Kids’ susceptibility to pesticides’ toxic effects extends much longer into childhood than expected

October 1st, 2009 LONDON - Children who gorge on chocolate and sweets daily are more likely to grow into violent adults, says a new research. A study of almost 17,500 volunteers in the British Cohort Study (BCS) found that 10-year-olds who ate confectionary daily were significantly more likely to have been convicted for violence at the age of 34 years.

October 1st, 2009 WASHINGTON - In a new study, scientists in China have discovered that a natural plant hormone, applied to crops, can help plants eliminate residues of certain pesticides. The study, by scientist Jing Quan Yu and colleagues, noted that pesticides are essential for sustaining food production for the world's growing population.

September 23rd, 2009 MELBOURNE - Australian scientists have found that cockroaches hold their breath in order to stay alive. The study done by Dr Craig White, an animal physiologist at the University of Queensland, Brisbane and his team has been published in the Journal of Experimental Biology.

September 11th, 2009 EPA puts limits on 3 pesticides to protect salmonSEATTLE — The Environmental Protection Agency revealed new limits Friday on three pesticides commonly used on western farms to protect endangered and threatened Pacific salmon. The restrictions announced Friday apply to the use of chlorpyrifos, diazinon and malathion near salmon waters in Washington, California, Oregon and Idaho.

September 10th, 2009 WASHINGTON - Scientists have discovered a naturally occurring hormone that helps plants rid themselves of certain pesticide residues. Scientists in China are reporting the "intriguing" discovery that a natural plant hormone, applied to crops, can help plants eliminate residues of certain pesticides.

September 10th, 2009 WASHINGTON - Chinese researchers have discovered a natural plant hormone that can help plants eliminate residues of certain pesticides. Researchers have been seeking new ways of minimizing pesticide residues that remain in food crops after harvest - with little success.

August 20th, 2009 WASHINGTON - A new study has determined that homes are an alarming and probably underestimated source of water pollution, and can contribute to 50 percent more water pollution than previously believed. Scientists Lorence Oki, Darren Haver and colleagues carried out the study.

August 17th, 2009 TORONTO - Well-known herbs rosemary, thyme, clove and mint are now becoming killer weapons against pests as the industry tries to satisfy demands for fruits and vegetables produced in more natural ways. These substances represent a relatively new class of natural insecticides that show promise as an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic chemical pesticides.

July 23rd, 2009 LONDON - A new study has confirmed what many parents already knew - running around in the day means your child may fall asleep faster at night. The study of 500 children also found that children who fall asleep faster tend to stay asleep for longer.

July 22nd, 2009 Study: Pesticides travel far, harm Sierra frogsFRESNO, Calif. — A new study shows frogs in the Sierra Nevada mountains are threatened by airborne pesticides that drift eastward from California's Central Valley.

May 2nd, 2009 WASHINGTON - Cocaine exposure before birth could compromise neurocognitive development among kids during middle childhood, according to researchers at Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM). The researchers revealed that heavier intrauterine cocaine exposure (IUCE) is linked with mild compromise on selective areas of neurocognitive development during middle childhood.

April 21st, 2009 US biologists say 3 pesticides harm salmonSEATTLE — Federal biologists say three pesticides commonly used by farmers threaten the survival of many Pacific salmon and steelhead listed as threatened or endangered species in the West. The National Marine Fisheries Service said Tuesday it is recommending labeling restrictions, buffer zones between fish habitat and areas that are sprayed, and a ban on using the pesticides in windy weather.

April 15th, 2009 WASHINGTON - Fast food and soft drinks may be fattening children but they are also making them merrier, a new study has found. One way of tackling childhood obesity effectively is to reduce their consumption of unhealthy food and drink, and keeping them happy in other ways, according to Hung-Hao Chang from National Taiwan University and Rodolfo Nayga, University of Arkansas.

March 31st, 2009 WASHINGTON - Kids conceived during spring and summer have been found to have the highest birth defect rates, according to a new study. Its authors co-related the defects with enhanced pesticide levels in surface water across the US during these seasons.

January 30th, 2009 WASHINGTON - Perfluorinated chemicals or PFCs, widely used in food packaging, pesticides, clothing, upholstery, carpets and personal care products - may be linked with infertility in women. The study by University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Public Health found that women who had higher levels of perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in their blood took longer to become pregnant than normal women.