toxicology

Researchers report that the evolutionary divergence of estrogen receptors explains why different species react differently to chemicals, including endocrine-disrupting compounds. Because receptor proteins changed over millions of years, a substance that mimics estrogen in one animal may have little or no effect in another. The finding matters for toxicology and chemical safety testing, since results from model organisms cannot always be assumed to apply to humans.

New approach methodologies are gaining attention as alternatives to traditional animal testing in life sciences research. These methods, including cell-based models, organoids and computational approaches, are increasingly used in drug development and toxicology. The topic is being discussed as regulators and researchers weigh how these tools can improve science while reducing reliance on animal studies.