Microplastics News and Research

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Microplastics in the liver may drive global liver disease rates

There is considerable evidence that microplastics and nanoplastics are present in the livers of humans, and wild animal populations on land and in the ocean.

23 Apr 2026

Microplastics lab studies may fail to reflect real-world exposure

Microplastics pose health risks, but lab studies often fail to reflect real-world exposure, highlighting critical gaps in toxicological research methodologies.

14 Apr 2026

Microplastics found in human bile may be associated with gallstones

Findings show microplastics in bile may trigger cellular senescence, suggesting a link to gallstone disease and highlighting the need for further research.

9 Apr 2026

Study reveals bile as reservoir for microplastics in humans

Plastic pollution has become one of the defining environmental issues of modern life, and microplastics are now known to enter the body through food, drink, and air.

6 Apr 2026

Reusable antimicrobial masks shed toxic metals during washing

Study shows reusable masks may leach harmful metals into aquatic environments, emphasizing the environmental risks of metal nanoparticles in manufacturing.

1 Apr 2026

Lab gloves may inflate microplastics measurements in research studies

Nitrile and latex gloves that scientists wear while they are measuring microplastics may lead to a potential overestimation of the tiny pollutants, according to a University of Michigan study.

28 Mar 2026

Study connects ultra-processed diets to fertility and embryo development

Eating large amounts of ultra-processed food (UPF) is linked not only to reduced fertility in men, but also to slower growth in early embryos, and smaller yolk sacs, which are essential for early embryonic development, according to new research.

24 Mar 2026

Microbial teamwork enables efficient breakdown of phthalate plastic pollutants

Plastic trash has reached the world's most remote locations, from the bottom of the Mariana Trench to the summit of Everest.

18 Mar 2026

Biodegradable sanitary pads made from water hyacinth pass safety and absorbency tests in new study

Researchers developed a biodegradable sanitary pad using water hyacinth fibers and cotton, transforming an invasive aquatic weed into a sustainable absorbent material. Laboratory tests showed strong fluid absorption, safe pH levels, low microbial contamination, and rapid biodegradation.

17 Mar 2026

Researchers propose that Parkinson’s disease may start in the gut, not the brain

A perspective in The Journal of Clinical Investigation argues that environmental exposures may interact with the gut microbiome and intestinal barrier to trigger biological processes linked to Parkinson’s disease. The authors propose that cumulative environmental stressors can erode host resilience, promoting α-synuclein pathology, immune activation, and neurodegeneration.

5 Mar 2026

Study finds widespread microplastics in children and suggests diet may shape exposure

Researchers detected 19 types of microplastics in the urine of 10-year-old children, with particles present in over 91% of samples and a median concentration of 250 particles per milliliter. Greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with shifts in specific microplastic polymers, suggesting dietary patterns may influence exposure pathways.

3 Mar 2026

Polystyrene nanoplastics influence Salmonella survival and antibiotic resistance

Plastic products are ubiquitous in our food supply chain, shedding microplastics into every part of the human ecosystem.

27 Feb 2026

Exploring the nanoscale: How AFM is transforming cosmetic science

Discover how Bruker is helping drive innovation in cosmetic science through advanced AFM techniques.

From Bruker BioAFM 26 Feb 2026

Study finds microplastics in most prostate tumors

Small fragments of plastic were found in nine out of 10 patients with prostate cancer, and in higher levels inside tumors than in nearby noncancerous tissue, a new study finds.

23 Feb 2026

Modern farming waste carries emerging contaminants that threaten ecosystems and health

A new scientific review highlights a growing environmental challenge linked to modern food production. Researchers report that waste from livestock and aquaculture operations now contains a complex mix of emerging contaminants that can spread through ecosystems and ultimately affect human health.

18 Feb 2026

Scientists uncover nanoplastics in brain tissue and question their role in neurological disease

Emerging evidence suggests nanoplastics accumulate in human tissues including the brain and may contribute to neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative disease pathways. However, causality, exposure routes, and long-term health effects remain uncertain and require coordinated research.

17 Feb 2026

Role of food nutrients in reducing oxidative stress linked to micro- and nanoplastics

This narrative review examines how micro- and nanoplastics may contribute to oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction, including potential links with diabetes. It highlights plant-derived nutrients that activate the Nrf2 pathway as a possible strategy to enhance cellular stress resilience, although most evidence remains preclinical.

15 Feb 2026

Particle and chemical emissions raise safety concerns in 3D printing

When the manufacture of plastic products moves into ordinary homes, new health problems arise, including emissions of particles and chemicals.

30 Jan 2026

Tiny plastic particles may interfere with brain processes implicated in Parkinson’s disease

Micro- and nanoplastics are increasingly detected in human tissues, including the brain, and experimental evidence suggests they can interact with biological pathways central to Parkinson’s disease pathology. This review synthesises mechanistic data indicating that plastic particles may influence protein aggregation, neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and the gut–brain axis, while emphasising the need for prospective human studies.

26 Jan 2026

Air bubbles on plastics release microplastics into water

Microbubble-induced erosion on plastics releases microplastics into aquatic systems, emphasizing the need to understand this low-energy pollution mechanism.

21 Jan 2026