For the first time, researchers tracked microplastics moving through brain blood vessels in mice, revealing blockages that mimic blood clots and may disrupt brain function.
Andrew Paul reports for Popular Science.
In short:
- Scientists used real-time imaging to observe microplastics accumulating in the brain blood vessels of mice.
- These microplastic-induced blockages, resembling clots, reduced blood flow and sometimes persisted for weeks.
- While mice and humans differ biologically, findings suggest potential risks to cardiovascular and brain health in humans.
Key quote:
Some microplastic obstructions are "likely to have detrimental consequences for cardiovascular health and may result in more severe adverse effects, especially in patients with underlying conditions similar to myocardial infarction.”
— Researchers at Peking University
Why this matters:
Microplastics have already been found in the bloodstream, lungs and digestive systems of humans, suggesting that no part of the body is immune to exposure. Their potential to disrupt cellular processes and inflammatory responses is concerning, though much remains to be understood about their long-term consequences. As the global community grapples with mounting plastic pollution, this research serves as a reminder of the complex and often invisible ways environmental contaminants can influence human well-being.
Related EHN coverage: Massive new database on how plastic chemicals harm our health
