1. Flash presentation at InfoDays 2012 Environment Calls17 June
Carla Falugi•
University of Genova
Academy – (Public Institution)- Italy
Department for the Study of the Environment and its Resources (DIPTERIS)
Laboratory of Experimental Embryology and Cytotoxicology
Viale Benedetto XV, N5
16132 Genova
Tel : Fax
Main interest in studying the effects of environmental stressors on organismic health
Main basic knowledge on mechanisms of fertilization and early development

2. Objectives:
To develop toxicity tests on in vivo alternative models aimed at understanding the effects of environmental stressors on male fertility and possible reversibility, including embryonic anomalies of the offspring.
To create human data base correlating pathologies and life style by cooperation with clinical partners
Existing partnership: some partners of previous EU and National projects, supplying: electrophysiology, Biochemistry and histochemistry, bio-engineering and clinics.
Requirements for additional partner(s): a) Policy makers, regulatory bodies, Industries, Clinical partners from incoming Countries, Statistics.
Skills of My Lab: Biochemical and electrical mechanisms of fertilization; sperm viability and fertilizing ability; developmental anomalies in alternative models
Interest in the topics of: Food, Combusted metal nanoparticles
involvement in previous / on-going projects in the area:
coordinator of the project SENS-PESTI, QLK4-Ct
: WP responsible of the EU project ENRICH
2010-ongoing: WP responsible of the project INESE, supported by IIT (IIT-SEEDS)

3. toxicity tests developed in the SENS PESTI (QLK4-CT ) project – testing neurotoxic pesticides
SEA URCHIN Gametes, embryos and larvae
Spermiotoxicity Test (first generation)
Embryotoxicity
Test (second generation)
Swimming behaviour
(first and second generation)
Endocrine disruption (metamorphosis)
toxicity tests developed in the frame of the project (funded by IIT-GE) INESE= Impact Of Nanoparticles On Environmental Sustainability
Passage from gut to coelom and accumulation in cells (ESEM-EDS)
Morphology and DNA status of immunity cells
Effects of the exposure
to nanoparticles on the
different ChE activities of the immunity cells
ZEBRA FISH fertility/sterility and second generation embryonic anomalies/lethality
Different methods of supply (ingestion with food, contact in water)
All the experiments are followed by the analyses and statistics of biomarkers for functionality, electrophysiology, biochemical and histochemical activity of key enzymes