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 - 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].

撰文丨王聪 编辑丨王多鱼 排版丨水成文 最近几十年来，随着塑料制品的广泛使用，环境中的 微塑料/纳米塑料 （MNP） 变得无处不在。更重要的是，越来越多的研究显示，这些微塑料/纳米塑料可以 在人体内积累，科学家们已经在 肺 、 肾脏 、 肝脏 、 生殖系统 ，甚至是 大脑 中发现了 微塑料/纳米塑料的存在。 现实生活中，微塑料/纳米塑料无处不在，我们所呼吸的空气、瓶装水、食品包装袋、外卖盒等等，导致我们不可避免地接触并摄入 微塑料/纳米塑料。 之前的研究显示，微塑料/纳米塑料会破坏肠道菌群平衡，与哺乳动物 肠屏障功能障碍、炎症和免疫失衡相关。实际上，大多数相关研究集中在微塑料上， 但研 究人员推测， 微塑料的毒性会随着粒径的减小而增加，纳米塑料由于其纳米级尺寸 （小于1000纳米） ，可以穿透 组织和器官，可能造成更严重的潜在生物危 害。但纳米塑料、肠道菌群和宿主之间的相互作用仍然是一个谜，它们的潜在机制尚不清楚。 2025 年 6 月 10 日，中国台湾学者在 Nature 子刊 Nature Communications 上发表了题为： Polystyrene nanoplastics disrupt t ...