Researchers found that e-cigarette chemicals suppress key immune genes in the nasal mucosa, similar to smoking cigarettes. The study suggests that e-cigarettes may have broader effects on respiratory immune responses than initially thought.
A study found that disrupted circadian rhythms can lead to nondipping blood pressure, a risk factor for hypertension and vascular disease. A low-salt diet can exacerbate this effect, increasing the risk of disease.
Researchers at RIT's NTID and University of Rochester Medical Center are analyzing the effects of e-cig flavorings using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The study will help determine potential toxicants and inform the FDA on long-term adverse effects, addressing a lack of knowledge about e-cig safety.
Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs) are a framework for improving chemical hazard assessment by prioritizing modern test methods that reduce animal use. Scientists can identify specific Key Events that lead to adverse outcomes, allowing them to choose the most needed tests.
Researchers developed a new approach to prioritize investigations on pharmaceutical environmental impacts. They identified 16 compounds as a potential priority, including antibiotics and anti-inflammatory substances.
Researchers found that auranofin reduces the survival rates of ovarian cancer cells with depleted BRCA1 levels, increasing their sensitivity to the drug. This suggests auranofin's potential as a clinical treatment for ovarian cancers with BRCA1 deficiency.
A team of researchers developed a method for guiding replacement cells to diseased vascular segments using nanoparticles, which demonstrated promising results in mice. The fresh cells exert their curative effect in these segments by producing nitric oxide and regulating blood vessel expansion.
Children under 5 living in economically disadvantaged rural areas have a higher risk of medication poisoning. The study found that these areas have lower household income, high unemployment, and fewer resources for child supervision.
Harmful algal blooms are becoming a major threat to inland water quality, with increasing frequency and severity due to climate change and nutrient enrichment. Inland surface waters lack formal monitoring programs, hindering efforts to protect aquatic ecosystems and human health.
A new University of Sydney study reveals that recreational drug use among young people is a significant harm with potentially lethal consequences. Males under 30 are at greatest risk, with stimulants being the most commonly linked substance to recreational poisonings.
Researchers have found a compound that can prevent and reverse fatty liver disease and obesity in mice by targeting the farnesoid X receptor. The compound, Gly-MCA, was tested in obese and diabetic mice fed with a high-fat diet and showed significantly less fat and insulin resistance compared to untreated control groups.
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center describe how p53 gene mutations activate mTORC1, leading to abnormal cell proliferation. The study identifies a potential target for existing drug pemetrexed, which may have greater clinical utility against cancers with p53 dysfunction.
Researchers found elevated levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in NYC community garden soils, a concern due to air emissions. However, cultivating vegetables in beds may lower PAH concentrations, suggesting potential for reduction through gardening practices.
Research at Penn State found that dicamba drift reduces flowering in both alfalfa and common boneset plant species. Herbicide exposure also decreases insect visitation to damaged flowers, particularly honeybees and syrphid flies. The study suggests widespread damage from these herbicides may adversely affect pollinator communities.
Researchers found that only half of water bodies have fish consumption advisories in line with EPA recommendations. The largest fish sizes need new advisories, affecting up to 65% of sites examined.
Researchers found that pesticides can have lasting impacts on aquatic ecosystems, affecting populations of small crustaceans and zooplankton. The study's results suggest that standard toxicity tests may not capture the full extent of pollution in waters.
Researchers from the University of Zurich have confirmed the existence of a concentration gradient of lactate between astrocytes and neurons in the intact mouse brain. The study provides new evidence for an exchange of lactate between different brain cells, supporting a 20-year-old hypothesis on brain energy metabolism.
The special issue of Biomarkers in Medicine focuses on advances in biomarker research for regulatory science. Biomarkers are used to predict response to therapies, disease prognosis, and establish baseline risk. The journal aims to facilitate translation of research knowledge into clinical practice.
Research reveals that pesticide mixtures negatively affect snail and crustacean populations, even at sublethal levels, and populations exposed to low concentrations may be more sensitive to other environmental stressors
A national survey of US surface waters found pharmaceuticals in high levels near urban areas, posing risks to aquatic organisms. Research on complex mixtures of pharmaceuticals reveals inconsistent responses across different life stages, highlighting the need for diverse biological endpoints.
Researchers discovered peptides that inhibit metastatic spreading and even lead to regression of existing metastases in pancreatic cancer models. The CD44v6 protein drives the spread of tumor cells, but small segments of the protein can be successfully inhibited by peptides.
Experts warn that easily accessible online prescription sleeping tablets pose a significant risk of addiction and misuse, particularly for vulnerable individuals. The BMJ report highlights the need for regulatory authorities to ensure websites comply with medicines regulations.
Researchers from IMIM and partner institutions developed a new integrated computational method to predict adverse drug reactions more reliably. The method combines structure-based detection of labile fragments with information on the mechanism of action of the drug, resulting in improved ability to foresee possible adverse effects.
Scientists have generated genome-scale sequence information for the fathead minnow, a commonly used model organism in environmental toxicology studies. The new data will enhance the understanding of complex traits and biological pathways affected by environmental toxins.
A Tel Aviv University study finds that oxybenzone, a common chemical in sunscreen lotions, is highly toxic to juvenile corals, causing coral bleaching, DNA damage, and death. Concentrations as low as 62 parts per trillion pose an ecological threat.
A study found that oxybenzone in sunscreen is toxic to coral reefs, causing DNA damage and deforming larvae. The researchers recommend wearing rash guards or scuba wetsuits without hygienic products when diving to help protect the reefs.
Researchers found that female rats exposed to high doses of BPA since fetal development struggled to find their way in a maze test, suggesting cognitive changes. The effects varied by dose and were associated with molecular changes in the brain.
Researchers found that nicotine increases the speed at which codeine is converted into morphine in the brain, leading to greater pain relief but also a higher risk of addiction. People with more of this enzyme may experience increased pain relief but be more prone to codeine dependence.
Kolltan Pharmaceuticals presents substantial tumor shrinkage with KTN0158 in dogs with spontaneous mast cell tumors, with favorable results from non-clinical toxicology studies. The company plans to file an IND for the drug candidate in oncology this year.
Researchers found high mercury levels in Amazonian reptiles, with liver concentrations above recommended limits for pregnant women and children. The study suggests using reptiles as indicators of environmental mercury concentrations, shedding light on the region's mercury cycling.
A team of researchers found that inhibiting the enzymatic activity of Tyk2 does not hinder its ability to activate natural killer cells. In fact, this inhibited form of Tyk2 still boosts NK cell maturation and activity, leading to strong suppression of cancer growth. This breakthrough suggests promising potential for new cancer therapies
Researchers have developed a new technique to produce a faithful mimic of the in vivo liver inside a scalable fluid-handling device. The chip-based model demonstrates proof of principle for toxicology tests and opens up potential use in drug testing and personalized medicine.
A team of researchers at the University of Kansas has identified a potential neuroprotective mechanism for Alzheimer's disease, focusing on the ApoE2 gene. The study suggests that ApoE2 carriers may be resistant to Alzheimer's disease due to enhanced brain energy metabolism.
A Baylor University study reveals that exposure to atrazine, a common herbicide, does not cause long-term harm to aquatic plants. The researchers found that most biological response variables affected by atrazine recovered after the dosing ceased, with only slight effects on algae and plant life.
Researchers found that elephant seals shed significant amounts of mercury during molting, resulting in high concentrations of the toxic metal in coastal waters. The study reveals a previously unrecognized source of mercury contamination in coastal waters, highlighting the need for further monitoring and mitigation efforts.
Researchers at UC Berkeley created an implant containing stem cells that form functional brown-fat-like tissue, reducing weight gain and lowering blood glucose levels in mice. The study's results suggest the technique could lead to new therapeutic approaches for metabolic disorders.
A new study reveals higher concentrations of methylmercury in Arctic species compared to lower trophic levels, suggesting increased toxicity and potential protective effects of selenium. The research confirms previous suggestions that biomagnification may be more pronounced in Arctic systems.
A new study by biologists from Case Western Reserve University suggests exposure to road salt increases the size of wood frogs, but also shortens their lives. Wood frog tadpoles exposed to road salt grew larger and turned into larger frogs at metamorphosis than those raised without being subjected to the contaminant.
A £500,000 National Cancer Institute grant has enabled UK researcher Fredrick Onono to explore the potential connection between high-fat diets and breast cancer development. The study may uncover how fats contribute to cell malfunctions, potentially leading to treatment-resistant cases.
Researchers developed a stem cell model to assess the neurotoxicity of Bisphenol A (BPA) efficiently and cost-effectively. The study showed that BPA may alter embryonic development in vivo, highlighting the potential health risks associated with environmental pollution.
Researchers at UMass Medical School found that Google Glass can effectively extend toxicology consults to remote hospitals, improving patient diagnosis and management. The device enables physicians to consult with remote specialists in real-time, validating bedside exams and diagnosing specific poisonings.
Researchers have developed a new model of survival that can predict the potential harm caused by thousands of chemicals used daily. By considering death as a continuum between random events and individual tolerance, scientists can analyze every chemical using high-throughput screening, paving the way for further testing.
Research reveals that low concentrations of 5α-dihydrotestosterone can induce complete or incomplete sex reversal in female Pelophylax nigromaculatus frogs. Environmental androgenic endocrine disrupting chemicals pose a threat to aquatic ecosystems, highlighting the need for increased regulation.
Researchers developed 3D human skin tissue models to detect sensitizers in medical devices, potentially replacing animal testing. The models showed ability to detect low levels of known skin sensitizers.
The protein RGS2 plays a vital role in preserving the fertilizability of the ovulated egg by suppressing premature calcium release. In mouse studies, RGS2 delays an egg's development to allow time for sperm to arrive and merge with the egg in a healthy fertilization process.
Researchers found that e-cig liquids contain primarily free-base nicotine, the most addictive form, and often do not match label concentrations. This suggests that e-cigarettes can be just as hazardous to health as traditional tobacco products.
A Dartmouth team has successfully synthesized molecules that induce rapid apoptosis in leukemia cells, paving the way for further study of their biological mechanism of action. The findings hold promise for developing novel therapeutic strategies against cancer and other diseases linked to abnormal cell death.
Research reveals that wastewater discharge concentrations of cocaine, morphine, and oxycodone remain relatively consistent downstream, indicating ineffective removal by treatment plants. The findings emphasize the importance of improving wastewater treatment to protect potable water sources.
Asthmatics are particularly sensitive to sulfur dioxide, which can cause airway irritation even at low concentrations. Scientists still don't know why asthmatics lack the ability to produce interleukin-10, a protein that stops inflammatory processes.
Hospitalizations for heart conditions, neurological illness, and other conditions were higher among people who live near unconventional gas and oil drilling. The study found significant increases in cardiology and neurologic inpatient prevalence rates closer to active wells.
Researchers used a unique combination of tests to investigate the potential adverse effects of e-cigarette vapour on airway tissue. The results show that despite six hours of exposure, the impact of e-cigarette vapour on airway tissue is similar to that of air.
Researchers at the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy have discovered a link between nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and drug metabolism. NASH, an increasingly common but often undiagnosed liver disease, can cause toxic levels of certain medications to be retained in the body.
Scientists have identified a key protein that, if targeted, can stop the disease. The discovery could lead to precise drug design with limited toxicity, making it safe for vulnerable populations.
Scientists at UC San Diego discovered that freshwater planarians are comparably sensitive to tested chemicals as zebrafish larvae and nematodes, but offer unique advantages such as studying genetically identical adult and developing animals. This could reduce the use of laboratory mammals in toxicology tests.
A new national study found that most states violate federal Medicaid law by denying coverage for sofosbuvir, a highly effective treatment for hepatitis C. The study highlights the need to improve access to treatment for low-income and underserved patients.
Researchers at the University at Buffalo have discovered a previously unknown neural pathway that can regulate changes made in the brain due to cocaine use. By manipulating Activin receptors, they found that it is possible to increase or decrease cocaine-taking and relapse behavior in animal models.
Researchers at the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy have discovered a potent inhibitor of colorectal cancer in mice by adding cinnamaldehyde to their diet. This compound, found in cinnamon, allows animals' cells to protect themselves against carcinogens through detoxification and repair.
Climate change is expected to increase pesticide toxicity in fish, as warmer temperatures become toxic at the upper limit of species' temperature tolerance. The study reveals that pesticides and industrial contaminants become toxic when temperatures reach 50C, making fish more vulnerable to environmental changes.
A new guide provides a systematic approach to evaluating the safety of e-cig flavorings, considering toxicological thresholds and thermal breakdown products. The guide aims to fill data gaps and provide guidance for regulatory standards, ensuring safer e-cigarette production.
Pharmacy Doctorate students from University of Houston won awards for clinical skills and disease state management at the Texas Society of Health-System Pharmacists Meeting. The teams demonstrated their abilities in patient consultation and developed therapeutic plans to identify problems, strategy, and monitoring.