Michael Aschner, PhD

Professor and Harold and Muriel Block Chair in Molecular Pharmacology

Albert Einstein College of Medicine

Leading expert in neurotoxicology, specializing in metal neurotoxicity, methylmercury research, pesticide toxicity and other environmental agents. Recognized expert in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases.

1100+ Publications

84,000+ Citations

129 H-Index

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About Dr. Aschner

A distinguished leader in neurotoxicology research

Dr. Michael Aschner is a world-renowned expert in neurotoxicology and molecular pharmacology, serving as the Harold and Muriel Block Chair in Molecular Pharmacology at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

Research Focus

Dr. Aschner's research centers on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying metal neurotoxicity, with particular emphasis on methylmercury and manganese toxicity, as well as pesticides and other environmental agents. Expert in gene x environment interactions in affecting neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration.

Academic Leadership

As President of the Society of Toxicology (2022-2023) and recipient of the prestigious 2010 Society of Toxicology Merit Award, Dr. Aschner has demonstrated exceptional leadership in the field of toxicology. Expert reviewer for multiple Federal Agencies (US EPA, ATSDR, CDC, NIH, EFSA) in the US and abroad. Has served as Chair of the NIH study section ALTOX3. Co-founder of the Series Advancements in Neurotoxicology, associate editor of multiple high impact factor journals.

Clinical Impact

His groundbreaking research on blood-brain barrier transport mechanisms has significant implications for understanding neurological diseases and developing targeted therapeutic interventions.

Research Areas

Pioneering research in neurotoxicology and molecular pharmacology

Mercury & Methylmercury Neurotoxicity

Leading research on mercury and methylmercury neurotoxicity, including developmental effects, autism research connections, and neurological impacts. Expert testimony for mercury exposure cases and vaccine-related litigation.

Manganese Toxicity & Litigation Support

Leading expert on manganese neurotoxicity, providing scientific analysis for manganese exposure cases, occupational manganese poisoning, and welding fume litigation.

Blood-Brain Barrier Transport

Studying metal transport across the blood-brain barrier and its role in neurodegenerative diseases.

Molecular Pharmacology

Understanding cellular and molecular mechanisms of neurotoxic substances and potential therapeutic interventions.

Pesticides & Environmental Neurotoxicology

Expert analysis of pesticide neurotoxicity, environmental contaminants, and gene-environment interactions in neurological diseases. Extensive experience in pesticide litigation and regulatory consultation.

Publications & Research

Over 1100 peer-reviewed publications with significant impact

1100+

Peer-Reviewed Papers

84,000+

Total Citations

129

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Recent Publications

Mind over microplastics - what we still don't know

Aschner M.

Nature Reviews Neurology (2025)

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Metal neurotoxicity and neurodegeneration

Aschner, M. et al.

Journal of Neurochemistry (2024)

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Manganese transport across the blood-brain barrier

Aschner, M. et al.

Toxicological Sciences (2024)

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Methylmercury-induced oxidative stress in neuronal cells

Aschner, M. et al.

Environmental Health Perspectives (2023)

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GPR30 regulates glutamate transporter GLT-1 expression in rat primary astrocytes

Lee E, Sidoryk-Węgrzynowicz M, Wang N, Webb A, Son DS, Lee K, Aschner M.

Journal of Biological Chemistry (2012)

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Specialized Expertise Areas

Comprehensive knowledge for legal cases and regulatory consultation

Chemical & Substance Expertise

Heavy Metals: Mercury, Methylmercury, Manganese, Lead, Cadmium, Arsenic
Pesticides: Paraquat, Glyphosate, Organophosphates, Organochlorines, Neonicotinoids
Solvents: Trichloroethylene (TCE), Perchloroethylene (PCE), Benzene
Pharmaceuticals: Mefloquine (Lariam), Antipsychotics, Chemotherapy agents
Occupational: Welding fumes, Industrial chemicals, Manufacturing exposures

Medical Conditions & Outcomes

Neurodegenerative: Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's Disease, ALS, Manganism
Developmental: Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADHD, Learning Disabilities, Cognitive Impairment
Acute Effects: Brain Damage, Encephalopathy, Seizure Disorders, Peripheral Neuropathy
Cognitive: Memory Loss, Executive Dysfunction, Dementia, IQ Deficits
Psychiatric: Depression, Anxiety, Psychosis related to toxic exposure

Legal Case Types

Product Liability: Pesticide exposure, Pharmaceutical injury, Consumer products
Occupational: Workplace chemical exposure, Welding rod cases, Industrial accidents
Environmental: Water contamination, Air pollution, Soil contamination
Medical: Vaccine injury claims, Drug-induced neurotoxicity, Medical device failures
Criminal: Diminished capacity due to neurotoxic exposure, DUI drug cases

Regulatory & Compliance

Federal Agencies: FDA drug safety, EPA pesticide registration, OSHA workplace standards
Risk Assessment: Exposure modeling, Dose-response analysis, Safety margins
Guidelines: WHO standards, EU REACH compliance, California Prop 65
Industry Standards: Pharmaceutical safety, Agricultural chemical testing, Cosmetic safety
International: Global chemical regulations, Import/export compliance

Consulting Services

Expert consultation in neurotoxicology and molecular pharmacology

Research Consultation

Expert guidance on neurotoxicology research design, methodology, and data interpretation.

Study design and planning
Research methodology consultation
Data analysis and interpretation
Grant writing support

Neurotoxicology Expert Witness

Leading neurotoxicology expert witness providing testimony for mefloquine (Lariam) trials, manganese exposure cases, pesticide litigation, mercury toxicity, and trichloroethylene cases. Extensive experience in neurotoxicology consulting for legal proceedings.

Case evaluation and analysis
Expert witness testimony
Technical report preparation
Deposition support

Neurotoxicology Consulting Services

Expert neurotoxicology consulting for pharmaceutical and chemical industries. Specializing in manganese exposure assessment, pesticide neurotoxicity evaluation, and mefloquine safety analysis.