{"id":2685,"date":"2024-02-26T17:17:01","date_gmt":"2024-02-26T17:17:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/horizon.peachpuff-wolverine-566518.hostingersite.com\/?p=2685"},"modified":"2024-02-26T17:17:01","modified_gmt":"2024-02-26T17:17:01","slug":"brain-harming-chemicals-seen-in-clearer-light-with-fresh-findings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/scienceblog.com\/horizon\/2685\/brain-harming-chemicals-seen-in-clearer-light-with-fresh-findings\/","title":{"rendered":"Brain-harming chemicals seen in clearer light with fresh findings"},"content":{"rendered":"

EU researchers have identified new ways that certain substances can interfere with people\u2019s hormone system and brain development.<\/p>\n

By<\/em><\/strong> Gareth Willmer<\/p>\n

Professor Jo\u00eblle R\u00fcegg is breaking new ground in a quest to learn more about how everyday chemicals can impair brain development in people, including infants, by interfering with their hormones.<\/p>\n

An expert in environmental toxicology at Uppsala University in Sweden, R\u00fcegg leads a research project that received EU funding to examine the impact of such substances on neurodevelopment. They\u2019re known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals, or EDCs, and can have the biggest effects on unborn babies and children.<\/p>\n

Sensitive system<\/strong><\/p>\n

The endocrine system sends out hormones, which activate \u201cpathways\u201d that deliver important signals to different types of cells. These signals help control growth, metabolism and even mood \u2013 and disruptions can have serious consequences.<\/p>\n

Evidence over the years has pointed to a connection between EDCs and, for example, autism, hyperactivity and lower IQ, according to R\u00fcegg. While many of the mechanisms underlying this link are still unknown, her project has started to shed some light on them.<\/p>\n

\u2018We were able to connect certain signalling pathways to processes that are important for brain development,\u2019 said R\u00fcegg. \u2018These hormonal pathways have not been identified previously as targets of these chemicals.\u2019<\/p>\n

EDCs are present in items ranging from toys and plastic containers to cosmetics and pesticides. Such chemicals include dioxins, bisphenols and phthalates and can be absorbed through contact with the air or water, through the skin or from food.<\/p>\n

\u2018We\u2019re constantly exposed to hundreds of chemicals that have these endocrine-disrupting properties,\u2019 said R\u00fcegg. \u2018They affect a system \u2013 namely, the hormonal system \u2013 that\u2019s sensitive to very small signals.\u2019<\/p>\n

Neural impacts<\/strong><\/p>\n

Called\u00a0ENDpoiNTs<\/a>, the project that she runs began in January 2019 and continues through June 2024. It belongs to a cluster \u2013 named\u00a0EURION<\/a> \u2013 of eight EU-funded research initiatives to improve the identification of endocrine disruptors.<\/p>\n

R\u00fcegg, originally from Switzerland, became interested in the connection between EDCs and the developing brain after doing a PhD in Munich, Germany on links between stress hormones and depressive disorders.<\/p>\n

In cellular and molecular studies, her team found six hormonal pathways not previously known to be linked to negative effects on neurodevelopment, adding to three known ones.<\/p>\n

The team also observed differences between males and females, with some pathways affected in one sex but not the other.<\/p>\n

R\u00fcegg said evidence suggests that this factor may lead to variances in things like memory function.<\/p>\n

Early action<\/strong><\/p>\n

Better knowledge about EDCs and their potential effects will also allow for more targeted regulation of certain chemicals by the EU and other authorities to prevent damage before it is done, according to R\u00fcegg.<\/p>\n

While the EU has among the strictest chemical laws in the world, they continue to evolve as new potential risks come to light. In 2023, for example, new European rules<\/a> to identify endocrine disruptors entered into force.<\/p>\n

\u2018The more we understand how EDCs work, the better we can design test methods,\u2019 she said. \u2018It\u2019s best if you can say from the start that this chemical may affect brain development. Proactively, we want to avoid the situation where we see effects in the human population.\u2019<\/p>\n

On the basis of its findings, the ENDpoiNTs team has developed testing and screening tools to predict whether chemicals will have an effect on neurodevelopment.<\/p>\n

This could make it easier to pinpoint substances that should be excluded from commercial goods.<\/p>\n

\u2018The idea is to help as early as possible in a production process to identify these flags,\u2019 R\u00fcegg said.<\/p>\n

Environmental hunt<\/strong><\/p>\n

The EU is also funding research to measure concentrations of EDCs in the environment more effectively.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s the aim of a project that runs for three years through 2025. Called\u00a0GREENER<\/a>, it\u2019s developing environmentally friendly sensors to gauge EDCs in water.<\/p>\n

While some devices can detect low levels of EDCs, the process can be time-consuming and costly because samples often need to be taken to laboratories for testing, according to Dr Martin M\u00f6bius, a researcher in photonics at the Center for Microtechnologies at Chemnitz University of Technology in Germany.<\/p>\n

\u2018A lot of steps are necessary to define these concentrations,\u2019 said M\u00f6bius, who leads GREENER. \u2018Our idea is that we want to be able to measure concentrations directly on-site.\u2019<\/p>\n

The project team will develop a spectrometer \u2013 a device that identifies substances by measuring how much they absorb different wavelengths of light. Quantum-dot crystals \u2013 tiny semiconductors \u2013 will allow measurements at short wavelengths.<\/p>\n

The plan is to have a working model ready by the end of 2025.<\/p>\n

Handy sensors<\/strong><\/p>\n

This kind of sensor could be useful in fisheries because EDCs can alter the physiology of fish and affect their sexual development and function. People in the industry could use the spectrometer to learn whether local fish populations are exposed to EDCs.<\/p>\n

Similarly, the technology could be deployed in wastewater treatment to remove harmful materials.<\/p>\n

GREENER intends to make its sensor easy to use for non-experts and compact \u2013 about the size of a bread tin.<\/p>\n

\u2018When you have a small device, you can, for example, install it on a pipe where you have wastewater or drinking water and see what\u2019s inside,\u2019 M\u00f6bius said.<\/p>\n

In general, portable devices like GREENER\u2019s planned spectrometer have the potential to provide a more detailed picture of the presence and levels of EDCs in various bodies of water across a wide geographical area.<\/p>\n

\u2018We know some of the effects of these chemicals, but we don\u2019t know the concentrations and where they all are,\u2019 M\u00f6bius said. \u2018This is what we have to find out to protect the environment.\u2019<\/p>\n

Research in this article was funded by the EU\u2019s Horizon Programme. The views of the interviewees don\u2019t necessarily reflect those of the European Commission.<\/em><\/p>\n

More info<\/p>\n