Science & technology | A brooding problem

Cicadas, insecticides and children

The return of periodical cicadas bodes ill for children’s well-being

AS SUMMER APPROACHES, adults of cicada Brood X, last seen in 2004, have begun emerging in the eastern United States. Their return is welcome news for entomologists who study them, and for adventurous chefs in search of novel ingredients. It could, though, have bad consequences for unborn infants and young children in the places where they live.

This article appeared in the Science & technology section of the print edition under the headline “A brooding problem”

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From the June 5th 2021 edition

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