International scientists agree that chemical pollutants can impact wildlife and human behavior, calling for improved methods to study contaminated-induced behavioral changes. The recommendations include developing standardized toxicity tests and integrating behavioral toxicology into environmental risk assessments.
The Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Europe hosts its 31st annual meeting, discussing pressing environmental topics such as climate change, microplastics, and biodiversity. The four-day conference will showcase over 1,200 presentations across 72 topics, including keynote addresses from prominent scientists.
A new peer-reviewed study by Environmental Working Group found that the preservative tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) may harm the immune system, as shown in animal tests and high-throughput in vitro toxicology testing. The FDA should test all food chemicals for safety, according to the study's lead author.
Research published in Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry shows a sustained 3.8% annual decline in PBDE concentrations in bald eagle nestlings' blood samples across Minnesota and Wisconsin. The findings are instructive for regulators to set protective levels for wildlife and fish consumption advisories for humans.
Researchers are using Drosophila melanogaster fruit flies to explore genetic underpinnings of susceptibility to environmental toxicants and develop precision toxicology. The study aims to identify molecular key event biomarkers in non-mammalian models that predict adverse health outcomes.
Researchers have confirmed the safety of an anti-inflammatory peptide, TnP, which shows promise in treating chronic inflammatory diseases like multiple sclerosis. The peptide has been tested in zebrafish and shown to be non-toxic, crossing the blood-brain barrier without causing neurological problems.
The PrecisionTox project aims to develop a new approach to chemical safety management using genetics, genomics, and non-sentient organisms. By avoiding animal testing, the consortium hopes to accelerate discoveries and improve the regulation of harmful chemicals.
A new study published in Aquatic Toxicology found that shrimp on the South Coast of England have significantly lower sperm counts due to pollution. The research also discovered a decline in population density and fertility issues among other marine creatures, including humans.
PFAS substances are ubiquitous in the environment, found in soil, water, and wildlife. Research highlights the need for effective management strategies to mitigate potential toxicity to humans and wildlife, with data gaps identified for devising an approach.
A study published in Food and Chemical Toxicology found that some energy drinks have adverse effects on the muscle cells of the heart. Cardiomyocytes exposed to these beverages showed an increased beat rate and other factors affecting cardiac function.
Recent studies suggest organic UV filters in sunscreens may harm coral reefs, but evidence is limited and inconclusive. Researchers recommend further field and lab studies to assess environmental risk and develop a coral environment risk assessment framework.
Excessive use of pharmaceuticals and pesticides in industrial meat production facilities affects water quality and air pollution. Aerial transport of agrochemicals from feed yards contributes to environmental degradation, posing risks to humans and wildlife.
Researchers developed a simple and inexpensive technique to assess genetic toxicity in bats, highlighting the need for monitoring wildlife health due to declining biodiversity. The study found higher levels of micronuclei frequency in bats roosting near agricultural lands.
Mercury concentrations in ringed seals from the Canadian Arctic have remained stable since 1977, with limited declines detected. Climate parameters may be influencing mercury accumulation in seals, according to a 45-year study.
A research team led by Prof. Dr. Robert Grosse has found that bundled fibers of actin play a crucial role in the expansion of cell nuclei after division. This process is essential for reorganizing genetic information and processing chromatin.
A toxicology study found that nonprescribed fentanyl and stimulants were the primary contributors to overdose mortality in BC. Only 8.7% of individuals had taken prescribed opioids, highlighting the need for alternative strategies to address the current overdose crisis.
Researchers found a strong association between high-dose opioid use and degrees of hearing loss, with 21% experiencing permanent loss. The study suggests that health care providers should be aware of this potential link when evaluating patients with hearing issues.
Researchers analyzed how ovarian function in mice responded to various levels of glyphosate exposure and found increased ovarian weight and follicle number at highest exposure levels. However, the study did not uncover evidence that glyphosate affects the healthy functioning of ovaries.
The University of Pennsylvania's CEET will focus on air pollution, lung health, and environmental neuroscience with a strong emphasis on community engagement. The $8 million grant will support cutting-edge research and policy-making to improve the health of vulnerable individuals and communities.
A study published in Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry has identified coal-tar-sealant as the primary source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Great Lakes tributaries. The research highlights the need for further analysis to determine the potential effects of PAHs on aquatic life in these areas.
Cancer drugs are detected in water systems due to human excretion and wastewater treatment facilities. Researchers urge proactive measures to identify potential gaps in knowledge regarding the consequences of anti-neoplastic exposure on aquatic organisms.
Scientists have created a protein drug composed of angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) and its product angiotensin (1-7) that can be taken orally to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension. The drug has shown promise in animal models, reducing pulmonary artery pressure and improving cardiac function.
Research found that PFOS changes the gut microbiome of mice, suggesting potential mechanisms outside human cells and metabolic effects on microbes. The study supports emerging ideas that chemical exposures can impact gut microbes.
Researchers describe the current state of metal toxicity modeling and science-based best practices for water chemistry. The latest models support improved ecosystem protection, but outdated regulations remain a concern.
A study in Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry reveals that coal-burning activities in the Asia-Pacific region have contaminated sediment layers in the US Pacific Northwest, with mercury deposition increasing by 400-fold. Global cooperation is essential to mitigate these environmental consequences.
Researchers at Marshall University found that universal maternal toxicology screening, including gabapentin, led to increased identification of co-exposure and improved timely treatment for newborns experiencing withdrawal symptoms. This resulted in shorter hospital stays, averaging 48 days compared to 58 days before the screening began.
A new diagnostic/treatment algorithm complements early guidance from the CDC for managing vaping product use associated lung injury (EVALI). The tool was developed by pulmonary and toxicology experts at the University of Rochester Medical Center and the New York State Department of Health.
Researchers discovered a genetic mechanism that promotes cocaine craving during prolonged abstinence, increasing the likelihood of relapse. The study found that gene expression changes in response to chromatin remodeler INO80 and E3 ubiquitin ligase TRIM3, facilitating drug-craving behavior.
Research reveals that dung beetles are sensitive to livestock management chemicals, affecting their growth and development. This can lead to reduced ecosystem services, including nutrient redistribution and pest control, ultimately impacting agriculture and the environment.
A new study found that naproxen's degradation products are up to 15 times more toxic to southern toad larvae than the medication itself. Researchers emphasized the importance of considering the full life cycle of medications when evaluating their environmental impact.
A new study found that prescription medication Escitalopram can inhibit fish foraging and eating behavior, particularly in males. The inhibitory effect was more pronounced in males than females, highlighting a sex-based difference in aquatic wildlife response to environmental pollutants.
Recent studies reveal that pesticide adjuvants, commonly added to plant protection products, can be toxic to honey bees. Adjuvants increase mortality rates, reduce colony size, and impair brooding when co-applied with neonicotinoids, highlighting the need for environmental safety assessments.
The investigation highlights a previously unidentified risk of drench application for imidacloprid. The authors recommend minimizing exposure to animals consuming fallen seeds and encouraging integrated pest management instead.
A clinical trial found that all four tested sunscreen active ingredients (avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, and ecamsule) were detected in blood samples at levels exceeding the FDA's recommended toxicology threshold. The study's limitations include lack of exposure to heat, sunlight, or humidity, which may impact absorption rates.
A new study investigates potential botanical-drug interactions (BDIs) with Boswellia serrata extract, a widely used anti-inflammatory supplement. The study compared two in vitro methods and found that the sandwich-cultured human hepatocyte model is a more accurate predictor of BDIs.
A recent animal study published in The FASEB Journal found that a deficiency of the DNA repair gene XRCC1 leads to impaired spermatogenesis and infertility in male mice. The researchers observed lower sperm concentration and motility, as well as disrupted stemness, DNA damage, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in XRCC1-knockout mice.
Scientists propose using microalgae biomarkers to detect environmental pollution, which is triggered by oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species. The use of microalgae as an indicator can provide early warnings of environmental problems.
Researchers have found evidence of pre-cancerous lung tumours in mice using a blood-based test, suggesting a potential early detection method for lung cancer. The study used mice with a mutation in the KRAS gene to model the disease and found that circulating DNA levels correlated with tumour size.
A study published in Toxicology in Vitro found that L-norvaline can make human cells unhealthy and eventually kill them, even at low concentrations. The amino acid is commonly used in body building supplements to boost workouts and aid recovery.
Researchers found no significant increase in opioid-involved fatal crashes in Maryland from 2006 to 2017. A new approach defined by limiting analysis to those who died at the scene with opioids in their systems versus those who died later revealed this steady trend.
Overdoses from opioids in loperamide have increased nationwide, with cardiac failure being a major concern due to the high toxicity of the drug when misused. Misusing non-prescription loperamide can lead to serious consequences, including irregular heartbeat and cardiac arrest.
The KIT National Center for Efficacy Evaluation of Respiratory Disease has secured funding for its second phase, which will focus on developing domestic respiratory disease products. The center will utilize a one-step solution combining inhalation testing with toxicology evaluation and clinical studies to evaluate product efficacy.
This special collection showcases the potential of 3D cell culture technology in accelerating basic research, drug discovery, and drug development. Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) provide optimized systems for disease modeling, compound pharmacology, and toxicology.
Researchers studied graphene and related materials' physicochemical characteristics and biological effects, finding varying properties lead to differing toxicity. The study provides a solid guide for safe use of these materials, essential for widespread utilization.
A recent study found that consumers' knowledge about toxicological principles is limited, leading to misconceptions about man-made versus natural chemicals. Emotions such as disgust also play a significant role in accepting new food technologies, with a negative association between willingness to eat and disgust responses.
Dr. María Laura Gutiérrez, a young researcher from Argentina, has won the PETA International Science Consortium Award for her work on developing non-animal test methods. The award sends her to an annual workshop at the Institute for In Vitro Sciences, where she will learn hands-on laboratory experience using human cells or tissue models.
Exposure to neonicotinoids as tadpoles impairs wood frogs' ability to flee from predators, with affected individuals jumping or moving less. However, physical abilities like distance jumped and refuge finding remain unaffected.
Researchers found significant gaps in understanding microplastic effects, with concentrations detected being orders of magnitude lower than those affecting organisms in lab tests. The study highlights a need for more environmentally realistic studies and better monitoring of specific environmental regions.
Researchers investigated PFAS exposure in older cats and compared it with hyperthyroidism prevalence. The study found a potential link between higher PFAS levels and increased risk of hyperthyroidism in senior cats.
Research published in Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry reveals that chlorpyifos inhibits brain development in Northern Leopard tadpoles. The study demonstrates the impact of organophosphorous pesticides on vertebrate neurodevelopment, even at low concentrations.
New studies demonstrate that chemical exposure can alter animal behaviour, impacting food chains. Researchers designed experiments using amphipods to investigate effects of tank size and shape on exploratory behaviours, finding variations between species in response to light stimuli.
Professor Martin Grosell received the Award of Excellence in fish physiology from the American Fisheries Society for his groundbreaking research on the effects of oil on marine fish. He is also a renowned expert in environmental physiology and toxicology, with over 200 peer-reviewed publications.
An international study has identified 22 pressing research questions surrounding chemical risks in the environment in Europe, focusing on human health and environmental impacts. The study aims to inform policy decisions and guide scientific research efforts.
An international study highlights key questions for a more sustainable environmental future in Europe, focusing on the impact of chemical products on biodiversity, natural ecosystems, and human health. The study aims to inform policy decisions and research priorities to mitigate these risks.
Researchers detected pesticides in hummingbird cloacal fluid and fecal pellets, as well as in bumble bee pollen and blueberry flowers. The findings suggest pesticide exposure may impact the health and ecosystem services of these pollinators
Researchers have made significant progress in developing computational models, human tissue-based assays, and other advanced systems to assess the toxicity of inhaled materials without using animals. These novel approaches aim to improve safety and regulatory compliance in industries such as pharmaceuticals and personal care.
Environmental pollutants interfere with hormonal signalling mechanisms in males, causing multiple pathologies including infertility. Professor Daniel Cyr's research focuses on sperm maturation and the role of a cellular barrier in the epididymis.
Carolina Motter Catarino received the £10,000 prize for her innovative 3-D bioprinting technology that enhances skin model complexity and reduces dependence on animals in research. Her project has the potential to develop human-relevant models for efficacy testing and regenerative medicine.
Scientists at Michigan State University have discovered a promising new drug that targets the c-Myc gene, which is linked to obesity and various cancers. The drug, I-BET-762, delays the development of existing cancers by inhibiting critical proteins involved in cancer cell growth.
Researchers have developed a new method to culture cells from rainbow trout guts, enabling the assessment of chemical toxicity without live animals. This breakthrough could significantly reduce the number of fish required in toxicology studies, aligning with 3Rs principles.