Core Insights - A recent study presented at UEG Week 2025 indicates that microplastics alter the human gut microbiome, with changes resembling patterns associated with depression and colorectal cancer [1][2] - This research is among the first to directly examine how different types of microplastics interact with the human gut microbiome [1] Summary by Sections Study Methodology - The study utilized fecal samples from five healthy volunteers for in vitro gut microbiome cultivation, exposing these cultures to five common types of microplastics: polystyrene, polypropylene, low-density polyethylene, polymethyl methacrylate, and polyethylene terephthalate [1] - Concentrations of microplastics reflected estimated human exposure levels, with higher doses used to investigate potential dose-dependent effects [1] Findings on Bacterial Composition - While total bacterial cell counts and viable bacterial cell counts remained largely unchanged, the acidity of the microplastic-treated cultures significantly increased compared to the control group, indicating altered microbial metabolic activity [1] - Specific changes in bacterial composition were observed, with certain bacterial populations increasing or decreasing depending on the type of microplastic, particularly within the phylum Firmicutes, which is crucial for digestion and overall gut health [1] Chemical Changes and Disease Implications - Changes in the chemical substances produced by bacteria accompanied the shifts in bacterial composition, with some correlating with the observed increase in acidity [2] - Certain types of microplastics altered levels of pentanoic acid and 5-aminopentanoic acid, while others affected lysine or lactic acid, highlighting the complexity of microplastic-microbiome interactions [2] - Notably, some of the microbially induced changes reflect patterns previously associated with diseases such as depression and colorectal cancer, underscoring the potential health risks linked to microplastic exposure [2]

Core Viewpoint - Guangdong is becoming a preferred investment destination for multinational companies, showcasing significant growth in foreign direct investment (FDI) and new foreign enterprises, driven by its evolving economic landscape and strategic advantages [1][2]. Foreign Investment Growth - In the first eight months of this year, Guangdong established 21,000 new foreign enterprises, a year-on-year increase of 34%, with actual foreign investment amounting to 70.87 billion yuan, up 9.4% year-on-year [1]. - These growth rates significantly outpace the national averages of 14.8% and -12.7% for new foreign enterprises and FDI, respectively [1]. Investment in New Technologies - ExxonMobil's recent $10 billion investment in the Huizhou ethylene project represents a major shift towards high-end chemical production in Guangdong, featuring advanced technology and significant production capacity [3][4]. - The project will produce 1.6 million tons of ethylene annually and includes the world's largest single-unit low-density polyethylene facility, enhancing Guangdong's position in the global chemical supply chain [3][4]. Industry Transformation - The global petrochemical industry is undergoing a transformation towards reducing oil production and increasing chemical output, with Guangdong's robust industrial base supporting this shift [5]. - The region's extensive coastline and port infrastructure provide significant cost advantages for importing raw materials and exporting products, making it an attractive location for foreign investment [5]. Automotive Industry Development - The automotive sector is a key area for multinational investment, with companies like ZF Friedrichshafen establishing R&D centers in Guangdong to leverage the region's automotive ecosystem [7][8]. - The collaboration between ZF and local automotive manufacturers is fostering innovation in smart and electric vehicles, positioning Guangdong as a hub for automotive technology [9]. Consumer Market Dynamics - Guangdong's large and youthful population is driving demand for high-quality products, including beer, with foreign companies like Carlsberg investing in local production facilities to meet this demand [11][12]. - The region's beer market is experiencing growth, with Carlsberg's new brewery in Foshan expected to significantly enhance supply chain efficiency and profitability [11][12]. Strategic Investment Initiatives - Guangdong is enhancing its investment environment through targeted policies and initiatives aimed at attracting foreign capital, particularly in high-tech and emerging industries [14][15]. - The province's focus on "new quality investment" and the establishment of R&D headquarters for multinational companies reflect its commitment to fostering innovation and economic development [14][15]. Conclusion - The combination of Guangdong's market potential, strategic location, and supportive government policies is making it a focal point for foreign investment, particularly in high-tech and innovative sectors [17].

记者丨 谭海燕,吴蓉,程浩,实习生徐瑞婉 编辑丨于长洹,蒋韵 广州花都，采埃孚广州技术中心的实验室里，几名工程师正埋头调试智能底盘系统；惠州大亚 湾，埃克森美孚的高端化工新材料从一套全球领先的裂解装置中不断产出；湛江东海岛，槽罐 车排着队，将巴斯夫（广东）一体化基地的化工原料运往附近的下游企业。 作为全球知名的能源石化公司，埃克森美孚惠州乙烯项目在惠州正式投产。受访单位供图 这些繁忙的跨国公司，是广东"经济大省挑大梁"的重要力量。 9月25日，广东省商务厅公布最新数据显示， 今 年1-8月广东新设外资企业2.1万个、同比增长 34%，实际使用外资金额（FDI）708.7亿元、同比增长9.4% 。 横向对比，广东上述2项关键外资指标增速都显著高于全国平均水平（14.8%、-12.7%），并 在东部主要经济大省中处于领跑位置；纵向对比， 今年以来广东FDI增速呈明显稳中有进态 势，与2022-2024年的负增长形成鲜明反差。今年下半年以来，广东FDI增速还进一步加快。 面对全球经济不确定性，越来越多跨国公司将广东视为投资首选地。 这种选择背后，蕴藏着投资广东的逻辑之变。改革开放之后，依托毗邻港澳、成本低廉、政策 ...

Core Insights - The ExxonMobil Huizhou Ethylene Project has officially commenced operations, marking it as a significant foreign investment project in China and the first major petrochemical project wholly constructed by a U.S. company in the country [1] - The total investment for the project exceeds $10 billion, and it is being developed in two phases [1] Project Details - Phase one includes a flexible feed steam cracking unit with an annual production capacity of 1.6 million tons of ethylene [1] - Additionally, it features two high-performance linear low-density polyethylene units with a combined annual output of 1.2 million tons [1] - The project also includes the world's largest single-unit low-density polyethylene facility with an annual capacity of 500,000 tons and two differentiated high-performance polypropylene units with a total annual production of 950,000 tons [1]