Investigating harmful toxins from algae in the Great Lakes region
Official title: Synthesis and quantitation of microcystins and anabaenopeptins in the Great Lakes region to establish human exposure risks via ingestion and inhalation
Funded at Wayne State University · NIH-10660161 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how harmful algae in the Great Lakes can produce toxins that might affect our health, and it aims to find better ways to measure these toxins so we can understand how they might impact us and keep everyone safe.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wayne State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Detroit, United States) |
| Project start | September 10, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $1,609,587 |
| NIH project number | 1R01ES034017-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10660161 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals living in or near the Great Lakes region who may be exposed to contaminated water or seafood.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not reside in the Great Lakes region or who have no exposure to algal blooms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the risks posed by harmful algal blooms in the Great Lakes, which produce toxic compounds that can affect human health. The team will synthesize and quantify specific toxins, known as microcystins and anabaenopeptins, to assess how people might be exposed to these toxins through ingestion and inhalation. By developing reliable methods for identifying and measuring these toxins, the research aims to provide critical information that can help protect public health. The study will also explore the health impacts of these toxins on various bodily systems.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved public health guidelines and safety measures to reduce exposure to harmful algal toxins.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in identifying and quantifying algal toxins, indicating that this approach has potential for significant findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Wayne State University
Detroit, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Westrick, Judy a — Wayne State University
- Study coordinator: Westrick, Judy a
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.