Nanoplastics Found To Disrupt Dopamine System And Social Adaptation

 Tiny plastic particles, or nanoplastics, could significantly alter brain development and behavior, according to a new study on mice published in Neuroscience. Researchers found that these particles affect the dopamine system – a key player in motivation and mood – and impact social behaviors during critical stages of development.

Nanoplastics, which measure less than 1,000 nanometers, are an emerging environmental concern. They are small enough to penetrate biological barriers and have been found in human organs, raising questions about their potential health effects. Earlier studies linked nanoplastics to inflammation and neurotoxicity in animals, but little was known about their impacts upon development.

To address this, Na-Hyun Kim and colleagues from Daegu Catholic University in South Korea examined how nanoplastics affected mice at different life stages. Using a carefully controlled study, the team administered nanoplastics orally once daily to pregnant mice during gestation, as well as directly to their offspring at different developmental stages.

The researchers divided male offspring mice into groups exposed to nanoplastics during mid-gestation, late-gestation, postnatal, juvenile, adolescent, or adult stages. They conducted behavioral tests such as locomotion, social behavior, and nest-building. Brain activity was also measured in regions tied to dopamine.

Upon analysis, the results revealed that the timing of exposure played a crucial role in determining its effects.

Social behaviors were notably altered, particularly in mice exposed during late gestation and early adulthood. These groups showed reduced social familiarity and increased anxiety-like behaviors, such as freezing when exposed to new environments.

Additionally, neural activity in key dopamine-related brain areas, such as the prefrontal cortex and amygdala, was disrupted.

Meanwhile, mice exposed during mid-gestation showed reduced movement, and those exposed during adolescence had heightened neural activity but no significant behavioral changes.

Evidently, the study highlighted differences in vulnerability based on developmental stages. “Overall… neural function influenced by nanoplastic administration influences the neurodevelopmental period from prenatal to postnatal, and their effects are different according to the timing of nanoplastic administration,” Kim and colleagues concluded.

While the study provides important insights, it also has limitations. It focused solely on male mice, leaving questions about potential sex differences unanswered. Additionally, maternal stress due to nanoplastic exposure was not evaluated, which could influence offspring development.

Despite these caveats, the research underscores the growing need to address nanoplastic pollution. With evidence mounting about their effects on the brain, these particles could have far-reaching implications for human health. For now, the study raises an urgent question: How can we reduce exposure to these invisible but impactful pollutants?

The study, “Effect of Nanoplastic Intake on the Dopamine System During the Development of Male Mice,” was authored by Na-Hyun Kim, Hye-In Choo, and Young-A Lee.

https://www.psypost.org/

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Husky Wins FEDIL Innovation Award for Groundbreaking Plate Line Automation Project

BOLTON, ON – Husky Technologies, a pioneering technology provider enabling the delivery of essential needs to the global community, has been awarded the 2024 FEDIL Innovation Award in the Process category for its groundbreaking Plate Line Automation project. The FEDIL Innovation Awards recognize projects that stand out for their innovative, original character, and are relevant to the Luxembourg economy.

“We are honored to receive this year’s FEDIL Innovation Award in the Process category,” said Laurent Huberty, Husky’s Manufacturing Technology Team Manager, Hot Runners. “This award is a testament to the innovation and dedication of our team to drive operational excellence. Our Plate Line Automation project is just the beginning, and we’re excited to expand the success of this cutting-edge solution to our global network of facilities.”

Husky’s Plate Line Automation project is an Industry 4.0 initiative that was designed to enhance operational efficiency, product quality, and employee productivity by integrating advanced robotics and cutting-edge software into the manufacturing process. The project incorporates three key technologies into a single automated system to achieve:

• Streamlined material handling to increase productivity and improve safety using 5-tonne Automated Guided Vehicles to deliver pallets directly to milling centers.
• Fully automated tool loading and unloading for deep-hole drilling, minimizing human intervention and increasing precision.
• Higher accuracy and faster production times through the adoption of digital twin technology and tool analysis software enabling real-time simulation and quality control.

“This holistic approach demonstrates Husky’s commitment to leveraging the full potential of Industry 4.0, advancing automation to new heights,” said Rinas Mohammed, Husky’s Director of Global Operations, Industrialized Tooling, EMEA. “This project is a perfect example of how Husky is combining advanced robotics and digital technology to streamline processes. By automating critical tasks, Husky has reduced production times, enhanced precision, improved safety, and freed operators from repetitive, manual tasks.

https://www.husky.co/

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Celebrating 75 Years Of Excellence: Clariant Cargo & Device Protection’s Californian Team Named “Best Of The Best” By AGM Container Controls

For the seventh time in eight years, AGM Container Controls (AGM) has recognized Clariant Cargo & Device Protection (CDP) Colton, California team with the “Supplier of the Year Award” for 2023. Of 295 active AGM suppliers, only five were honored with this prestigious award. Clariant’s supplier success is rooted in its Colton, California manufacturing facility, which celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2023.

AGM is a major manufacturer of environmental- and moisture-control solutions designed to protect essential products from damage caused by shock, pressure, moisture, oxidation, corrosion, and other environmental hazards. Given the critical nature and value of these products – which include military, aerospace, and avionics components, industrial equipment, measuring and detection instruments, and more – AGM deploys multiple capabilities. This includes advanced engineering, technical expertise, manufacturing excellence, and rigorous environmental controls to ensure optimal protection and performance.

For moisture control and humidity indication, AGM relies on suppliers like Clariant Cargo & Device Protection. AGM has recognized the excellence of our team in California with its “Supplier of the Year” award for seven of the past eight years.

In a congratulatory note accompanying the award, AGM Container Controls President and CEO Howard Stewart praised the recipients, including Clariant CDP, as “the best of the best.” Clariant was one of only five suppliers to meet all of AGM’s stringent supplier qualifications, including the number and value of orders shipped, component quality, and on-time order delivery.

Clariant made the grade by supplying AGM with 554 orders, with a 98% component quality rating and a 97% on-time delivery rating. “Therefore,” said Stewart, “I am pleased to inform you that such achievements qualify Clariant as a seven-time recipient of AGM’s Supplier of the Year award.”

The Colton site produces humidity indicator solutions used in applications worldwide. The facility’s history dates back to 1948 when Rear Admiral Welford Blinn (USN Ret. Dec.) founded the Humidial Company in 1948. Blinn envisioned a simple “go/no-go” humidity indicator. Today, these “button” indicators are built into ammunition cartons and cases, alerting crews if ammunition or other vital military supplies have been exposed to damaging humidity levels during transport or storage.

Fun fact: Today, Blinn’s granddaughter, Michelle Martin, heads the Operations Business Segment for CDP NORAM, Adsorbents Americas. She states, “AGM Container Controls has been Clariant CDP’s longest-running customer relationship for over 50 years. We are proud to continue to supply AGM and all our customers with solutions that protect essential products and commodities worldwide.”

Paul Gusman, Site Manager at the Clariant CDP Colton facility, added that Clariant CDP’s values hold the key to ongoing success: “Our commitment to innovative chemistry, customer focus and dedicated employees, paves the way to continued excellence. We look forward to continuing, and further enhancing our relationship with AGM and all our valued customers in the years ahead.”

https://www.clariant.com/

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