ecotera health is proud to announce that our Founder and CEO, Melinda B. Chu, M.D., M.B.A., was featured in a recent Fierce Biotech article examining the growing role of prediction markets in clinical trials and biotechnology. As a physician-scientist, biotechnology entrepreneur, and clinical research investigator, Dr. Chu shared her perspective on how emerging technologies and data-driven approaches may influence decision-making in drug development and clinical research. S

At ecotera health, we're continuing to make steady progress on the development of our EcoExposure™ smartphone-based urine platform for decentralized monitoring of microplastics and nanoplastics. Over the past months, we have achieved several important milestones: Submitted an FDA Pre-Submission (Q-Sub) to obtain early regulatory feedback Continued assay optimization and analytical development. Demonstrated feasibility across multiple human urine samples and decentralized smar

Abstract The peer-reviewed literature on microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) in human urine remains limited, with approximately 70–100 samples reported across major studies. Reported concentrations vary by multiple orders of magnitude depending on analytical methods, sample preparation procedures, and reporting units. When normalized to common units such as particles per liter, the resulting values can be difficult to reconcile biologically and analytically. This technical

Abstract Most laboratory methods for nanoplastic analysis in biological matrices rely on extensive preprocessing, including digestion, filtration, extraction, or hyperspiking. In contrast, the EcoExposure™ platform evaluates microplastic- and nanoparticle-associated optical interaction behavior directly in minimally processed liquid matrices using large-volume optical analysis. This technical note documents preliminary observations suggesting that recognizable nanoparticle-

AbstractThe demand for personalized wellness and longevity optimization has driven rapid growth in the US direct-to-consumer (D2C) at-home testing market. This preprint presents a smartphone-enabled, multi-analyte urine testing platform designed for D2C wellness monitoring of micro/nanoplastics and co-contaminant exposure biomarkers. Built on a proven water-quality sensing foundation and integrated with the global electronic data capture system TrialKit, the platform has reac

Abstract: Human urine represents a promising non-invasive matrix for scalable longitudinal monitoring of environmental microplastic and nanoplastic (MNP) exposure. However, biological matrices introduce substantial variability related to donor chemistry, hydration status, baseline coloration, biochemical composition, and sample aging. These challenges are amplified in decentralized workflows involving real-world shipping and delayed processing. This technical note describes

Abstract A common concern in image-based urine assays is that natural variation in sample color or background opacity may prevent reliable optical interpretation. In a preliminary comparison, human urine evaluated before and after particulate-reduction filtration showed clear differences in baseline coloration, yet both conditions retained readable optical pattern structure under the assay workflow. These observations suggest that moderate matrix color differences do not nece

Abstract Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) are now detected in human semen, testicular tissue, and the male reproductive tract. Chronic exposure disrupts spermatogenesis, reduces sperm count/motility/morphology, and impairs testosterone production through oxidative stress, inflammation, blood-testis barrier disruption, and endocrine effects of plastic additives (phthalates, BPA). Emerging data also link MNPs to increased prostate cancer risk via similar pathways. This per

Abstract Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) are detected in ovarian tissue, follicular fluid, placenta, and the female genitourinary tract. Exposure is linked to ovarian toxicity, hormonal imbalance, reduced fertility, and increased risk of endometriosis and other GU disorders through oxidative stress, inflammation, and endocrine disruption. This perspective examines the mechanisms and proposes interaction-mediated therapeutic strategies under the Cythera Bio platform as t

Abstract Microplastics and nanoplastics (MPs/NPs) have been increasingly reported in human biological systems, yet scalable routine monitoring tools remain limited. Current approaches rely largely on specialized laboratory workflows that are expensive, slow, contamination-sensitive, and not designed for repeat home use. This paper outlines progress toward a smartphone-based urine assay intended for environmental exposure awareness and longitudinal wellness monitoring. The pro

Abstract : Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) are increasingly detected in human blood, urine, and tissues, yet scalable, non-destructive methods for routine systemic exposure measurement remain unavailable. Current laboratory techniques are destructive, low-throughput, and unsuitable for longitudinal or population-scale monitoring. The ARPA-H STOMP program identifies scalable measurement, mechanistic insight, and eventual removal as priority needs. Here we describe a non-

ecotera health is currently developing a simple, non-invasive method to measure microplastics and nanoplastics in human biological samples, beginning with urine. This work builds on our existing environmental monitoring platform and aims to enable scalable measurement of environmental exposure in everyday populations. We are now moving into the next phase of product development by collecting initial real-world human samples to help refine the prototype. We are inviting a smal

In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a powerful tool in various fields, particularly in healthcare and environmental science. The integration of AI-driven diagnostics is not just a trend; it represents a significant transformation in how we approach health and environmental challenges. By leveraging vast amounts of data and advanced algorithms, AI is reshaping our understanding of diseases, improving patient outcomes, and enhancing environmental monito

Microplastics have emerged as a significant environmental concern, infiltrating ecosystems and human health in ways that are only beginning to be understood. These tiny plastic particles, less than five millimeters in size, are found in everything from the air we breathe to the food we eat. As research progresses, the implications of microplastics on health are becoming clearer, prompting scientists and health professionals to explore new frontiers in health science. Understa

The intersection of biotechnology and environmental health is becoming increasingly vital as we confront the challenges posed by climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. Innovative biotechnology solutions are emerging as powerful tools to address these pressing issues, offering sustainable alternatives to traditional methods. This blog post explores various biotechnological advancements that are making a significant impact on environmental health, highlighting their