在2025年欧洲胃肠病学周（UEG Week 2025）活动上发布的一项最新研究表明，微塑料（环境中常 见的小于5毫米的塑料颗粒）会改变人类肠道微生物群，其中一些变化类似于与抑郁症和结直肠癌相关 的模式。这项研究是首批直接检查不同类型微塑料如何与人体肠道微生物群相互作用的研究之一。 这些细菌组成的变化伴随着细菌产生的化学物质的变化，其中一些与观察到的酸度增加相对应。某 些微塑料类型改变了戊酸和5-氨基戊酸的水平，而另一些则影响赖氨酸或乳酸，突出了微塑料—微生物 群相互作用的复杂性。 重要的是，在这些微塑料诱导的微生物组成变化中，有些反映了先前与抑郁症和结直肠癌等疾病相 关的模式，凸显了微塑料暴露对疾病风险的潜在影响。 虽然总细菌细胞数和活细菌细胞数基本保持不变，但与对照组相比，经微塑料处理的培养物的酸度 持续显著增加，表明微生物代谢活动发生了改变。 进一步分析显示，细菌组成发生了微塑料特异性的变化，某些细菌群体的数量增加或减少，具体取 决于微塑料的类型。在几个细菌科中观察到的变化，大多发生在芽孢杆菌门内。芽孢杆菌门是肠道细菌 的一个关键群体，对消化和整体肠道健康至关重要。 该研究使用5名健康志愿者的粪便样本进 ...

如果一群科学家说，他们发现了真正的零卡食物，和市面上那些标着0蔗糖0添加的热量刺客都不一样，你会想试一试吗？这次是真的0卡！！除了能增加 饱腹感外，完全不会转化为你身体的热量…… 最近，这篇让人大跌眼镜的论文又重回人们视野，原因是它获得了搞笑诺贝尔奖的化学奖。 不知道你是不是和我有一样的疑问：什么？真的可以吃吗？不会中毒吗？怎么就和减肥扯上了关系？ 零卡的食物我们并不陌生，比如现在常用在饮料里的零卡糖，它有甜味，但是不会被人体代谢或分解，听起来是一种"完美"的调味剂。因此，按照同样的 思路，科学家想：如果一种食材能让人觉得吃饱了，但其实又不会被吸收，也就是"吃了等于没吃"，不就达到了减肥的目的？ 而思来想去，一种高分子材料聚四氟乙烯 (PTFE)进入了科学家的视野。我们生活中常见聚四氟乙烯，它也被叫做特氟龙，常用于不粘锅涂层和水管内 壁。 特氟龙还有个名字叫"塑料王"，因为它有着诸多优点。它有着十分稳定的性质，耐腐蚀，耐高低温，耐酸耐碱耐老化，别的材料不容易粘附其上，摩擦力 还很小。被广泛认为是已知惰性最强的材料。 日常看到的食物，往往是"低卡"不是0卡｜图源网络 是不是心动了？这是什么神仙食物啊！ 不过等你 ...

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the increasing frequency of extreme weather events and the impact of global warming, highlighting the need for awareness and understanding of these changes [5]. Group 1: Global Warming and Extreme Weather - The article mentions that this summer has been particularly remarkable, with extreme weather-related topics being frequently submitted for discussion [5]. - A special feature on global warming is planned, divided into three parts, with the first part focusing on the reasons behind the increased frequency of extreme weather [5]. Group 2: Youth Engagement and Curiosity - The article encourages young readers to engage with various topics, such as the significance of modern zoos, the planning of hiking routes, and the concept of flagship stores [6][7]. - It highlights the curiosity of youth regarding societal issues, such as declining birth rates and the implications of AI on future job markets [9][10][8]. Group 3: Podcast Promotion - The article promotes the podcast "Knock Knock World," which is a collaboration between "Sound Alive" and "One Tenth," aimed at unlocking global perspectives for youth [11]. - The podcast is scheduled to update every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 6:00 AM, with the first season running from March 25, 2025, to March 24, 2026, priced at 365 yuan [11][14].

Core Viewpoint - The widespread presence of microplastics, particularly Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), poses significant risks to male reproductive health, as evidenced by a decline in sperm quality linked to PTFE exposure [2][3][5][7]. Group 1: Microplastics and Human Health - Microplastics, defined as plastic particles smaller than 5mm, are pervasive environmental pollutants that humans inevitably ingest through food, air, and skin contact, with an estimated weekly intake of 0.1-5 grams [2]. - Studies have detected microplastics in various human tissues, including feces, lungs, blood, placenta, and breast milk, indicating widespread contamination [2]. Group 2: Research Findings on PTFE - A study published in eBioMedicine found that microplastics, particularly PTFE, are commonly present in male semen and urine samples across different regions in China, correlating with significant declines in sperm quality [2][3]. - The detection rate of PTFE microplastics in the male urogenital system is as high as 46.62%, with accumulation effects observed as age increases, further linking it to decreased sperm quality [5]. Group 3: Mechanisms of Impact - PTFE exposure has been shown to delay the development of spermatogonia and spermatocytes, disrupt chromosome pairing, and promote apoptosis in spermatocytes, leading to impaired sperm function [5][7]. - The specific targeting of the SKAP2 protein by PTFE exposure results in damaged sperm cytoskeleton, abnormal sperm morphology, and reduced sperm motility [5][7]. Group 4: Therapeutic Approaches - The research team developed a targeted therapeutic approach using milk extracellular vesicles rich in SKAP2 (mEV-SKAP2), which can restore sperm cytoskeleton and morphology, thereby improving sperm motility and male fertility [3][5][7]. - This study highlights the potential of SKAP2-based extracellular vesicle therapy as a promising strategy for addressing sperm quality decline due to PTFE exposure, with significant implications for clinical treatment of male infertility [7].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the increasing global plastic consumption and its environmental impact, particularly focusing on microplastics and nanoplastics, which pose potential biological risks to human health [2][3][6]. Group 1: Plastic Consumption and Environmental Impact - In 2022, global plastic production was approximately 390 million tons, with only about 9% being recycled, leading to significant accumulation of microplastics and nanoplastics (MNP) [3]. - An individual may be exposed to between 74,000 and 121,000 MNP particles annually, with these particles detected in various human tissues, including kidneys, liver, lungs, and spleen [3]. Group 2: Research Findings on Reproductive Health - A study published by researchers from Zhejiang University found polyethylene (PE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) nanoplastics in human follicular fluid and seminal plasma, which are associated with decreased fertilization success rates and reduced sperm quality [4][5]. - The study utilized liquid phase extraction combined with pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) to analyze samples from 51 couples undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) [7]. - Average concentrations of PE and PVC in follicular fluid were 1.21 µg/g and 1.85 µg/g, respectively, while in seminal plasma, they were 3.02 µg/g and 2.67 µg/g [8]. - Higher concentrations of PE and PVC in follicular fluid were linked to significantly lower fertilization success rates, while PVC concentration in seminal plasma was associated with reduced sperm motility [10].

Core Viewpoint - Recent viral videos on short video platforms raise concerns about the safety of plastic food containers used for hot meals, suggesting they may release harmful substances like phthalates and fluorides, leading to public skepticism about takeaway food safety [1][2] Group 1: Regulatory Framework and Material Safety - China has strict regulations governing the use of plastic food containers through the Food Safety Law and related national standards, which cover sensory properties, overall cleanliness, and migration limits of harmful substances [1] - The primary materials for plastic food containers are polypropylene and polyethylene, which possess suitable mechanical properties and do not require the addition of phthalates for flexibility [1][2] Group 2: Microplastics and Their Impact - Microplastics have existed since the advent of plastic, but advancements in technology have made them detectable; they primarily result from the aging and prolonged use of plastic products [2] - Single-use plastic containers, like takeaway boxes, have a short usage time and high replacement frequency, minimizing consumer exposure to microplastics [2] Group 3: Consumer Recommendations - Consumers are advised to choose reputable takeaway vendors and ensure that the plastic containers used are produced by certified companies, which undergo regular inspections for harmful substances [3] - It is recommended that consumers consume takeaway food promptly to preserve its quality and reduce potential risks from packaging [3] - Repeated use of single-use plastic containers is discouraged, as it can accelerate plastic aging and increase food safety risks [3] Group 4: Usage Instructions - Consumers should follow the usage instructions on plastic food containers, particularly regarding microwave heating, as most containers are not designed for this purpose unless explicitly marked [4]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses a shocking discovery that microplastics and nanoplastics have been found in human brain tissue, raising concerns about their potential impact on health, particularly in relation to neurodegenerative diseases [5][7][9]. Group 1: Research Findings - A study published in Nature Medicine revealed that all tested human brain samples contained microplastics and nanoplastics, with the highest concentration reaching 7 grams, equivalent to the weight of a plastic spoon [5][6]. - The concentration of microplastics in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia was found to be 3 to 5 times higher than in healthy individuals, suggesting a possible link between plastic exposure and cognitive decline [7]. - Between 2016 and 2024, the concentration of microplastics in brain tissue increased by 50%, paralleling the trend of plastic production doubling every 10 to 15 years [9]. Group 2: Sources of Microplastics - Microplastics enter the human body primarily through food and drink, as they have infiltrated the marine food chain, affecting seafood and salt consumption [10][11]. - Airborne microplastics, including synthetic fibers and particles from tire wear, also contribute to human exposure, with urban residents potentially inhaling up to 74,000 microplastic particles annually [13]. Group 3: Implications and Recommendations - The pervasive presence of microplastics in daily life necessitates a reduction in unnecessary plastic exposure, such as minimizing the use of single-use takeaway containers and opting for glass or stainless steel products [14]. - The article emphasizes that the concern has shifted from plastic pollution in oceans to its infiltration into human bodies, highlighting the urgent need for awareness and action [15].

Core Viewpoint - A recent study published in Nature Medicine reveals the presence of microplastics and nanoplastics in human brain tissue, raising concerns about their potential impact on neurological health [2][4]. Group 1: Research Findings - All tested human brain samples contained microplastics, with the highest concentration reaching 7 grams, equivalent to the weight of a plastic spoon [3]. - Individuals with Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia exhibited 3 to 5 times higher concentrations of microplastics in their brains compared to healthy individuals [4][6]. - Over the past eight years, the concentration of microplastics in the brain has increased by 50%, paralleling the trend of plastic production doubling every 10 to 15 years [7]. Group 2: Sources of Microplastics - Microplastics enter the human body primarily through food and drink, with seafood, salt, and bottled water being significant sources [9][12]. - Airborne microplastics, including synthetic fibers and particles from tire wear, contribute to inhalation exposure, with urban residents potentially inhaling up to 74,000 microplastic particles annually [13][14]. Group 3: Implications and Recommendations - The pervasive presence of microplastics necessitates a reduction in unnecessary plastic exposure, such as minimizing takeout food and opting for glass or stainless steel containers [17]. - The shift in focus from ocean plastic pollution to human health underscores the urgent need for awareness and action regarding plastic consumption [18].

Core Viewpoint - A recent study published in Nature Medicine reveals the presence of microplastics and nanoplastics in human brain tissue, raising concerns about their potential impact on neurological health [2][4]. Group 1: Research Findings - All tested human brain samples contained microplastics, with the highest concentration reaching 7 grams, equivalent to the weight of a plastic spoon [3]. - Individuals with Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia exhibited 3 to 5 times higher concentrations of microplastics in their brains compared to healthy individuals [4][6]. - Over the past eight years, the concentration of microplastics in the brain has increased by 50%, paralleling the trend of plastic production doubling every 10 to 15 years [7]. Group 2: Sources of Microplastics - Microplastics enter the human body primarily through food and drink, with seafood, salt, and bottled water being significant sources [9][12]. - Airborne microplastics, including synthetic fibers and tire wear particles, also contribute to human exposure, with urban residents potentially inhaling up to 74,000 microplastic particles annually [13][14]. Group 3: Implications and Recommendations - The pervasive presence of microplastics suggests that complete avoidance is impossible, but reducing unnecessary plastic exposure is advisable, such as minimizing takeout and opting for glass or stainless steel containers [17]. - The shift in concern from ocean plastic pollution to human health implications underscores the urgency of addressing plastic contamination [18].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the health risks associated with frequent consumption of takeout food, emphasizing the negative impact of unhealthy ingredients and plastic packaging on cardiovascular health [1][2][3]. Group 1: Health Risks of Takeout Food - A case study of a 34-year-old man who consumed takeout 2.5 times daily revealed severe health issues, including high blood pressure and elevated "bad cholesterol" levels, leading to a need for lifelong medication [2]. - Research indicates that frequent exposure to plastic products, such as takeout containers, is linked to a 13% increased risk of congestive heart failure, and animal studies show that these containers can alter gut microbiota, causing inflammation and oxidative stress [2][4]. - Long-term exposure to chemicals from plastic packaging can lead to chronic inflammation in blood vessels, increasing the incidence of carotid plaques by 1.8 times compared to the normal population [5]. Group 2: Nutritional Concerns - Takeout meals often contain excessive amounts of fats, with an average of 45 grams of oil per serving, exceeding daily recommended limits by 50%, which can promote the accumulation of "bad cholesterol" [6]. - High sodium content in takeout food, such as 8.6 grams of salt in a bowl of spicy sour noodles, can lead to increased blood pressure and a 30% higher risk of stroke for every 10 mmHg increase [6]. - The lack of vegetables in takeout orders, with leafy greens making up less than 12% of total orders, results in a significant deficiency of heart-protective nutrients like magnesium and potassium [7]. Group 3: Mitigation Strategies - The article proposes a "three-tier defense system" to minimize health risks when consuming takeout food, including choosing lower oil and salt options, rinsing oily dishes, and preparing meals at home on weekends [9]. - It is recommended to select takeout items labeled as "low oil" or "light salt," and to request separate packaging for sauces to reduce hidden sodium intake [9]. - For high-risk individuals, using wearable devices to monitor heart rate fluctuations after meals is advised [9].