We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Papers
20 resultsShowing papers similar to Addressing the topic, Microplastics in Human Blood, in school – Connecting school students' and scientists' perspectives
ClearAddressing the topic, Microplastics in Human Blood, in school – Connecting school students' and scientists' perspectives
Researchers examined the disconnect between public concern and scientific evidence about microplastics in human blood, developing educational approaches to help school students engage critically with the topic. The study identified strategies for connecting classroom learning about blood microplastics to broader science literacy and evidence-based thinking skills.
Increasing knowledge and awareness of microplastic pollution in United States middle school students in a hybrid-classroom setting through science education
Researchers assessed microplastic pollution knowledge and awareness among middle school students in the United States, finding significant gaps in understanding of microplastic sources, pathways, and human health implications. The study highlights an educational opportunity and suggests targeted curriculum integration could improve scientific literacy around plastic pollution in younger generations.
Communicating scientific uncertainties: Effects of message and audience characteristics in the context of microplastic health risks
Researchers conducted an experiment with over 1,100 participants in Austria to study how communicating scientific uncertainty about microplastic health risks affects public perception. They found that emphasizing a lack of scientific consensus led to lower risk perception and indirectly reduced support for related policies. Framing uncertainty as remaining knowledge gaps rather than disagreement among scientists produced less negative effects on public engagement.
Increasing Awareness on the Health Effects of Microplastics in Middle and High School Classrooms
Educators developed a presentation and hands-on laboratory experiment on microplastic health effects for middle and high school students, finding that structured lessons significantly improved student understanding of how micro- and nanoplastics interact with the human body. The curriculum addresses a documented gap in public education about plastic pollution biology.
Science Literacy Profile of High School Students: Implications of PBL Didactic Design on the Topic of Microplastics
This education research paper is not primarily about microplastic risks; it studies Indonesian high school students' scientific literacy after a problem-based learning curriculum using microplastics as a teaching topic, assessing students' ability to explain phenomena, evaluate investigations, and interpret data within the PISA framework.
Scientific literacy through Problem-Based Learning focusing on the occurrence and consequences of microplastics in the environment
Researchers implemented a Problem-Based Learning approach to develop scientific literacy skills in students by focusing on the occurrence and environmental consequences of microplastics. The study, conducted in a Portuguese-language educational context, used microplastics as a real-world science topic to cultivate critical thinking and evidence-based decision-making competencies.
Uncertainty about the risks associated with microplastics among lay and topic-experienced respondents
Researchers surveyed 1,681 respondents globally and found significant uncertainty about microplastic health risks not only among the general public but also among scientists who study plastics, reflecting the genuine knowledge gaps in current research on microplastic hazards.
On the Creation of Risk: Framing of Microplastics Risks in Science and Media
This study analyzes how microplastic risks are framed in scientific literature and media coverage, finding that scientific uncertainty is often amplified into public alarm through media framing, and examining the social construction of environmental risk in the absence of definitive toxicological evidence.
Communicating confidence in the reliability of micro- and nanoplastic identification in human health studies
Researchers propose a framework for improving the reliability of micro- and nanoplastic identification in human health studies by integrating multiple analytical techniques. The study emphasizes the need for transparent reporting of methodological limitations and introduces confidence levels for particle identification, addressing the major challenge of contamination risk and the diverse properties of plastic particles in biological samples.
Telling stories about (micro)plastic pollution: Media images, public perceptions and social change
This paper examines how microplastic pollution has been framed in media reporting and how the public understands the issue, finding that culturally embedded ideas about risk and health shape people's responses. Understanding media framing and public perception is important for designing effective communication strategies around microplastic contamination.
Public awareness, knowledge gaps, and health anxiety concerning microplastics in human blood: a cross-sectional survey of Indian adults
A new study of 1,200 Indian adults found that while 75% knew about tiny plastic particles (microplastics) in human blood, only 28% understood how they actually get into our bodies and just 25% knew what health problems they might cause. People who got their information from social media had higher anxiety about microplastics and were more likely to believe incorrect information, like thinking these particles directly cause cancer. This shows we need better science communication to help people understand the real risks without unnecessary worry.
A survey on knowledge and awareness on the issue "microplastics": a pilot study on a sample of future public health professionals.
This pilot survey of future public health professionals revealed limited knowledge about microplastic pollution, highlighting the need for better education so that health workers can effectively communicate microplastic risks to the general population.
Communicating Confidence in the Reliability of Micro- and Nanoplastic Identification in Human Health Studies
This paper proposes a framework for improving confidence in how scientists identify and measure micro- and nanoplastics in human tissues and body fluids. The authors argue that studies need to use multiple complementary analysis methods and clearly report their limitations to produce reliable data. Better standardization in detection methods is critical for accurately assessing how much microplastic is actually inside people's bodies and what health risks it may pose.
Communicating the absence of evidence for microplastics risk: Balancing sensation and reflection
Researchers examined how scientists and health agencies should communicate when evidence for microplastic risk is limited or absent, arguing that "no evidence of harm" does not mean "evidence of no harm." The paper calls for more careful and nuanced science communication to avoid misleading policymakers about the actual state of uncertainty around microplastic health risks.
Bridging the gap between microplastic research and social awareness of microplastic pollution through science communication: A call for action
Researchers examined the gap between scientific knowledge of microplastic pollution and public awareness, calling for improved science communication strategies. The study found that despite an enormous body of research documenting microplastics in soil, water, air, and organisms, effective translation of these findings into public understanding and policy action remains inadequate.
School science activities with contributions from STEM practices: A study to address complex problems in elementary school classes, in the case of microplastics and their harmful effects
Researchers developed a theoretical and explanatory framework identifying which aspects of STEM education can strengthen the design of school science activities addressing complex problems such as microplastic pollution in elementary school settings. The study proposes a model for integrating STEM practices into classroom activities to build students' capacity to engage with real-world environmental challenges.
Health Literacy of Microplastics
This project examines public understanding and awareness of microplastic contamination as a health and environmental issue. The research focuses on health literacy related to microplastics, assessing how well people comprehend the sources, exposure pathways, and potential risks of these ubiquitous pollutants.
Fourteen-Year-Old Students’ Understanding of Problems Related to Microplastics in the Environment
Researchers assessed 14-year-old Slovenian students' understanding of microplastics in the environment, a topic absent from the national curriculum. The study found that students had limited knowledge, though performance correlated with grades in chemistry and biology, and exposure through informal or extracurricular science activities improved understanding.
The influence of media narratives on microplastics risk perception
Researchers examined how media narratives about microplastic pollution influence public risk perception. The study argues that accurate and balanced reporting is essential to prevent misinformation and ensure people clearly understand the risks associated with microplastics. The findings suggest that understanding public perceptions can help design better interventions to reduce plastic consumption and its associated health and environmental impacts.
An Examination of Knowledge, Thoughts, and Attitudes Toward Microplastics in the Context of Science Teacher Education
This study looked at what science teachers know and think about microplastics - tiny plastic particles that can get into our food, water, and bodies. The research found gaps in teachers' understanding of microplastics, which matters because teachers play a key role in educating the next generation about these health and environmental concerns. Better teacher education about microplastics could help students make more informed choices about plastic use and understand potential health risks.