Microplastics have been found in human brains, placentas, testicular tissues, lungs and blood. Now, in a new study, scientists have identified microplastic particles in human ovarian follicular fluid for the first time, prompting concerns over how these pollutants could impact reproductive health. The study, published in the journal Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, found microplastics in […]
A newly launched guide, called the UP Scorecard, helps consumers and companies identify more sustainable packaging options. The scorecard tool ranks food packaging based on six main sustainability factors, including water use required for manufacturing, recoverability, chemicals used in manufacturing, plastic pollution, sourcing and climate impacts. “With the launch of the UP Scorecard, businesses and […]
Coca-Cola products will be responsible for up to 1.33 billion pounds of plastic waste making its way into the planet’s oceans and waterways each year by 2030 — enough to fill the stomachs of more than 18 million blue whales, according to a new report by nonprofit Oceana. Coca-Cola’s World With Waste projects that the […]
According to a new study currently undergoing peer review, chewing gum could be a source of ingested microplastics. Researchers found that chewing gum could release thousands of microplastic particles into saliva over time, increasing the chance of ingestion. “Our goal is not to alarm anybody,” Sanjay Mohanty, principal investigator of the study and an engineering […]
Microplastics are entering the human body through the ingesting of seafood, drinking water and even by inhaling particles in the air. These plastic particles have been detected in the human gut, blood, lungs and brain. Now, a team of researchers has found another potential pathway for microplastics to enter the bloodstream: medical bags used for […]
While previous research has revealed the presence of microplastics in human lungs, a new study confirms that microplastics are making their way into birds’ lungs as well. The study, published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials, is the first to confirm microplastic presence in birds’ lungs. The researchers focused on analyzing potential microplastics in birds, […]
The antioxidants that make fruits and vegetables so colorful have been found to potentially counteract some of the worst effects of microplastics on the reproductive system. The powerful antioxidants could even be used to develop future treatments, according to new research. “The accumulation of [microplastics/nanoplastics] contaminants across ecosystems raises significant concerns for human health due […]
In a new study, researchers have made a promising discovery: a compostable material that can serve as an alternative to plastic. The material is made from a combination of used coffee grounds and spores from Reishi mushrooms that are made into a paste, then 3D printed. The idea started when Danli Luo, corresponding author of […]
In a new study, health sciences researchers at the University of New Mexico (UNM) have found microplastics in human brain tissue in concentrations much higher than in other organs. In addition, the accumulation of the plastics appeared to grow over time, increasing 50 percent in the last eight years. The research team, led by Dr. […]
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