Toxicology Track

Weekly Newsletter of the MSU Center for Integrative Toxicology
Director: Norbert Kaminski/Editor: Lois Furry

December 18, 2006, Vol. 29, Number 48

Seminar / Publication /Course Announcement / Position

Seminars

The Comparative Medicine and Integrative Biology Program presents Madhu P. Sirivelu, Ph.D. candidate, to speak on "Effect of Interleukin-1B on Luteinizing Hormone: Role of Central Noradrenergic System" on Monday, December 18, 2006 from 10 to 11 a.m. in A214 (Buchanan Room) Veterinary Medical Center.

*Fulfills seminar requirements for the Environmental and Integrative Toxicological Sciences Graduate Programs.  Seminars that fulfill this requirement are archived at seminars.

Publications

Charles, S.M., H. Li, B.J. Teppen and S.A. Boyd. 2006.  Quantifying the availability of clay surfaces in soils for adsorption of nitrocyanobenzene and diuron.  Envrionmental Science and Technology.40:7751-7756.

Course Announcements

Topics in Toxicology: New Course, Spring 2007, VM 820, Section 02; Molecular Journeys to Cell Death; Tuesdays and Fridays, 8-9 a.m., in 162 Food Safety and Toxicology Building.  This is a 1-credit, seminar course that will meet two hours per week for the first half of the semester. The focus will be recent developments in understanding the molecular signaling that leads to cell death. Potential topics include ADP ribosylation, endoplasmic reticulum stress responses, mitochondrial reactive oxygen species generation and others. Students will be expected to present original research articles and/or reviews on assigned topics. This course will apply toward the Environmental and Integrative Toxicological Sciences Program requirements. Prerequisite: One course in  biochemistry/molecular biology. Moderators: Drs. Patti Ganey, Bob Roth, and Vilma Yuzbasiyan-Gurkan.  Contact Dr. Ganey (ganey@msu.edu) or Dr. Roth (rothr@msu.edu).

Defining reference conditions in lakes, streams and wetlands: Approaches and perspectives. Spring 2007, FW893, Section 1
An important feature of biological assessments of aquatic ecosystems is the evaluation of the effects of anthropogenic disturbance. The concept of "reference condition" is often used to describe the benchmark against which current condition is compared. In fact, both the U.S. and the European Union have incorporated the reference condition idea directly into legislation aimed at protecting and improving the ecological condition of aquatic ecosystems.  Unfortunately, this term has many meanings in a variety of different contexts as well as many different ways it can be quantified. In this seminar, we will explore the different ways to estimate reference conditions in freshwater ecosystems. We will examine many different ecosystem types (lakes, streams and wetlands) to arrive at a comprehensive understanding of how this idea has been used and how it might be improved. The seminar will be discussion-oriented using the primary literature with the goal of compiling an annotated bibliography of reference conditions on lakes, streams and wetlands.
I will arrange to first meeting time over Angel in early January. For more information please contact Patricia Soranno, Rm 9B Natural Resources Building, 432-4330, <mailto:Soranno@msu.edu>Soranno@msu.edu

Positions

The Michigan Department of Community Health has a vacancy for a Toxicologist E.  A masters degree in toxicology or related field with toxicological emphasis (at least 15 hours in toxicology) is required.  This position will provide technical support for the MDCH chemical terrorism and emergencies preparedness strategy.  The person in this position will be responsible for compiling human risk information concerning chemical weapons of mass destruction and toxic industrial chemicals, providing toxicological support during a chemical public health emergency, and conducting training in public health preparedness for chemical terrorism and emergencies.  This position will also assist in the development of public health assessments and consultations for sites of chemical contamination throughout Michigan.  If interested, submit a written sample (report or paper), cover letter, resume, college transcripts via e-mail to MDCHVacancies@michigan.gov to the attention of Cathy Lane.  Include posting number #CO 0605074.  Deadline to apply is Wednesday, January 31, 2007 by 5 p.m.