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.
A study published in Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry found that PFAS can inhibit a mussel's immune system, but the effects are reversible. The research highlights the importance of monitoring regions with high environmental concentrations of PFAS.
A new report recommends steps toward achieving global regulatory acceptance of non-animal testing approaches for acute inhalation toxicity. The report highlights the need for more efficient and human-relevant methods that don't use animals, with working groups formed to gather reference data and conduct testing.
A large-scale study has found that residue levels in pollen and nectar from thiamethoxam-treated seeds do not harm bees, with no effect on colony survival. The research involved individual honey bees and 84 colonies, providing a robust threshold for assessing potential risk.
A Michigan State University study suggests that THC in marijuana can reduce inflammatory white blood cells and decrease proteins released by the body, potentially slowing down mental decline in HIV patients. The researchers found that patients who used marijuana had lower levels of inflammatory cells compared to those who didn't use it.
A new study published in Archives of Toxicology shows that common combinations of low molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (LMW PAHs) can help spark the development of cancer, even if each chemical is not known to cause cancer alone.
Researchers have developed a new platform for assessing anti-cancer drug efficacy in lung cancer, reducing attrition rates and increasing success of drugs. The 'explants' approach involves analyzing tumor tissue samples taken from patients immediately after surgery, providing patient-relevant data.
A study using American dippers found that run-of-river dams can cause a spike in methylmercury levels due to reservoir formation and temperature increases. However, no significant differences were observed between regulated and unregulated streams in terms of mercury levels.
A recent study found that nano-copper azole combinations cause significant harm to estuarine benthic communities. The research highlights the need for better understanding of nanomaterial stress on these ecosystems.
A study found that atrazine exposure increases feminization in male Blanchard's cricket frogs, altering their sex ratio. The species is highly sensitive to atrazine, which disrupts gonadal development and impacts ecological trajectories.
Even modest oil exposure can cause problems for individual birds and bird populations. The study found damage to circulating red blood cells and anemia in birds, affecting reproduction and survival.
A review by UC Davis graduate students highlights the need for research on wildfire smoke's composition and its impact on human health. The study found that current scientific evidence is insufficient, and pesticides and fire-suppression chemicals used in California contribute to the toxic effects of wildfire smoke.
Researchers at Portland State University found benzene and other carcinogenic chemicals in butane hash oil vapor, raising health concerns about dabbing. The study highlights the need for further toxicology research to guide future policy on marijuana consumption.
The publication marks a significant milestone in aquatic toxicology with the release of the first generation of annotations for the fathead minnow genome. The data will enhance the utility of this species for ecotoxicology research and open up new avenues for studying its effects on ecosystems.
The Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program uses a tiered testing strategy to assess the potential of pesticides and environmental contaminants on hormone systems. The finalized test method is a result of collaborative efforts between EPA scientists and Japanese colleagues.
Molting feathers help birds quickly eliminate mercury accumulation and reduce concentrations in tissues. This process may be key to mitigating environmental contaminant effects on bird populations.
A recent study found that pyrethroid pesticides can persist in homes for up to a year, with 70% of one common ingredient still present in dust after a year. This persistence increases the risk of exposure for young children and household pets who spend more time on surfaces where the pesticides are present.
A study published in Food Control found that steaming freshwater fish for over two minutes significantly reduces the presence of cylindrospermopsin, a harmful cyanotoxin. Boiling, on the other hand, results in a smaller reduction, posing an increased risk to consumers.
A Clemson University graduate discovered that certain toxicants can disrupt the maturation of Daphnia magna by altering lipid levels, affecting development and reproductive rates. The study found that triclosan and atrazine can lead to stunted growth and altered lipid allocation in newborns.
Researchers from the University of Cincinnati found high sulfur pollution along India's Manali-Leh Highway, suggesting a link to diesel pollution. The study, published in Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, showed that diesel exhaust contributes to acid rain and has environmental impacts even in remote areas.
Liza Grandia, a UC Davis associate professor of Native American studies, has received a $270,000 Mellon Foundation Fellowship to research toxicology and environmental epidemiology. Her project, 'Toxic Trespass,' aims to build cross-disciplinary bridges between indigenous communities and environmental health sciences.
The use of stem cells in predictive toxicology screening holds promise in reducing animal testing. However, standardizing methods, identifying optimal cell types, and defining measures is essential. The journal Applied In Vitro Toxicology explores the benefits and limitations of this approach.
Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine found that electroacupuncture triggers the release of reparative mesenchymal stem cells, which promote tendon repair and anti-inflammatory cell activity. The study's findings suggest a new approach to treating pain and injuries by harnessing the healing properties of stem cells.
A University of Leicester study found that folinic acid can protect neurons in fruit flies with Parkinson's disease, offering potential hope for people with early-onset forms of the condition. The researchers believe that supplementing folinic acid could be a faster and more effective treatment option than developing new drugs.
A Clemson University professor has been awarded a grant to investigate how chronic, low-level exposure to arsenic affects developing children and sensitive embryos. The research aims to pinpoint the specific developmental time frames most susceptible to arsenic's adverse effects.
A recent study by Louisiana State University's Parichehr Saranjampour found that dibenzothiophene, a chemical class of PAHs not on the EPA's list, undergoes evaporation and oxidation at rates faster than previously thought. This discovery has implications for oil spill cleanup and exposure to toxic pollutants.
Researchers developed two new mechanistic models, Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs), to assess toxicological risk of chemicals without animal testing. The AOPs were recognized by PETA International Science Consortium for their contributions to non-animal approaches.
A new study examines neonicotinoid pesticides' effect on wood frog development, finding slight delays that may not be detrimental. Additional studies are needed to investigate the indirect effects of these pesticides on amphibian populations.
A new human monoclonal antibody has been developed to prevent cocaine from entering the brain, reducing its behavioral effects. The antibody is designed for individuals highly motivated to overcome addiction and can be given in doses that remain effective for at least 30 days.
Researchers at the University of Leicester have discovered a genetic 'switch' called ATF4 that plays a key role in Parkinson's disease. By targeting this gene, they hope to develop tailored interventions that can prevent or delay neuronal loss.
Researchers at KFU's bionanotechnology lab used atomic force microscopy (AFM) to create 3D images of nematode cuticles. The study revealed new insights into the surface anatomy of Caenorhabditis elegans, a widely used model organism in genetics and biology research.
Researchers compared the effects of direct exposure to cigarette smoke or e-cigarette vapor on reconstituted lung tissue, finding changes in gene expression levels and increased inflammation. The study utilized a 3D airway culture system and next-generation sequencing technologies to evaluate the biological effects.
Researchers from the University of Jena investigate the effects of five types of nuts on colon cancer cells, finding that they activate the body's defences to detoxify reactive oxygen species. Nuts stimulate the activity of protective enzymes catalase and superoxide dismutase, inducing programmed cell death in cancer cells.
The University of Liverpool is coordinating a £14m European research project, TransQST, to improve drug safety by leveraging public and private data. The project aims to develop novel computational models to address off-target reactions and minimize harm from adverse drug reactions.
Experts recommend using risk assessment to regulate endocrine disrupting substances, considering exposure and effects on sensitive species. Hazard assessments are suitable in absence of sufficient data.
Researchers are studying how receptors are transported from inside the cell to the surface where they function. Small proteins like Rab43 play a crucial role in this process, helping to ensure the proper functioning of GPCRs.
A UMass Amherst researcher argues that a historical investigation error led to the adoption of the LNT model, which challenged fundamental beliefs about ionizing radiation effects. The corrected research supports a threshold rather than linear dose response for carcinogens.
Research suggests that exposure to insecticides like carbamates can disrupt melatonin receptor signaling, leading to a higher risk of metabolic diseases such as diabetes. The study highlights the need to assess environmental chemicals for their ability to disrupt circadian activity.
Researchers at Helmholtz Zentrum München found that nanoparticles from combustion engines can reactivate latent herpes viruses in lung tissue cells. This process can lead to increased viral proteins and acute infection patterns. Further studies aim to investigate the molecular mechanism of virus reactivation by nanoparticles.
Researchers found that increasing niacin levels boosts NAD compound for energy generation and DNA repair, potentially protecting against Parkinson's. The study suggests repurposing cancer drugs to protect faulty mitochondria in Parkinson's disease.
An international expert workshop has outlined a strategy for reducing and replacing animal use in acute systemic toxicity testing. The report, published in Toxicology In Vitro, presents recommendations including gathering high-quality reference data and global harmonization.
Researchers found that a common species of zooplankton can develop higher tolerance to road salt, which may help protect ecosystems from salt's impacts. This rapid evolution suggests that freshwater ecosystems possess some resilience amid rising deicing salt applications.
A new analysis reveals that polar bears are at risk from Arctic pollutants, with the risk being 2-3 orders of magnitude higher than safety thresholds. International control measures have reduced risks for bear cubs, but new contaminants pose a growing threat to the ecosystem.
Researchers at the University of Bonn found that inflammation in abdominal fat blocks fat-burning by inhibiting cGMP signaling. Administering cGMP-stimulating active ingredients may be a possible starting point for treating obesity and preventing related complications.
A new class of drugs targeting a specific protein receptor has shown promising results in improving cognitive function and extending the life-span of terminally ill mice with neurodegeneration. The study provides hope for developing effective treatments to alleviate symptoms and slow disease progression in Alzheimer's patients.
E-cigarette vapour exposure has been shown to be genotoxic and cytotoxic in human lung cells at high doses. In contrast, Vype e-cigarette vapour produced no DNA damage even at 28 times the equivalent smoke dose. The findings suggest that e-cigarettes are safer than smoking cigarettes.
A Colorado study found that self-harm was the leading cause of pregnancy-associated deaths from 2004 to 2014. Researchers urge more mental health care for new mothers after delivery to reduce such deaths.
Atlantic killifish have evolved remarkable resilience to toxic industrial pollutants, with genetic diversity playing a key role in their adaptation. The study's findings could help explain how genetic differences among humans contribute to varying sensitivity to environmental chemicals.
The University of Utah Health has received a five-year contract renewal from the NIH to test drugs for treating refractory epilepsy, with the goal of identifying novel compounds. The program aims to address unmet medical needs in epilepsy patients and develop new therapies for different types of epilepsy.
New research reveals that co-exposure to oil and UV radiation from sunlight significantly reduces survival rates of fish larvae in the Gulf of Mexico. Oil pollutants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, are toxic when combined with sunlight, posing a deadly threat to marine life.
A new method for identifying illicit drugs has been developed, offering high sensitivity and fast results. This technique uses multi-dimensional chromatography combined with a micro-extraction method, allowing for rapid analysis in under 20 minutes.
Researchers found pesticide exposure associated with decreased bacterial diversity and specific taxon reductions in farmworkers' oral microbiomes. Azinphos-methyl detection correlated with lower Streptococcus and Halomonas populations.
A study by University of Illinois researchers found that isoliquiritigenin, a licorice compound, disrupts steroid sex hormone production in the mouse ovary. This can lead to problems with reproduction and potentially impact fertility, estrogen levels for healthy brains and bones, and cardiovascular health.
Dr. Michael E. Charness has made significant contributions to understanding the effects of alcohol on the nervous system and has developed drugs that block alcohol toxicity. He is a leading expert in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and has cared for patients with neurological disorders throughout his career.
The 14th Report on Carcinogens adds seven new substances to the list, including five viruses that have been linked to cancer in humans. Trichloroethylene, cobalt compounds, HIV-1, HTLV-1, EBV, KSHV, and MCV are among the newly listed substances, highlighting the importance of prevention strategies to reduce the world's cancer burden.
Researchers found that pregnant women experience decreased drug exposure due to increased elimination, but few studies described clinical outcomes. The findings highlight the need for clinicians to be aware of these unique pregnancy-related pharmacokinetics and critically examine their implications.
Researchers at Indiana University have discovered a connection between the genetic mechanisms that trigger Ewing's sarcoma and prostate cancer. This finding could lead to the development of new treatments for patients with both diseases.
PFASs found in hooded seal mothers' plasma and milk, with concentrations higher than those in other species. This exposure can lead to reduced birth weight and developmental effects, threatening the survival of young seals.
Harvard researchers develop a 3D-printed heart-on-a-chip with integrated sensors, enabling easy data collection and customization. The device mimics the structure and function of native tissue, opening new avenues for in vitro tissue engineering and drug screening research.