Articles tagged with Pesticides
Researchers have developed a drone-based system to spot treat weeds, reducing the risk of pesticide drift. The system uses AI-powered imaging and neural networks to identify weeds and deliver targeted pesticides.
Research finds a modest association between prenatal and infant pesticide exposure and an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The study supports efforts to prevent exposure during pregnancy to protect brain development.
Researchers found that chronic exposure to realistic soil concentrations of imidacloprid affects solitary bees' mass, immature development speed, and adult longevity. Ground-nesting bee species are more susceptible to pesticide effects due to their smaller nest sizes and prolonged underground stays.
Research led by Queen Mary University of London finds that pesticides affect genes in bumblebees, leading to changes in gene activity levels. The study highlights the need for improved regulation on neonicotinoid pesticides to protect pollinator health and ecosystem stability.
A Michigan State University researcher is investigating the role of pesticides in olfactory impairment and their relevance to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Researchers will assess over 2,200 farmers using a standard smell test and conduct home visits to evaluate cognitive function and motor symptoms.
Scientists at Newcastle University have identified limonene as the main component responsible for keeping tomato whiteflies away from plants. The study found that marigolds release limonene, a chemical that repels whiteflies without harming them.
Researchers tracked a new RNA pesticide in soils and found it degrades through enzymes and microbes, but also attaches to soil particles, slowing breakdown. The extent of this protection varies by soil type.
A new study from Michigan Medicine reveals that pesticide exposure contributes to faster progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The research, published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, found that patients with higher levels of pesticides in their blood had a shorter median survival time.
A recent study published in the International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health found no association between exposure to certain chemicals during pregnancy and an increase in blood pressure. In fact, higher exposure to phthalates, BPA, and parabens was linked to a decrease in blood pressure, particularly in the second trimester.
A new bioscavenger molecule has been developed to protect against toxic nerve agents, providing up to five days of protection and near-total safety against sarin. The therapy represents a major breakthrough in the field and could have translational potential for medical and military applications.
A new study published in the journal Heart found that Latinos exposed to pesticides at work are twice as likely to have cardiovascular disease. The study, based on survey responses from 7,404 employed Latinos, also found increased risk of atrial fibrillation among those with occupational exposure to metals or pesticides.
New studies suggest that current pesticide regulations fail to account for potential health threats to non-honeybee bee species, which are equally important pollinators. Researchers are calling for more diverse models, such as solitary bees and bumblebees, to be included in risk assessments.
Research reveals a strong association between workplace exposure to metals and pesticides and an increased risk of coronary heart disease and atrial fibrillation. The study suggests that cumulative exposure may be more harmful, particularly for Hispanic/Latino workers who may face language barriers and limited resources.
Researchers have discovered that rice plants can be used to clean runoff from farms before it enters waterways, capturing pesticides and reducing their presence in rivers and streams. The study found that levels of three common pesticides dropped by as much as 97% in fields where rice was planted.
Researchers identify fipronil as a potential cause of mass honey bee mortalities in France in the 1990s. Laboratory studies and modeling simulations suggest that fipronil, not imidacloprid, was more likely involved in colony collapse due to toxic bioaccumulation.
Researchers developed intelligent spray technology that uses laser and sensors to apply exact amount of pesticide needed, reducing costs by up to 70%. The technology also reduces environmental impact by minimizing drift and loss to the ground.
Researchers found that chlorpyrifos had a clear effect on brain development in laboratory animals, even at low doses, which was not reported by the industry-funded study. The study highlights the need for independent academic research to be given a higher status in evaluating chemical safety.
Scientists have discovered that a fungus and a caterpillar are in a symbiotic relationship, allowing the caterpillar to thrive in orchards while also helping the fungus spread. The navel orangeworm caterpillar can metabolize aflatoxins produced by the Aspergillus flavus fungus, making it immune to its toxic effects.
A new study suggests up to 13% of US beekeepers are in danger of losing their colonies due to pesticides sprayed to contain the Zika virus. The researchers calculated the percentage of colonies that could be affected by comparing data on bee densities with areas at risk from Zika.
Researchers at Osaka University have developed a technique to visualize the behavior of pesticides inside insect bodies, enabling them to follow their uptake, breakdown, and distribution. This method has potential applications for developing safer pesticides and reducing harm to beneficial pollinating insects.
Researchers found that the microbiome can detect exposure to banned nerve agents like soman by identifying specific bacterial and plant species. These signatures of exposure persist for at least 72 hours after exposure and can be detected non-invasively, making it possible to identify exposed individuals before symptoms develop.
Research published in Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry reveals that chlorpyifos inhibits brain development in Northern Leopard tadpoles. The study demonstrates the impact of organophosphorous pesticides on vertebrate neurodevelopment, even at low concentrations.
A study by environmental engineers at Duke University found that gold nanoparticles can be dismantled by microorganisms on aquatic plants, complicating laboratory experiments. This discovery highlights the importance of considering complex ecosystems in research design to ensure accurate results.
A team of MIT researchers has found a way to balance the size of droplets used in spraying pesticides, making them stick to targets more effectively. The new method uses a fine mesh screen to break up larger drops into tiny ones, reducing waste and pollution.
Researchers have developed tools to break down pesticides in the environment using catalytic amyloids. The discovery shows that these molecules can facilitate multiple chemical transformations at once, offering a promising approach for OP detoxification. Catalytic amyloids have been shown to hydrolyze paraoxon by several thousand-fold.
Levels of some persistent organic pollutants (POPs) regulated by the Stockholm Convention are decreasing in the Arctic, according to an international team of researchers. The biggest decreases were in a byproduct of the pesticide lindane and PCBs, with mean annual declines of 9% and 4% per year across the Arctic region.
A genome-wide scan reveals the shared loss of Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) gene function across marine mammal lineages, leaving them vulnerable to neurotoxic chemicals. This loss may be related to PON1's role in fatty acid oxidation and poses a significant health risk for marine mammals living near agricultural runoff.
Researchers found that marine mammals lost the functional Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) gene, which protects land-dwelling mammals from pesticides. This loss may have allowed marine mammals to adapt to a marine environment, but also makes them vulnerable to organophosphate poisoning.
Increasing farm size in China is associated with lower fertilizer and pesticide use per hectare, yet yields remain relatively stable. Removing policies constraining land-use rights could significantly reduce chemical usage while doubling farmers' incomes.
A new study by researchers at Uppsala University found that the pesticide linuron impairs male frogs' fertility and causes a female-biased sex ratio. The study used the West African clawed frog as a model organism to investigate the effects of pesticides on amphibian reproduction.
Researchers at the University of Córdoba have discovered that a selenium-enriched diet can partially repair cell damage caused by the pesticide DDT in mice. The study found that selenium stimulates antioxidant defenses in cells, preventing oxidative stress and damage similar to cancer cells.
A new University of Guelph study has discovered that exposure to pesticides like paraquat and maneb increases the risk of developing Parkinson's disease. Low-level pesticide exposure disrupts cells in a way that mimics genetic mutations, drastically increasing disease onset risk.
Research suggests that everyday products carry environmental chemicals that interfere with hormones, contributing to obesity. By following simple recommendations, such as choosing fresh food and reducing plastic use, individuals can minimize exposure and potentially reduce the risk of obesity.
A large European study links biological dusts, gases, and fumes to a significantly increased risk of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The research found that exposure to certain occupational agents can increase the incidence of COPD by up to 120%.
A US study found that approximately one pound of food per person was wasted daily from 2007-2014, resulting in significant environmental impacts. The research also showed a paradoxical relationship between diet quality and food waste, highlighting the need for simultaneous efforts to improve diet quality and reduce waste.
A new pesticide, Sivanto, manufactured by Bayer AG, has been found to negatively impact honeybees' taste, learning, and memory capabilities. While proper use of the pesticide reduces negative effects, further research is needed to examine its influence on motor function, waggle dance, or orientation.
Researchers found that attracting birds and other vertebrates to agricultural areas reduces pest damage and increases crop yields. Studies show that these natural pest control methods can be effective in reducing pesticide use and improving the environment.
Researchers from Far Eastern Federal University found that pesticides are accumulated in the fat tissue of seabirds and marine mammals. The study, published in Marine Pollution Bulletin, showed high levels of organochlorine pesticides in these organisms, particularly in those with higher fat content.
A new study by UC San Diego researchers reveals that combining pesticides and limited nutrient sources causes a synergistic effect on bee survival, increasing deaths by up to 50%. The scientists used honey bees as test subjects due to their role as agricultural pollinators and environmental bioindicators.
A new study found that pesticides significantly reduce bumblebees' ability to collect pollen and perform complex behaviors like buzz pollination. Chronic pesticide exposure interferes with bees' vibrations, leading to reduced pollen collection over time.
Researchers identified a wild yeast strain that inhibits three common grape molds more effectively than a pesticide. The study suggests using natural yeasts as an eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides in vineyards.
Eating high-pesticide residue fruits and vegetables was associated with lower probabilities of pregnancy and live birth following infertility treatment. The study found no negative association with low-pesticide residue intake, suggesting a possible link between pesticide exposure and decreased fertility outcomes.
Tandon researcher Jin Montclare develops phosphotriesterase (PTE) variants to neutralize toxic chemical agents, including VX and organophosphorus compounds. Her goal is to create stable, robust, and effective antidotes with improved therapeutic efficacy.
A review by UC Davis graduate students highlights the need for research on wildfire smoke's composition and its impact on human health. The study found that current scientific evidence is insufficient, and pesticides and fire-suppression chemicals used in California contribute to the toxic effects of wildfire smoke.
Researchers found that mothers who took recommended amounts of folic acid around conception had a significantly lower risk of developing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) even when exposed to household or agricultural pesticides. Folic acid intake was associated with reduced autism risk, but did not eliminate it.
A new study by UC Santa Barbara researchers found that mothers exposed to very high levels of pesticides during pregnancy experienced increased risk of adverse outcomes, including a 5-9% increase in birth weight and preterm births. The study analyzed data from over 500,000 single births between 1997 and 2011.
The Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program uses a tiered testing strategy to assess the potential of pesticides and environmental contaminants on hormone systems. The finalized test method is a result of collaborative efforts between EPA scientists and Japanese colleagues.
Research links elemental sulfur use to poorer respiratory health in children living near farms that apply the pesticide, with significant associations found between sulfur use and asthma-related symptoms. The study suggests urgent need for more research and possible changes to regulations and application methods.
Researchers found that wood frogs with pesticide tolerance are more susceptible to a deadly virus and a parasitic worm, while those far from agriculture have reduced susceptibility. This study highlights the complexity of pesticide-parasite interactions and the need to consider multiple stressors in environmental conservation.
A team of UK researchers investigated the impact of water droplets on spherical soft surfaces, revealing that surface curvature enhances retraction of impacted drops. The effects of impact parameters, including diameter ratios and polymer elastic modulus, were also studied.
A University of Guelph study found that exposure to thiamethoxam reduces the chances of a bumblebee queen starting a new colony, with queens exposed to pesticides laying 26% fewer eggs. This significant decline in nesting behavior threatens the survival of wild bumblebee populations.
Two studies in The Lancet and The Lancet Global Health journals found that secure storage has no impact on rates of self-poisoning or suicide, and that national bans are the most effective way to reduce pesticide-related suicides. Improved storage measures were not found to reduce self-poisoning rates.
A randomized trial in Sri Lanka found that secure storage of pesticides had no impact on rates of self-poisoning or suicide. A review of global policies concluded that bans are the most effective way to reduce pesticide-related suicides. Secure storage is not a sufficient solution to this public health problem.
Researchers from Kumamoto University developed a novel electrochemical sensing technique for detecting neurotoxic agents, including Nereistoxin, which showed high sensitivity and specificity. The method uses gold electrodes with adsorbed NRT layers, achieving detection limits of 1-25 micro-grams per milliliter of human serum.
Researchers found that amphibian susceptibility to parasites varies with proximity to agriculture and evolutionary responses to pesticides. Wood frogs living closer to agriculture with high baseline tolerance had lower trematode loads, while those far from agriculture with inducible pesticide tolerance had higher viral loads.
A recent study found that pyrethroid pesticides can persist in homes for up to a year, with 70% of one common ingredient still present in dust after a year. This persistence increases the risk of exposure for young children and household pets who spend more time on surfaces where the pesticides are present.
A team of researchers led by David Julian McClements aims to quantify the ability of food nanoemulsions to increase pesticide bioavailability, posing a risk to human health. The study will investigate how nanoemulsion composition and structure impact pesticide absorption in fruits and vegetables.
Biomedical engineers use biological nanoparticles, a plant virus, to deliver pesticide to root level of crops, reducing leaching and runoff, increasing efficacy and safety. The technology has potential for widespread use in agriculture to control parasitic nematodes, which cause significant crop failures worldwide.
Research found that insecticide-resistant male fruit flies are smaller, less aggressive, and struggle with courting females. They also exhibit increased latency in copulation and reduced competitive mating success.
The European Union has a relatively low level of biopesticide research due to complex regulations. This hinders the development and use of biological compounds as pesticides globally.