Articles tagged with Toxicology
A new study by Silent Spring Institute identified hundreds of chemicals in pesticide products that may increase breast cancer risk, including inert ingredients that evade safety testing. The study highlights a regulatory blind spot and calls for stronger oversight of pesticide formulations.
Hot peppers grown in biochar and animal manure-amended soil exhibit higher heavy metal concentrations, particularly Zn and Cu. Bioaccumulation factors for certain metals exceed 1, indicating potential for remediation.
Researchers develop a robust approach for identifying chemical hazards using in vitro bioassays, mapping 266 Adverse Outcome Pathways to proposed tests for cancer, reproductive disorders, and more. The approach enables systematic identification of exposures to hazardous chemicals in everyday products.
A new review highlights the need for stronger evidence before claiming microplastics affect aquatic offspring through maternal transfer. The study proposes an evidence classification framework to distinguish true maternal particle transfer from intergenerational and transgenerational toxicity.
Researchers found that montmorillonite inhibits chloropyromorphite aggregation by increasing negative surface charge, while goethite promotes rapid aggregation through charge neutralisation. Divalent calcium ions accelerate CPY settling through charge screening and cation bridging.
Soil bacteria, particularly plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, effectively degrade herbicides and petroleum hydrocarbons through rhizoremediation. This process involves the release of organic compounds from plant roots, which feed bacteria that break down pollutants.
Researchers found that girls whose mothers took paracetamol during pregnancy had smaller ovaries, fewer ovarian follicles, and lower levels of reproductive hormones at three months old. The study, published in Human Reproduction Open, suggests that foetal exposure to paracetamol may affect reproductive development, but the findings do ...
Researchers found that 78% of children's toys in the El Paso-Ciudad Juárez region contain at least one toxic element, with nickel being the most common cause of allergic reactions. The study, led by the University of Texas at El Paso, highlights the need for harmonized safety standards and better labeling to protect children from poten...
Researchers at Keck School of Medicine of USC will investigate PFAS as a risk factor for liver and endometrial cancers. The studies aim to understand the biological mechanisms linking PFAS exposure to cancer risk and identify ways to mitigate that risk.
Zebrafish models can help scientists understand contaminant toxicity, but translating these findings to wild species is a major challenge. A new framework, Z-PATH, proposes a four-tiered approach to connect molecular effects with whole-organism performance and population-level consequences.
Pyrogallol's toxicity in aquatic organisms has been linked to oxidative stress and damage across multiple biological systems. The analysis identifies the need for broader environmental surveillance, long-term ecological studies, and improved exposure assessment to determine its effects on human health.
Biochar's ability to retain carbon in soil is strengthened by cadmium contamination, with mechanisms including cation bridging and microbial inhibition. This unexpected interaction has implications for using biochar in contaminated agricultural soils.
A retrospective study found that pretreatment CT scans can identify patients at high risk for medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw. Analysis of radiomics and machine learning models distinguished patients who later developed MRONJ from those unaffected.
Lip cosmetics products are routinely ingested and absorbed through lip tissue, but existing frameworks were never designed to assess this dual-pathway exposure route. Researchers found significant gaps in testing and regulation, including inadequate absorption data and outdated ingestion assumptions.
Researchers found specific combinations of blood proteins from western diamondback rattlesnakes provided unprecedented neutralizing power against multiple dangerous snake species. Combining several FETUA proteins dramatically increased ability to neutralize venom's damaging effects.
Researchers developed an AI framework that extracts and organizes large amounts of information about plastic chemicals from text and images. The system achieved high accuracy and completeness in extracted data, identifying 2,144 chemicals with persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity characteristics.
Combined exposure to copper and glyphosate causes stronger stress responses in earthworms than individual contaminants. Biochar reduces these effects, improving soil habitability and reducing earthworm response to contamination.
A new study uses machine learning to predict chemical toxicity in rare and endangered species, reducing the need for direct biological testing. The model achieved strong performance predicting acute and chronic toxicity, with life stage being a key factor.
Dr. Arum Han is leading a $15 million NIH center at Texas A&M University to develop organ-on-a-chip technology for chemical toxicity testing, reducing reliance on animal studies. The goal is to achieve faster, more accurate and cost-effective safety evaluations.
The BfR Federal Institute for Risk Assessment investigates how PFAS enter food via feed, drinking water, and soil. High concentrations of PFAS in the body have been linked to increased blood lipid levels and liver enzyme elevations. The magazine also explores other topics such as omega-3 fatty acids, raw milk, and food colour safety.
A study found that polystyrene nanoplastics and triphenyl phosphate exposure can trigger gut inflammation and disrupt lipid metabolism in salamanders. The combined effects of these pollutants on the gut-liver axis were also investigated, revealing potential for hidden toxicity and non-additive interactions.
A University of Cincinnati research team will examine how microplastics and nanoplastics accumulate in the body and affect cardiovascular health, with a focus on potential toxicity and worsening outcomes after a heart attack. The five-year study aims to advance understanding of microplastic impact on heart diseases.
Research suggests using Chinese rare minnow embryos as an alternative to conventional acute toxicity tests with juvenile fish, reducing animal use and avoiding redundant testing. The study found that embryo-based tests can provide a more sensitive endpoint than lethality alone, highlighting the importance of endpoint selection.
The new edition of the Wiley Registry of Mass Spectral Data 2026 expands compound coverage to over 915,500 reference spectra, strengthening a foundational layer of scientific data and research intelligence. This expansion enables researchers to identify unknown chemical compounds and materials faster with confidence.
A recent study published in Journal of Functional Foods found that paraprobiotics derived from Enterococcus faecalis FK-23 can protect against sperm toxicity caused by bisphenol A (BPA) exposure. The researchers observed improved sperm motility and reduced oxidative stress markers when rats received FK-23 despite BPA exposure.
A new study found that nearly every person in the US has multiple man-made chemicals, known as PFAS, in their system. The study examined over 10,500 samples and found that 98.8% contained at least one PFAS, with many carrying multiple types.
Researchers discovered high concentrations of tire- and rubber-related chemicals in Lake Sihwa sediments, with patterns reflecting changes in industrial activity and pollution control measures. The study provides a baseline for sediment concentrations, enabling understanding of future trends and potential risks to aquatic organisms.
Scientists at the University of Virginia Health System have developed a suite of AI-powered tools, called YuelDesign, YuelPocket and YuelBond, to transform how new drugs are created. These tools can design drug molecules tailored to fit their protein targets exactly, even accounting for protein flexibility.
Wendy Thompson, a Senior Clinical Lecturer at the University of Manchester, has been awarded the IADR Distinguished Scientist Award in Pharmacology/Therapeutics/Toxicology Research. Her research focus on antimicrobial stewardship and primary dental care has made significant contributions to the field.
ToxIndex integrates AI agents to access and orchestrate toxicological resources, providing comprehensive risk assessments in hours. The platform addresses a critical need in chemical and drug safety, meeting the vision of the 2007 NRC report for 21st-century safety testing.
ToxIndex integrates three tiers of New Approach Methodologies, leveraging AI agents to access and orchestrate toxicological resources, and providing comprehensive, source-traceable risk assessments in a fraction of the time required by traditional methods.
The 2026 release expands coverage of emerging novel psychoactive substances, including synthetic cannabinoids, fentanyl analogs, and pharmaceutical drugs. The database provides comprehensive and up-to-date support for forensic, toxicology, and drug surveillance workflows.
Scientists at The University of Queensland discovered that certain species of wasps and frogs share a pain and inflammation peptide similar to one found in vertebrates. This finding contributes to a shifting view of how evolution works and highlights the role of convergent evolution in shaping life.
Scientists create fluorescent nanoplastics that resemble real-world plastics in morphology, enabling real-time tracking and studying chronic exposure effects. The study reveals that smaller particles retain longer in the body, highlighting the need for further research on health risks due to microplastic ingestion.
Researchers found that diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP) exposure significantly increases conjugative transfer frequency of antibiotic resistance genes in bacteria, particularly through oxidative stress and altered cell membrane permeability. This study provides a mechanistic framework for understanding the ecological risks posed by DIBP.
Research at University of Eastern Finland found that positively charged polystyrene nanoparticles increase early embryo mortality in European whitefish under stressed conditions. The study suggests that surface charge plays a critical role in toxicity assessment, with negatively charged particles experiencing reduced harmful effects.
A study published in the Journal of Apicultural Research found that combining a widely used mite-killing pesticide with an agent inhibiting its tolerance can effectively control varroa mites. The new treatment increases amitraz's killing power by 50% and shows promise for developing novel synergists to target these destructive mites.
The Global Exposome Forum is a global initiative that aims to understand the complex interplay between biological, chemical, and environmental exposures and human health. The project has partnered with national governments, scientific institutions, and large membership-led organizations to advance exposomics science.
Pentachlorophenol exposure triggers inflammatory responses and oxidative stress, leading to liver damage and compromised immune function. The study identified the Toll-like receptor signaling pathway as a key mechanism of PCP-induced immunotoxicity.
A rare case of hyperammonemic encephalopathy caused by 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) chemotherapy has been reported, highlighting the importance of monitoring neurological symptoms in patients receiving 5-FU. The patient's symptoms resolved after stopping 5-FU and administering lactulose and intravenous fluids.
Researchers developed a 3D miniature human liver model to improve toxicology studies of chemicals. The mini-liver demonstrates physiological and metabolic capabilities, enabling the detailed analysis of contaminant-induced effects on cells.
A 82-year-old woman was treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy for severe carbon monoxide poisoning after conventional oxygen therapy failed to produce significant improvement. The patient demonstrated considerable neurological recovery and full communication abilities after a single session of HBOT.
Katie Paul Friedman, Ph.D., Director of the Center for Informatics and Screening at Chemical Insights, received the prestigious 2026 Achievement Award from the Society of Toxicology for her innovative research and dedication to training the next generation. The award recognizes her contributions to new approach methodologies transformi...
Researchers found that nanoplastics entered the bloodstream and accumulated in organs within days of ingestion, potentially leading to disorders in nervous and reproductive systems. The particles were primarily expelled through the intestine, but some remained trapped for a long time.
A recent study found that releasing rehabilitated Golden Eagles can be an effective means of compensating for eagle deaths due to human actions. However, the study revealed that only a few rehabilitated eagles survive and integrate into the wild population, raising questions about the long-term efficacy of rehabilitation efforts.
A large-scale laboratory screening identified 168 chemicals toxic to human-made gut bacteria. Washing fruit and veggies before consumption may help avoid exposure to these pollutants. Researchers developed a machine learning model to predict chemical harm, emphasizing the need for safer industrial practices.
A new study reveals that the S-enantiomer of o,p'-DDD pesticide metabolite is more toxic to zebrafish larvae and has severe consequences for their development. The research found that maternal transfer was highly efficient, with the S-enantiomer accumulating in higher levels than its mirror-image R-form.
A mouse study by University of California, Riverside scientists suggests microplastic exposure may accelerate the development of atherosclerosis in males. The study found microplastics dramatically worsened plaque buildup in male mice, but not females.
A 20-year study of 11,000 adults in Bangladesh found that reducing arsenic levels in drinking water was associated with lower mortality rates from heart disease, cancer, and other chronic illnesses. The study provides the first long-term, individual-level evidence that reducing arsenic exposure may lower mortality even among people exp...
A study published in the Chinese Medical Journal identified GSTP1 as a key regulator that blocks JNK-driven ferroptosis, providing protection against DOX-induced cardiomyopathy. Overexpression of GSTP1 inhibited ferroptosis and improved DOX-induced heart injury.
A new broad-spectrum antivenom developed by DTU researchers covers 17 African snake species and provides better protection against tissue damage, with a lower risk of immune reactions. The antivenom has shown impressive results in laboratory studies and could revolutionize the treatment of venomous snakebites in Africa.
A new study reveals that microplastics and heavy metals can disrupt organ development and hormone balance in higher-level species through the food chain. The study found delayed growth in zebrafish exposed to combined pollutants, highlighting the hidden risks of pollutant mixtures in real-world environments.
A study on C. elegans reveals that dissolved biochar affects nematode growth and physiology, with lower doses promoting development and higher doses disrupting normal functions. The findings highlight the need for careful dosing and oversight when deploying biochar in agricultural systems.
Researchers developed a portable sensor to detect synthetic cannabinoids in e-cigarette liquids and biological fluids, allowing for early intervention and harm reduction. The device shows high selectivity and sensitivity, detecting concentrations as low as 0.2 µM and identifying specific peaks that quantify substances present.
A new study analyzing the dietary choices of wild woodrats reveals that individual diets may not be as diverse as previously assumed. The research suggests that the costs of specializing on one food source or diversifying one's diet have a strong impact on an animal's ability to survive and thrive.
A recent Chinese study analyzed urine samples from 457 residents across 16 cities, revealing significant associations between primary aromatic amine (PAA) exposure and oxidative DNA damage biomarker 8-OHdG. The findings suggest that even low concentrations of PAA may contribute to long-term cancer risks in the general population.
A genetic mutation found in East Asian people, ALDH2*2, impairs the detoxification of aldehydes produced by environmental exposure, leading to an 'aldehyde storm' that causes severe liver damage. Healthy choices like increasing antioxidants and limiting smoke exposure may reduce the risk.
A nationwide biomonitoring study in China detected 25 primary aromatic amines with varying levels of exposure among residents. High concentrations were observed in smokers, non-adults, and industrialized cities, with correlations to oxidative DNA damage.
A new review warns that strobilurin fungicides, widely used in farming, are contaminating staple foods, water, and human bodies. Small amounts can cause harm, interfering with cell energy production and potentially disrupting hormones.
Research on killifish reveals that maternal exposure to toxic substances like crude oil and flame retardants can have lasting impacts on offspring and subsequent generations. Exposure to these chemicals during critical developmental windows can alter gene function, behavior, and health outcomes in humans and wildlife.