Making sense of skin sensitisation
Blog articles
From cosmetics to cleaning products, skin allergy (sensitisation) is a prominent feature of our modern chemical-centric world. Put simply, this hazard is an abnormal reaction of the immune system which makes certain individuals overly sensitive to particular chemicals. Read more in our blog, to help you make sense of sensitisation.
Knowledge is key. Part 2: The bibra TRACE database (and supporting databank)
Blog articles
In Part 1, Peter Watts gave a potted history of his personal early experience in literature searching and toxicity data identification. Along with our colleagues of the same 'fine vintage', he weathered the storms of change, progressing from a time of back-strain (from carrying huge texts around) and index finger wear (turning pages) to dial-up and then to web-based searching. With your indulgence, Pete would now like to expand a little regarding TRACE and its value to clients and the bibra toxicologists.
Knowledge is key. Part 1: Toxicity literature searching, a personal history
Blog articles
Our Toxicology Director, Peter Watts, has written a very interesting article focussing on toxicity literature searching, from his own perspective (having been at bibra for 40+ years)
An overlooked aspect of organophosphorus compound neurotoxicity
Blog articles
Organophosphorus compounds (OPs) are widespread in both the natural and industrial worlds. Being major components of DNA and cell membranes, their diverse chemical properties are fundamental for the biology of life. But they also find uses in a range of anthropogenic applications, for example, as flame retardants, plasticisers, antioxidants and, perhaps most famously, as pesticides.
Save yourself the pain of last-minute reformulation with early ingredient screening
Blog articles
Developing a new consumer product? Maybe you’ve come up with the hottest new gadget or e-liquid flavour and are eager to get the product out to market as soon as possible. Prior to mass production, a safety evaluation is key. A preliminary screening assessment of the component ingredients during early development could save you a lot of time and money further down the line.
Exploring Alternative Methods to Animal Toxicity Testing
Blog articles
It has been promised for a heck of a long time, but are we now close to an era when a chemical’s toxic potential can be comprehensively defined without exploiting fellow sentient creatures. As well as this obvious ethical gain, alternative test methods to animal testing have the equally attractive potential to reduce the times and costs associated with safety testing.
An in vitro test battery for developmental neurotoxicity
Blog articles
If you were to look for a nice, easy place to develop an in vitro testing strategy, Developmental Neurotoxicity (DNT) probably wouldn’t be at the top of your list...click to read more about this complex challenge.
Extractables and leachables: What the E&L are they?!
Blog articles
When we are unfortunate enough to have to take a drug or to be in contact with some sort of medical device, we are going to be exposed to more than maybe we bargained for...click to read about how we can help.
Medical device submissions – protecting supplier confidentiality
Blog articles
We recently described – using a fruit label as an example – how an independent consultancy such as bibra could act as a third-party broker, providing a manufacturer with a safety evaluation of a multicomponent product while also protecting suppliers’ confidentiality over chemical composition. Here, we describe another example, in this case relating to a medical device submission to a Regulator or Notified Body.
Pet food safety: How much do you know about what you feed your pets?
Blog articles
As they open the tin, harassed by their “best friend” or feline lodger, many pet owners must have at some time wondered about the quality of the product that they are adding to the food bowl. Click to read more about our work in pet food safety.