research microplastics human health tissues

Microplastics Detected in Human Organ Tissues Linked to Lesions

Introduction to the Study and Its Significance

Researchers at Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, China, have undertaken a metadata analysis on microplastics in humans, identifying significant associations between MNP accumulation in damaged tissues and numerous health issues.

The Rising Concern of Plastic Pollution

Plastic production has risen dramatically from 1.5 million metric tons in the 1950s to approximately 390.7 million metric tons by 2021. This surge has led to a proliferation of microscopic plastic pollutants infiltrating soils, waterways, ecosystems, and even human tissues.

Challenges in Identifying and Quantifying MNPs

The absence of standardized methodologies for identifying and quantifying MNPs in human tissues presents a challenge. Robust data connecting MNPs to human diseases are essential for risk assessment and mitigation strategies.

A Deep Dive into the Research Work

In their work, "Mapping micro (nano) plastics in various organ systems: Their emerging links to human diseases?' published in TrAC Trends in Analytical Chemistry, researchers analyzed 61 studies on MNP detection and 840 on their toxicological effects.

Methods Used for MNP Detection

The data were derived from spectroscopy, microscopy, and pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analyses to identify polymer types in tissues. Toxicological studies utilized cellular models and animal experiments to explore oxidative stress, inflammation, and signaling pathways.

Areas of the Human Body Affected by MNPs

MNPs Detected in Various Tissues

The research identified particles in various tissues, including skin, arteries, veins, thrombi, bone marrow, testes, semen, uterus and placenta, as well as across the digestive system, from saliva to feces, liver and gallstones.

MNP Presence in the Respiratory System

In the respiratory system, MNPs were prevalent, including in lung tissues, with microscopic fibers frequently found in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and sputum.

Health Implications and Disorders Linked to MNPs

Increased MNPs Correlated with Various Disorders

Correlations were identified linking increased particle abundance to disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease, thrombosis, cervical cancer, and uterine fibroids.

Toxicological Findings and Organ-level Implications

Toxicological assessments indicated that MNPs may induce oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammatory reactions, and apoptosis across different cell types, with organ-level implications such as the potential onset of neurodegenerative diseases upon crossing the blood-brain barrier.

A Key Finding: MNPs and Lesions in Tissues

A key finding in the metadata analysis was that MNP concentrations were notably higher in tissues with lesions compared to those without. This included inflamed intestines, fibrotic lungs, and cancerous tissues, pointing to a possible connection between MNP accumulation and localized pathology.

The "Lesion or Microplastic" Paradox

An interesting paradox arises regarding the relationship between lesions and MNP concentrations: it remains unclear whether lesions develop as a result of higher MNP levels or if MNPs accumulate due to existing lesions.

An author's note: The traditional "chicken or egg" paradox has a straightforward solution, with eggs predating chickens by hundreds of millions of years. When refining the question to "what came first, the chicken or the chicken's egg?", it suggests that the first chicken came from an egg laid by a non-chicken bird. However, this question still requires refinement, as it raises the issue of whether the "chicken's egg" belongs to the fowl itself, to the chicken inside, or whether a chicken must be present to lay it.

Further Research Needed: Understanding the Cause-and-Effect Link

In the context of the "what came first, the lesion or the microplastic" question, it is a plausible that MNPs play a role in inflammation, oxidativ stress, and cellular damage, potentially leading to or exacerbating tissue lesions. Conversely, lesions in already damaged tissue could accumulate more MNPs. While the present findings do not establish a clear cause-and-effect link, they present promising avenues for further research.

The Challenge of Removing Microplastics from the Environment and Human Tissues

Currently, there are no established methods for eliminating microplastics, from the environment or human tissues. Although initiatives are in progress to find environmental mitigation solutions, addressing the diverse particle sizes and chemistries embedded in living tissues presents a formidable and potentially insurmountable challenge.

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"Microplastics are increasingly found in human tissues, posing potential health risks ranging from inflammation to cancer. Stay informed and join the conversation about the impact of microplastic pollution on human health. Explore the latest research and discover how this issue is affecting our world.

For more insights into how microplastics are influencing both human health and the environment, read more at:

• Human Health Issues Blog: Understanding the Impact of Microplastics on Health
• FSNews365: The Rising Danger of Microplastic Pollution
• Earth Day Harsh Reality: Environmental Consequences of Plastic Pollution

Don't miss out on crucial information about how microplastics are changing our world-click the links and stay updated!"

nanoplastics and microplastics in tea bags

Study Reveals Commercial Tea Bags Release Millions of Microplastics Into Human Cells

Introduction to the Issue of Microplastic Contamination

Researchers at UAB have thoroughly investigated the release of nanoplastics and microplastics from polymer-based tea bags during infusion. The study is the first to demonstrate these particles' ability to penetrate human intestinal cells, potentially entering the bloodstream and dispersing throughout the body.

Plastic Waste and Its Environmental Impact

Plastic Waste pollution poses a significant environmental threat with far-reaching consequences for the health and welfare of future generations. A primary contributor, food packaging, introduces micro-and nanoplastics (MNPLs) into the environment, with human exposure occurring predominantly through inhalation and ingestion.

UAB's Groundbreaking Study on Tea Bag Contamination

The Mutagenesis Group at UAB's Deparment of Genetics and Microbiology has conducted a successful study, obtaining and characterizing micro-and nanoplastics from various commercially available tea bags. The findings are published in the journal Chemosphere.

Tea Bags as a Source of Microplastics

UAB researchers found that when these tea bags are steeped, they release significant quantities of nano-sized particles and nanofilamentous structures, serving as a key source of exposure to micro-and nanoplastics (MNPLs).

Composition of the Tea Bags Studied

The tea bags used in the study were composed of nylon-6, polypropylene, and cellulose polymers. The research reveals that polypropylene releases roughly 1.2 billion particles per milliliter, averaging 136.7 nanometers in size; cellulose releases around 135 million particles per milliliter, averaging 244 nanometers; and nylon-6 releases 8.18 million particles per milliliter, with an average size of 138.4 nanometers.

Advanced Analytical Techniques Used in the Study

A range of advanced analytical techniques, including:

• Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
• Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)
• Infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR)
• Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS)
• Laser Doppler Velocimetry (LDV)
• Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA)

Were employed to characterize the various particles present in the infusion.

Key Insights from the Analytical Methods

"We have successfully employed a range of advanced techniques to characterize these pollutants, providing a crucial tool to further research into their potential effects on human health," stated UAB researchers Alba Garcia.

First Detection of Microplastics Interactions with Human Cells

For the first time, the particles were stained and exposed to various human intestinal cell types to evaluate their interaction and potential cellular internalization.

Biological Interaction and Internalization

The biological interaction tests revealed that mucus-producing intestinal cells exhibited the highest uptake of micro-and nanoplastics, with the particles even entering the cell nucleus, which contains the genetic material.

The Role of Intestinal Mucus in Particle Uptake

The findings indicate that intestinal mucus plays a crucial role in the uptake of these pollutant particles, highlighting the importance of further research into the long-term health effects of chronic exposure.

The Need for Standardized Testing and Regulatory Measures

"It is essential to establish standardized testing methods to evaluate MNPLs contamination released from  plastic food-contact materials and to develop regulatory policies that effectively address and reduce this contamination. With the growing use of plastics in food packaging, it is crucial to tackle MNPLs contamination to safeguard food safety and public health," the researchers emphasized.

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"Stay informed about the potential health risks of everyday products. Explore more about the latest research on microplastic contamination in food packaging. Share this article with others to spread awareness and help address this growing concern."

amnesia-inducing-diatoms-luzon-shellfish-farms

Amnesia-Inducing Diatoms Discovered in Luzon's Shellfish Farms

Introduction: The Discovery of Toxic Diatoms

Luzon, the densely populated island housing over half of the Philippine population, includes many residents who regularly consume shellfish. An international research team recently confirmed the presence of two Pseudo-nitzschia diatom species there, known for producing a harmful neurotoxin linked to severe illness and memory loss.

This research has been published in Diatom Research.

What Are Diatoms and Their Risks?

Diatoms: The 'Glass House' Algae

Often described poetically as 'algae that live in glass houses,' diatoms are microscopic aquatic organisms encased in protective, milk-colored silica shells. Although most diatom species pose no harm, nearly half of the 58 identified Pseudo-nitzschia species are known to produce the potent neurotoxin domoic acid (DA).

The Dangers of Domoic Acid (DA)

Individuals who consume shellfish contaminated with domoic acid (DA) may suffer from symptoms like vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. In severe cases, DA exposure can result in permanent short-term memory loss, a condition known as amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP).

Limited Knowledge of Pseudo-nitzschia in the Philippines

Despite these risks, limited information is available on the spread of Pseudo-nitzschia in the Philippines. This knowledge gap led scientists from Ateneo de Manila University's Department of Biology and University Malaysia Sarawak to analyze the physical and genetic traits of the diatoms found in water samples from shellfish farms in Luzon's Bacoor Bay and Pagbilao Bay.

Research Findings: The Identified Toxic Diatoms

New Species Discovery: P. Brasiliana

The researchers identified the DA-producing diatoms Pseudo-nitzschia pungens and Pseudo-nitzschia brasiliana within the samples, with P. brasiliana being recorded for the first time in Luzon.

Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) and Shellfish Contamination

During periods of excessive growth, known as harmful algal blooms (HABs) or 'red tide,' DA can accumulate in significant quantities in filter-feeding shellfish like mussels and clams.

"Identifying species within a genus where half are known DA producers is essential for HAB monitoring in the Philippines," the researchers emphasize.

Importance of Monitoring and Research

The Need for Monitoring Efforts

Researchers Lorenzo A. Botavara, Janice A. Ragaza, Hong Chang Lim, and Sing Tung Teng emphasize the importance of recognizing the toxic potential of these diatoms and implementing monitoring efforts. "Such efforts must begin by confirming their presence in our waters, yet, to our knowledge, no molecular taxonomy of Pseudo-nitzschia exists in the Philippines."

Future Steps for HAB Monitoring

"Identifying species within a genus where half are known DA producers in essential for HAB monitoring in the Philippines." the researchers emphasize.

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Stay Informed and Support Efforts to Protect Public Health

The discovery of Pseudo-nitzschia diatoms in Luzon's shellfish farms highlights the urgent need for effective monitoring and research. We encourage local communities, researchers, and policymakers to collaborate in addressing the potential risks of amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP) and ensure safe seafood consumption. Stay informed about the latest research developments and support initiatives to protect public health by advocating for regular water checks in shellfish farming areas.

synthetic-plants-air-purification-electricity

Scientists Develop Synthetic Plants Capable of Purifying Indoor Air and Producing Electricity

The Importance of Indoor Air Quality

The average American spends about 90% of their life indoors, and the air quality in these environments, such as homes, schools, or workplaces, directly affects their health and wellness.

However, the majority of air purification systems are costly, bulky, and require regular maintenance or filter replacement to maintain peak performance.

Groundbreaking Research by Binghamton University

Binghamton University's Professor Seokheun 'Sean' Choi and Ph.D. researchers Maryam Rezaie are transforming their studies on bacteria-powered biobatteries-both ingestible and conventional-into a groundbreaking idea for artificial plants capable of absorbing carbon dioxide, releasing oxygen, and generating small amounts of electricity.

Publication of Research Findings

The researchers have published a paper outlining their results in the journal Advanced Sustainable Systems.

Insights on Indoor Air Pollution

"After experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of indoor air quality is clearer than ever," said Choi, a professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the Thomas J. Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science.

"Numerous sources, such as building materials and carpets, can emit highly toxic substances. As we inhale and exhale, carbon dioxide accumulates. Additionally, risks arise from cooking and outdoor infiltration."

Development of the Artificial Plant

Choi and Rezaie initially created an artificial leaf 'for fun' using five biological solar cells and photosynthetic bacteria, but soon realized the broader potential of the concept. They built the first plant with five leaves and tested its ability to capture carbon dioxide and generate oxygen.

Power Generation Capabilities

While generating about 140 micro-watts power is a secondary benefit, Choi aims to enhance the technology to achieve a minimum output exceeding 1 milliwatt. He also intends to incorporate an energy storage system, such as lithium-ion batteries or super-capacitors.

Practical Applications and Future Enhancements

"I hope to use this electricity for practical applications like charging mobile phones,," he said.

Future enhancements may involve employing multiple species of bacteria to ensure long-term sustainability and creating systems to reduce maintenance needs, including water and nutrient delivery mechanisms.

The Future of Artificial Plants

"With a bit of refinement, these artificial plants could be integrated into every household," Choi states. "The advantages of this concept are readily apparent."

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