Topics
microplastics
May 27, 2025
Scientists expose mice to environmentally relevant doses of starch-based microplastics over three months; report wide range of impacts, including disputed lipid metabolism, higher blood glucose, increased hepatic oxidative stress, and changes in gene expression, potentially disrupting circadian rhythms
Topics: microplastics
Reading time: 3 minutes
April 25, 2025
Consumer survey by the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) shows that 68% and 16 % are very or medium concerned about “microplastics in food; “plastics” were rated as the second greatest health risk for consumers
Topics: microplastics
Reading time: 1 minute
March 18, 2025
Nature commentary highlights common limitations of microplastic studies in human samples: small sample sizes, lack of controls, lack of biological plausibility; proposes international working group to advance microplastic research focused on transparency, collaboration, and rigorous standards
Topics: microplastics
Reading time: 2 minutes
February 14, 2025
Scientists detect more micro- and nanoplastics (MNP) in the human brain than in liver and kidney, higher levels in brains of dementia patients; find MNPs obstruct blood vessels, lead to neurobehavioral abnormalities; MNPs in women’s follicular fluid associated with lower fertilization rates; maternal MNP exposure impairs fertility of female mice offspring; “bioplastic” MNPs induce male reproductive toxicity in mice
Topics: microplastics
Reading time: 6 minutes
January 14, 2025
South Korean study assesses link between microplastics in blood and plastic container use as well as blood coagulation disruptions; finds mostly polystyrene, polypropylene, and polyethylene microplastics in blood; links higher microplastic levels to use of plastic containers, impaired blood clotting and increased inflammation, suggesting potential cardiovascular risks
Reading time: 2 minutes
December 11, 2024
51 plastic/rubber products and four microplastic types subjected to different extraction and leaching conditions, respectively; chemical composition changes with extraction method; leachate composition depends on salinity and temperature influence; extracts and leachates of similar chemical complexity
Reading time: 3 minutes
December 9, 2024
Scientists detect microplastics in maternal blood, fetal appendages, and umbilical vein blood; find no association between particle levels measured in different tissues; polystyrene microplastics induce time-dependent cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, and metabolic alterations in placental explants; reviews discuss microplastic association with different diseases
Reading time: 4 minutes
October 17, 2024
Five studies on microplastic presence and effects on central nervous system (CNS) and reproductive organs; study finds microplastics of some but not all polymer types enter human CNS, especially after blood-brain barrier impairment; review concludes microplastics induce neurotoxicity; scientists demonstrate presence of microplastics in female reproductive tissue and male para-tumor and tumor prostate samples; associate microplastic presence with sperm dysfunction
Reading time: 5 minutes
October 15, 2024
Research demonstrates widescale environmental microplastic contamination and human exposure, effects on all levels of biological organizations, and emerging evidence of negative human health impacts; review’s authors foresee data gaps to be closed within next ten years but call for immediate policy action based on precautionary principle to minimize unintended consequences
Reading time: 3 minutes
September 26, 2024
Report analyzes Indian salt and sugar brands; finds microplastics in all samples; another report addresses plastic waste challenges; suggests stronger regulations and recycling and reuse efforts
Reading time: 3 minutes
