After a previous study that showed how microplastics can infiltrate all systems of the body—including the blood-brain barrier, which protects the brain from harmful substances as small as viruses and bacteria—URI pharmacy assistant professor Jaime Ross expanded the study to determine the brain health impacts of the plastic toxins. Her findings indicate that the accumulation of micro- and nanoplastics in the brain can lead to cognitive decline and even Alzheimer’s disease, especially in those who carry genetic risk factors.

Among the winners of Compasso d’Oro International Award is TWIN, the robotic exoskeleton for lower limbs developed by Rehab Technologies IIT – INAIL, the joint laboratory established by the Italian Institute of Technology and the INAIL Prosthetic Center in Budrio, with the contribution of design studio ddpstudio. Since 2013, Rehab Tech and ddpstudio have worked together to merge the functionality of cutting-edge robotics with research on form and aesthetics, creating devices that are both highly functional and visually appealing, an essential factor for user acceptance.