There is a firework faculty about 20 miles north-west of here that exploded. I think we’re all far enough away, but it’s going to be devastating for the small community of Esparto.

Since learning about this, I’ve been patiently waiting until my kiddos are in 4th grade. I can’t wait for two summers of epic road trips!

... and lastly, none of this work could have been done without the incredible effort of many undergraduate research scientists.

#PUI #undergraduateresearch #HSI #NIHresearch #biomedicalresearch #Celegans

6/6

Model organisms are incredibly valuable for these studies, as it is very difficult to ask specific questions about the consequences of microplastic and combined chemical exposure within a human system, in the context of a whole organism.

5/6

This work demonstrates that MPs can act as carriers for chemicals found in plastics or the environment, leading to deleterious effects in animals after exposure, in our case, ingestion.

We have lots more to come from the lab on combined MP and chemical exposure, and WHY.

4/6

Combined MPs and DBP exposure reduces the number of eggs laid per worm, shortens lifespan, and triggers a stress response. These effects are greater than either MP or DBP exposure alone.

3/6

MPs are found in nearly all human tissues, and we use C. elegans as a model system to ask questions about the consequences of MP exposure.

We show that combined exposure to polystyrene MPs and DBP leads to worse physiological defects than either component alone. A Trojan horse effect.

2/6

Yes, same from Sigma-Aldrich. I was surprised/ not surprised when I made this purchase last week.

I love this analogy- so true 💕