Environmental Factor - February 2020

Environmental Factor - February 2020

February 2020

Check out the new February issue to learn about links between chemical exposures and Parkinson’s and pregnancy complications, as well as a new resource from the National Institutes of Health to add analyses of exposures to current NIH-funded research projects.

Other stories cover environmental health 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

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Parkinson’s driven by inflammation, genetics, and the environment David Standaert, M.D., Ph.D., said that early interventions involving anti-inflammatory drugs could help to slow progression of the disease. Exposure research bolstered by new NIEHS resource Scientists studying how chemical, biological, and social stressors affect human health will gain access to state-of-the-art research tools. Scientific Journeys: from rats to stats Alison Motsinger-Reif, Ph.D., head of the Biostatistics and Computational Biology Branch, described her career path in an interview. Blood test may point to timing of breast cancer diagnosis The types of white blood cells in the bloodstream may shift in the years leading up to a breast cancer diagnosis, according to a new study. Prenatal environment may influence brain disorders later in life Alan Brown’s research links infections, chemical exposures, and inflammation in pregnancy to offspring’s schizophrenia, autism, and more. Robert London named NIH Scientist Emeritus London retired from NIEHS after 37 years of significant contributions to the field of nuclear magnetic resonance. Invite a scientist — NIEHS takes to the classroom Teachers and leaders can request particular topics, then institute volunteers will visit to share NIEHS research and career opportunities Replacement chemicals may put pregnancies at risk Newer chemicals, which replace those phased out decades ago, may have harmful effects on pregnancy, says Liping Feng. National Academy of Sciences president highlights environmental health Marcia McNutt discusses the Environmental Health Matters Initiative in a new video. Sue Fenton named outstanding mentor NIEHS toxicologist is one of three mentors honored by National Institutes of Health graduate student trainees. Sustainability report notes progress in reducing waste, energy use Water conservation, solar energy, landfill diversion, and lower vehicle emissions at NIEHS improve sustainability of biomedical research. NIEHS supports charities across the country Employees contributed almost $90,000 in money and volunteer time during the latest Combined Federal Campaign. Extramural papers of the month •    Ozone exposure, worse respiratory outcomes in smokers •    New quick screen for different types of DNA damage •    Astrocytes' role in inflammation and neurodegeneration •    Mouse gene mutation drives inflammation and tumors •    NTP finds maternal exposure to PBDEs causes liver toxicity in rat pups •    Noncanonical autophagy required for UV-induced immunosuppression •    Two methods ensure use of correct and undamaged DNA nucleotides •    Gene variants linked to immune-mediated diseases in different ethnicities •    Using permanent hair dye or straighteners may raise breast cancer risk