Environmental Factor - April 2019

Environmental Factor - April 2019

April 2019

Learn how to be part the first-ever NIEHS Reddit Ask Me Anything (Reddit AMA) on autism and the environment that will take place April 2, Autism Awareness Day, in the April issue of Environmental Factor. Other topics include the March Society of Toxicology conference, important new findings on vitamin D and asthma, and much more. Other stories cover research findings, scientific events, awards, and updates from NIEHS staff, grantees, fellows, and students. As always, we hope there is something for everyone. We welcome ideas for stories, as well as other feedback. Kelly Lenox 984-287-3281

NIEHS 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. Autism Awareness Day to headline NIEHS social media event April 2nd Internet users are invited to a Q and A session with autism experts on Reddit’s “Ask Me Anything” thread. Vitamin D protects against pollution-induced asthma The vitamin’s protective effects among urban kids were most pronounced in obese children, pointing to need for a multifaceted approach.

Analyses of single cells, molecules hold promise for environmental health  Experts in a workshop at the National Academies of Science discussed the promise and challenges of single cell and single molecule analyses. Repair protein uses filaments to bridge broken DNA  NIEHS scientists and colleagues discovered how the protein Ctp1 helps repair DNA double-strand breaks, which may shed light on certain genetic diseases. Rodbell Lecture highlights study of neurodegenerative disorders  Neuroscientist Susan Ackerman discusses her work with inbred mouse strains and its potential impact on neurodegenerative disorders. From 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. NIEHS scientists honored by reproductive biology society  Sally Darney and Humphrey Yao are among this year’s winners of the Society for the Study of Reproduction annual awards. New Delhi workshop spotlights community involvement  Participants discussed how India’s strengths in research approaches that involve local communities improve environmental health. Germaine Louis finds strength in the winding path  The winner of the 2019 NIEHS Spirit Lecture Award said a winding career path equipped her well for current roles as dean and researcher. NIEHS preps for disaster, health research with derailment scenario  A workshop in Tucson explored needed health research after mock chemical release and coordination among partners. Mold and health classes help Hurricane Florence workers, residents  The NIEHS Worker Training Program continues to train and build local expertise for disaster recovery in Robeson County, North Carolina. Citizen science conference highlights NIEHS grantees  CitSci 2019 highlighted NIEHS grantees and other researchers collaborating with volunteers to collect and analyze data and return results. Children’s health may be a legacy of parents’ environment  Russ Hauser discussed his research on aspects of fathers’ environments and connections to the health of their children. Fellows hone presentation skills in communication showdown  NIEHS trainees further their career development by using plain language to explain their research. A culture of safety, a shared responsibility  NIEHS Executive Director Chris Long says the institute’s excellent safety record is rooted in individuals taking personal responsibility. Extramural papers of the month  •    Early-life phthalates linked with motor skill deficiencies •    New tool rapidly evaluates chemical effects on cells •    Ribosomal DNA can predict biological age •    DDT exposure windows may affect breast cancer risk timing Intramural papers of the month  •    NTP participates in international systematic reviews meeting •    Cryo-EM structure reveals Rix7 functions as a molecular unfoldase •    Higher breast cancer risk linked to older biological age •    Glucocorticoids protect against stomach cancer •    Pol epsilon catalytic domains necessary for error-free DNA replication