neonicotinoids
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GC: npl

S: The Guardian – http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/oct/28/strong-consensus-that-neonicotinoids-harm-bees-analysis-shows (last access: 4 February 2016); ScTimes – http://www.sciencetimes.com/articles/8086/20160107/neonicotinoids-found-harmful-honeybees.htm (last access: 4 February 2016).

N: 1. neo- +‎ nicotinoid (neo- +‎ nicotine +‎ -oid).
First Known Use of neonicotinoid: 1993.

2. neonicotinoid (n): Any of a class of broad-spectrum insecticides having a chemical structure similar to that of nicotine and acting on the central nervous system of insects by selectively binding to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors 3. A worldwide dispute over the threat to bees posed by the class of pesticides called neonicotinoids, took a dramatic new turn last week, when a US court overturned federal approval for a new formulation called sulfoxaflor. Judges found that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had relied on “flawed and limited” data, and its green light was unjustified given the “precariousness of bee populations”.

3. As a result of the US decisions, rules on the controversial chemicals in the US and European Union are in bizarre contradiction. The US has approved most neonicotinoids while now banning sulfoxaflor.
But the EU has banned most neonicotinoids for use on flowering crops and spring sown crops since 2013, but approved sulfoxaflor in July on the basis that it would not have any unacceptable effects on the environment. “The public will be justifiably confused and concerned,” says Matt Shardlow, CEO of Buglife, a British group that campaigns against neonicotinoids.

S: 1. Wiktionary – https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/neonicotinoid (last access: 4 February 2016); MW – http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neonicotinoid (last access: 4 February 2016). 2. MW – http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neonicotinoid (last access: 4 February 2016). 3. NewScient – https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn28167-bees-win-as-us-court-rules-against-neonicotinoid-pesticide/ (last access: 4 February 2016).

SYN: neonics

S: GDT – http://www.granddictionnaire.com/ficheOqlf.aspx?Id_Fiche=26532922 (last access: 4 February 2016)

CR: insect, pesticide.