National Toxicology Program

January - June 2020

January

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

EPA updates list of alternative test methods, and NIEHS to provide small business funding for genetically diverse toxicity tests.

PFOA evaluated for cancer links by NTP expert panel

In the U.S., the substance has been phased out of almost all commercial and industrial products, but it persists in the environment.

Chemical used in sunscreen analyzed for potential carcinogenicity

An expert panel agreed with findings from a recent National Toxicology Program study on a compound known as oxybenzone.

Moving away from animal-based antibodies

During a meeting at the National Institutes of Health, scientists said cell-based antibodies could improve experimental quality.

NTP scientist weighs in on 5G technology

Michael Wyde, Ph.D., analyzed the latest generation of cellular technology and its potential human health effects.

Pregnancy hypertension risk increased by traffic-related air pollution

Findings give new insights into the connection between poor air quality and the health of children and mothers.

Chronic inflammation needs focused research to reduce disease

Experts reviewed research on chronic inflammation, its role in common diseases, and the need for biomarkers and other research directions.

Diversity Speaker Series addresses Native American health challenges

The National Toxicology Program’s Trey Saddler described how problems such as poor air and water quality affect tribal communities.

February

Kleinstreuer assumes leadership of NICEATM

Nicole Kleinstreuer was named Acting Director of the NTP Interagency Center for the Evaluation of Alternative Toxicological Methods (NICEATM) on January 1.

SOT award winner helped start ICCVAM, served on SACATM

Sidney Green will receive the 2020 SOT Founders Award for outstanding leadership in toxicology.

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

Slides available from ICCVAM webinar on animal-free affinity reagents, webinar demonstrates NICEATM tool for predicting acute oral toxicity, and recent publications.

EHP podcast on artificial intelligence

The National Toxicology Program's Nicole Kleinstreuer talks about the use of artificial intelligence in environmental health research.

March

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

Webpage available summarizing NICEATM and ICCVAM activities at SOT, plus recent publications.

The environment influences brain development, experts say

Experts at a North Carolina State University meeting examined how toxicants may affect brain development.

FDA reviews asbestos testing in cosmetics and powders

Christopher Weis and others discussed updating methods to test talc-containing products for asbestos and similar particles.

Microplastics research needs innovation, health focus

Exposure to microplastics is widespread and well documented, but health effects are unclear.

NTP board discusses reinventing tox testing, new research topics

Focus is on using approaches more relevant to humans when studying chemicals.

Science symposium to honor Birnbaum

The April 6 event features an international group of researchers and is free to attend in person or watch online.

April

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

ICE version 3.0 now available, NIEHS to present webinar on grant opportunities for NAM development, NICEATM and ICCVAM scientists featured in SOT virtual meeting webinars, papers due July 31 for special issue of Chemical Research in Toxicology, and EURL ECVAM issues status report on alternatives.

Society of Toxicology awards recognize fellows, grantees

Two National Toxicology Program fellows and three current grantees are among the outstanding scientists honored with 2020 SOT awards.

Botanical safety taken on by new consortium

The Botanical Safety Consortium launches call for diverse groups to join.

May

Botanical Safety Consortium to hold first meeting in May

Registration is open to attend the May 29 virtual meeting.

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

Registration is open for the May 21 ICCVAM public forum, and a new NICEATM webpage highlights regulatory applications of 3Rs.

NIEHS scientists join the fight against COVID-19

Across the institute, researchers are lending their expertise to the fight against the novel coronavirus.

Mauge-Lewis researches replacement PFAS in firefighting foams

In local seminar, the NIEHS postdoctoral fellow discusses how the chemicals could affect the liver.

New Stadtman researcher joins the ranks

Kyle Messier brings his expertise in spatiotemporal statistical models to toxicological studies.

June

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

Leadership a key theme in ICCVAM public forum; EPA requests public comment on draft risk assessment for antimicrobial chemicals; EURL ECVAM recommends use of nonanimal-derived antibodies; and recent publications.

NIEHS researchers shine at 59th annual Society of Toxicology meeting

A mysterious kidney disease and the use of epigenetics to predict health risks were among the topics discussed.

Pandemic communication, zebrafish models discussed by genetics group

David Berube, an NTP adviser, discussed pandemic communications research. Others presented studies using zebrafish as physiological models.

July - December 2020

July

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

Registration open for September 2-3 SACATM meeting; EPA releases new approach methods work plan; NICEATM activities at the Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention annual meeting; slides and video available from ICCVAM public forum; and new tool maps chemical effects on the human body.

New NIEHS Director Rick Woychik will lead with innovation

Woychik will lead research into environmental influences on human health and serve as director of the National Toxicology Program.

COVID-19 disparities tackled by National Institutes of Health

NIEHS encourages grant recipients to participate in the Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics for Underserved Populations initiative.

Reductions in animal testing celebrated at national meeting

The Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Validation of Alternative Methods spotlighted federal efforts to use new research approaches.

Birth defects group honors NIEHS scientists for research, service

The Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention celebrates work of institute scientists at annual meeting.

Botanical researchers aim to fill gap in safety testing

Members of the Botanical Safety Consortium discussed the challenges of studying how plant-based diet supplements may affect health.

In memoriam: Eula Bingham and Kirk Smith, public health champions

Bingham’s leadership in occupational safety and Smith’s groundbreaking research into indoor air pollution inspired people around the world.

August

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

ICCVAM 2018-2019 Biennial Report and ICE Version 3.1 now available, NICEATM and partners present webinar series on animal-free antibodies, and report recommends alternatives to laboratory dog use by VA.

Global Environmental Health Day tackles big issues, showcases research

The fourth annual event drew an international audience, with experts discussing social-environmental tradeoffs, climate change, and more.

NIEHS Biomedical Career Symposium attracts national audience

Early-career scientists gained insight from leaders in industry, government, and academia during the virtual event.

Scientific Journeys: From Small Town, Oklahoma, to NIEHS

Brandy Beverly discussed how traffic-related air pollution affects pregnant women, and what spurred her interest in science.

September

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

Virtual SACATM meeting reaches wide audience; Symposium webinar September 30 on kinetically derived maximum dose; NICEATM activities at ASCCT annual meeting; FDA solicits proposals for alternative methods webinar series; FIFRA SAP to meet in September; NICEATM and partners present webinar series on animal-free antibodies; and Recent publications.

Animal testing alternatives advanced by 16 government agencies

Nicole Kleinstreuer spoke with Environmental Factor about recent federal efforts to reduce animal use in chemical safety testing.

Predicting health risks is new frontier in toxicology, Berridge says

The scientific director of the NIEHS Division of the National Toxicology Program recently spoke with a group of international scientists.

October

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

EPA holds second conference on NAMs for Chemical Safety Testing; NTP activities at ASCCT annual meeting; and presentations available from September 2-3 SACATM meeting.

NTP scoping reviews identify research gaps, recommend further study

Reviews of progestogens, paraquat, and neonicotinoid pesticides are among the first of a new type of National Toxicology Program report.

PFAS research shared at federal workshop hosted by NIEHS

Scientists discussed potential effects on development and reproduction, and ways to improve hazard assessment.

Arsenic, fluorescent mice, and PFAS among topics at tox conference

The 2020 meeting of the North Carolina Society of Toxicology included a career panel and presentations by NIEHS early-career scientists.

Nonanimal safety testing requires data quality, measures of success

Experts at federal meeting focus on areas for reducing animal use in testing.

Rodent tumors from cancer studies look like human tumors

Findings build confidence in the human relevance of data from animal models of cancer.

November

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

ICE version 3.2 now available. EPA announces guidance to waive toxicity tests; new webpages on metrics and NAMs. OSHA, PHMSA request public input in advance of international meetings.

Recruiting is open for NIEHS deputy director

Help advance environmental health sciences by joining NIEHS. Innovative thinkers committed to scientific excellence should apply by Dec. 21.

December

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

Presentations and video available from EPA NAMs conference; Publication describes the Tox21 chemical library.

Department of Veterans Affairs joins effort to reduce animal testing

The VA’s research and development office coordinates efforts to find alternatives through participation in a federal interagency group.

Big data in genetics and toxicology discussed at local society meeting

Genetics and Environmental Mutagenesis Society fall meeting showcases data science, trainee presentations.Genetics and Environmental Mutagenesis Society fall meeting showcases data science, trainee presentations.