How tiny plastic particles in water move through the body and affect health
Biodistribution and biological impact assessment of micro-plastics water contaminants using a sensitive and reliable Xenopus experimental platform
This project looks at whether tiny plastic bits in water spread through organisms and harm development and immune health, to better understand risks for people exposed to contaminated water.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11370633 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my perspective, scientists are exposing tadpoles to common types of microplastics to see where the particles go in the body and how they affect growth, fitness, inflammation, and the ability to fight infections. They use the frog Xenopus laevis because its development in water is well understood and sensitive to pollutants, and because its immune system shares many features with humans. The team compares brand-new and weathered microplastics, and tests how warmer water changes particle distribution and health effects. Large groups of tadpoles are used to get reliable results that could point to risks for people exposed to microplastic-contaminated water.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People worried about health effects from waterborne microplastic pollution, such as residents using contaminated water sources, would find the results most relevant.
Not a fit: Individuals seeking direct clinical treatments or care for unrelated medical conditions are unlikely to receive immediate personal benefit from this animal-based research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could clarify how microplastics harm development and immunity and inform public health guidance to reduce human exposure.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal and cell studies have shown pollutants can disrupt development and immunity, but using Xenopus to map microplastic biodistribution and temperature-dependent immune effects is a newer, less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- University of Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Robert, Jacques — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Robert, Jacques
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 below.