North Carolina-based Attagene created a new way to detect chemical hazards in the environment. | Adobe Stock
North Carolina-based Attagene created a new way to detect chemical hazards in the environment. | Adobe Stock
Innovative new technology from Attagene Inc. can detect chemical hazards to humans and wildlife in the environment, the company said in an October release.
The technology, the innovative Ecotox FACTORIAL platform, the Research Triangle Park company said in its Oct. 21, is the first tech on the market to study how chemicals can be hazards to multiple species simultaneously.
"Our Ecotox FACTORIAL is a cell-based reporter assay. It detects the endocrine and metabolic disrupting activities of chemicals," Alexander Medvedev, Research and Development director at Attagene, said in the release. "The assay encompasses the estrogen, androgen, thyroid, and PPAR receptors of multiple species."
Only a fraction of the tens of thousands of synthetic chemicals circulating the environment, many of which that have the capability to impact the endocrine system, have been sufficiently tested for adverse effects on humans, and even less for negative effects on wildlife, the company said in the release. Untested and unmanaged chemicals could lead to medical issues such as cancer, diabetes, metabolic diseases and reproductive dysfunction.
The assessment across multiple species is made possible by a parallel detection method developed by Attagene researchers, the company said in the release. The new technology has been used with hundreds of chemicals in collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
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