New study examines long-term effects of polystyrene (PS) nanoplastics on mitochondrial health under realistic exposure conditions; Repeated exposure to PS nanoplastics impaired mitochondrial function and cell differentiation process, possibly linked to metabolic disorders, such as diabetes and obesity; Other recent studies found that PS micro- and nanoplastics negatively affect immune function, pregnancy outcomes, and gut health in various models
Author archives: Justin Boucher
Study finds microplastics impact colon cancer cells, could increase metastasis
Study of colon cancer cell lines finds polystyrene micro and nanoplastic particles (MNPs) can be absorbed into cancerous cells in experimental settings; the more aggressive cell line absorbed the most MNPs and presence of MNPs increased cell movement; evidence of persistence and bioaccumulation; authors argue MNPs fit criteria as substance of concern under REACH
AURORA partners discuss research progress going into fourth year
Project partners reunite in Prague for third in-person meeting; work packages share updates on research progress and current challenges; celebrate milestones in passing the project’s half-way mark; outline research efforts for coming year
Studies review human exposures and effects of micro- and nanoplastics
Three studies investigate micro- and nanoplastics – source, organ deposition, and reproductive effects; detect up to 240,000 plastic particles/L in bottled water with 90% being nanoplastics; find microplastics in human lung, intestine, and kidney tissues; polyethylene particles found to affect placental function in mice
Review summarizes current picture of ‘human-centric’ micro- and nanoplastics research
Scientists review and briefly summarize available scientific literature on each step of microplastic exposure from source to effect in humans; includes sections on sources of microplastics, exposure routes, levels, deposition in the body, and confirmed health effects; highlight current shortcomings
AURORA study reviews available human placenta models
Scientists analyze available models that can be used to understand the transport and toxicity of micro- and nanoplastics in the placenta during fetal development; identify key knowledge gaps and recommend approaches for adapting methods; emphasize need to expand testing to longer-term exposures and additional polymer types
AURORA scientists review techniques to study nanoplastics
Published review assesses analytical challenges posed by detecting and characterizing nanoplastics (NPs); small size and chemical similarity to sample matrices being studied renders existing methods very challenging; authors recommend future studies should use both particle imaging and correlative or direct chemical characterization
Study examines uptake, transport, and toxicity of MNPs in placenta cells
Scientists examine toxicokinetics and toxicity of pristine and weather micro- and nanoplastic (MNP) particles using in vitro cell model of human cytotrophoblasts and syncytiotrophoblasts using nondifferentiated and differentiated BeWo b30 choriocarcinoma cells; find all particles up to 10 μm taken up by cells, pristine particles more chemically complex
AURORA insights – A research exchange in New York
AURORA researcher Laura Zoutendijk from Utrecht University writes about her recent time spent working with fellow AURORA project partners at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City
Scientific studies evaluate microplastic effects on human cells
Rapid review assesses microplastics impacts on human cells and reports thresholds of effects lower than previously predicted; scientific study finds polystyrene (PS) microplastics to have nephrotoxic potential; reproduction and fertility study with mice reports PS microplastics to affect females more than males
