Farmers in Thailand still largely use chemical herbicides, especially paraquat and atrazine, to control weeds on their farms. According to research by the Office of Agricultural Economics, in 2019, Thailand imported almost 10 million kilograms of paraquat and close to 3.5 million kilograms of atrazine. The residues of these herbicides cause harm to the environment, living creatures, and our health.
Tag: Pesticide
Protecting gardens and crops from insects using the ‘smell of fear’
Herbivorous insects are a threat to gardeners’ hard work, and are increasingly resistant to pesticides. Today, scientists report they have bottled the “smell of fear” from predators to repel destructive insects without the need for harsh substances. They will present their results at ACS Fall 2021.
Brain Organoid Study Highlights Potential Role of Genetic and Environmental Interaction in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health have shown in a brain organoid study that exposure to a common pesticide synergizes with a frequent autism-linked gene mutation.
Where does pyrethrum come from?
Scientists are looking at ways to make more of this natural pesticide
Announcing Virtual Press Conference for Experimental Biology 2021 Meeting
Reporters are invited to join a live Q&A discussion of exciting research announcements at the forefront of the life sciences during a virtual press conference for the Experimental Biology (EB) 2021 meeting. The press conference will be held online from 1–1:45 p.m. EDT on Monday, April 26, 2021 (RSVP by Friday, April 23).

Childhood Brain Tumors Linked to Mother’s Exposure to Pesticides
A UCLA-led study published in the peer-reviewed journal Environmental Research suggests that exposure during pregnancy to a wide variety of pesticides may lead to the development of central nervous system tumors during childhood.

Discovery: How Colorado Potato Beetles Beat Pesticides
New research shows that pesticide alter how Colorado potato beetles manage their DNA. These changes were passed down two generations suggesting that rapid resistance to pesticides may not require beetles to evolve their genetic code. Instead they may simply use existing genes to tolerate toxins already found in potatoes. The scientists were surprised that these epigenetic changes, triggered by a single tiny dose of pesticide, were maintained through multiple rounds of sexual reproduction.

Imitation Mosquito Ears Help Identify Mosquito Species and Sex
Using an imitation “ear” modeled on the organs that mosquitos use to hear, researchers have identified a mosquito’s species and sex using sound — just like mosquitos do themselves. The researchers hope this bioinspired detector could someday be used in the field to save lives by aiding in more selective pesticide use and possibly preventing mosquitos from mating. A presentation of the new research will be given as part of the 179th ASA Meeting.

Science Snapshots September 2020
2D Electronics, Plant Biofactories, Transforming Waste, and Vaccine Development.
As Evidence of “Hormone Disruptor” Chemical Threats Grows, Experts Call for Stricter Regulation
A growing number of chemicals in pesticides, flame retardants, and certain plastics have been linked to widespread health problems including infertility, diabetes, and impaired brain development, a set of reviews of hundreds of studies concludes.

How do farmers and agronomists determine which pests need to be managed?
Using integrated pest management to decide if pesticide is warranted

Start your garden right
An ounce of preparation in the spring for a summer of garden bounty.

Study gauges insecticide effects on monarch butterflies
A newly published study sheds light on how insecticides commonly applied to crops affect monarch caterpillars. Conservation efforts to protect monarch butterfly populations depend on planting milkweed on agricultural land, but doing so may put caterpillars in close proximity to harmful insecticides.

Former advisor to the EPA’s Office of Pesticide Program available to talk about recent EPA decisions on pesticides
In the wake of the Environmental Protection Agency’s recent release of interim decisions on glyphosate and neonicotinoids, chemicals used in agriculture that have been linked to adverse effects, Former advisor to the EPA’s Office of Pesticide Program and Clinical Professor…
Flame Retardants and Pesticides Overtake Heavy Metals as Biggest Contributors to IQ Loss
Adverse outcomes from childhood exposures to lead and mercury are on the decline in the United States, likely due to decades of restrictions on the use of heavy metals, a new study finds.