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National Toxicology Program

National Toxicology Program

UPDATE NewsletterUPDATE Newsletter

January - June 2019

January

Nicole Kleinstreuer, Ph.D.The NTP Interagency Center for the Evaluation of Alternative Toxicological Methods

Committee members recognized by SOT, Collaborative Acute Toxicity Modeling Suite (CATMoS) now available, and registration open for webinar on non-animal approaches for inhalation toxcity testing.


badge celebrating 40 yearsNTP celebrates 40 years with accolades, reflection

As the most trusted source of toxicology knowledge, the National Toxicology Program advances new testing strategies, builds confidence in results.


NTP Associate Director Brian Berridge, D.V.M., Ph.D.Science counselors focus on NTP research translation

The meeting, held online due to Winter Storm Diego, addressed translation of NTP research into regulatory, government, and scientific arenas.


February

cardiology collageThe NTP Interagency Center for the Evaluation of Alternative Toxicological Methods

Postdoctoral opportunities available, and paper describing NICEATM collaboration honored by Society of Toxicology speciality section.


Friends of NIEHS meeting participantsFriends of NIEHS discuss hot topics with Birnbaum

The NIEHS and NTP director shared updates on NIEHS scientific advances and answered questions about topics such as BPA and climate change.


Nicole Kleinstreuer, Ph.D.SOT honors computational, nonanimal testing pioneer

Nicole Kleinstreuer, Ph.D., and others were honored for their work toward replacing animals in toxicity testing.


Freshwater zebrafishImproving tests for developmental neurotoxicity

NTP-led collection of papers evaluated cell-based models, zebrafish, and other approaches for rapid screening of thousands of chemicals.


March

High-Throughput ScreeningThe NTP Interagency Center for the Evaluation of Alternative Toxicological Methods

NICEATM and ICCVAM activities at SOT, and March workshop to focus on use of dogs in research.


SOT 2019 Annual Meeting LogoSociety of Toxicology Annual Meeting

View the list of NIEHS and NTP scientific presentatations at the SOT 58th Annual Meeting and ToxExpo.


Nurse administering chemotherapy drugsChemotherapy workers face risks, reduced with safe handling

Analysis finds moderate level of evidence that workplace exposure is associated with increased risk of miscarriage and genetic damage


Kembra Howdeshell, Ph.D.Kembra Howdeshell honored by Teratology Society

The National Toxicology Program scientist is recognized as an outstanding toxicologist and mentor in the area of birth defects research.


NTP associate director, Brian Berridge, D.V.M., Ph.D.MOU aims to improve cardiovascular safety of pharmaceuticals

NTP is part of a new interagency research collaboration to foster more novel, human-relevant safety testing methods


BSC chair Kenneth McMartin, Ph.D.NTP board explores new directions

Advisors explored the National Toxicology Program’s role as the field transforms to a more predictive science.


Pam Factor-Litvak, Columbia UniversitySarin poses health risk after initial effects, peer reviewers agree

A panel of experts agreed with National Toxicology Program conclusions on long-term neurological effects of exposure to nerve agent.


April

World Congress on Alternatives logoThe NTP Interagency Center for the Evaluation of Alternative Toxicological Methods

11th World Congress on Alternatives and Animal Use in the Life Sciences announces call for session proposals.


2019 Society of Toxicology Meeting, BaltimoreNIEHS steals the show at the 58th annual Society of Toxicology meeting

Scientists from NIEHS and the National Toxicology Program were busy throughout the event in Baltimore, discussing science, receiving awards, demystifying grants, and answering questions.


Chitrangda Srivastava, Ph.D., Katelyn Lavrich, Ph.D., and Bevin Blake Fellows hone presentation skills in communication showdown

NIEHS trainees further their career development by using plain language to explain their research.


Environment and Health A to ZFrom allergies to Zika — ABCs of environmental health

A brand new edition of the popular "Environment and Health A to Z" booklet includes eye-catching illustrations and easy-to-understand text.


May

ICCVAM logoThe NTP Interagency Center for the Evaluation of Alternative Toxicological Methods

ASCCT annual meeting set for September 25-26, registration and comments due May 10 for ICCVAM Public Form, and recent NICEATM and ICCVAM publications.


NIEHS and NTP Director, Linda Birnbaum, Ph.D.PFAS Senate hearing, Birnbaum’s expert scientific testimony

Linda Birnbaum told senators that chemicals known as PFAS persist in the environment and affect nearly every system in the human body.


Linda Birnbaum, Ph.D., Director, NIEHS and NTPChronic kidney disease puzzle highlighted at Costa Rica workshop

Researchers from around the world shared insights into chronic kidney disease of unknown origin in agricultural communities.


Arun Pandiri, Ph.D. and Miaofei Xu, Ph.D.Spring GEMS meeting focuses on mechanisms

Risks of e-cigs and vaping, role of oxidative stress in cancer, and more were featured by the Genetics and Environmental Mutagenesis Society.


Nisha Sipes, Ph.D.New method quickly screens chemicals for cancer-causing potential

National Toxicology Program scientists, NIEHS grantees, and colleagues developed a quick way to screen substances for carcinogenicity.


June

ICCVAM logoThe NTP Interagency Center for the Evaluation of Alternative Toxicological Methods

ICCVAM holds public forum; free workshop on artificial intelligence and machine learning June 6-7.


Cynthia Rider, Ph.D. and Nicole Kleinstreuer, Ph.D.The National Toxicology Program converges on cancer

Hundreds of participants weighed in on how chemicals, especially in mixtures, connect with key characteristics and hallmarks of cancer.


Integrated Chemical Environment (ICE)New website tool helps replace animal tests

Integrated Chemical Environment (ICE) resource simplifies searches and provides tools to help develop nonanimal chemical safety tests.


Environmental Health Perspectives (EHP) logoNIEHS seeks new Editor-in-Chief for science journal

The part-time position allows flexibility for the individual to remain at their institution.


July - December 2019

July

Nicole Kleinstreuer, Ph.D., Deputy Director, NICEATMThe NTP Interagency Center for the Evaluation of Alternative Toxicological Methods

NICEATM at the Teratology Society annual meeting, and recent NICEATM and ICCVAM publications.


Environmental Health Perspectives logoEHP launches curated collections and podcasts

Environmental Health Perspectives (EHP) is excited to announce two new offerings.


Brian Berridge, D.V.M., Ph.D., NTP Associate DirectorNTP paradigm evolves

The National Toxicology Program will innovate disease-based toxicology.


Katherine Groff, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)Fruitful partnerships advance alternatives to animal testing

The annual ICCVAM Public Forum brought together animal welfare groups, federal and industry scientists, and other stakeholders.


Environmental Health Perspectives (EHP) logoNIEHS seeks new Editor-in-Chief for science journal

The part-time position allows flexibility for the individual to remain at their institution.


August

Integrated Chemical Environment (ICE) logoThe NTP Interagency Center for the Evaluation of Alternative Toxicological Methods (NICEATM)

ICE update launched July 30, FDA to present update on predictive toxicology roadmap September 18, and recent workshop reports.


Rick Woychik, Ph.D. and Linda Birnbaum, Ph.D.Birnbaum announces upcoming retirement

After more than 40 years as a federal scientist, the institute's director plans to wrap up experiments and maintain advisory roles in the U.S. and abroad.


Linda Birnbaum, Ph.D.Society of Toxicologic Pathology looks to One Health

NIEHS and National Toxicology Program scientists discussed air pollution, cell phones, endocrine disruptors, PFAS, and resources for researchers.


Brandy Beverly, Ph.D.Pollution and pregnancy — social media Q and A

Internet users are invited to a Q and A session with experts on a Reddit Ask Me Anything thread.


September

ICCVAM logoThe NTP Interagency Center for the Evaluation of Alternative Toxicological Methods (NICEATM)

SACATM to meet September 19-20, NICEATM activities at ASCCT annual meeting, and a recent publication.


pregnant woman with hands on belly and smokestacks in background graphicNIH researchers tackle questions on air pollution and pregnancy

National Institutes of Health scientists responded to concerns about air pollution, pregnancy, and child health via Reddit Ask Me Anything.


AtLee Watson, Ph.D.Chemicals’ effects on development and reproduction reviewed by expert panel

The National Toxicology Program invited outside experts to review its first technical reports related to developmental and reproductive toxicology.


Stephan Schurer, Ph.D., University of MiamiFAIR principles critical for data-driven research, says Schurer

The data principles known as FAIR improve drug studies and are integral to the new NIEHS Informatics and Information Technology roadmap.


Linda Birnbaum, Ph.D., NIEHS and NTP Director PFAS conference highlights research obstacles, public health challenges

Toxicologists and other scientists explored new ways to study these complex chemicals.


October

ICCVAM logoThe NTP Interagency Center for the Evaluation of Alternative Toxicological Methods (NICEATM)

EPA announces actions to reduce animal testing, FDA presents update on predictive toxicology roadmap, SACATM comments on ICCVAM activities and direction, and NICEATM activities at ASCCT annual meeting.


Bevin BlakePFAS front and center at fellow's talk in Chapel Hill

The National Toxicology Program’s Bevin Blake discussed potential health risks posed by these chemicals — and how scientists are responding.


November

Cornea in vitro modelThe NTP Interagency Center for the Evaluation of Alternative Toxicological Methods (NICEATM)

Workshop considers key activities needed to predict acute toxicity, NIEHS providing funding to develop in vitro models, and EPA council achieves cost and animal savings for required testing.


Thomas Burke, Ph.D. - Johns Hopkins UniversityPFAS workshop kicks off National Academies initiative

Topics ranged from balancing risk and alternatives assessments to economics and sharing information with affected communities.


Emily Reinke, Ph.D., Linda Birnbaum, Ph.D., Warren Casey, Ph.D., Nicole Kleinstreuer, Ph.D.Experts debate challenges of tissue chips, machine learning

Advancing new nonanimal testing technologies will require guidance from regulators on best uses.


Botanical supplements in glass jarsBotanical supplements Q and A coming Nov. 8

Experts on health effects research of botanical dietary supplements will field questions from the public on social media.


Cynthia Rider, Ph.D.Environmental, chemical, and social stressors can be a dangerous mix

The annual meeting of the North Carolina Society of Toxicology focused on how the interplay of those factors can affect humans.


cow drinking water at a wellHuman health linked to animals, environment, say experts

That interconnection — called One Health — was the focus of a recent conference in Durham, North Carolina.


David and Linda BirnbaumBirnbaum celebrated with honors and fond farewells

The last day of retiring director Linda Birnbaum was celebrated with music, tributes, and — not to be left out — data.


December

ICCVAM logoThe NTP Interagency Center for the Evaluation of Alternative Toxicological Methods (NICEATM)

ICCVAM Communities of Practice webinar to discuss use of animal-free affinity reagents.


Botanical dietary supplements and essential oils in glass jarsBotanicals in the limelight during scientists’ social media Q&A

NIH, American Botanical Council, and Campbell University experts answered questions from the public about botanical dietary supplements.


A flyer with Scientists looking at test tubes and words overlaying the image, "NIEHS IS HIRING DIRECTOR"New NIEHS director — the search is on

The National Institutes of Health opens a nationwide search for the next director of NIEHS and the National Toxicology Program. Apply by Dec. 23.


Amy Wang, Ph.D., NTPOrigins of cancer examined at Durham conference

Attendees focused on factors that can cause cancer without damaging DNA, through changing the activity of nuclear receptors.


close up of test tube with clear liquid being held by hand with blue glovesNorth Carolina scientists, policymakers take on PFAS

Experts met in Durham to brainstorm solutions to problems posed by the man-made chemicals.


The Update Newsletter is produced by NTP Office of Policy, Review, and Outreach. The text is not copyrighted and can be reprinted without permission. If you use parts of the Update Newsletter in your publication, we ask that you provide us with a copy for our records. We welcome your comments and suggestions.

Director of Office of Policy, Review, and Outreach and Editor-in-Chief: Mary Wolfe | Managing Editor: Anna Lee Mosley