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Papers
200 resultsShowing papers from Sichuan University
ClearPolystyrene Nanoplastics Activate Autophagy and Suppress Trophoblast Cell Migration/Invasion and Migrasome Formation to Induce Miscarriage
In mouse and cell studies, polystyrene nanoplastics at doses near real-world human exposure levels caused miscarriage by blocking the movement of placental cells needed for a healthy pregnancy. The nanoplastics triggered a cellular recycling process called autophagy that broke down key proteins required for placental cell migration and invasion.
Assessing microplastic and nanoplastic contamination in bird lungs: evidence of ecological risks and bioindicator potential
Researchers examined the lungs of 51 bird species and found microplastics in all of them, averaging over 400 particles per gram of lung tissue, with nanoplastics also detected in five species tested. Birds may serve as early warning indicators of airborne plastic pollution, and the widespread contamination of their lungs suggests that humans breathing the same air face similar exposure risks.
Strategies for Electrochemical Recycling of Plastic Polyethylene Terephthalate‐Derived Ethylene Glycol Into High‐Value Chemicals
This paper reviews new methods for recycling PET plastic waste, the most common plastic in bottles and packaging, using electricity from renewable sources. By converting PET-derived chemicals into high-value products through electrocatalysis, this approach could help reduce both plastic pollution and microplastic contamination in the environment.
Identification of microplastics in human tear fluid and meibum: Implications for dry eye disease pathogenesis
For the first time, researchers confirmed the presence of microplastics in human tear fluid and the oily secretions of the eyelid glands (meibum), with polyethylene being the most common type found. Higher polyethylene levels correlated with worse dry eye disease symptoms. In lab and mouse experiments, polyethylene exposure damaged eye surface cells and triggered inflammation, suggesting airborne microplastics may contribute to dry eye disease.
Clinical and diagnostic values of metagenomic next-generation sequencing for infection in hematology patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis showing that metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) — a technology that identifies pathogens by reading their DNA — achieves high detection rates for infections in blood cancer patients. The findings suggest mNGS can guide antibiotic decisions and improve patient outcomes, particularly in China where the evidence base is strongest.
Exposure to high dose of polystyrene nanoplastics causes trophoblast cell apoptosis and induces miscarriage
Exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics triggered a cell death pathway in the placental cells (trophoblasts) that are essential for maintaining pregnancy, leading to miscarriage in mice. This finding raises concerns that nanoplastic exposure during pregnancy could harm fetal development by damaging the critical cells that connect mother and baby.
Novel Pyrolysis-Assisted Cataluminescence System for Fingerprint Discrimination of Various Microplastics
Scientists developed a fast new sensor system that can identify and distinguish between seven different types of microplastics in just seconds by heating them and analyzing the light they produce. Better detection tools like this are important because accurately identifying microplastics in the environment and in human tissues is a key step toward understanding and reducing our exposure.
Exploring Strategies to Prevent and Treat Ovarian Cancer in Terms of Oxidative Stress and Antioxidants
This review explores the relationship between oxidative stress and ovarian cancer, examining how imbalances in harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species may contribute to cancer development. While not directly about microplastics, it is relevant because microplastics are known to trigger oxidative stress in the body, which could potentially play a role in cancer-related pathways.
Non-negligible impact of microplastics on wetland ecosystems
This review examines microplastic pollution in wetland ecosystems, which sit between land and water and act as natural filters. Microplastics in wetlands come from sewage, agricultural runoff, and atmospheric deposition, with polyethylene and polypropylene fibers and fragments being the most common types found. The paper highlights that microplastics can harm wetland plants, animals, and microbes, and may even increase greenhouse gas emissions by serving as an unusual carbon source for soil microorganisms.
Nanoplastic Exposure Mediates Neurodevelopmental Toxicity by Activating the Oxidative Stress Response in Zebrafish (<i>Danio rerio</i>)
Exposure to 20-nanometer plastic particles caused developmental problems in zebrafish embryos, including shorter body length, heart defects, and lower survival rates. The nanoplastics specifically damaged the development of motor neurons and triggered oxidative stress, a harmful chemical imbalance in cells. These results suggest that very small plastic particles could interfere with early brain and nerve development.
Atmospheric deposition of microplastics at a western China metropolis: Relationship with underlying surface types and human exposure
Researchers measured microplastic fallout from the atmosphere in Chengdu, China, and found that the type of ground surface below -- urban, green space, or mixed -- influenced how much airborne microplastic accumulated. Using a probability model, they estimated that people are exposed to significant amounts of airborne microplastics during outdoor activities, adding to the growing evidence that we inhale these particles daily.
Flowthrough Capture of Microplastics through Polyphenol‐Mediated Interfacial Interactions on Wood Sawdust
Researchers created a plant-based water filter using wood sawdust coated with polyphenols (natural plant compounds) that captures over 99.9% of nano- and microplastics from water in a single pass. The filter works on many types and sizes of plastics and can be cleaned and reused multiple times. This bio-based approach could offer a practical, low-cost solution for removing plastic contamination from drinking water.
Probabilistic Estimation of Airborne Micro- and Nanoplastic Intake in Humans
Using probability-based modeling, researchers estimated that humans inhale over 1,200 micro- and nanoplastic particles per day, with indoor environments being the primary source of exposure. Children face higher exposure relative to their body weight, and the annual intake of airborne microplastics is estimated at around 13 milligrams per person, highlighting inhalation as a major and previously underappreciated route of human microplastic exposure.
A critical review on the migration, transformation, sampling, analysis and environmental effects of microplastics in the environment
This review provides a comprehensive overview of where microplastics come from, how they move through different environments, and the methods used to detect and measure them. It highlights that microplastics can carry harmful chemicals and pathogens, and emphasizes the need for standardized detection methods so researchers can better assess the true risks to ecosystems and human health.
Microplastic-induced changes in Cd and Cr behavior in the agricultural soil-wheat system: Insights into metal bioavailability and phytotoxicity
When common microplastics were added to agricultural soil growing wheat, they lowered soil pH and made toxic heavy metals like cadmium and chromium more available for plant uptake. The wheat plants showed signs of stress and accumulated more of these metals in their tissues, which is concerning because contaminated crops could pass these toxins along to people who eat them.
Baseline biomonitoring of microplastic pollution in freshwater fish from the Chishui River, China: Insights into accumulation patterns and influencing factors
This first-ever biomonitoring study of the Chishui River in China found microplastics in all 31 fish species examined, with an average of about 240 particles per gram in both gills and intestines. Bottom-dwelling fish accumulated significantly more microplastics than those swimming near the surface, and the fish contained twice as many plastic polymer types as were found in the surrounding water and sediment. The widespread contamination of freshwater fish with microplastics raises concerns about human exposure through fish consumption.
Heterogeneous impacts of and vulnerabilities to the COVID-19 pandemic
This study reviewed the uneven impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic across different populations, finding that socioeconomic status, housing, and race influenced how severely people were affected. While not focused on microplastics, the research highlights how environmental health inequalities, including pollution exposure, compound health risks for vulnerable communities. The findings are relevant because disadvantaged groups often face higher exposure to environmental contaminants including microplastics.
Network toxicology and bioinformatics analysis reveal the molecular mechanisms of polyethylene terephthalate microplastics in exacerbating diabetic nephropathy
This computational study used bioinformatics to explore how polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics might worsen diabetic kidney disease. The analysis identified key genes and inflammatory pathways that are affected by both PET microplastics and kidney damage in diabetes. The findings suggest that microplastic exposure could accelerate kidney problems in people who already have diabetes, though lab and clinical studies are needed to confirm this.
Widespread microplastic and nanoplastic contamination in the intestines of birds: A case study from Chengdu, China
Researchers found microplastics and nanoplastics in the intestines of 49 bird species in Chengdu, China, with PVC and chlorinated polyethylene being the most common types. Nanoplastics, which are harder to detect and potentially more harmful, were confirmed in five species using advanced analytical methods. The widespread contamination across many bird species suggests that microplastic pollution has thoroughly penetrated terrestrial food webs, not just marine environments.
Polystyrene Nanoplastic Exposure Induces Developmental Toxicity by Activating the Oxidative Stress Response and Base Excision Repair Pathway in Zebrafish (<i>Danio rerio</i>)
Researchers exposed zebrafish embryos to polystyrene nanoplastics at various concentrations and found significant developmental abnormalities including reduced hatching rates and increased malformations. The nanoplastics activated oxidative stress responses and DNA repair pathways, indicating cellular damage during critical early development stages. The study provides mechanistic evidence for how nanoplastic exposure can disrupt normal embryonic development in aquatic organisms.
Removal of polystyrene and polyethylene microplastics using PAC and FeCl3 coagulation: Performance and mechanism
Researchers studied how two common water treatment coagulants, PAC and iron chloride, remove polystyrene and polyethylene microplastics from water. They found that PAC was more effective than iron chloride, and that alkaline conditions improved removal rates. The study provides practical insights for drinking water treatment plants looking to reduce microplastic contamination in their supply.
Potential ecological risk of microplastics contamination to environment in protect area lakes
Researchers studied microplastic contamination in protected area lakes on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and found that even these remote, supposedly pristine environments contain microplastics. The study compared protected lakes with those outside protected areas and found contamination levels varied by region and economic development. This shows that microplastic pollution reaches even the most isolated freshwater sources, which could affect drinking water quality for surrounding communities.
Plastic pollution amplified by a warming climate
Researchers examined the connection between climate change and plastic pollution, finding that rising temperatures accelerate plastic degradation and microplastic generation, meaning that as the planet warms, the microplastic problem is likely to get worse faster.
The Effects of Sensory Cues on Immersive Experiences for Fostering Technology-Assisted Sustainable Behavior: A Systematic Review
This systematic review found that multisensory cues in virtual reality and gaming environments significantly enhance immersive experiences and increase adoption of sustainable behaviors. Visual and auditory feedback were the most commonly studied modalities, while haptic and olfactory cues remain underexplored but show high potential.