AURORA scientists investigate the accuracy and reliability of applying Pyrolysis-GC/MS as a method to quantify plastic particles in samples; conclude that previously proposed indicators are not specific enough; call for caution when interpreting results obtained by Py-GC/MS
Author archives: joel.scheuchzer
“Microplastics in food” number one health concern
Consumer survey by the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) shows that 67% and 15% of German consumers are very or medium concerned about “microplastics in food, respectively; only 39% feel well informed about it
AURORA scientists review the field of analytical and synthesis chemistry for fluorescent (micro- and) nanoplastics
New study highlights the need for better development of fluorescent nanoplastic particles and proposes roadmap to help researchers find best methods for future studies
Science article summarizes learnings from 20 years of microplastic research
Research demonstrates widescale environmental microplastic contamination and human exposure, effects on all levels of biological organizations, and emerging evidence of negative human health impacts; review’s authors foresee data gaps to be closed within next ten years but call for immediate policy action based on precautionary principle to minimize unintended consequences
A call for robust science on microplastics
Nature commentary highlights common limitations of microplastic studies in human samples: small sample sizes, lack of controls, lack of biological plausibility; proposes international working group to advance microplastic research focused on transparency, collaboration, and rigorous standards
Majority of German consumers are very concerned about “microplastics in foods”
Consumer survey by the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) shows that 68% and 16 % are very or medium concerned about “microplastics in food; “plastics” were rated as the second greatest health risk for consumers
Update of ToMEx – A tool to explore microplastic toxicity
ToMEX 2.0 continues to allow quick upload, assessment, analysis, and visualization of microplastic toxicity data; updated database roughly doubled in size with modest increase in data diversity; most trends remain constant
Effects of micro- and nanoplastics on reproductive health and beyond: a round-up of studies published between May and July 2025
Scientists report association between micro-and nanoplastic concentrations and fertilization rates as well as pregnancy-induced hypertension in humans; find plastic particles to disrupt mice ovarian function, potentially be carcinogenic and neurotoxic; emphasize that plastic chemicals may drive toxicity
AURORA research develops protocol for the analysis of micro- and nanoplastics in placental tissue
Scientists from the AURORA project develop an enzymatic digestion protocol to isolate micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) from human placental tissue, optimizing conditions to preserve particle integrity; compatible with microscopy and spectroscopy; can facilitate robust, standardized global MNP biomonitoring
Placental microplastics may disrupt telomere maintenance, study reports
Scientists find association between prevalence of microplastics in placental tissue and reduced placental and cord blood telomere length; strength of the association was polymer type-dependent; warn that microplastics may impact early-life biological aging