Behind Our Science

Behind Our Science Podcast aims to close the gap in understanding the complex mechanisms driving disease formation and engage the general public and research advocates. We will engage the public by explaining the latest exciting biomedical innovations in simple terms free from jargon and emphasize the importance of supporting continued research in the biomedical sciences. We will explain the importance of how understanding fundamental mechanisms driving diseases provides a solid foundation for breakthroughs in scientific research.https://asippathways.com/behind-our-science/

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Behind Our Science

Episode 25-Nano- & Micro-Plastics in Health: A Macro Problem?

December 09, 2024 • Behind Our Science • Season 2024 • Episode 25

Thank you for joining us for our 25th episode!

In this episode, the Behind Our Science team interviews three leading scientists in the developing field of nano- and micro-plastics. Understanding the role of nano- and micro-plastics in biological systems has large implications on our individual and global health with potential to impact our government policy. Our international speaker line up is taking on the field of nano- and micro-plastics by investigating its impact on various biological systems including reproductive (placenta, testis), cardiovascular, and ocular. We are excited to showcase the value of collaboration and data driven discovery in the field of micro-plastics!

Our first speaker is Dr. Phoebe Stapleton, Associate Professor of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the Ernest E Mario School of Pharmacy at Rutgers University. We invite you to read her recent work on nano-plastics in the peer reviewed articles below:

1. Identification of micro- and nanoplastic particles in postnatal sprague-dawley rat offspring after maternal inhalation exposure throughout gestation: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39117197

2. Single inhalation exposure to polyamide micro and nanoplastic particles impairs vascular dilation without generating pulmonary inflammation in virgin female Sprague Dawley rats: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37088832

Our second speaker is Dr. Chris Lim, Associate Consultant in the Department of Ophthalmology at National University Hospital. We invite you to read his recent articles on micro-plastics in eye disease and his studies on the impact of COVID-19 vaccines on eye health below:

1. Impact of Microplastics on the Ocular Surface: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36835339

2. Retinal vein occlusion following BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) COVID-19 vaccination: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37675679

Our third speaker is Dr. Matthew Campen, Regents’ Professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of New Mexico. We invite you to read his recent work on micro-plastics in the peer reviewed articles below:

1. Microplastic presence in dog and human testis and its potential association with sperm count and weights of testis and epididymis: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38745431

2. Quantitation and identification of microplastics accumulation in human placental specimens using pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38366932

As our listeners, we want to hear from you! Have you heard of micro-plastics? What directions should the research go? Let us know in the comments below or tag us on our social media! Thank you for tuning in. Stay curious!

#Microplastics #nanoplastics #polymerresearch #ramanspectometry #massspectrometry #rutgers #unm #nuh