Articles tagged with Pesticides
A study found 64 pesticide residues in milkweed, contaminating the main food source for monarch butterflies in the west. Pesticides were present at levels harmful to monarchs and other insects, raising concerns for the already critically small western monarch population.
Research provides basic recommendations for creating pollinator-friendly gardens in urban areas, considering factors such as plant selection and landscape complexity. Key findings highlight the potential of human-managed green spaces to support declining pollinator populations.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health found detectable levels of DDT and other banned organochlorine pesticides in the blood of over 60% of Detroit-area black women. The chemicals were linked to tobacco, alcohol, and water consumption, posing hormonal and metabolic issues.
A new study by UC Davis finds that California cannabis safety testing costs growers around 10% of the average wholesale price, mainly due to rejected product disposal. Higher testing costs translate into higher prices for the licensed market, posing a risk to unlicensed alternatives.
Consumer awareness and information type significantly impact pollinator-friendly plant purchases. A study found that positive information from trusted sources increases willingness to buy, while neutral or negative info has little effect. Trusted sources include universities, major media outlets, and government agencies.
A trio of researchers argue that Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies often overlook vital factors, such as biodiversity and pesticide impacts, when comparing organic and intensive agriculture. They found that LCA rarely accounts for these effects, leading to wrong conclusions about the merits of organic farming.
Researchers found that pesticide-contaminated freshwater bodies support larger snail populations, which can increase the risk of schistosomiasis. The study suggests reducing pesticide use near waterways and improving sewage systems as key measures to mitigate the disease.
A recent study found that bumblebee queens' ability to reproduce and survive is hindered by a lack of sugar in their diets. Queens' fat bodies fail to produce essential enzymes required for metabolism and detoxification from pesticides, leading to reduced lifespans and population decline.
Researchers used a virtual flight simulator to compare the effects of two pesticides on locusts, finding that the newer sulfoxamine pesticide does not impair motion detection ability at low dosages. The study suggests that the pesticide may be safer than current neonicotinoid options for agriculture use.
The proposal aims to implement a holistic, integrated systems-based approach to pesticide regulation, considering dynamic agroecological factors. Current ERA guidelines are decades old and based on assumptions that misrepresent modern ecological systems.
A new study by New York University researchers reveals that flame retardants and pesticides are now the leading causes of IQ loss in children, outweighing heavy metals. The study found that over 1 million children suffered from intellectual disability between 2001 and 2016 due to exposure to these toxic chemicals.
A study found that higher-income households are more likely to irrigate, fertilize, and use pesticides in their yards. Neighborly pressure may also play a role, with those knowing more neighbors more likely to engage in these practices.
Researchers discovered eight SDHI pesticide molecules harming earthworms, bees, and human cells by blocking succinate dehydrogenase activity. The study found these pesticides induce oxidative stress in human cells, leading to cell death, threatening human health.
A Princeton researcher found that pesticide companies lobby for stricter regulations on less profitable products, allowing them to clear the way for more expensive alternatives. This practice has significant economic and public health implications.
A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that on-the-job pesticide exposure raised the risk of heart disease and stroke in Japanese American men. After 34 years of follow-up, no significant link was found between pesticide exposure and cardiovascular disease.
A new study using advanced brain imaging reveals how prenatal exposure to organophosphates affects brain activity in teenagers. Teens with higher levels of exposure showed altered brain activity while performing tasks requiring executive control and linguistic working memory.
Research reveals that prenatal organophosphate exposure is associated with decreased brain activity in adolescents, particularly in regions related to cognitive and language functions. The study also identifies sex-dependent differences in brain activation patterns following OP exposure.
Brooklyn Bioscience, a NYU Tandon startup, has developed an engineered enzyme to detoxify organophosphates from crops, including cannabis, wine grapes, and tea. The technology provides a low-cost, efficient solution for breaking down OPs into benign products.
Recent studies reveal that pesticide adjuvants, commonly added to plant protection products, can be toxic to honey bees. Adjuvants increase mortality rates, reduce colony size, and impair brooding when co-applied with neonicotinoids, highlighting the need for environmental safety assessments.
A recent study found that when mainstream brands use visual cues suggesting their products are environmentally friendly, consumers tend to perceive them as less effective and switch to more eco-friendly alternatives. The research involved a survey of over 500 consumers across the US, who were shown different product labels with varying...
Entomologists call for immediate science-based actions to mitigate insect decline worldwide. Insect diversity and ecosystem services require targeted legislation and public awareness.
The investigation highlights a previously unidentified risk of drench application for imidacloprid. The authors recommend minimizing exposure to animals consuming fallen seeds and encouraging integrated pest management instead.
A study by FEFU ecologist Vasiliy Tsygankov reveals a significant decrease in pesticide concentrations in Russian Far Eastern mussels, suggesting a shift in the environmental situation. Pesticides accumulate in marine organisms' fat tissue and can lead to biomagnification, causing poisoning and genetic changes.
Agricultural pesticides reduced aquatic insect biodiversity but increased mosquito density, particularly for the pesticide-resistant Wyeomyia abebala. Pesticide use led to the loss of predators, allowing these mosquitoes to colonize habitats without competitors.
A new study investigates the use of multiple fungal biopesticides to prevent uniform evolutionary response and promote sustainable control. The project aims to make agricultural landscapes more diverse, allowing for longer-term use of biopesticides without consistent resistance evolution.
A recent study published in Environmental Health found that the US uses voluntary mechanisms for pesticide cancellations, leading to a delayed ban on harmful pesticides compared to the EU, Brazil, and China. The study identified nearly all pesticide cancellations in the US as being done voluntarily by the industry.
Scientists have developed a strategy to determine organic food authenticity by analyzing the metabolites generated within plants when pesticides break down. The technique involves identifying and screening the metabolites of seven common pesticides using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography and high-resolution mass spectrometry.
The UK's pesticide regulation is under threat after a change in EU powers led to the removal of a blanket ban on Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs). The new legislation gives UK ministers more power to amend and revoke laws, weakening enforcement arrangements and the requirement for scientific advice.
A new study has found cocaine, pharmaceuticals and pesticides in UK river wildlife, highlighting the presence of 'invisible' chemical pollution that poses a risk to wildlife health. The study detected illicit drugs and banned pesticides in freshwater shrimp, revealing a surprising occurrence in smaller rural catchments.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.