Complex Systems Science
Understanding Chemical Interactions with Biological Systems
EPA examines complex chemical-biological interactions to predict the potential for chemicals to impact human health and the environment. This research integrates data from the field work and laboratory experiments. Then, uses the combined data to help develop computational modeling that can be used to better understand and predict adverse human and ecological outcomes from chemical exposure.
Adverse Outcome Pathways
Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs) are developed, evaluated, and used by EPA researchers and in collaboration with other organizations. AOPs are conceptual frameworks that assemble existing knowledge about biological events that lead to adverse health effects in human populations and ecosystems. These powerful organizational tools use available biological data and information to predict potential effects of chemicals with limited safety data.
Virtual and Complex Tissue Models
Virtual and Complex Tissue Modeling (VCTM) research develops models of complex biological systems to study the impact of chemicals on human development. These experimental and computational models are used to help predict what chemical-biological interactions have the potential to lead to developmental toxicity or birth defects.
Ecotoxicological Assessment and Modeling
Ecotoxicological Assessment and Modeling (ETAM) research focuses on developing, integrating, and evaluating ecological models that support an ecosystem-based framework for predicting the toxicity of chemicals to ecological systems and species. The framework helps scientist predict the effects of pesticides and other chemicals by using information about how chemicals travel, where chemicals end up in the environment, and what they do to wildlife once they get there.