Studying how micro- and nanoplastics affect health using advanced imaging techniques
Official title: Harnessing PET to Study the In Vivo Fate and Health Effects of Micro- and Nanoplastics
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-10927451 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny plastic particles in our environment might affect the health of mammals, using a special imaging technique to see where these particles go in the body and what they might do to our health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R00ES034053-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10927451 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been exposed to environments with high levels of micro- and nanoplastics, such as those living near polluted areas or consuming contaminated food and water.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not exposed to micro- and nanoplastics or those with unrelated health conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the health effects and distribution of micro- and nanoplastics in mammals by utilizing a highly sensitive imaging technique called positron emission tomography (PET). The goal is to understand how these pollutants, which are increasingly found in our environment, impact biological systems. By tracking the presence and movement of these particles in living organisms, the research aims to uncover potential health risks associated with exposure to micro- and nanoplastics.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of the health risks posed by micro- and nanoplastics, potentially informing public health policies and safety regulations.
How similar studies have gone: While the investigation of micro- and nanoplastics is a growing field, the use of PET for tracking their biodistribution in mammals is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in previous studies.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Keinaenen, Outi Maria — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Keinaenen, Outi Maria
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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.