PNW Consortium on Plastics

Still time to register for our working meeting to address the plastic crisis!!!

How do we know if microplastics affect our health? - TPR: The Public's Radio It seems like microplastics are everywhere these days — but their impacts on human health remain unclear. Today we take a closer look at why that is and how scientists are trying to get a clearer pict...

It seems like microplastics are everywhere these days — but their impacts on human health remain unclear.

This week on Possibly we talked to professor @smbrander.bsky.social to understand why that is and how scientists are trying to get a clearer picture.

See you all tomorrow!!!

IN THE PRESS:
@smbrander.bsky.social is quoted a new article by Kristen Wise in the Sierra!

#AgriculturalPlastics are a significant aspect of #plasticpollution.

The article highlights contaminated mulches and the connection between soil and climate!

www.sierraclub.org/sierra/mulch...

JOIN US FOR AN IN-PERSON WORKING MEETING 4/10!
We'll have a productive conversation about all things plastics, ranging from plastic alternatives to AI-databases!

forms.gle/hykPs4vdEwnc...

#plastic #sustainablealternatives #ai #workingmeeting #microplastics

@smbrander.bsky.social

Weathering of a micro and nanosized tire particle mixture increases ingestion and growth inhibition in larval fish and juvenile mysid shrimp Tire erosion from driving is a major source of secondary microplastics in the ocean. Tire particles (TPs) consist of diverse components that vary depe…

Some highlights:
-Growth in both species, weathered particles > pristine
-Behavior in just mysid shrimp, weathered > pristine
-Ingestion in both species, weathered > pristine
-Mysid shrimp were more sensitive than silverside fish

www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...

NEW PUBLICATION ALERT!

Dr. Clarissa Raguso published her first first-author publication looking at the effects of weathered & pristine micro/nano tire particles in invertebrate (mysid shrimp) and silverside fish! Work completed in @smbrander.bsky.social 's lab @oregonstate.edu!

@smbrander.bsky.social et al. have assembled quite the team! Be sure to shoot us a follow for exciting news/opportunities coming soon!

In 2025, Dr. Bain was named one of Chemical and Engineering News’ Talented 12, highlighting her early career contributions to chemical research.

www.bainaerosolresearch.com

Dr. Bain and her research group study the physical properties of aerosol particles, including atmospheric plastics, and how they impact climate, using a combination of single particle spectroscopy, benchtop techniques, and fundamental modeling.

She then moved to the UK to undertake postdoctoral work at the University of Bristol with Dr. Bryan Bzdek developing single particle measurements and investigating surfactant partitioning in picolitre volume droplets, & held an NSERC postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Bristol in 2022-2023.

Alison Bain is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at OSU. She obtained her BSc from Carleton University in chemistry with a concentration in nanotechnology, her MSc in Chemistry from the University of British Columbia, followed by her PhD in Chemistry from McGill University.

WEBINAR ALERT! Join us February 25th from 2pm-3:30pm PST to learn about Using AI to inform microplastics science! Hear from our esteemed experts Leah Thornton Hampton, Scott Coffin, and Huazheng Wang!

DM us for the Zoom link!

#microplastics #ToMEx #artificialintelligence #ai #data #datamining

She also continues to serve on the Green Ribbon Science Panel advisory team for the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, sits on the SETAC Plastics Interest Group, and is an observer member of the Scientists Coalition for the UNEP Global Plastics Treaty negotiations.

Brander’s interdisciplinary research over the past 15 years has focused occurrence and biological effects of stressors, such as micro and nanoplastics, microfibers, and endocrine disrupting compounds on aquatic and terrestrial organisms.

Based in Washington D.C., the program uses a science-based approach to inform policy recommendations related to chemical regulation. She retains a Courtesy Faculty appointment in the OSU College of Agricultural Sciences.

Dr. Susanne Brander received a Ph.D. in Toxicology and Pharmacology from UC Davis in 2011. She served in a tenured faculty role at Oregon State University from 2017-2025, and as of 2026 has moved into a position as Project Director, Science for the Pew Charitable Trust’s Safer Chemicals program

Meet the team! We'll be continuing to highlight the people who make up our consortium! Be sure to read the thread below to hear more about @smbrander.bsky.social !

branderlab.net

If you're loving Bluesky updates, be sure to connect with us on our other platforms!

Awesome to share some of our work as a part of the Portland State University School of the Environment Seminar! Themed Environmental Plastics - What, where, and why should we care - This series is right up our alley!

#plastics #microplastics #humanhealth #marineenvironment #sustainability

"The body of evidence across all organisms supports that micro- and nanoplastics are accumulating in animals and humans. " - @smbrander.bsky.social

"This is exactly how science works in tackling a new problem." - Christos Symeonides

Megan Wolff, Matt Campen, & Elizabeth Ryznar are also quoted.

A scientist questioned new microplastics findings. Then other researchers fired back. A prominent scientist criticized microplastics research methods. Others are defending the work.

After last week's Guardian article dropping the "bombshell" casting doubt on microplastics research, we are grateful that @shannonosaka.bsky.social responded in the Washington Post! Check out the article below featuring wise words from our consortium members!

www.washingtonpost.com/climate-envi...

Our Instagram account has been temporarily suspended - Please look here and on our LinkedIn for the most up-to-date plastics/consortium news!

Happening today!!!

WEBINAR ALERT!

Mark your calendars for Thursday, January 21st at 2pm PDT to hear from members of OSU's Sustainable Food Packaging & Processing Lab about sustainable packaging!

DM us for the Zoom link!

Fast food with most plastic chemicals revealed Fast food items found to have very high levels of certain plastics included Burger King's Whopper with cheese.

@newsweek.com article:
Fast Food With Most Plastic Chemicals Revealed | Jasmine Laws
www.newsweek.com/fast-food-wi...

📸 Digital Vision/Getty Images

#fastfood #microplastics #plastics #phthalates #sustainability

Fast food with most plastic chemicals revealed Fast food items found to have very high levels of certain plastics included Burger King's Whopper with cheese.

IN THE PRESS! Ever wonder which fast food favorites contain plastics/plastic chemicals? Check out this Newsweek article featuring quotes from scientists, including our own Dr. Susanne Brander, @smbrander.bsky.social!

Co-hosted by our own Drs. Susanne Brander and Stacey Harper with Krystle Moody Wood (Materevolve), Lauren Bright (Torus Collective Action), and Libby Sommer (Libby Sommer, LLC)!

@smbrander.bsky.social

Proud to have sponsored the Textiles & Toxicity networking event! We connected scientists with industry to discuss textile/microfiber pollution & solutions!

#sustainability #textiles #microplastics #microfibers #plastics

Oregon Letter to Congress in Support of Sea Grant Dear Oregon congressional delegation: We, the undersigned constituents from Oregon, are writing to urge your support for federal funding for the Sea Grant Program in fiscal year (FY) 2026. Sea Grant ...

Please sign this letter in support of Oregon Sea Grant 🌊 💪

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