Your June 2018 Environmental Factor issue is now online

June 2018 Check out the June 2018 issue of the Environmental Factor for stories about research findings, scientific events, awards, and other 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.

National Trainers Exchange draws health, safety professionals together Trainers from across the country present 99 sessions with small versions of their training programs. NIEHS scientists develop new technique to study brain disease A tool developed at NIEHS revealed how mouse neurons control movement and may offer insights on disorders such as Parkinson’s disease. STEMposium highlights outcomes of teacher immersion NIEHS hosted a Wake County SummerSTEM showcase of year-long projects in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

Outstanding researchers share science, offer career advice Participants in the NIEHS Outstanding New Environmental Scientists symposium shared cutting-edge research and career advice. Distinguished Lecture highlights mechanisms of liver cancer  Liver cancer expert Michael Karin, Ph.D., explained the molecular events that lead to the disease during his NIEHS Distinguished Lecture. NIEHS brings environmental focus to One Health meeting Participants at the international One Medicine One Science meeting explored interdisciplinary collaborations and global health solutions. NIEHS Biomedical Career Symposium offers encouragement, tools The annual NIEHS Biomedical Career Symposium equipped students and fellows with encouragement and practical tools for their career search. NTP promotes international use of nonanimal test methods The National Toxicology Program joined an international meeting to advance international acceptance of nonanimal chemical test methods. Excellent showing for NIEHS postbacs at 2018 NIH Poster Day NIEHS postbaccalaureate fellows won 7 poster awards and 12 travel awards in connection with the annual National Institutes of Health event. Green Champions recognize NIEHS for eighth year Four teams at NIEHS won Department of Health and Human Services Green Champions awards, the institute’s eighth year of recognition. Enzyme plays key role in Parkinson’s disease and inflammation Researchers reported that an enzyme called soluble epoxide hydrolase plays a key role in Parkinson’s disease and inflammation. NIEHS trainee receives high award for oil spill research NIEHS trainee Kaitlyn Gam, Ph.D., received the prestigious Tulane 34 Award, in large part due to her work on the GuLF STUDY. From single cells to whales — genotoxicity across the biological spectrum The Genetics and Environmental Mutagenesis Society meeting highlighted how exposures affect life forms across the biological spectrum. Federal partners put Tox21 plan into action Federal partners gathered at NIEHS May 15-16 to discuss the implementation of the new Toxicology in the 21st Century strategic plan. New website makes it easy to join clinical studies The new “Join an NIEHS Study” website helps recruit volunteers for NIEHS clinical studies in North Carolina and Maryland. Genomics Day showcases NIEHS genetic and epigenetic research support At NIEHS Genomics Day, scientists showcased the institute’s core labs’ skills and technologies in support of genomics and epigenomics research. Administrative Professionals event teaches negotiating skills NIEHS employees learn the power of negotiating at the 2018 Administrative Professionals Day workshop. Extramural papers of the month  •    Early-life exposure to fracking chemicals may damage immune system •    Kitchen cabinets emit potentially harmful PCBs •    Assessing toxicity of metal oxide nanoparticles •    Role of PXR protein in early-life BPA exposure and atherosclerosis Intramural papers of the month  •    NTP workshop focuses on dietary botanical supplements •    Patterns of personal care product use and breast cancer in women •    DES reprograms development of mouse uterus •    Mitochondrial dysfunction linked to nuclear DNA methylation •    Altering neuronal activity patterns changes gene expression