Pesticide link to Parkinson's examined

Scientists in the US are to conduct research into a possible link between the use of pesticides and Parkinson's disease.

Dr Marie-Francoise Chasselet, a scientist at the University of California, has been given the go ahead to look into the link after being awarded a research grant of $6.5 million (£4 million).

"We want to identify how agricultural pesticides disrupt molecular pathways, leading to the death of dopaminergic brain cells, which regulate essential brain functions," said Dr Chasselet, adding: "Their demise sets off a chain of events that leads to Parkinson's symptoms."

Earlier this month, the findings of a separate study suggested a lack of vitamin D could also be linked to a higher risk of Parkinson's disease.

Last year, researchers at Aberdeen University discovered that exposure to high levels of pesticide increase the risk of Parkinson's by 39 per cent, while low level exposure increased the risk by nine per cent, reports the BBC.