Articles tagged with Pesticides
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.
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.
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 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.
Experts argue that the UK will lose its fundamental right to health if the government proceeds with plans not to convert the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights into UK law. The charter has been used to uphold public health laws and regulations in EU courts.
Liza Grandia, a UC Davis associate professor of Native American studies, has received a $270,000 Mellon Foundation Fellowship to research toxicology and environmental epidemiology. Her project, 'Toxic Trespass,' aims to build cross-disciplinary bridges between indigenous communities and environmental health sciences.
Researchers developed a disposable glove with built-in electrochemical sensors to detect organophosphate nerve agents and pesticides. The sensor can be worn on the fingers, providing fast and accurate detection of deadly toxins.
Scientists at Lomonosov Moscow State University have developed nanozymes, which can degrade toxic organophosphorous compounds with high efficiency. The new technology uses an enzyme encapsulated in a biodegradable polymer coat, reducing immune responses and increasing storage stability.
The USDA is providing funding for research on new, environmentally friendly pesticides to replace the ozone-depleting chemical methyl bromide. The goal is to develop practical and safe alternatives for pest management in various industries.
A team of researchers suggests ten clear ways for governments to protect pollination services, crucial for food production. The policies focus on improving yields in organic farming and regulating pesticides to support pollinator health.
A new study by UCL finds that treating bees with light therapy can counteract the harmful effects of neonicotinoid pesticides, significantly improving survival rates and mobility. The researchers used deep red light to improve mitochondrial function and ATP production, enabling bees to recover from pesticide exposure.
Researchers found pesticide exposure associated with decreased bacterial diversity and specific taxon reductions in farmworkers' oral microbiomes. Azinphos-methyl detection correlated with lower Streptococcus and Halomonas populations.
A field study found pesticide exposure can impact bumblebee colonies, reducing queen and male production, which underpins colony success. The study provided a controlled method to assess long-term effects of pesticides on colony health.
Researchers at Clemson University are exploring unconventional methods of growing peaches organically using paper bags, which may improve yield and reduce reliance on pesticides. The project aims to provide an innovative strategy for organic peach growers in the southeastern US, increasing productivity and economic returns.
The scientific community has established criteria for identifying endocrine disruptors, which will inform regulatory decisions on substances affecting human health. The principles focus on substance effects on the endocrine system and adverse health outcomes.
Networking is crucial for spreading integrated pest management in agriculture. The article suggests three ways to improve networking: enhancing communication between research organizations, involving advisors in defining research projects, and structuring knowledge generation approaches. By following these recommendations, farmers can ...
A team of MIT researchers developed a system that can drastically reduce pesticide droplet bounce rate by using two inexpensive additives. The new approach creates hydrophilic defects on leaf surfaces, sticking the droplets and increasing retention. This could cut agricultural runoff, improving soil and water pollution.
Scientists at KU Leuven have developed a new cocktail of biological pesticides and synthetic predator cues that kills mosquitoes more efficiently and sustainably. The combination triggers a stress response in mosquitoes, impairing their immune system and reducing the spread of diseases.
Researchers found high levels of pesticides and contaminants in California condors near the coast compared to inland birds. The study suggests that feeding on marine mammal carcasses could complicate condor recovery due to potential harm from toxic substances.
A study published in Frontiers in Microbiology found that pesticides applied to hives to control Varroa mites can damage the gut microbiome of honeybees, impacting their ability to metabolize sugars and peptides. The research suggests that these chemicals can specifically harm the microbes crucial for honey bee nutrition and health.
Researchers from KU Leuven have developed a highly sensitive electronic nose using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) to detect phosphonates found in pesticides and nerve gases. The sensor can identify traces of chemical weapons or pesticide residues on food with extremely low concentrations.
Scientists discover that daily doses of pre-harvest UV-C light increase stilbenoid production in grapes, offering a natural method to prevent pathogens and reduce synthetic pesticide use. This approach shows a significant 86-fold increase in stilbenoid concentrations, resulting in higher disease resistance.
Researchers found that eliminating α-synuclein protein protects zebrafish from ziram-induced dopamine loss and provides potential treatment for pesticide-exposed Parkinson's patients. This study supports the approach of targeting α-synuclein to slow or stop disease progression in most people with Parkinson's.
Researchers found a strong link between pesticide exposure and the development of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease. Pesticide exposure was associated with increased risk in survey data and blood measurements, highlighting the need for further studies on environmental factors.
Research suggests environmental pollutants may increase likelihood of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a rapidly progressive motor neuron disease. The study found higher concentrations of pesticides and other toxic chemicals in individuals with ALS, but no strong correlation between occupation and risk.
Research suggests that aerial pesticide spraying may increase the risk of autism spectrum disorder and developmental delays among children. Children living in areas where aerial pesticide spraying occurs are approximately 25% more likely to have an autism diagnosis or documented developmental delay.
A group of 7 researchers from Europe and the US show that consensus exists around EDC definition and propose a logic-based approach similar to carcinogen identification. This guidance aims to resolve the 3-year blockage in publishing scientific criteria, allowing for efficient protection of public health.
A group of European and US researchers has provided a clear framework for identifying endocrine-disrupting substances (EDCs) and regulating them. The report, published in Environmental Health Perspectives, defines EDCs as substances altering the hormonal system and causing adverse health effects.
A new study reveals that European honeybees are being poisoned with up to 57 different pesticides, posing a threat to bee populations worldwide. The researchers developed a method for analyzing 200 pesticides simultaneously, providing critical information on the toxic mix and its impact on honeybee health.
A study from the University of Otago suggests that low levels of chlorpyrifos in bees can lead to severe learning and memory deficits. Researchers found that even 'safe' doses of the pesticide affect odour-learning abilities and recall, potentially threatening bee survival.
A new device, IS2B, developed by Arizona State University researchers accurately measures chemical contamination in water and sediment. The tool assesses the bioavailability of hazardous chemicals, which is essential for understanding health risks from pollution.
The bed bug's genome shows significant changes in receptor types for smell and taste, leading to increased resistance to pesticides. The decoded genome also reveals insights into the species' evolution from bat parasite to human feeder, highlighting genetic adaptations for chemosensation and traumatic reproduction.
Wild tomato varieties exhibit dual resistance against whiteflies, which damages plants by extracting sap, creating honeydew, and transmitting viruses. Breeding these traits into commercial tomatoes could offer a sustainable solution for controlling the pest.
The study proposes adaptive control techniques to manage pests, which can help reduce crop losses due to pest control. The approach tolerates uncertainty in pest dynamics, making it suitable for developing better models or adopting design approaches that tolerate the likely level of uncertainty.
A global research collaboration sequenced the bed bug genome, identifying genes linked to pesticide resistance, mating traits, and blood digestion. The study provides a comprehensive understanding of the biology of human ectoparasites and offers new avenues for controlling bed bug populations.
A study published in Neurology found an association between pesticide heptachlor epoxide and reduced brain cells in nonsmokers who drank more than two cups of milk daily. Researchers discovered residues of the pesticide in 90% of participants with high milk consumption, but note that the study does not show cause-and-effect.
Lili He will study mechanisms of how chemical pesticides penetrate fresh produce and move into plant tissues, affecting food safety for consumers. Her research uses innovative SERS techniques to detect trace amounts of pesticides without damaging samples.
A new study has found a link between early pesticide exposure and decreased lung function in children, with increased organophosphate metabolites associated with reduced air capacity. The study's findings suggest that chronic exposure to pesticides could leave children at risk of developing respiratory problems like COPD.
A UK study by University of Stirling researchers found that neonicotinoid pesticide use is linked to declining butterfly populations, with 15 species showing population declines. The chemicals can persist in the environment and contaminate wildflowers, providing little nourishment for butterflies.
A device that hijacks the mating signals of Asian citrus psyllids may help provide an environmentally friendly system for preventing citrus greening, a devastating disease that has cost the Florida citrus industry billions of dollars. The researchers' vibration trap uses acoustic methods to lure male psyllids into traps, where they are...
Researchers find oil-based pesticides outperform water-based counterparts in killing contents of brown widow spider egg sacs. The silk layer's hydrophobic properties hindered water-based pesticide penetration, but oil-based aerosols effectively breached this barrier.
A new study presents a portable smartphone-based detection system using a paper sensor that produces strong signals to detect pesticide thiram. The system integrates nanoparticles, a mini-laser, an optical filter, and software that runs on Android, giving reliable and accurate detection readings at low concentrations.