobile phone usage.
A study by researchers at the University of Illinois found a significant relationship between soy expansion and childhood leukemia deaths in Brazil. Pesticide use in the region has been linked to increased cancer mortality, with an estimated 123 children under 10 dying from ALL associated with pesticide exposure between 2008 and 2019.
Researchers developed an environmental risk score to assess ALS risk and survival using a blood sample, associating several individual pollutants with disease risk. A mixture of pesticides in the blood significantly increased ALS risk, with those in the highest group having twice the risk as those in the lowest.
Researchers discovered a novel insecticidal protein in ferns that protects major crop plants from pests and is naturally produced by plants. The protein has features in common with known Bt proteins used extensively in agriculture for insect control.
Researchers at UC Riverside successfully engineered a plant to turn beet red in the presence of a banned pesticide, enabling an environmental sensor without damaging its native metabolism. This breakthrough opens up possibilities for detecting other toxic substances like drugs and birth control pills in water supply.
A new study review found children from families with low incomes and families of color are exposed to more neurotoxic chemicals, leading to greater harm on brain development. This disparity is attributed to their neighborhoods being located near factories, chemical plants, highways, and agricultural fields where pesticides are applied.
Researchers found a 5% sodium hydroxide solution successfully turns live Lebbeck mealybug specimens green, identical to the 10% potassium hydroxide solution. The new alternative is less corrosive, more water soluble and less expensive.
Researchers discovered a species of fungus that fosters a unique symbiotic relationship with oilseed rape plants, increasing flavonoid biosynthesis and enhancing plant defense against pests. This breakthrough offers promising potential for sustainable agriculture and minimizing ecological footprints.
A research team at Ritsumeikan University has identified the elusive ApiT gene in celery, crucial for apiin synthesis. The discovery may pave the way for efficient biosynthesis of apiin, a compound with potential health benefits and medicinal uses.
Researchers found that introducing flowering components, aromatic ground covers, and extensification in orchard management increased natural enemies' abundance and decreased pest insects. Ground covers had the most positive effects on predators, while promoting floral resources and ecosystem-friendly strategies can reduce pesticide use.
A new tool helps evaluate pesticide toxicity at high resolution and suggests targeting a few pesticides in watersheds could significantly reduce aquatic toxicity in California. The Environmental Release Tool (ERT) quantifies pesticide applications and toxicity by watershed, covering hundreds of commodities.
A new study analyzed existing research on bee-protective measures and found that many common methods are backed by minimal scientific evidence. Researchers urge stronger testing to evaluate effective measures and warn of potential waste of time if ineffective.