A recent study found that fetal exposure to carcinogens can lead to different types of cancer later in life, with the type of cancer depending on the stage of pregnancy when the fetus is exposed. The research also showed that mice who received multiple doses of a carcinogen had a higher rate of ovarian and lung cancer.
The article highlights the importance of pharmacists' knowledge of toxic agents and treatment methods in event of a chemical weapons attack. Pharmacists can provide valuable expertise to healthcare facilities and government agencies, and are also essential in managing biological, radiological, and nuclear threats.
Researchers at EPFL develop mathematical tool to model flow of biocides from building façades into river basins, revealing high concentrations of pollutants. The model accurately predicts peak levels of three common biocides, highlighting the need for stricter regulations and reducing dependency on expensive testing.
The US Tox21 program begins testing 10,000 compounds for potential toxicity using a high-speed robotic screening system. The testing will provide results useful for evaluating the potential health effects of these chemicals and revolutionize the assessment of new environmental chemicals and drug development.
A University of Georgia study documents declines in lung function among firefighters working at prescribed burns, suggesting a link between smoke and particulate matter exposure. The research underscores the need for improved occupational exposure limits to protect workers' health.
Researchers have discovered a defect in the cell-targeting ability of Helicobacter pylori bacteria that leads to reduced inflammation in the stomach. The study found that the bacteria's chemotaxis, or movement towards specific chemicals, plays a crucial role in triggering chronic inflammation.
Researchers found an inverse correlation between mercury exposure and antioxidant status in Alaskan huskies, suggesting potential health risks for indigenous communities. The study highlights the need for monitoring and reducing mercury generation, particularly from coal-generated power plants.
A new study funded by the NIH shows that wood stoves with chimneys can lower exposure to indoor wood smoke and reduce severe pneumonia cases in children less than 18 months old. The study found a significant reduction of 30% in severe childhood pneumonia, which is attributed to reduced carbon monoxide exposure levels.
Scientists at the University of Rochester Medical Center have improved upon their previous efforts to isolate stem cells for treating multiple sclerosis and rare childhood diseases. The new method resulted in a four-fold increase in myelin coating, making these cells promising candidates for future clinical trials.
Hermann Muller knowingly lied about safe levels of radiation exposure, says UMass researcher Edward Calabrese. Muller's suppression of evidence led to the adoption of a linear dose-response model that has shaped radiation and chemical exposure regulations.
Three Johns Hopkins researchers, including Andrew Feinberg, Gyanu Lamichhane, and Thomas Hartung, have received NIH Director's Awards for their groundbreaking work in epigenetics, tuberculosis, and toxicological testing. Their research aims to revolutionize cancer treatment, develop new antibiotics, and improve human health.
Researchers found that soy peptide lunasin binds to receptors in highly metastatic colon cancer cells, preventing them from attaching to the liver. Combining lunasin with chemotherapy drug oxaliplatin resulted in a sixfold reduction in new tumor sites.
Dr. John G. Bartlett has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to antimicrobial chemotherapy and infectious diseases research. He is a pioneer in understanding emerging problems and innovations in the field.
A study published in Food and Chemical Toxicology found that a soy-based natural S-equol supplement did not increase the risk of estrogen-sensitive breast cancer. The supplement, SE5-OH containing Natural S-equol, was previously shown to reduce menopause symptoms in postmenopausal women.
A study published in Interdisciplinary Environmental Review reveals high levels of toxic heavy metals in Jail Talav and Kalwa Lakes, posing a risk to drinking water and crop irrigation. Regular monitoring is crucial for the well-being of the surrounding population.
Researchers found that only 8-9% oil coverage on fertilized mallard duck eggs resulted in a 50% mortality rate. The weathering process made the crude oil less toxic to bird embryos, with no significant deformities or malformations reported.
The Hastings Center will use the grant to develop educational resources on ethical issues in biomedical research, including alternatives to animal models. The project aims to promote nuanced thinking on animal welfare and medical progress.
Mutations in Timothy syndrome can cause severe cardiovascular disorders by disturbing calcium homeostasis. The current research focuses on the structure of L-calcium channels and reveals a highly conserved motif called G/A/G/A, essential for sealing the closed channel pore.
A new review of scientific knowledge on kava reveals no consensus on its toxicity, with various theories including preparation methods and genetic differences. Pacific Island cultures have safely consumed kava for centuries, but Western countries have reported liver damage and banned or regulated kava products.
The NIH-funded research network will evaluate potential harmful contaminants and assess their relationship to health outcomes, focusing on community health and resiliency. The four-year program will support population-based and laboratory research at four institutions and partner with over a dozen community organizations.
A recent study by the University of Edinburgh found that certain types of carbon nanotubes could cause cancer in the lining of the lung. Researchers discovered that longer nanotubes were more likely to get stuck in the lung cavity and ultimately cause mesothelioma.
The National Toxicology Program has added eight substances to the HHS Report on Carcinogens, identifying chemicals that may increase cancer risk. These include formaldehyde, a known human carcinogen linked to nasal and other cancers, and captafol, a fungicide with limited evidence of lung cancer.
Scientists at NIST have developed a method to capture metal-based nanoparticles on a surface and release them at the desired moment, allowing for effective assessment of their toxicity in cell cultures. This approach enables precise delivery of particles to cells, mimicking real-world encounters, and reducing clumping issues.
A virtual issue explores the long-term environmental impact of the Chernobyl disaster and its relevance to future nuclear accidents. Research reveals radiation can affect entire ecosystems, highlighting the need for better understanding and mitigation strategies.
Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine have discovered a peptide, CBD3, that short circuits a pathway for chronic pain without debilitating side effects. The peptide has been shown to block pain signals by interfering with calcium channels, making it potentially safer than addictive opioids or cone snail toxin.
A Baylor University study reveals that polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), a common fire retardant, can cause developmental malformations, changes in behavior, and death in zebra fish. The research found that lower brominated congeners were more toxic than higher ones.
Research suggests that cell phone use can lead to increased testosterone levels but decreased fertility due to altered hormone balances.
Researchers and clinicians face challenges in diagnosing and managing occupational lung diseases in veterans returning from Southwest Asia deployments. Key findings include a unique pattern of fixed obstruction in half of cases and clinically-reversible new-onset asthma in most, as well as rare interstitial lung disease.
A 'gatekeeper' protein called C/EBP alpha plays a crucial role in preventing DNA damage and skin cancer. Its absence is linked to human skin cancers, including breast and colon cancer, and may also play a role in tumor suppression.
Researchers have uncovered the detailed dynamics of the Epac2 protein switch, which plays a critical role in cAMP-mediated cell signaling. This finding holds promise for developing new therapeutic strategies specifically targeting this pathway to combat diseases like diabetes and cancer.
A study published in Reproductive Toxicology found that maternal exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) during pregnancy is associated with decreased birth weight of offspring. Researchers also discovered that the magnitude of decrease in birth weight was greater in children whose mothers were directly exposed to high BPA levels in the workplace.
A new biosensor uses antibody-based technology to detect marine pollutants like oil cheaper and faster than current methods. It has the potential to track and guide the clean-up of oil spills in real-time, providing valuable information for engineers monitoring dredging operations.
A new antibody-based biosensor can detect marine pollutants like oil much faster and more cheaply than current technologies. The device can process samples in less than 10 minutes and detect pollutants at levels as low as just a few parts per billion.
A study of 367 mothers and infants found that prenatal exposure to BPA was associated with an increased risk of wheezing in childhood, particularly among the youngest group. High levels of BPA detected in women at 16 weeks' gestation were linked to wheeze in their offspring, but not after 3 years of age.
Engineered gold nanoparticles have been shown to be non-toxic when administered by two alternative routes in mice, suggesting they may be safe for human use. The particles are designed to detect cancer-lesion sites with high sensitivity and could lead to early disease detection.
A new study using satellite tracking has found that adult male sea turtles are exposed to high levels of manmade chemicals, including organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls. This exposure may put them at risk of toxic effects and cumulative poisoning through the food chain.
New research reveals that thalidomide's toxic effects on embryos result from its breakdown products producing reactive oxygen species, causing DNA damage and birth defects. The study uses a rabbit embryo culture model to demonstrate the link between thalidomide and its hydrolysis products.
A new pharmacogenetics test developed by Dr. Tara Sander can help identify the correct genotype and dosage for individuals, reducing adverse drug reactions and increasing effectiveness. The test has a 96% accuracy rate and holds promise for Personalized Medicine and forensic investigation.
Scientists have found that tungsten accumulates in the spleen and bones of laboratory mice, raising concerns about its potential impact on the immune system. Further research is needed to determine the effects of tungsten on human health.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have found that mucus can facilitate the penetration of toxic substances into cells, potentially leading to new treatments for diseases like cancer. The study suggests a new approach for delivering hydrophobic drugs, which could be absorbed through the lungs or digestive system.
A research team at the University of Colorado Cancer Center has identified a new enzyme biomarker, ALDH1B1, present in nearly all colon cancer cells, which could help physicians diagnose colon cancer earlier and treat it more effectively.
Dr. Bryan Roth has received the PhRMA Foundation Award in Excellence in Pharmacology/Toxicology for his groundbreaking research on drug discovery and development. His work aims to understand how central nervous system drugs affect brain neurons and mitigate side effects, particularly for conditions like schizophrenia and depression.
Researchers have developed a novel method for measuring microRNA expression in specific tissues of developing zebrafish embryos. This technique uses digoxigenin-labeled riboprobes for in situ hybridization, enabling the study of miRNA's role in embryonic development and disease mechanisms.
A four-year study aims to develop drugs that inhibit the degradation of protective metabolites in the kidneys, which are damaged by diabetes. Researchers hope these inhibitors could halt the progression of diabetic nephropathy and slow the rise of end-stage renal disease.
A new high-speed robot screening system has been unveiled to test 10,000 chemicals for potential toxicity, marking a significant advancement in the Tox21 collaboration. The system will provide information useful for evaluating the safety of industrial and consumer products, food additives, and drugs.
A new study reveals that American kestrels and other raptorial birds are more sensitive to the rodenticide diphacinone than previously thought. Birds ingesting high doses can die within days, while those consuming lower amounts survive with minimal harm.
Researchers at the University of Colorado School of Medicine have discovered a drug that turns on a protective gene, protecting brain cells from degeneration. The drug, phenylbutyrate, has been shown to prevent the progression of Parkinson's disease in mice and is now being tested in humans.
The letter highlights growing concerns about chemicals like BPA and the need for experts from genetics, reproductive medicine, and other fields to interpret and evaluate science. The authors advocate for swifter and sounder testing procedures to prevent chemicals from entering the environment.
A study by Indiana University School of Medicine found that tanning bed radiation can cause severe skin reactions, including toxic epidermal necrolysis, a life-threatening condition. The researchers advise caution when using tanning beds to treat undiagnosed skin conditions.
A recent review by Dr. Rany Shamloul reveals a potential link between cannabis use and negative impacts on male sexual health and performance. Cannabis may have an antagonizing effect on receptors in the penis, making it harder to achieve and maintain erections.
New research reveals environmental progestogens can cause sterility in frogs, particularly when exposed during early life stages. The study, conducted at Uppsala University, found that even low concentrations of levonorgestrel can lead to abnormal ovarian and oviduct development in female tadpoles.
A study published in Chemical Research in Toxicology found that wood smoke particulate matter contains higher levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which are linked to DNA damage and disease. The researchers also discovered that WSPM causes inflammation and greater activity in genes linked to disease.
The waterflea's genetic code has been fully sequenced, revealing a highly gene-packed animal with potential applications in environmental monitoring and biomedical research. The study provides new insights into gene function and disease associations, shedding light on the organism's ability to detect environmental changes.
Researchers have developed a new microscopy technique, electrochemical impedance microscopy (EIM), that can explore subtle features of cell adhesion, apoptosis, and electroporation. EIM provides sub-micron spatial resolution and is label-free, making it non-invasive to samples.
Cigarette smoke begins to cause DNA damage within minutes after inhalation into the lungs, a warning from scientists. This damage is linked to cancer and can be caused by substances in tobacco smoke, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Studded winter tires grind away at road surfaces, generating dust particles linked to inflammation and diseases such as heart disease. Researchers found specific protein changes in cells related to road dust exposure, which could help understand the link between pavement dust and heart disease.
Researchers created a model predicting a drug's likelihood of causing birth defects by analyzing genes targeted by the medication. The model showed 79% accuracy in classifying drugs as safe or known to be teratogenic.
University at Buffalo researchers discover that removing a class of potassium channels from nociceptors during inflammation reduces hyperalgesia, providing a potential therapeutic target for pain relief. This breakthrough could lead to the development of non-addictive, less-toxic painkillers.
A groundbreaking study by Professor Douglas Kell found that poorly-bound iron causes the production of hydroxyl radicals, leading to degenerative diseases. Purple fruits and green tea are identified as excellent sources of iron chelators, which can bind iron tightly.
A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that perinatal bisphenol-A exposure may decrease fertility and fecundity in female mice. The researchers compared the effects of BPA to diethylstilbestrol (DES) and concluded that they were comparable, with low doses causing reproductive problems only when evaluated over mult...