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
Author archives: Justin Boucher
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
AURORA publishes project fact sheet
New fact sheet introduces AURORA project including its aims, objectives, partner organizations, and answers to common questions; available for download in seven languages
Microplastics measured in newborn, infant, and adult feces
Small study assesses polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polycarbonate (PC) microplastics in human feces; finds PET and PC in all infant stool and in most meconium and adult stool samples; suggests higher exposure of infants than adults
Review on effects of micro- and nanoplastics in vitro and in vivo
Literature review summarizes in vitro and in vivo studies on micro- and nanoplastics; reports on various exposure and adsorption pathways and toxic effects of plastic particles; human health impacts to be evaluated under realistic exposure scenarios
