Academic research vs. guideline studies

Article in Science illustrates gap between academic researchers and regulators about scientific evidence use in assessment of chemicals’ health risks

Extranuclear actions of EDCs at low doses

Scientists review molecular mechanisms underlying low-dose actions of estrogenic EDCs, focusing on extranuclear signaling; BPA effects in pancreas and heart mediated through alpha, beta, and membrane-associated forms of estrogen receptor

BPA disrupts regulation of feeding behavior

Scientists show that exposure to low-dose BPA during fetal development interferes with leptin and hypothalamic feeding circuitry, disrupts regulation of feeding behavior, predisposes to obesity in later life

AOP-based computational models for regulatory toxicology

Review article by EU Commission’s Joint Research Centre and collaborators discusses development and use of computational prediction models for regulatory toxicology and how it can be supported by the Adverse Outcome Pathways framework

Mutagenicity of chemicals in printed paper and board FCMs

Scientists propose strategy for prioritizing assessment of non-evaluated chemicals potentially present in printed paper and board FCMs with help of quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models; identify 106 substances of highest concern

Strategy for less animal testing

Swedish Chemicals Agency publishes report on the replacement, reduction and refinement of animal experiments to assess chemical safety

Alternative testing strategies for nanomaterials

New OECD document discusses the use of alternative testing strategies in risk assessment of nanomaterials; makes recommendations to advance the field within coming years

Nanoparticles in food linked to cancer

Oral ingestion of titanium dioxide nanoparticles induces abnormal immune responses, preneoplastic lesions in the colon; scientists call for re-evaluation of risks from oral exposure to nanoparticles

Nanomaterials in FCMs: Open questions on migration and safety

Scientists review migration of nanomaterials from polymer-based FCMs, question suitability of migration testing conditions and diffusion-based models for estimation of nanomaterials migration, point to knowledge gaps regarding actions in human body

BPS affects maternal behavior

Exposure of pregnant and lactating mice to human-exposure-relevant dose of bisphenol S (BPS) impairs maternal behavior, what can lead to lower offspring survival; behavioral effects also seen in daughters of exposed mice