Your October 2018 Environmental Factor issue is now online

October 2018

For October, check out Environmental Factor stories on recent PFAS activities, insights into the progression of Parkinson’s disease, and an intriguing look at the role of creativity in science. As always, we hope there is something for everyone. We welcome ideas for stories, as well as other feedback. Kelly Lenox, Editor in Chief 984-287-3281

PFAS in the spotlight across the globe From the halls of the U.S. Congress to an international gathering in Zurich, the health effects of PFAS are in the spotlight. NIEHS supports a variety of research about these chemicals. Expert says Parkinson’s may start in the gut In her Distinguished Lecture, Valina Dawson, Ph.D., discussed biochemical signaling involved in the progression of Parkinson’s disease. Imagination is essential to science, Wilcox says Environmental Factor interviewed Allen Wilcox, M.D., Ph.D., about the role of imagination in science, and the paper he co-authored about it.

Stress chemical in the brain decreases anxiety Certain brain cells involved in the fight-or-flight response unexpectedly reduce anxiety and stress in mice, according to new NIEHS research. CLARITY-BPA releases grantee data and core study report The CLARITY-BPA program released two resources Sept. 28 — data sets from grantee studies and the final core study report. Aging, worker training initiatives get advisory council nod The NIEHS advisory council endorsed initiatives to study the impacts of disasters on the elderly and to update the worker training program. The Myositis Association honors Rider’s research The Myositis Association honored NIEHS clinical researcher Lisa Rider, M.D., for 15 years of significant impact on myositis research. Regulators play key roles in replacing animals in tox testing To help reduce animal use in toxicity testing, regulators should clarify what information they need and which new approaches they accept. Environmental health goes global at ISES-ISEE meeting Scientists from around the world gathered to discuss how to measure harmful factors in the environment and study resulting health effects. Fessler discusses cholesterol and the immune response In a special seminar, Michael Fessler, M.D., discussed how the shuttling of cholesterol through the body impacts the immune response. PAH cleanup may worsen toxicity Research by Staci Simonich, Ph.D., suggests bioremediation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons may increase toxicity of contaminated soils. Wildfire cleanup crews benefit from worker training The NIEHS Worker Training Program helps those involved in cleaning up after California’s wildfires safely handle hazardous materials. The RNA link between genes, air pollution, and autism In an NIEHS talk, Daniel Campbell, Ph.D., suggested that long noncoding RNA may be the gene-environment link in autism risk. Environmental health literacy empowers people, communities A new book, “Environmental Health Literacy,” examines this emerging field from the perspective of scientists and their community partners. DNA damage and mutations across the genome NIEHS postdoctoral fellow Natalie Saini, Ph.D., opened a fall seminar series at Duke with a discussion of genome-wide mutations. Emergency collections serve hurricane victims NIEHS responded to the devastation of Hurricane Florence by launching an emergency drive to stock food banks in hard-hit areas. Extramural papers of the month  •    Maternal DDT exposure linked to autism risk •    Arsenic influences gut microbiome of male infants •    Hexavalent chromium induces permanent and heritable cell changes •    Bone lead linked to glaucoma Intramural papers of the month  •    NTP scientists offer recommendations for dietary supplement safety •    Tumor suppressor p53 has broad role in homeostasis •    Phenobarbital promotes development of hepatocellular carcinoma •    Multiethnic study reveals new genetic variants for lung function •    Intensity of asthma symptoms depends on genetics and pollution

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