How Are Herbicides Discovered?. A web lesson shows how new "designer herbicides" can be effective yet safe for the environment. Read more in the Journal of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Education.MADISON, WI, September 2, 2008 — A new interactive web lesson teaches upper-level undergraduate students and graduate students how herbicides are developed. The lesson, developed by William E. Dyer, Montana State University, has the seal of approval by the Journal of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Education and is published in the 2008 issue.[ See ]