Back in March, Dr. Tyrone Hayes came to DtaS to speak about the herbicide atrazine. In his studies, he showed an effect on the endocrine system of frogs, leading to reproductive problems. This he said was a possible explanation for the decline in the frog population.
However, Syngenta and other have been unable to replicate his work. The EPA also has been unable to replicate the results. Dr. Hayes has argued these problems stem from using different sets of trial conditions that do not accurately reflect reality.
In any case, studies …

On Science Friday this past week, Holly Ingraham of UCSF was interviewed on her new study of atrazine’s impact on human placental cells. This builds on our conversation with atrazine, starting from March’s discussion on atrazine in frogs. In the study, they showed atrazine (& its metabolized products) increased activity of a gene that results in abnormal baby weight. Also they found amplification of a gene that is highly active in infertile women (no direct association yet).
Science Friday interview with Holly Ingraham
Holly also studied atrazine impacts on zebrafish, a widely …

KQED Quest ran a great piece tonight detailing the rapid decline in frog population, especially here in the Bay Area. Frog population declines have been happening for over 10 years. Our March speaker, Dr. Tyrone Hayes, detailed the rising data indicating severe stress on frogs, from climate change to pesticides. The resulting immuno-suppression is scientists’ best guess at the decline.
Check out the piece below. It also indicates how a newly discovered fungus is playing a role in the decline.

And here’s an additional web only piece featuring Tyrone Hayes.