In Salt Lake City, SOT conference showcases innovative NIEHS research
In Salt Lake City, SOT conference showcases innovative NIEHS research Environmental Factor Newsletter
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Annual Meeting of the Society of Toxicology Highlights NIEHS Contributions to Sustainable Development Goals
At the 63rd annual meeting of the Society of Toxicology (SOT) held March 10-14 in Salt Lake City, Utah, NIEHS scientists and staff presented cutting-edge research on various topics, including artificial intelligence (AI), neurotoxicity testing, harmful algal blooms, and climate change’s impact on air quality. The conference, attended by over 5,000 toxicologists and professionals from around the world, showcased the significant contributions of NIEHS scientists and grant recipients to the field of toxicology and environmental health sciences.
Taking home top prizes
Out of the 12 major SOT Awards presented at the conference, seven were awarded to NIEHS scientists and grant recipients. These awards recognized their exceptional work in areas such as nanomaterials’ effects on uterine and placental microvascular functioning, genomics-based data for risk assessment, leadership in toxicology education, contributions to NRF2 biology, career dedication to toxicology, public communications in toxicology, and undergraduate toxicology education.
Complementing traditional research models
The conference highlighted the growing importance of new approach methodologies (NAMs) in toxicological research. NAMs, including AI, machine learning, and cell-based models, offer promising alternatives to traditional animal models. Nicole Kleinstreuer, Ph.D., director of the National Toxicology Program Interagency Center for the Evaluation of Alternative Toxicological Methods (NICEATM), emphasized the need to build scientific trust in the use of NAMs in regulatory decision-making. She also highlighted a new report by the Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Validation of Alternative Methods (ICCVAM) that provides guidance on the validation, qualification, and regulatory acceptance of NAMs.
Harmful algal blooms
A symposium on harmful algal blooms discussed the impact of toxins from these blooms on human health and disease. Experts from government, academia, and nonprofits shared their latest findings, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary research in understanding and mitigating the effects of harmful algal blooms. The NIEHS–National Science Foundation Oceans and Human Health Program was highlighted as a significant contributor to this research.
Mixtures research, air pollution, and more
A symposium chaired by Cynthia Rider, Ph.D., focused on assessing health risks from complex mixtures, such as dietary supplements and pollution from wildfires. The session discussed case studies and new research methods, including NAMs, to better understand the potential health risks associated with these mixtures. Other conference presentations covered topics such as neurotoxic effects, ozone exposure effects in a changing climate, predicting liver injury and botanical drug interactions, environmental chemicals’ link to age-related neurocognitive disease, PFAS-mediated metabolic dysfunction, and next-generation sequencing approaches for cancer risk identification.
Funding advice, exhibit booth
NIEHS program officers provided insights on the grant funding process during the conference. Representatives from the NIEHS Office of Communications managed the institute’s exhibit booth, where attendees could learn about NIEHS research and programs. The booth featured demonstrations of various resources, including the Integrated Chemical Environment (ICE), the Developmental NeuroToxicity Data Integration and Visualization Enabling Resource (DNT DIVER), and the Systematic Evaluation of the Application of Zebrafish in Toxicology (SEAZIT).
The achievements and contributions of NIEHS scientists and grantees at the SOT meeting align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being, Goal 4: Quality Education, Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, Goal 13: Climate Action, and Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Their research and advancements in toxicology and environmental health sciences contribute to the global efforts towards a sustainable and healthier future.
(Jesse Saffron, J.D., is Deputy Director of the NIEHS Office of Communications and Public Liaison.)
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | No specific indicators mentioned in the article. |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries. | No specific indicators mentioned in the article. |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
The article discusses research on neurotoxicity testing, harmful algal blooms, and climate change’s influence on air quality. These issues are directly related to promoting good health and well-being.
SDG 13: Climate Action
The article mentions the NIEHS’s leadership on the NIH Climate Change and Health Initiative, highlighting the connection between climate change and health. This aligns with SDG 13, which aims to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
The research on neurotoxicity testing and climate change’s influence on air quality aligns with this target, as it aims to reduce the negative health impacts of hazardous chemicals and air pollution.
Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
The NIEHS’s leadership on the NIH Climate Change and Health Initiative demonstrates efforts to strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards, as mentioned in the article.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
No specific indicators are mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | No specific indicators mentioned in the article. |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries. | No specific indicators mentioned in the article. |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: factor.niehs.nih.gov
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