Papers

5 results
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Article Tier 2

Revealing the neurodevelopmental toxicity of face mask-derived microplastics to humans based on neural organoids

Using lab-grown human retinal tissue, researchers showed that microplastics released from face masks can interfere with early brain and eye development. The microplastics were absorbed into the neural tissue and disrupted cell growth, survival, and the formation of nerve connections in a dose-dependent manner. When combined with flame retardant chemicals commonly found in masks, the damage was even worse, raising concerns about the neurodevelopmental risks of face mask-derived microplastics.

2025 Journal of Hazardous Materials 7 citations
Article Tier 2

Efficacy of DHA-enriched phosphatidylserine and its underlying mechanism in alleviating polystyrene nanoplastics-induced hepatotoxicity in mice

This study found that a nutrient derived from marine sources, DHA-enriched phosphatidylserine, could protect mouse livers from damage caused by polystyrene nanoplastics. The nanoplastics disrupted gut bacteria and caused liver inflammation, but the DHA compound helped restore gut health and reduce liver injury. This research suggests that certain dietary supplements might help counteract some of the harmful effects of nanoplastic exposure on the digestive system.

2024 International Immunopharmacology 15 citations
Article Tier 2

The potential risk of microplastics accumulation in farmland soils and vegetables from the development of rural tourism

Researchers compared microplastic levels in farmland soils and vegetables in tourism-developed versus traditional rural areas near Erhai Lake in China. Tourism-developed areas had roughly four times more microplastics in their soils and significantly higher contamination in locally grown vegetables. The study estimates that adults in tourism-developed areas ingest about 14,100 more microplastic particles per year through vegetables alone, highlighting how tourism-driven plastic waste can contaminate the local food supply.

2025 Journal of Environmental Management 3 citations
Article Tier 2

Microplastics Exposure Aggravates Synovitis and Pyroptosis in SLE by Activating NF-κB and NRF2/KEAP1 Signaling

Researchers found that microplastic exposure worsened joint inflammation in mice with lupus, a chronic autoimmune condition. The microplastics activated inflammatory signaling pathways that increased oxidative stress and triggered a type of cell death called pyroptosis in the joint lining tissue. The study suggests that microplastic exposure may aggravate autoimmune-related joint problems through inflammatory and oxidative damage mechanisms.

2024 Toxics 9 citations
Article Tier 2

Transcriptomics and metabolomics reveal functional nanoplastics-induced male reproductive damage and resveratrol antagonistic effects

Scientists found that tiny plastic particles called nanoplastics can seriously damage male fertility in mice by harming sperm production and causing inflammation in the testicles. The good news is that resveratrol, a natural compound found in red grapes and wine, was able to protect against much of this damage. This research matters because nanoplastics are everywhere in our environment and food supply, and this study suggests they could be affecting human male fertility too.

2026 Journal of Nanobiotechnology