Articles tagged with Pesticides
Researchers develop integrated pest management system using Neoseiulus californicus predatory mites and petroleum spray oils to reduce pesticide usage in eggplant farming. The system aims to improve eggplant production, increase farmer income, and benefit consumers and the environment.
A new study by University of California, Berkeley researchers found that prenatal organophosphate pesticide exposure is significantly linked to attention problems at age 5, with stronger effects among boys. Children's symptoms of attention disorders are harder to recognize in toddlers, and diagnoses often occur after entering school.
Scientists at the University of Haifa have identified two chemicals released by mosquito predators that repel egg-laying mosquitoes, offering a potential environmentally friendly solution for reducing mosquito populations. The findings may lead to the development of a natural and inexpensive option for controlling mosquito breeding sites.
Two studies confirm widespread pollution in national parks across the Western United States, with pesticides being a major concern. The research found high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) near industrial sites, posing health risks to humans and wildlife.
A University of Guelph study found that organic pesticides can be less effective and more environmentally damaging than conventional pesticides. The research compared the effectiveness and impact of six pesticides on soybean crops, with organic products requiring higher doses to control aphid populations.
A recent study published in Pediatrics found a connection between exposure to organophosphate pesticides and symptoms of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children. The research, which focused on 1,139 children from the general U.S. population, measured pesticide levels in their urine and found that exposure to common ...
The gypsy moth continues to spread across the US, resistant to effective pesticides. Despite decades of pesticide use, the insect remains a threat to forests and urban landscapes.
Researchers identified four alternative turfgrass species—bentgrasses and fescues—as promising for use on low-input fairways. These cool-season grasses can survive under conditions of little or no supplemental irrigation, high traffic, and reduced fertility.
Research found that spray gun technique and application rate significantly affect the effectiveness of pesticide deposition on ivy pot plants. The study suggests using a disc-core nozzle with high-pressure equipment to improve performance.
A study found that household pesticide labels fail to provide clear maximum safe use guidelines, allowing consumers to overuse products like para-dichlorobenzene. This can lead to increased exposure to indoor air pollutants, posing health risks to family members and pets.
Scientists developed a rapid, eco-friendly pesticide test using paper-based strips that change color shades depending on pesticide levels. The test accurately identifies minute pesticide amounts in minutes, making it suitable for developing countries or remote areas without access to expensive testing equipment.
Scientists developed a fast and affordable paper-based test strip that can detect minute amounts of pesticides in food and beverages. The test, which produces results in under 5 minutes, has the potential to improve pesticide testing in developing countries.
Researchers are using two tiny insects, the predatory mite and the lady bug, to control European red mites and two-spotted spider mites in Pennsylvania apple orchards. By reducing pest mite numbers, biological control saves growers millions in integrated pest management costs.
A recent study in China found that people with higher levels of pesticide exposure are more likely to have suicidal thoughts. The study suggests a potential causal link between pesticide exposure and increased risk of suicidal ideation in rural areas.
Robert Wolf, associate professor of biological and agricultural engineering at K-State, was named a 2009 Fellow of the American Association of Pesticide Safety Educators. He is recognized for his contributions to drift mitigation programming and training, resulting in a 25% reduction of drift incidents over the past decade.
A new NIST prototype method detects and measures elusive hazards such as concealed explosives and toxins using a technique called headspace analysis. The method is sensitive enough to measure amounts of target materials that constitute as little as 0.0000002 percent of a sample.
Researchers have developed a tool to estimate the harmful effect of pesticides on rivers and water quality, using biomonitoring data. The SPEAR calculator uses species- and family-level information to provide immediate assessments of pollution levels.
A new study reveals that homes in California are a significant source of water pollution, with pollutants such as pesticides and fertilizers contaminating rivers and lakes. The study estimates that current models may underestimate the amount of pollution contributed by homes by up to 50%.
Researchers discovered that insect circadian rhythms affect pesticide susceptibility, with defenses strongest during mid-day and weakest around dawn or dusk. This knowledge may lead to improved pest control strategies and reduced pesticide use.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found people with Parkinson's disease have significantly higher blood levels of a particular pesticide than healthy individuals. The study may provide the basis for a beta-HCH blood test to identify those at risk for developing the disease.
Researchers found that levels of paraoxonase 1 enzyme activity remained low in some individuals through age 7, contradicting the assumption that children approach adult levels by age 2. The study recommends re-evaluating EPA standards for acceptable pesticide exposure levels.
Research by Sabrina McCormick links everyday products to breast cancer, citing industrial pollution and agricultural pesticides as contributing factors. Experts urge policymakers to ban cancer-causing chemicals in everyday products, promoting prevention over a cure.
A study found high concentrations of pollutants in marine mammals' brains, including pesticides like DDTs and PCBs, as well as brominated flame retardants. The results have significant implications for the health of marine mammals, particularly their hearing and cognitive development.
Researchers used the MACRO model to simulate the transport of three PPCPs and a strongly sorbing dye, finding that non-equilibrium sorption in macropores significantly impacted solute transport. The updated version of the model showed better fits to measured data, but limitations were found in accounting for all relevant processes.
A panel of experts reviewed studies on the link between DDT and human health, expressing concern over high levels of exposure in regions where malaria is endemic. They called for increased efforts to reduce exposure and develop alternatives to using DDT.
The study found that 'RADrazz' rose had the best overall performance, while Trumpeter was the worst. Fifteen varieties of roses are recommended for low-maintenance growing in Texas, with Polyanthas and Hybrid Tea roses performing differently.
The worm Caenhorabditis elegans becomes resistant to pesticide Levamisole in 20 generations, adapting its population in just 80 days. This resistance allows the worms to survive and reproduce despite the pesticide's effects on mobility and fertility.
A new USGS study published in the Journal of Environmental Quality shows that pesticide contamination in groundwater has decreased over the past decade. Only six compounds were detected in ground water from at least 10 wells during the study period, with concentrations less than 0.12 parts per billion.
Injury-related deaths account for over 10% of all Chinese deaths, mainly due to traffic accidents, drowning, and pesticide poisoning. The authors suggest implementing low-cost prevention measures such as stricter driving laws, pesticide restrictions, and swimming education to reduce injury mortality rates.
A new UK study suggests that biological products, also known as biopesticides, have the potential to play a significant role in a more sustainable food chain. Biopesticides can help reduce the use of chemical pesticides, which pose risks to workers' health and contaminate groundwater.
A new study published in Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture found no evidence to support the view that organically grown crops contain more major and trace elements. The study compared retention of minerals and trace elements in animals fed a diet consisting of conventionally grown crops, organic crops, and a combination of...
A new definition for intermediate syndrome (IMS) resulting from organophosphate poisoning has been proposed based on a study of 78 patients. The researchers found that specific changes in nerve transmission occurred before the development of IMS, suggesting that these changes may be an indicator of future poor outcome.
A common fruit fly has helped scientists discover a protein crucial for the insect's eggshell formation, which could be a potential target for pesticides. The protein, called palisade, is essential for the formation of the vitelline membrane, a key component of the eggshell.
A recent study found that female veterinarians are twice as likely to miscarry due to exposure to anaesthetic gases and pesticides. Researchers call for clearer advice on reproductive risks for young female vets planning to become pregnant.
A study by UCSD researchers reveals a link between chemical exposure and chronic, multi-symptom health problems in Persian Gulf War veterans. The study found that symptoms such as fatigue, muscle pain, and memory problems were more prevalent among veterans exposed to certain chemicals.
NOAA scientist Nat Scholz reveals that pesticide mixtures have a greater toxic effect on the salmon nervous system than expected. The findings have important implications for threatened and endangered salmon populations and may also affect human health through contaminated food supply.
A randomized controlled trial found that multiple-dose activated charcoal has no effect on mortality in patients who have poisoned themselves with toxic pesticides or plants. The study involved over 4600 patients and showed no differences in mortality rates between those who received activated charcoal and those who did not.
The study proposes new methods to detect pesticide residue (carbamates) and antibiotic residue (sulfonamides) in water, plant foods and animal-derived foods. The developed methods are innovative, sensitive, and environmentally friendly alternatives to existing detection techniques.
CABI's work with the European Commission significantly reduced methyl bromide usage in the EU, from 5.7 million kg to 0.5 million kg, setting a precedent for global pesticide reduction.
Researchers found that modifying irrigation and waste treatment practices, along with providing medicine and pesticide, can reduce the spread of schistosomiasis. These changes include lining irrigation ditches with concrete to eliminate snail habitats and using biogas digesters to destroy Schistosoma eggs.
A study found that exposure to pesticides increases the risk of Parkinson's disease, as does traumatic head injury, with higher levels of exposure associated with greater risk. The two factors are potentially modifiable, suggesting opportunities for prevention and reduction.
Research by Dr. Paul Winchester found that children conceived in June-August had lower math and language ISTEP scores, potentially linked to prenatal exposure to pesticides and nitrates. The study suggests that environmental factors during pregnancy may have long-term effects on cognitive development.
Research suggests a seasonal correlation between pesticides, nitrates, and premature births, with highest rates in May-June and lowest in August-September. The study analyzed over 27 million US live births and found a significant link between environmental contaminants and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Researchers have identified ten areas of the wild tomato genome associated with resistance to grey mould. The discovery could lead to the development of new, pesticide-free tomato varieties.
According to a University of Missouri-Columbia scientist, environmental chemicals can alter fetal gene function, predisposing babies to obesity and disease. This 'thrifty phenotype' is programmed for starvation but becomes detrimental in modern environments with plenty of food.
A Mayo Clinic researcher has identified a target site in malaria-carrying mosquitoes that could be used to develop pesticides toxic to the Anopheles gambiae mosquito and other species. This finding could lead to a safer and more effective method to control mosquito-borne diseases like malaria.
A Mayo Clinic researcher has identified a target site in malaria-carrying mosquitoes that could be used to develop toxic pesticides. The residues are found in three mosquito species and the German cockroach, but not in mammals.
A new pesticide development with integrated sunscreen shields chemicals from UV light, increasing their effectiveness and reducing degradation. The technology has the potential to lower costs for farmers and minimize environmental impact.
A study published in The Lancet found that high doses of pralidoxime reduced illness and death in patients with moderate to severe organophosphorus pesticide poisoning. High-dose pralidoxime improved ventilation support times and reduced deaths compared to standard treatment.
Researchers found accelerated brain changes in people with Parkinson's, while mice exposed to pesticides showed increased oxidative stress and reduced dopamine uptake. Exposure to banned pesticides like dieldrin may increase the risk of developing Parkinson's earlier in life.
A study of Chinese farmers found that Bt cotton's pesticide savings are offset by increased spraying needs, threatening its long-term viability. The GM crop is being reevaluated for remedial actions to address secondary pest problems.
A study by Emory University researchers found a connection between developmental exposure to the pesticide dieldrin and an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The study suggests that early life exposures may contribute to neurodegeneration later in life.
A large cohort study found that chronic pesticide exposure is associated with an increased risk of Parkinson's disease, regardless of occupation or home use. The study suggested that exposure to specific pesticides may be the underlying cause of this increased risk.
A study of 143,325 participants found a strong association between pesticide exposure and Parkinson's disease, with a 70% higher incidence among those exposed. The association was strongest among individuals who used pesticides at home or in gardening, regardless of occupation or sex.
Researchers argue that environmental pollution disproportionately affects minority groups, particularly African-American children in low-income families. The authors propose the creation and strict enforcement of effective public policies to address lead exposure and pesticide prevention.
African-American children living in poverty face a significantly higher risk of high lead exposure and related cognitive impairments. Strict enforcement of lead abatement policies can reduce future poisonings, but compliance varies widely by state.
A study of 72 children in Ecuador found that prenatal pesticide exposure was associated with higher systolic blood pressure and decreased ability to copy shapes. The effects of prenatal exposure may last into childhood, with stunting also linked to impaired cognitive function.
A new study published in Pharmacogenetics and Genomics found significant variability in pesticide susceptibility among Latina women and their newborns. The researchers used PON1 enzyme activity as a marker for pesticide resistance and discovered that genetic variants can significantly affect enzyme levels, particularly in children.
A study by Emory University researchers found that organic diets significantly reduce children's exposure to two common pesticides, malathion and chlorpyrifos. The study, which involved 23 elementary students aged 3-11, showed a dramatic and immediate protective effect against the pesticides until conventional diets were reintroduced.
A Dartmouth research study confirmed earlier findings that toxic metals like arsenic and lead remain in the top 10 inches of soil after pesticide use. The new study reveals these metals are now part of the fine silt and organic matter, increasing erosion risk to nearby waters.