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2D cell system is the classical method of cultivating cells on a flat surface. Cells from many human/animal organs can be grown and used to test chemical/substance toxicity.

3D cell system is a modern technique where cells can grow in all directions thanks to the presence of specific scaffolds in the dish. In such a setting, cells create structures similar to real organs, which can be used to test chemical/substance toxicity.

Acceptance criteria is the process of specifying which characteristics/parameters/results a method must present to be accepted and used.

Artificial intelligence is used in toxicology to predict the effect of a chemical on a living organism.

Case studies in toxicology are in-depth analysis on a specific subset of chemicals or exposure situations which can prove or strengthen a scientific conclusion.

Collaboration with national regulatory agencies: when developing a new method, it is beneficial to include the regulatory agencies in the process.

Data analysis is the process of systematically applying statistical and/or logical techniques to describe, illustrate, condense, recap and evaluate data.

Data curation and cleaning is the process of collecting all the information related to these data.

Data management plan is a series of procedures to collect and store scientific data in a standardised way.

Deep learning is a machine learning method which uses artificial neural networks to mimic human brain processes.

Defined domain of applicability refers to an essential step in mathematical models such as QSAR.

Defined endpoint in toxicology is the result of a study conducted to determine how dangerous a substance is.

Defined mechanistic interpretation refers to a direct causal link between a chemical and an observed toxic effect.

Defined unambiguous algorithm refers to an algorithm that is both clear and straightforward.

Endpoint-specific control (EC) shows that pathways considered to be relevant for test endpoints are indeed affecting the test endpoint.

Endorsement of an AOP (Adverse Outcome Pathway) describes the steps from exposure to final toxic adverse effects.

EU Agency meeting: several agencies in the European Union work on the implementation of the chemical regulations.

EU Parliament meeting: elected policymakers co-design policies affecting chemical regulation.

External validation consists of assessing whether a test method developed in one lab generates the same results in another.

Guidance document EFSA – ECHA: see “Guidance documents”.

Guidance documents are prepared by regulatory agencies to illustrate how an endpoint should be assessed.

In vitro & in vivo data can be extracted from existing datasets for in silico models or validation.

In vitro in vivo extrapolation (IVIVE) means translating an experimental result obtained in vitro into an in vivo setting.

Lecture in a conference is where scientific research is presented in front of peers.

Machine learning is used in toxicology to predict how a substance will affect various organisms.

Medium FBS-free is a cell culture reagent which does not contain animal-derived foetal bovine serum (FBS).

Model parameterisation defines which parameters are associated with a mathematical model.

Model verification and validation starts after functional specifications have been documented.

NAM’s training. Once your method is developed, training sessions can help support uptake of your method.

Non-sentient organisms or in vivo alternatives are a group of animals considered unable to perceive pain.

OECD national coordinator meeting is where it is decided if a test can be accepted for regulatory purposes.

Organ on a chip is a cell culture technique aiming to recreate specific organs’ micro-environment on a synthetic platform.

Peer review is the evaluation of a scientific study by one or more peers.

Peer-reviewed submission is the process by which external experts evaluate a scientific article.

Physiological-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) is a mathematical modelling method to predict ADME.

Positive & negative controls are used in science to reduce experimental variability.

Poster at a conference is a visual representation and summary of all your results in an A0 format.

Preprint (e.g. bioRxiv) is a manuscript prepared for publication prior to peer review.

Programming languages are used to design algorithms for mathematical modelling.

Quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) is a mathematical modelling technique predicting a substance’s mode of action.

Relevance answers whether a test method covers or reflects a key human component in toxicity.

Repeatability measures if a test or assay can be repeated and generate the same result.

Reproducibility within the lab ensures a specific assay can be reproduced by different operators at different times.

Sensitivity analysis evaluates how input changes affect model outputs.

Software is a set of instructions, data or programs used to operate computers.

Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is a document describing detailed steps to complete a specific activity.

Systems Toxicology combines data from several sources to map how substances affect various biological levels.

Test guideline OECD accurately describes how to perform a test accepted under the Mutual Acceptance Data (MAD) concept.

Test method definition should include information like purpose, scientific principle, and technical limitations.

Test with a list of reference chemicals assesses the quality of a new test using known chemicals.

Transferability to other labs is a procedure to reproduce test results in another lab with different people and equipment.

Unspecified control is a type of negative control for functional assays: not inactive, but only toxic for the cells.

Video about your results is one of the best ways to disseminate your results.

Workflow model (modelling workflow) is the sequential series of steps that make up a process.