Insecticides

New research this week suggests that humanity’s war against insectkind has had some unintended consequences: declining sperm counts. The study, a review of the existing data, found a clear association between increased exposure to insecticides and lower sperm concentrations in adult men. The authors say that the evidence is strong enough to warrant new regulations that would reduce people’s exposure to these chemicals.What Inspired Dominic Monaghan's Performance in Moriarty?Several studies indicated that men’s average…

Researchers have developed a surfactant spray that counters the mosquito’s natural water-resisting properties, offering a safe and effective means of taking down mosquitoes without using insecticides. The spray could be used to protect people from the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.Mosquitoes are known to be responsible for spreading potentially deadly diseases such as dengue fever, malaria, Japanese encephalitis and Zika virus, and climate change and urbanization have expanded mosquitoes’ habitat, enabling them to…

Insecticides containing flupyradifurone and sulfoxaflor can have devastating effects on honey bee health, resulting in them becoming more susceptible to disease and therefore shortening their life span.Insecticides containing flupyradifurone and sulfoxaflor, chemicals considered harmless to bees and bumblebees when approved, can have devastating effects on honey bee health. The substances damage the insects’ intestinal flora, especially when used in conjunction with a common fungicide. This makes them more susceptible to…