Researchers map hazardous health effects of environmental chemicals

Researchers have been able to map the hazardous health effects of environmental chemicals in the body using a genetically altered zebra fish containing an estrogen inducible promoter.

Scientists at the University of Exeter and University College London (UCL) made the finding using fluorescence in fish, mapping where in the body the environmental chemicals act.

National Geographic reported that endocrine disruptors mimic the actions of sexual hormones, resulting in various reproductive problems in both people and animals. These disruptors are commonly found in industrial products such as plastic, and are also present in female contraceptives.

Study leader Charles Tyler from the University of Exeter told National Geographic: "We've essentially put genetic elements within the fish, over times, that are specifically designed to identify where the chemicals penetrate and act within the body."

He added: "By being able to localise precisely where different environmental oestrogens act in the body, we will be able to more effectively target health effects analyses for these chemicals of concern."

Posted by Neil Clark