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
Author archives: Justin Boucher
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
Horizon magazine introduces the CUSP Cluster
European Commission’s research and innovation magazine features the CUSP Cluster and its five member projects; discusses the current lack of information on micro- and nanoplastics and health; introduces how CUSP projects are working together to generate data, inform policymaking
Microplastics induce reproductive toxicity in pregnant mice
Research study finds polystyrene microplastics exposure of pregnant mice leads to fetal losses by immune disturbance; book chapter estimates human chemical exposure via seafood contaminated with microplastics
JRC Symposium compares microplastic analysis methods
European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) symposium summarizes current approaches for microplastic monitoring; research institutions present results of 4 inter-laboratory microplastic analysis comparison studies; no ‘one-size-fits-all’ analytical method, presenters emphasize need for harmonization; Commission outlines policy needs
AURORA partners hold second consortium meeting
Internal meeting sees partners present research progress and efforts across the seven work packages as well as collaborations within CUSP working groups; discuss cross-cutting issues and tasks
CUSP releases its first newsletter
First issue of newsletter introduces CUSP cluster’s working groups, new calls for scientific publications, upcoming consortium general meeting in June 2022; highlights profiles of four researchers involved in CUSP projects
