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].

撰文丨王聪 编辑丨王多鱼 排版丨水成文 微塑料 （Microplastics，MP） 是指尺寸小于 5 毫米的塑料纤维、颗粒或薄膜，目前已成为遍布全球生态系统的新型环境污染物。人类不可避免地通过饮食、吸 入或皮肤接触摄入微塑料，据估计，我们平均每周会摄入 0.1-5 克的微塑料，这可能对人类健康产生毒性问题。 事实上，许多研究已经在人类粪便、肺、血液、胎盘等组织以及母乳中检测到微塑料的存在，这表明了人类的身体受到了广泛的微塑料污染。与此相对应的是， 最近几十年来，男性精子数量一直在下降，其中 40% 的低精子数量原因仍无法解释。 2024 年 10 月， 黄荷凤 院士团队等在《柳叶刀》子刊 eBioMedicine 上发表研究论文 【1】 ，发现中国不同地区男性的精液和尿液样本中普遍存在微塑料，其 中，常用的不粘锅涂层 聚四氟乙烯 （PTFE） 的暴露以及微塑料暴露类型的数量，与精子质量的显著下降密切相关，影响精子总数、精子浓度和精子活力，这 提 示了微塑料污染可能对生殖健康造成风险。 2025 年 7 月 25 日， 黄荷凤 院士、复 旦大 学附属妇产科医院/生殖与发育研究院 张晨 、浙江大学医学院附属第四 ...

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].

nature发表惊人事实 我们的大脑里可能有个勺子 文 ｜ 李承烨 封面来源 ｜ Pexels 在2月份发表在在Nature Medicine上的研究中，来自美国杜克大学和新墨西哥大学的团队，对一批人类尸体样本进行了检测，结果大吃一惊： 所有样本的 大脑组织中，都检测出了微塑料和纳米塑料。 请观看36氪原创视频 第一种显而易见就是吃喝了。海鲜、水产、盐、你吃下的每一口，可能都在不知不觉中夹带私货。 微塑料已经渗透进海洋食物链，哪怕你只是吃一口看起来无害的生蚝，它体内可能也有一个自己的塑料勺了。 也欢迎关注36氪视频号 浓度最高的样本中，塑料含量高达7克，相当于一只塑料勺的重量。而且，这些微塑料已经深入到了脑组织、血管壁，甚至免疫细胞内部。 研究还发现一个令人不安的事实： 患有阿尔茨海默病、血管性痴呆等疾病的样本中，大脑里的微塑料浓度比普通人高出3到5倍。 虽然研究尚未证明"塑料导致痴呆"，但在我们面前的有两种可能性： 一是塑料干扰了大脑代谢；二是患病的大脑更容易让这些微塑料趁虚而入。 无论哪种，都应该引起我们警觉。 研究团队也比较了2016年与2024年两个年份的样本，发现这8年里，大脑中的微塑料浓度上涨了5 ...

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].

Group 1: Microplastics Overview - Microplastics are defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters, first identified in 2004, and have been found in various environments including deep seas, polar regions, and even human organs [3][4][5] - The global production of plastic has increased dramatically from 2 million tons in 1950 to over 450 million tons in 2020, with a recycling rate of only 9% in 2019 [5][6] - Microplastics can originate from various sources, including the degradation of larger plastic items, tire wear, and synthetic fibers from clothing [6][7] Group 2: Health Implications - Microplastics have been detected in human organs, including the brain, lungs, and liver, raising concerns about potential health risks, although definitive evidence of harm is still lacking [7][8] - Studies indicate that humans may ingest a significant amount of microplastics, potentially equivalent to the weight of a credit card annually [6][7] - The World Health Organization has stated that there is currently insufficient evidence to prove that microplastics pose a direct threat to human health [8][9] Group 3: Research Challenges - The field of microplastics research is still in its early stages, with many studies lacking rigorous methodologies and often producing inconclusive results [9][10] - There is a need for standardized analytical methods to ensure comparability of data across different studies, as discrepancies in findings have been reported [10][11] - Researchers emphasize the importance of addressing foundational scientific questions regarding the types, sources, and mechanisms of microplastics' effects on health [8][10] Group 4: Regulatory Actions - Various regions, including the EU and California, have begun implementing regulations to limit the use of microplastics in consumer products, such as cosmetics and detergents [11][12] - In China, microplastics have been included in pollution monitoring and control measures, with specific actions taken to ban products containing plastic microbeads [12][13] - Experts advocate for proactive measures to reduce microplastic emissions, emphasizing the importance of innovation in materials and waste management [13]