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Researchers find increase in adverse birth outcomes due to high levels of pesticide exposure

Although common opinion holds that exposure to pesticides increases adverse birth outcomes, the existing body of scientific evidence is ambiguous. Logistical and ethical barriers -- pesticide use data are not widely available and randomized control trials are impossible -- have gotten in the way of more accurate conclusions.

29 Aug 2017

Scientists develop new attract-and-kill technique to eradicate mosquitoes

Mosquitoes aren't just blood thirsty. They also have a sweet tooth, relying on plant nectar to get the sugar they need to survive. Exploiting this weakness, scientists have developed an environmentally friendly eradication method.

23 Aug 2017

Study finds link between elemental sulfur use and respiratory problems in farmworkers' children

Elemental sulfur, the most heavily-used pesticide in California, may harm the respiratory health of children living near farms that use the pesticide, according to new research led by UC Berkeley.

17 Aug 2017

Pesticide bans can be effective way to reduce suicides than secure storage

Global policies on access to highly hazardous pesticides – commonly ingested in acts of self-poisoning and suicide in rural Asia – should focus on national bans, rather than safe storage, according to two studies in The Lancet and The Lancet Global Health journals.

16 Aug 2017

Secure storage has no impact on incidence of pesticide self-poisoning, study finds

The first study, by lead author Professor David Gunnell at the University of Bristol, is a randomized trial in 180 villages in Sri Lanka which found that secure storage had no impact on rates of self-poisoning or suicide, and the second is a review of global policies on highly hazardous pesticides which conclude that bans are the most effective way of reducing suicides.

11 Aug 2017

Researchers examine cheap, simple method for neurotoxin detection

There is a limited amount of data on the global health impacts of pesticides, but many injuries and deaths worldwide can be attributed to their misuse.

1 Aug 2017

Wayne State researchers receive $1.9 million NIH grant to better understand rare genetic disorders

A team of Wayne State University researchers recently received a $1.9 million grant from the National Eye Institute of the National Institutes of Health to better understand leukodystrophies (LD) and genetic Leukoencephalopathies (gLE), rare genetic disorders affecting the white matter -- myelin -- in the central nervous system.

21 Jul 2017

Chemicals in house dust could promote accumulation of triglycerides and fat cells

Poor diet and a lack of physical activity are major contributors to the world's obesity epidemic, but researchers have also identified common environmental pollutants that could play a role.

12 Jul 2017

Researchers discover new, effective DDT crystal

A team of scientists has discovered a new crystal form of DDT that is more effective against insects than the existing one.

13 Jun 2017

Exposure to flower pesticides affects neurobehavioral performance in children

Ecuador is the third largest producer of cut flowers in the world, primarily roses, many of which are destined to be sold for Mother's Day. The industry employs more than 103,000 people, and relies heavily on agricultural pesticides.

11 May 2017

EESC invites supporters, opponents to debate European Citizens' initiative on glyphosate ban

On 5 April, the European Economic and Social Committee's NAT section invited supporters and opponents of the European Citizens' Initiative calling for a ban on glyphosate to debate in its premises.

10 Apr 2017

UC Davis professor awarded Mellon Foundation Fellowship to study environmental hazards

Liza Grandia, associate professor of Native American studies at the University of California, Davis, has received a $270,000 Mellon Foundation New Directions Fellowship.

7 Apr 2017

Pyrethroid pesticide exposure may cause earlier sexual maturity in boys

Environmental exposure to common pesticides may cause boys to reach sexual maturity earlier, researchers have found. They will present their study results Saturday at the Endocrine Society's 99th annual meeting in Orlando, Fla.

2 Apr 2017

Occupational exposure to biocides associated with higher risk of thyroid cancer

Workers exposed to chemicals like deodorizers, sanitizers, disinfectants and sterilizers on the job may be more likely than other people to develop thyroid cancer, a recent study suggests.

31 Mar 2017

Exposure to EDCs alters thyroid hormone signalling, early brain development in frog embryos

Findings published today provide evidence that exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) causes changes in thyroid hormone signalling, which disturbs brain development.

13 Mar 2017

WHO report: 1.7 million children die every year due to unhealthy environments

More than 1 in 4 deaths of children under 5 years are attributable to unhealthy environments. Every year, environmental risks – such as indoor and outdoor air pollution, second-hand smoke, unsafe water, lack of sanitation and inadequate hygiene – take the lives of 1.7 million children under 5 years, say two new World Health Organization reports.

9 Mar 2017

TOXIC COCKTAIL: New book provides insights into how chemical pollution affects brain development

Today, everyone carries a toxic load of industrially-produced chemicals in their bloodstream: pesticides, plasticizers, disinfectant products, flame-retardants, surfactants, and UV filters. These chemicals are harmful to everyone, but they are particularly dangerous to pregnant women and their developing fetuses.

3 Mar 2017

Researchers examine risk factors for B Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in Israeli, Palestinian populations

Israeli and Palestinian researchers have conducted a large scale epidemiological study examining risk factors for a form of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in these two populations.

21 Feb 2017

Nutritionist Sally Wisbey provides 7 tips for choosing right supplement

With so many supplements on the market, it can feel overwhelming when trying to choose the right one for you. Brand, cost and dosage can all play a part but why does it matter? See my tips below for on what to look for when choosing a quality supplement.

From BetterYou Ltd 7 Feb 2017

Fraunhofer engineers develop new app that displays specific constituents

A new app from Fraunhofer development engineers looks directly inside objects and displays specific constituents. It has numerous uses: For instance, apples can be scanned for pesticide residues.

6 Feb 2017