Project partners met in Edinburgh on March 31 – April 1 to discuss achievements so far and review next steps as project moves into its final phase; annual event included in-depth discussions about methods, preliminary results, and upcoming publications
Author archives: joel.scheuchzer
Stakeholders meet for final CUSP Research Cluster events to discuss the potential human health impacts of micro- and nanoplastics
CUSP cluster holds scientific conference and stakeholder meeting as projects come to an end; all five EU projects within the cluster share research results; scientists discuss future research needs on human health and micro- and nanoplastics; stakeholders share perspectives and policy questions
Microplastics early ’25 science round-up: presence in humans and health impacts
Scientists detect more micro- and nanoplastics (MNP) in the human brain than in liver and kidney, higher levels in brains of dementia patients; find MNPs obstruct blood vessels, lead to neurobehavioral abnormalities; MNPs in women’s follicular fluid associated with lower fertilization rates; maternal MNP exposure impairs fertility of female mice offspring; “bioplastic” MNPs induce male reproductive toxicity in mice
AURORA scientists find significant levels of hazardous flame retardants in children’s plastic toys
Study analyzes children’s plastic toys from the EU market for polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs); find 11 out of 84 toys have elevated bromine content; finds PBDEs in all 11 samples, many of which exceed regulatory limits
AURORA study reviews available methods for detecting MNPs in human fluids and tissue
Review specifically focuses on high-throughput approaches for population-wide biomonitoring; calls for more standardization in methods and quality assessment and control
AURORA study examines cell uptake and interactions of polystyrene MNPs with hormone receptors
Researchers from the AURORA consortium publish a study testing for potential endocrine-disrupting effects of polystyrene (PS) micro- and nanoplastic (MNP) particles; finds uptake of PS-MNP particles differs per cell type; detects limited endocrine-disrupting effects in vitro; reports that PS-MNPs can affect steroidogenesis; study calls for needed additional research
Recent studies show that MNPs can negatively impact reproductive health
Studies confirm micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) in human endometrial tissue, amniotic fluid, placentas, and feces of pregnant people; MNP presence in the endometrium is linked with recurrent miscarriages in humans, apoptosis in organoids, and reduced fertility in mice; higher MNPs exposure from seafood and bottled water consumption
What happens to micro- and nanoplastics in the body?
Study proposes a preliminary physiologically-based toxicokinetic (PBTK) model for micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs); polymer type, size, shape, surface chemistry, surface biofilms, and biocorona determine toxicokinetic rates; models for engineered nanoparticles are not appropriate due to heterogeneity of MNPs; uptake via inhalation and effects of absorbed chemicals need more investigation
AURORA project featured in public health webinar
Webinar on human exposure and health effects of micro and nanoplastics hosted by Collaborative for Health & Environment puts a spotlight on AURORA and POLYRISK; AURORA project coordinator Roel Vermeulen speaks about progress and challenges; shares first project preliminary results; emphasizes the need for further research and standardized methods
AURORA scientists propose a roadmap towards risk assessment of MNPs
Researchers detail roadmap for effective risk assessment of micro- and nanoplastics for early-life health; identify various knowledge gaps; highlight the need for cross-discipline research to generate necessary evidence base
