A toxin-testing device known as the Tox21 robot has been put to work making consumers of U.S. produced food and cosmetics safer. The Tox21 robot is a high-speed screening system able to test more than 10,000 chemicals for toxicity.
The aim of the Tox21 robot project is to more accurately predict the effects of chemicals found in food and cosmetics on human health and the environment. The Tox21 robot will also make many animal-based toxicity experiments unnecessary, which should please animal-rights activists.
The Tox21 robot's new home is the NIH Chemical Genomics Center, an arm of the National Human Genome Research Institute, and is a shared resource of the project's partners: the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences National Toxicology Program, the NCGC and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Robotic Tasters
The Tox21 Robot Tests Foods for Over 10,000 Chemical Toxins
Trend Themes
1. Toxin Testing Technology - The Tox21 robot presents an opportunity for developing advanced toxin testing technology to ensure safer food and cosmetic products.
2. Automated Screening Systems - The use of high-speed screening systems like the Tox21 robot opens doors for automated screening processes in various industries.
3. Reduction of Animal-based Experiments - The Tox21 robot's capability to replace animal-based toxicity experiments suggests opportunities for reducing animal testing in research and development.
Industry Implications
1. Food Safety - The Tox21 robot's application in toxin testing can revolutionize food safety practices in the food industry.
2. Cosmetics - The Tox21 robot's ability to test cosmetics for toxicity opens up opportunities for improving the safety of cosmetic products.
3. Pharmaceuticals - The advanced toxin testing technology offered by the Tox21 robot has potential applications in pharmaceutical research and development.