Category archives: News

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

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

New fact sheet introduces AURORA project including its aims, objectives, partner organizations, and answers to common questions; available for download in seven languages

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

Clinical study investigates 10 microplastic types in human placenta and meconium; detects polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, and polyurethane in the samples; highlights that evaluation and control of potential contamination is crucial

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

Scientists investigate plastic monomers, additives, and processing aids for their chemical identity, use, and hazard classification; identify >10,000 chemicals; 24% categorized as substances of potential concern of which the majority is not currently subject to management measures; emphasize information gaps regarding substance properties and uses

CUSP cluster launches with five research projects supported by €30 million in EU funding; aims to investigate complex relationships between micro- and nanoplastics and human health over the next five years; AURORA project focused on early-life health

Scientists analyze migration of chemicals and microplastics from microwavable food containers; identify dozens of intentionally and non-intentionally added substances and up to over one million microplastics per liter in food simulants; migration partly exceeds Cramer class-based recommendations

Project partners hold internal launch event; new website, social media accounts, and newsletter created to inform and connect with interested stakeholders; research across project work packages now underway