Articles tagged with Pesticides
Researchers discovered that a widely used bee antibiotic increases susceptibility to pesticides, contributing to colony collapse disorder. The study suggests that oxytetracycline interacts with specific proteins in the bees, rendering them more vulnerable to toxic chemicals.
A study published in PNAS found a strong association between high levels of pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and an increased risk of spina bifida and anencephaly in newborns. The researchers collected placentas from 80 fetuses with birth defects and found high concentrations of endosulfan, lindane, and PAHs.
A study analyzing 500 organic substances in four major European rivers reveals that 38% are present in concentrations potentially affecting organisms. Most pesticides, not currently on the EU's list, pose a risk to aquatic ecosystems.
Researchers at UC Davis have developed a self-cleaning cotton fabric that can kill bacteria and break down toxic chemicals like pesticide residues when exposed to light. The new fabric uses 2-AQC, a chemical that bonds strongly to cellulose in cotton, producing reactive oxygen species that kill bacteria and break down toxins.
A Baylor University study investigated links between Gulf War Illness (GWI) and veterans' locations during the war. GWI was most prevalent in forward areas of Iraq and Kuwait, where it was strongly associated with use of a medication given to troops to protect them from nerve agent effects.
Low-income populations may be deprived of essential nutrients due to unfounded fears about pesticide residues on fruits and vegetables. Bruce N. Ames explains that most pesticides are naturally present in plants to protect them, and at low doses, they are not a concern for human health.
University of Guam scientist Dr. Gadi V.P. Reddy is developing an integrated control strategy to manage sweetpotato weevil populations using pheromone traps and lethal fungi, eliminating toxic pesticides.
Researchers have identified three cytochrome P450s in honey bee midguts that detoxify tau-fluvalinate and coumaphos, potentially allowing bees to coexist with these pesticides. This discovery may lead to the development of less toxic mite control methods.
Scientists with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are identifying factors that influence pesticide levels in the Chesapeake Bay airshed. The study found that nearly all air samples contained lindane and chlordane products, with highest concentrations at dieldrin and DDE.
Researchers discovered a molecular link between pesticides and Parkinson's disease, shedding light on the oxidative stress that contributes to the neurodegenerative disorder. The study provides evidence that exposure to environmental toxins may be a primary cause of Parkinson's, with potential implications for prevention and treatment.
Researchers analyzed data collection methods to examine pesticide use's environmental impact. They found that flow velocities of soil water and residence time of pesticides in the soil affect sorption parameters.
The PhenologyMMS software predicts plant growth stages based on weather reports and soil moisture, providing farmers with a decision-making tool to optimize crop management. The program covers multiple crops, including corn, wheat, barley, and millet varieties, and can be used independently or integrated into existing models.
Research found that prenatal exposure to organophosphates negatively impacts perceptual reasoning and nonverbal problem-solving skills in early childhood. Mothers with a specific genotype associated with less efficient PON1 enzyme metabolization were particularly at risk.
Researchers in China have developed a genetically modified form of E. coli that can extract toxic pesticides like parathion and methyl parathion from the air with high efficiency. The biofilter system has shown average removal efficiencies of up to 95.2% for parathion and 98.6% for methyl parathion.
A new study reveals that American kestrels and other raptorial birds are more sensitive to the rodenticide diphacinone than previously thought. Birds ingesting high doses can die within days, while those consuming lower amounts survive with minimal harm.
Researchers discovered a strong link between the use of pesticides rotenone and paraquat and an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The study found that people who used these pesticides developed the disease around 2.5 times more often than non-users.
A study evaluated four turfgrass management approaches to determine their aesthetic and economic impacts. Organic alternatives were found to be effective in improving lawn quality without increasing costs.
A study of 614 vineyard workers in South West France found a link between long-term pesticide exposure and declining cognitive abilities, including lower scores on memory and recall tests. The researchers suggest that higher risks of dementia may be associated with pesticide exposure.
Researchers at Arizona State University have successfully produced plant-derived human butyrylcholinesterase, a bioscavenger that can neutralize organophosphate toxins. This breakthrough holds promise for protecting the nervous system from pesticide and nerve agent poisoning, as well as treating related diseases such as Alzheimer's.
Scientists from Oregon State University and the European Union outline six regulatory issues for nanoparticles in pesticides, including disclosure and testing methods. The researchers aim to design safer nanoparticles that maximize benefits while preventing risks.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new method for attaching phosphorus to organic compounds using ultraviolet light, eliminating the need for hazardous chlorine. The breakthrough could lead to more sustainable production of industrial chemicals and materials.
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.