We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
‘Plasticosis’: Characterising macro- and microplastic-associated fibrosis in seabird tissues
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined 30 young seabirds and found that ingested plastic caused widespread scarring and tissue damage in their stomachs -- damage so severe and distinctive that the authors proposed a new disease called 'Plasticosis.' Naturally occurring materials like pumice did not cause similar scarring, highlighting the unique harmful properties of plastic and raising concerns about similar tissue damage in other species exposed to plastic pollution.
As biota are increasingly exposed to plastic pollution, there is a need to closely examine the sub-lethal 'hidden' impacts of plastic ingestion. This emerging field of study has been limited to model species in controlled laboratory settings, with little data available for wild, free-living organisms. Highly impacted by plastic ingestion, Flesh-footed Shearwaters (Ardenna carneipes) are thus an apt species to examine these impacts in an environmentally relevant manner. A Masson's Trichrome stain was used to document any evidence of plastic-induced fibrosis, using collagen as a marker for scar tissue formation in the proventriculus (stomach) of 30 Flesh-footed Shearwater fledglings from Lord Howe Island, Australia. Plastic presence was highly associated with widespread scar tissue formation and extensive changes to, and even loss of, tissue structure within the mucosa and submucosa. Additionally, despite naturally occurring indigestible items, such as pumice, also being found in the gastrointestinal tract, this did not cause similar scarring. This highlights the unique pathological properties of plastics and raises concerns for other species impacted by plastic ingestion. Further, the extent and severity of fibrosis documented in this study gives support for a novel, plastic-induced fibrotic disease, which we define as 'Plasticosis,'.
More Papers Like This
Unveiling the ecotoxicological impact of microplastics on organisms - the persistent organic pollutant (POP): A comprehensive review
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarizes existing research on how microplastics act as persistent organic pollutants that spread through food chains, water, soil, and air. The review highlights a newly identified disease called "Plasticosis," which causes permanent scarring and chronic inflammation in the digestive systems of seabirds exposed to microplastics. These findings raise concerns that similar inflammatory damage could occur in humans who regularly consume microplastics through food and water.
A novel blood biomarker for plastic ingestion in fledgling procellariiform seabirds.
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists developed a simple blood test that can detect plastic-related damage inside seabirds with 96% accuracy, by spotting patterns of cell damage and scarring linked to swallowing plastic. While this study focused on wild birds rather than people, it's an early step toward tools that could one day help researchers understand how plastic exposure harms living tissue over time — research that could eventually inform how we think about the health effects of microplastics in humans too.
Plastic ingestion and plastic-related chemicals in northern fulmars (Fulmarus glacialis): Exploration of histopathological and endocrine alterations
AI summary Read the abstract
Nearly all seabird chicks studied had swallowed plastic, and chemicals linked to plastic (like PFAS and flame retardants) were tied to disrupted thyroid hormones and scarring, even in birds with less plastic in their stomachs. This suggests these chemicals reach animals through multiple routes, not just direct plastic eating, a warning sign for how similar chemicals might affect human hormone health too.
Frequency of plastic occurrence varies across phylogeny but not ecology in seabirds.
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined plastic ingestion records from over 93,000 seabirds across 240 species. Plastic was found in 76% of species, with pelicans most affected and penguins least affected. A bird's family group, rather than its diet, feeding method, or body size, best predicted whether plastic was found.
Evaluating the Hepatotoxicity of Polyvinyl Chloride Microplastics in Ducks: Oxidative andFibrotic Outcomes
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers fed ducks low and high doses of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) microplastics for two months and found that the particles accumulated in the liver, causing fat buildup, scarring, and cell death — similar to fatty liver disease in humans — suggesting plastic pollution may harm bird liver health in ways previously only studied in mammals.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.