Detecting harmful toxins in fish tissue
Official title: Development of analytical methods for detecting microcystins in fish tissue
Funded at Cornell University · NIH-11075654 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new way to check for harmful toxins in fish and other animals to help keep our food safe, especially in places where pollution and climate change are a concern.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cornell University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ithaca, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $51,974 |
| NIH project number | 1U18FD008339-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11075654 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who consume fish from waterways affected by harmful algal blooms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not consume fish or are not exposed to waters impacted by harmful algal blooms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing and validating a method to detect microcystins, which are toxic compounds produced by harmful algal blooms, in fish and other animal tissues. The study aims to create a reliable quantitative method using Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS) to ensure food safety and veterinary diagnostics. By validating this method, the research will improve the ability to assess the safety of fish consumed by humans, particularly in areas affected by pollution and climate change.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance food safety by ensuring that fish consumed by humans are free from harmful toxins.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in detecting microcystins in water, but this approach for fish tissue is novel and has not been thoroughly validated.
Where this research is happening
-
Cornell University
Ithaca, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bischoff, Karyn — Cornell University
- Study coordinator: Bischoff, Karyn
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.