Papers

Can the impact of micro- and nanoplastics on human health really be assessed using in vitro models? A review of methodological issues

This review examines whether lab-based cell studies can reliably predict how micro and nanoplastics affect human health. The authors found significant inconsistencies in how researchers choose plastic particle types, doses, and exposure methods, making it hard to compare results across studies. The paper calls for standardized testing protocols so that lab findings can more accurately reflect real-world microplastic exposure risks to people.

Impact of medical face mask wear on bacterial filtration efficiency and breathability

Researchers investigated whether medical face masks could be safely worn beyond the manufacturer-recommended 4-hour limit, finding that extended wear under various simulated conditions affected bacterial filtration efficiency and breathability, with implications for reducing mask-related plastic waste.

From smoking to vaping: a new environmental threat?

A Streamlined Protocol for Comprehensive Anthropogenic Particles and Microplastic Characterization in Canal Sediments: From Concentrations to Environmental Drivers

Reusability of face masks: Influence of washing and comparison of performance between medical face masks and community face masks

Researchers tested the impact of 20 wash cycles at 60 degrees Celsius on the particle filtration efficiency and breathability of both medical face masks and reusable community face masks, measuring performance across particle sizes from 0.1 to 6.5 micrometers. They found that washing affected filtration efficiency differently between mask types, informing guidance on the safe reuse of masks and their relative environmental footprints.

Structure, Morphology, and Surface Chemistry of Surgical Masks and Their Evolution up to 10 Washing Cycles

Researchers studied the structural, morphological, and surface chemistry changes in surgical masks subjected to up to 10 washing cycles, using scanning electron microscopy, wetting angle measurements, infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Results showed that washing did not substantially change surface hydrophobicity, but documented fiber morphology changes that raise questions about filtration performance and microfiber release from reused masks.

Validity of Crystal Plasticity Models Near Grain Boundaries: Contribution of Elastic Strain Measurements at Micron Scale

Researchers used high-energy X-ray imaging and surface tracking to measure both total and elastic strain near a grain boundary in stainless steel during bending, finding that existing crystal plasticity models accurately predict deformation patterns overall but overestimate stress right at the boundary — highlighting a key area where models need refinement.

Microplasticite du molybdene monocristallin a temperature ambiante

Mesoscopic Strain Fields Measurement During the Allotropic α − γ Transformation in High Purity Iron

In situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction was used to measure mesoscopic strain fields during the alpha-to-gamma allotropic phase transformation in iron, capturing how the volume change between ferrite and austenite creates microplastic accommodation strains at the grain scale. The measurements provide direct experimental evidence for transformation-induced microstructural stresses in iron.