Scientists reveal hidden brain development effects in EU-Approved Fungicide Fluazinam

A new scientific analysis of toxicity data for the fungicide fluazinam has raised fresh concerns about how pesticides are evaluated in Europe. Researchers found that harmful brain development effects were hidden during the approval process.

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SETAC European Conference 2026 – Student Volunteer experience

This year, Ecotoxicology Master’s students Dana Hiett and Yugeshini Rajendran had the opportunity to join the SETAC European Conference 2026 as student volunteers in Maastricht. Here, we share some of our experiences, the connections we made and things we learned during this eventful week.

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EU Reform of pesticide approval faces criticism: Researchers warn of weakened safety standards

The EU sets the global standard for pesticide regulation. However, many believe that the current approval process is in need of reform. A new legislative package aims to simplify the process. From the researchers’ perspective, the package poses significant risks to the environment and human health. In an article in the journal Science, an international research team from 27 European research institutions, led by the University of Freiburg, warns that key protective mechanisms could be weakened. At the same time, the authors highlight ways to make authorization procedures more efficient without endangering environmental and health protection. Carsten Brühl, from the RPTU, is one of the co-authors.

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From lecture room to global stage: My SETAC Journey

SETAC conferences provide opportunities for scientific exchange, networking, and professional growth. Oluwafemi Sarumi shares his exciting experiences both at the SETAC 13th Young Environmental Scientists Meeting in York, United Kingdom, and the recently concluded SETAC Europe 36th Annual Meeting in Maastricht, Netherlands.

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Light pollution and invasive species: how spiders’ diets change

Night-time lighting and invasive species are changing food webs in ways we rarely notice. In this blog post, Collins explores how artificial light at night and invasive signal crayfish reshape spider diets and alter aquatic-terrestrial resource pathways.

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