neonicotinoids

Lake Shinji, near Japan's coast, is known for its beauty. Until about a decade ago, the lake was also home to thriving fisheries. New research suggests runoff of the controversial pesticides known as neonicotinoids, used on nearby rice paddies, may be res

Controversial Pesticides Are Suspected Of Starving Fish

7:57am November 02, 2019

by Dan Charles

New evidence from Japan's Lake Shinji suggests that the widely used family of pesticides called neonicotinoids, already controversial for harming pollinators, could pose risks to fish as well.

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Honeybees are seen feeding on the honeydew of whiteflies in citrus trees. Traces of neonicotinoids, a family of pesticides, have shown up in honeydew, an important food source for other insects.

New Evidence Shows Popular Pesticides Could Cause Unintended Harm To Insects

2:39pm August 06, 2019

by Dan Charles

Studies are revealing new, unintended threats that neonicotinoid pesticides pose to insects. The chemicals, widely used by farmers, are difficult to control because they persist in the environment.

A bumblebee outfitted with a unique tracking tag forages outdoors.

Science

Scientists Spy On Bees, See Harmful Effects Of Common Insecticide

1:02pm November 09, 2018

by Merrit Kennedy

Bees exposed to a type of insecticides called neonicotinoids dramatically changed their behavior — becoming sluggish, antisocial and spending less time caring for the colony's young, researchers say.

A new study is adding to evidence that a popular class of pesticides can harm wild bees, like bumblebees.

Popular Pesticides Keep Bumblebees From Laying Eggs

3:59pm August 14, 2017

by Dan Charles

A new study is adding to evidence that a popular class of pesticides can harm wild bees, like bumblebees.

Researchers monitored the health of these wild bees, from the species Osmia bicornis. They nest inside small cavities, such as hollow reeds.

Pesticides Are Harming Bees — But Not Everywhere, Major New Study Shows

6:22pm June 29, 2017

by Dan Charles

A huge new study conducted in 33 sites across Europe finds that seeds coated with neonicotinoid pesticides harm bees living nearby. The damage, though, depends on local conditions.

A tractor pulls a planter while distributing corn seed on a field in Malden, Ill. Two scientists agree that pesticide-laden dust from planting equipment kills bees. But they're proposing different solutions, because they disagree about whether the pestici

Two Scientists, Two Different Approaches To Saving Bees From Poison Dust

8:00am May 27, 2017

by Dan Charles

Two scientists agree that pesticide-laden dust from planting equipment kills bees. But they're proposing different solutions, because they disagree about whether the pesticides are useful to farmers.

Many large-scale farms rely heavily on immigrant labor. And many farmers are opposed to Donald Trump's strong stance against illegal immigrant.

Big Battles Over Farm And Food Policies May Be Brewing As Trump Era Begins

3:30pm December 28, 2016

President-elect Donald Trump hasn't said much about food and farm policy or named his choices for top food-related jobs. But the coming years will likely see profound battles over food and nutrition.

Pesticides called "neonics" are popular among farmers, but also have been blamed for killing bees. In Canada, the province of Ontario is trying to crack down on neonics, with mixed results.

Cut Down On Bee-Killing Pesticides? Ontario Finds It's Easier Said Than Done

6:44pm October 18, 2016

by Dan Charles

Pesticides called "neonics" are popular among farmers, but also have been blamed for killing bees. In Canada, the province of Ontario is trying to crack down on neonics, with mixed results.

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Minnesota's governor has ordered new restrictions on the use of neonicotinoid pesticides, which have been blamed for killing bees. Many details of the plan, however, remain to be worked out.

Minnesota Cracks Down On Neonic Pesticides, Promising Aid To Bees

4:05pm August 31, 2016

by Dan Charles

Minnesota's governor has ordered new restrictions on the use of neonicotinoid pesticides, which have been blamed for killing bees. Many details of the plan, however, remain to be worked out.

A crop duster sprays a field with pesticides. Former USDA scientist Jonathan Lundgren says that he has been persecuted by the agency because his research points out problems with popular pesticides.

How Free Are USDA Scientists To Speak Their Mind?

4:44pm March 04, 2016

by Dan Charles

Jonathan Lundgren's research pointed out problems with popular pesticides. He says that message — and the messenger — are unwelcome at the USDA's Agricultural Research Service.