Dimethyl Selenide-containing Aerosols Alter Transcription of Human Lung Cells

ETOX students Sabbir Ahmed and Jin Chen, Professors Tara Nordgren, Ying-Hsuan and Roya Bahreini and their collaborators recently published the results of their research on the transcriptional effects of dimethyl selenide-containing aerosols and their effects on the mRNA of human airway epithelial cells.  In addition, they characterized the chemical composition of secondary organic aerosols formed from the oxidation of dimethyl selenide by hydroxyl radicals and ozone in controlled chamber experiments.  Their results were published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology and have recently been highlighted in UCR News.  Our congratulations to these students and faculty for the recognition that their research is receiving.  [I saw reference to it in one of the news emails that I received this morning.  The illustration above is from their article in EST.]

Internship positions at DTSC in Sacramento

ETOX Alumnus Scott Coffin forwarded the information below.

DTSC is hiring two interns for this summer for the Safer Consumer Products program.  While the positions are listed through Sacramento State University’s UEI program, students that attend schools on their affiliation list (link below) are eligible to apply. UCR ETOX students may apply.

Link to positions: https://ueijobs.peopleadmin.com/postings/15794

Filing deadline: February 28, 2020 (must include required documents + supplemental questions listed in the job posting)

Description: Graduate Student Assistant – Scientific Research Support for DTSC’s Safer Consumer Products Program (2 positions, undergrads also considered). Part-time, temporary, non-benefited.

Qualifications: Must be a student studying biochemistry, molecular biology, biological science, chemical engineering, chemistry, environmental science, health science, or natural sciences at one of the schools on the affiliation list, found here: https://www.calinterns.org/wp-content/uploads/Affiliation_List.pdf.

Pay & Hours: $13.00-$22.02 per hour. Students can work 40 hours/week when on break, 20 hours/week during the academic year.

Location: Sacramento (CalEPA HQ building)

Duties and Responsibilities: Collecting, analyzing, and evaluating scientific literature; utilizing databases, models, software tools and other sources of reliable information to research possible alternative chemicals for consumer products. Preparing and presenting findings. Maintaining content of databases. Developing content for public engagement. Performing administrative duties.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience using online research tools. Experience analyzing scientific data and preparing complex technical reports. Familiarity with data science methods (data mining, database programming, information tool development, etc.). Familiarity with systematic review and green chemistry concepts. Ability to solve problems creatively and effectively.

Toxicologist Position in Michigan

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is accepting applications for a toxicologist position within its Environmental Site and Contamination Unit of the Toxicology and Response section.  More information can be found here.  The posting closes on Feb. 7, 2020. 

Consumption of Soybean Oil Results in Transcription Changes in the Mouse Brain

Research by former ETOX postdoctoral fellow Poonam Deol, ETOX professors Maggie Curras-Collazo, Frances Sladek, and current ETOX graduate student Gwendolyn Gonzalez and their collaborators have shown the the consumption of a diet containing soybean oil, the most commonly consumed dietary oil in the United States results in transcriptional changes in the hypothalamus of mice.  The transcripts of approximately 100 genes were shown to be affected including the Oxt, the gene that codes oxytocin. Their paper has been accepted for publication in the journal Endocrinology and spotlighted in UCR News.  Our congratulations to Poonam, Maggie, Frances and Gwendolyn for completing this intriguing research. [The above photo showing Poonam Deol (seated) and Frances Sladek (standing) was taken by Iqbal Pittalwala of UC Riverside.]

My Hua and Prue Talbot's Research in eCigarettes and Lung Injury Highlighted

The research of My Hua, an ETOX graduate student (on left), Prof. Prue Talbot (standing) and their collaborators on injury occurring in the lungs of e-cigarette users has been highlighted in UCR News.  My and her co-workers used data mining techniques to search online discussion boards to identify lung injury reported by e-cigarette users.  They identified reports of lung injury that were posted 7 years ago - well before the latest series of reports of lung injury in e-cigarette users.  Our congratulations to My and Prue for this latest recognition of their research.  More information can be found here.  [The photo was taken by Iqbal Pittalwala of UCR for the article.]

Toxicology position with USEPA in Chicago, Illinois

The Region 5 office of the USEPA has an opening for a toxicologist in its Land, Chemical and Redevelopment Division, Remediation Branch in Chicago, Illinois.  The focus appears to be on human health-related toxicity and exposure assessment.  More information can be found here. 

Toxicology position at Abt Associates

Abt Associates is seeking a Human Health Toxicologist at the Senior Analyst level to support its Division of Health and Environment.  Part of the work will be to support its toxicology and risk assessment projects being conducted in conjunction with the ATSDR and the USEPA.  More information can be found at this link.