Weathered microplastics pose a greater threat to human brain cells than unweathered ones, a study reveals.
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Findings
Researchers discovered that these microplastics can cross the brain-blood barrier, causing severe inflammation in the brain.
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Study
The study revealed that weathered polystyrene-derived microplastics significantly affected microglia—immune cells in the brain responsible for detecting foreign objects.
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Findings
The microplastics altered proteins involved in energy production and increased concentrations of proteins related to brain cell death.
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Research
Researchers plan to conduct long-term studies with larger sample sizes and more realistic doses to better understand the effects of microplastics on the brain.
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Reassessing plastic usage
As plastic production continues to rise, it's crucial to re-evaluate how we produce, use, and dispose of it to protect our health and environment.