We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Oligomer production and effects on gut microbiota of PLA and PBAT biodegradable microplastics in in vitro digestion model
No summary available — this paper's abstract is not included in the open metadata provided by the publisher. Learn why →
More Papers Like This
Oligomer nanoparticle release from a biodegradable plastic triggers acute gut inflammation
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers studying biodegradable polylactic acid microplastics found that gut lipases hydrolyze them into oligomers that self-assemble into nanoplastic particles, which then bioaccumulate in multiple mouse organs and trigger acute intestinal inflammation, raising concerns about the safety of biodegradable plastics.
Microbial Biodegradation of Plastics and Microplastics: Recent Development
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed recent advances in microbial biodegradation of plastics and microplastics, identifying key bacterial and fungal species capable of breaking down synthetic polymers and highlighting the biological mechanisms that could underpin scalable plastic waste remediation strategies.
Microplastics: fate in the human digestive environment in vitro and study of the epithelium / microbiota / mucus dialogue
AI summary Read the abstract
Using lab-grown models of the human gut, scientists found that everyday microplastics from food and water can shift gut bacteria toward more harmful types in both adults and toddlers, and specifically reduce production of butyrate, a beneficial compound that keeps the gut lining healthy, in infants. While the microplastics didn't directly damage the intestinal barrier in this study, the disruption to beneficial gut bacteria matters because a healthy microbiome is crucial for digestion, immunity, and overall health, especially in young children whose gut systems are still developing.
Gut microbiome alterations associated with microplastics: Underestimated risk from tiny particle
AI summary Read the abstract
This review pulls together existing research showing that tiny plastic particles, found in our food, water, and even air, can disrupt the balance of bacteria living in our gut, and this disruption has been linked to problems ranging from digestive diseases to effects on the brain, liver, and reproductive system in animal studies. The catch: scientists still struggle to accurately detect and measure these particles in the body, meaning our real-world exposure and its health effects are likely underestimated. Bottom line, microplastics may be quietly messing with your gut health in ways we're only beginning to understand and measure.
Micro- and Nanoplastics in Environment: Degradation, Detection, and Ecological Impact
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers review how micro- and nanoplastics degrade, spread, and accumulate across ecosystems, synthesizing evidence of ecological harm at multiple levels of the food chain and warning that their near-invisible size makes them especially difficult to monitor and regulate.
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.