Researchers found that car brake particles can cause cellular stress and inflammation in lung cells, particularly with heavy braking. Brake wear particles contain metals like iron and copper, which can damage cell junctions through oxidative stress.
The NIEHS has awarded 13 grants to develop better methods to assess exposure and health effects associated with nanomaterials. This research is essential for harmonizing results, forming a scientifically sound basis for hazard assessment.
NC State researchers investigate how engineered nanomaterials interact with biological systems, focusing on fullerenes' size and surface charge effects. The study aims to understand nanoparticles' absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) in the body.
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) has awarded $14 million in Recovery Act grants to study the potential health risks of bisphenol A (BPA). Researchers will investigate BPA's effects on human health, including behavior, obesity, diabetes, reproductive disorders, and cancer.
A study by North Carolina State University found that inhaling carbon nanotubes affects the outer lining of the lungs, causing a unique health response. The effects were short-lived, with the immune response and fibrosis disappearing within three months.
Researchers have developed a novel method to generate functional hepatocytes for drug testing, offering an unlimited and reliable source of liver cells. The new technique uses induced pluripotent stem cell technology to create hepatocytes from adult skin cells, overcoming the limitations of primary human hepatocytes.
A new study by Queen's University researchers found that taking an anti-seizure drug and an antidepressant together is a more effective treatment for neuropathic pain than taking either individually. Patients experienced less pain and improved sleep when given both drugs, with significant improvements also seen in sleep interference.
Intersex fish were found in about a third of all sites examined from the Apalachicola, Colorado, Columbia, Mobile, Mississippi, Pee Dee, Rio Grande, Savannah, and Yukon River basins. Largemouth bass in southeastern U.S. had the highest prevalence of intersex, with some sites reporting up to 73% incidence.
The US National Academy of Sciences received the 2009 CAAT Recognition Award for its visionary publication on toxicology testing. The report advocates a new approach that relies less on animal studies and focuses on in vitro methods to evaluate chemicals' effects.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health estimates that European REACH legislation for chemicals may require up to 54 million research animals and $13.4 billion over the next 10 years.
A new study found that people's bodies handle arsenic differently, with some individuals excreting up to 95% of ingested arsenic, while others store it in their bodies, posing a risk to health. The research suggests that existing standards for evaluating human health risks from arsenic may need to be reassessed.
Dr. Nicholas J. White receives the sanofi-aventis ICAAC Award for his work on artemisinin-based combination treatments and reduction of malaria transmissibility, leading to a significant decrease in global malaria morbidity.
A recent report from the University of Western Ontario warns that codeine use after tonsillectomy can be deadly for some children due to ultra-rapid metabolism genotypes. The study highlights the need for cautious prescribing and monitoring of pain relief medication in these cases.
Researchers found that elevated arginase levels contribute to vascular eye damage in diabetic retinopathy by reducing nitric oxide production. Normalizing arginase levels could potentially halt disease progression by preventing inflammation and vascular constriction.
A recent Pitt study found that a four-day testing period for pesticide exposure may not account for long-term effects on humans and animals. The highly toxic pesticide endosulfan exhibited a 'lag effect' with delayed toxicity surfacing after direct contact had ended.
Researchers have discovered how the DISC complex triggers cell death or survival by switching key molecules' activity levels. Stopping the DISC from functioning properly prevents efficient cell death, resulting in disease conditions like ALPS.
Researchers identified TLR9 expression patterns as a key factor in determining molecule toxicity between mice and humans. In mice, other immune cells expressing TLR9 were responsible for TNF-alpha production, leading to severe lung inflammation and toxicity.
Researchers find marijuana smoke causes more cell damage and DNA harm than tobacco smoke, but doesn't cause chromosome damage. The study provides new insights into marijuana's potential health risks and challenges common perceptions about its relative safety.
The dioxin poisoning of Victor Yushchenko demonstrates the importance of monitoring TCDD and its metabolites in human tissues. Metabolites were predominantly found in faeces, indicating a slow metabolism by the liver and skin.
A $1.5 million federal grant from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke will help MSU educate more Hispanic students in neuroscience. The program pairs students with faculty mentors, teaches scientific writing, and provides research experience.
Research found that maternal exposure to titanium dioxide nanoparticles affects gene expression related to the central nervous system in developing mice. This may have implications for diseases such as autistic disorder, epilepsy, and learning disorders, as well as Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, and Parkinson's disease.
A study by UFZ researchers found that air pollution caused by industry has more severe effects on children's health than vehicle exhaust fumes. The research revealed that around a quarter to a third of children in industrial areas experience respiratory problems, compared to half as many in suburban and rural areas.
A novel DNA repair pathway, referred to as DNA hairpin repair (HPR), targets TNR hairpin removal in the daughter strand to ensure fidelity of TNR sequences. This finding may be responsible for TNR instability in diseases such as Huntington's disease.
Researchers from Rovira i Virgili University find that using mud from waste water treatment plants as an alternative fuel reduces CO2 emissions by 140,000 tonnes between 2003 and 2006. This sustainable solution enables cement factories to power their operations without harming human health.
Particulate air pollution during the 2008 Beijing Olympics was twice as high as recent games in Athens and triple that of Atlanta. Despite government efforts to reduce pollution, levels were unacceptable for most dangerous particulate matter 100% of the time, posing serious health risks to athletes and spectators.
Researchers at Oregon State University have completed the largest animal study in toxicology, challenging basic concepts of carcinogen risk assessment. The findings suggest that some chemicals may be safe at levels far higher than currently believed, and traditional methods need re-evaluation.
The National Resource for Aplysia, a world-leading facility for sea slug research, has secured a $2.7 million NIH grant renewal for five years. The facility will provide scientists with abundant Aplysia californica animals to study basic mechanisms of memory and learning.
A new study found that cannabis smoke damages DNA in ways that could potentially increase the risk of cancer development. The research, published in Chemical Research in Toxicology, used a highly sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method to detect damage.
A new study in CMAJ reports that oseltamivir and zanamivir are relatively safe for use in pregnant and breast-feeding women during the H1N1 pandemic. Pregnant women, especially those in the third trimester, are at high risk of serious complications from the flu virus.
The BioInterfaces program aims to develop new tools to control cells, leading to therapies for muscle, retina, and central nervous system diseases. The program also focuses on controlling bacterial cells that form biofilms on man-made surfaces.
Versartis announces preclinical abstracts on its two product candidates VRS-859 and VRS-808, which utilize Amunix's rPEG technology to extend biologics' half-life. The compounds aim to reduce dosing frequency and side effects in type 2 diabetes and prevent nocturnal hypoglycemia in type 1 diabetes.
Researchers Narayanan Parameswaran and Gregory Fink at MSU have received nearly $400,000 to study the molecular aspects of chronic diseases like atherosclerosis and high blood pressure.
The centre will analyse environmental factors affecting the UK population, focusing on vulnerable groups and potential health risks such as respiratory problems, heart disease, and cancer. Researchers aim to measure the effects of pollutants on human health using new tools and methods.
Researchers found that caffeic acid, an anti-inflammatory compound, inhibits colitis in mice by increasing CYP4B1 expression. This normalization of the drug-metabolizing enzyme is associated with reduced colitic damage and inflammation responses.
The University of Rhode Island has been awarded a five-year, $18 million grant by the National Institutes of Health to strengthen biomedical research capacity in Rhode Island. The grant will support at least 22 faculty research projects in molecular toxicology, cell biology, and behavioral science.
A study by University of Georgia researchers found a rise in homicidal poisonings, with infants being the most common victims. The majority of these cases are likely negligent homicides committed by parents or caretakers, rather than premeditated crimes.
Countries including US, Canada, Japan, and European Union agree on globally coordinated scientific recommendations for alternative toxicity testing methods. This will reduce the number of animals needed for product safety testing, improving animal welfare.
A MSU researcher has developed a working vaccine for Enterotoxigenic E. coli, responsible for 60% of all E. coli diarrheal disease. The vaccine could save untold lives and also provide relief from post-operative complications such as paralytic ileus and urinary retention.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have received a $3.557 million grant from NIAID to develop vector-specific, resistance-breaking insecticides that could render traditional ITNs ineffective. The new compounds are designed to be safer for humans while maintaining significant insecticidal activity against malaria mosquitoes.
Researchers found that adding chloroquine to imatinib improves its therapeutic effect by inhibiting autophagy, which helps leukemia cells evade death. The combination eliminates most CML stem cells and increases imatinib-induced cell death.
Researchers created a 3D nanofluidic device using grayscale photolithography to separate nanoparticles by size and analyze DNA behavior. The device demonstrates versatility in manipulating rigid nanoparticles and deforming flexible DNA strands.
A new study found a positive link between high levels of zopiclone in the blood and impaired driving assessments. Researchers also noted that drivers with zolpidem had no such association, suggesting that these substances have varying abuse potentials.
A Queen's University study has expanded eye-movement tests to identify children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in community settings, with over 200 children tested across Ontario and Alberta. The breakthrough will add eye movement testing to standard clinical assessment protocols.
Researchers at UC Berkeley discovered a gene, DNA-PK, that plays a critical regulatory role in converting dietary carbohydrates to fat. The study found that disabling this gene in mice resulted in lower levels of body fat despite a high-carb diet.
Dr. Athena Papas receives IADR's highest honor for her outstanding research on dry mouth, tooth sensitivity, and oral health in cancer patients. Her nearly 30-year career has secured over $20 million in grant funding.
A new study by Queen's University finds that oil dispersants used to clean up spills increase toxicity to fish, making them more deadly. The study shows that dispersed oil can be 100-fold more toxic to rainbow trout, impairing fish populations and fisheries economic returns
Phylonix received a broad US patent for its zebrafish-based assays to assess cardiac functions and toxicity. The company's eZ-ScreenTM technology enables thorough assessment of cardiotoxicity during early stages of drug development, leveraging the speed and cost-effectiveness of the zebrafish model.
Research found that facemasks can prevent adverse cardiovascular effects caused by diesel exhaust, reducing arterial stiffness and associated risks. Wearing a facemask during exercise in smoggy cities may lead to reduced blood pressure and improved heart rate control.
A study of 1060 vets in north Germany found that psychosocial stress increased with working hours, leading to demoralization and substance abuse. The research suggests a complex relationship between stress, tobacco consumption, problem drinking, and drug use.
Recent studies by Cornell researcher Rui Hai Liu found that fresh apple extracts significantly inhibited the size of mammary tumors in rats, with greater inhibition seen at higher doses. The findings highlight the potential health benefits of consuming more fruits and vegetables, including apples, to reduce breast cancer risk.
A growing threat of food counterfeiting and contamination is outpacing international regulatory systems, with the US Food and Drug Administration inspecting only 1.8% of its imported food supply. Michigan State University researchers are calling for increased corporate responsibility and risk-based inspections to address this issue.
Researchers found that nanoparticle size doesn't affect biological responses for most genes, as measured by total surface area. The study suggests a better understanding of nanoscale effects on cells and tissues.
A study by the University of Gothenburg found that pharmaceutical substances released into the environment can lead to resistant bacteria and harm local ecosystems. The research highlights the need for greater transparency in the production chain to ensure environmentally friendly manufacturing practices.
A team of scientists has successfully determined the structure of DFPase, an enzyme from the squid Loligo vulgaris that can rapidly detoxify chemical warfare agents like Sarin. The study used neutron diffraction and provides essential information about the reaction mechanism of DFPase.
A new study by UC Berkeley researchers reveals that disabling a key enzyme in fat cells allows mice to overeat without gaining weight. The enzyme, AdPLA, plays a crucial role in regulating fat metabolism and body weight, making it a promising target for obesity treatment.
A study by researchers from the University of Kentucky found that grape-seed extract induces apoptosis in leukemia cells by activating the JNK pathway, leading to cell cycle regulation and death. The extract has shown promise as a potential agent for preventing or treating hematological malignancies.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that adults who recognize the dangers of third-hand smoke are more likely to ban smoking in their homes. The study also showed that increasing awareness of how third-hand smoke harms children's health can encourage home smoking bans.
A systematic review of carbon nanotubes' cytotoxicity found that various factors affect CNTs' toxicity, including species, impurities, lengths, and assaying methods. The study emphasizes the need for more complete characterization and determination of cell viability to ensure safe application of CNTs.
A new study reveals that a Philip Morris scientist established close connections with the Chulabhorn Research Institute in Thailand, which is designated as a WHO Collaborating Centre. This link raises concerns about the tobacco industry's ability to influence medical research and teaching at an academic institution allied with the WHO.
The American College of Toxicology partnered with SAGE to publish the International Journal of Toxicology, a peer-reviewed bi-monthly journal covering current research in toxicology. The journal will increase visibility globally and provide access to full-text articles through SAGE Journals Online.