Research Shows High Intake of Soybean Oil Induces Colitis in Mice

Recent research by Prof. Frances Sladek, an ETOX faculty member, Prof. James Borneman, Research Scientist Poonam Deol (shown above in photo from UC Riverside News) and colleagues has shown that the consumption of elevated levels of soybean oil by mice alters the bacterial microflora in the gut and resulted in a high incidence of colitis - a form of inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, characterized by chronic inflammation of the large intestine.  Their studies indicate that olive oil, which has lower amounts of linoleic acid, is a healthier oil to consume. Their work was published in the journal Gut Microbes.  A news release with more detail can be found at UC Riverside News.  

More recently, their work has also been featured on an ABC7 Eyewitness News segment in the Southern California area.  Our congratulations to Frances, Poonam and James for the recognition of their research.  

Discovery Leading to Potential Degradation of Select PFAS Chemicals by Professors Men and Liu is Highlighted

Professors Yujie Men, Jinyong Liu, ETOX faculty members, graduate student Bosen Jin and colleagues have discovered two strains of bacteria which are capable of degrading chlorinated forms of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).  PFAS are so resistant to degradation that they are called forever chemicals.  The newly identified bacteria offer hope that a low cost approach can be found to degrade the PFAS class of chemicals. Their work has recently been published in the journal Nature Water.  Their work has resulted in a UCR News article and a brief mention in the Christian Science Monitor.  Our congratulations to Bosen, Yujie, Jinyong for the recognitions of their work.  [The above illustration is from the UCR News article.]

Toxicologist/Biologist Positions, Including Ones for Recent Graduates

The EPA Office overseeing the Toxic Substances Control Act has openings for toxicologists and other environmental scientists.  One set of these positions are focused specifically on recent graduates.  Below are two screen shots with information on the various positions.  Hopefully the QR codes will work when scanned with your smartphone.  Here is a link to USAJobs posting shown in the first screenshot below.  Our thanks to alumna Sharada Balakrishnan for letting us know about the positions.  

Madeline Vera-Colón Receives HESI Professional Development Award

ETOX alumna Madeline Vera-Colón who completed her MS last year and is currently Ph.D. student working with Nicole Sparks, an assistant professor at UC Irvine and another ETOX alumna, recently received a 2023 Developmental and Reproductive Toxicology (DART) Committee Professional Development Award from the Health and Environmental Sciences Institute (HESI).  As an awardee, Madeline will receive $2000 to support attendance at scientific conferences, workshops, training courses, or another related opportunity that contributes to her professional development. More information about Madeline and the award can be found on the HESI website. Our congratulations to Madeline for this nice recognition.

Toxicologist Positions at California EPA's Department of Toxic Substances Control

The Department of Toxic Substances Control within the California Environmental Protection Agency is looking to hire several toxicologists.  The positions can be held at either the Northern or Southern California DTSC offices.  More information on the positions and on how to apply can be found here.  Our thanks to ETOX Alumnus Efrem Neuwirth for letting us know about the positions.