How is Individual Variability Assessed in Toxicology Studies?
Toxicologists use a variety of methods to assess individual variability:
Population Studies: Large-scale epidemiological studies that explore the effects of toxic substances across diverse populations. Biomarker Analysis: The use of biomarkers to identify genetic and metabolic differences that may influence toxicity. Animal Models: Animal studies help in understanding genetic and environmental interactions, though extrapolating to humans can be challenging. In Vitro Techniques: Cell-based assays that allow for the examination of specific pathways and genetic responses to toxins.